Description:
The Basics:
Compact and extremely lightweight, the ultra-portable Sony VAIO VGN-S150P Notebook PC makes for an excellent traveling companion even over the longest journeys. You may occasionally forget it’s there when you’ve packed it away in a briefcase or large purse, yet its small stature does not equate with small performance. Though the VAIO VGN-S150P may cost a bit more than a standard notebook, the unit features several impressive amenities, including a surprisingly large 13.3-inch widescreen display, 32 MB of dedicated video memory, a whopping 60 GB hard drive, and wireless connectivity. Furthermore, its efficient Intel Pentium M processor delivers long battery life. There are faster, more powerful notebooks in today’s marketplace, but few with this winning combination of performance and portability. Processor:
At the heart of any computer lies the CPU (or processor), a massive collection of miniature transistors that governs the speed and power of the entire unit. Some of today’s notebooks are equipped with high-end CPU’s on par with those found in top-of-the-line desktop PCs, while others are quick enough only for basic duties such as word processing, email and the like. The VAIO VGN-S150P is equipped with an Intel Pentium M processor 725 running at 1.6 GHz. This is one of three components that comprise Intel’s efficient Centrino system (the others being a specialized Intel chipset and integrated wireless support). Centrino-equipped notebooks are generally smaller, easier on the batteries, and more versatile than their non-Centrino counterparts. This particular CPU is part of Intel’s upgraded Pentium M lineup, featuring an amazing 2 MB of Level 2 cache for extremely fast access to recently accessed information. Though its overall speed is not on par with that of a high-end Intel Pentium or AMD Athlon, this CPU will easily handle all common mobile tasks while at the same time improving battery life. Memory:
Computers typically store information on their hard drive, but they keep frequently and recently accessed data in Random Access Memory (RAM) for faster retrieval. More RAM means more efficient computing, superior multitasking and less strain on your hard drive. The VAIO VGN-S150P incorporates 512 MB of RAM, more than enough for most situations. Ultra-demanding users have the option of expanding their RAM to a maximum of 1 GB. Video:
CPU’s are usually so busy doing basic calculations that they need help translating visual output to the viewing screen. This is the duty of the graphics card (or graphics controller). This system’s graphics controller is an ATI Mobility Radeon 9200 with 32 MB of dedicated video RAM. Dedicated video memory is far preferable to shared video memory, where the graphics controller allocates a portion of the main system memory. Nevertheless, though 32 MB of dedicated memory will effectively display 2D and many 3D applications, it is far from ideal for serious gameplayers or 3D animators. Display:
Many ultra-compact notebooks are equipped with a comparatively diminutive 12-inch display screen. Not so with the VAIO VGN-S150P, which features a 13.3-inch widescreen display perfectly suited to watching the Hollywood blockbusters you’ll be playing on the system’s DVD-compatible optical drive. This surprisingly generous display also sports Sony’s XBRITE Technology for a brighter, more compelling picture, and an impressive maximum resolution of 1280 by 800 for sharp, detailed imaging. Hard Disk:
The VAIO VGN-S150P features a large 60 GB hard disk. This level of data storage is a welcome perk indeed for those who require a smaller notebook but need to operate a broad range of applications and also keep a library of space-gobbling music and/or multimedia files. Optical Drive:
An optical drive is essential in today’s computing environment. A CD-ROM drive allows you to install CD-based applications and play music CDs. A CD-RW drive adds CD burning, so you can also backup your important files to long-lasting discs and create personalized music CDs. With a DVD-ROM drive you can watch DVD movies. And with a DVD-RW drive, you can write home movies to durable discs and archive files to DVD (DVDs boast more than seven times the storage capacity of a CD). Some drives allow you to do a combination of all of these tasks. This system features a DVD-ROM/CD-RW drive through which you can play and burn CDs and play DVDs. In its stock form, the unit does not support DVD burning. Audio:
The unit is equipped with two miniature stereo speakers, a mini microphone jack and a stereo mini headphone jack. Keyboard and Controls:
You’ll control your notebook via an 82-key keyboard and a standard electro-static touch pad. Connectivity and Expansion:
The VAIO VGN-S150P offers a wide variety of ways to keep in touch, including a 56K modem for low-speed dial-up Internet and email access, a 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX Ethernet port for high-speed wired network and Internet, and an integrated Intel PRO/Wireless 2200BG Network Connection (802.11b/g) for cord-free e-communication at home, at the office or on the road via a local public hotspot. Other key amenities include two high-speed USB 2.0 ports for plug and play devices such as external drives and digital cameras, an IEEE 1394 FireWire port (commonly used for quick data uploads from digital camcorders), and provisions for a Port Replicator device (3 USB 2.0, Ethernet, VGA, DVI-d, printer, DC in). Operating System and Software:
Sony has fitted the system with one of today’s most advanced operating systems, Microsoft’s Windows XP Professional Edition. Other applications include the Microsoft Works 7.0 productivity suite and an impressive array of digital photo, audio and video utilities. Dimensions and Weight:
Notebook computers are manufactured in a wide variety of sizes and weights. Many of today’s most powerful notebooks are also the largest, weighing ten or twelve lbs or more and therefore too big and cumbersome for extensive, continuous traveling. These are often referred to as desktop replacements. On the other extreme are thin and lights or ultra-portables, super-miniaturized units that typically aren’t as powerful as their larger brethren but weigh as little as two lbs and will often fit comfortably inside a large purse. The VAIO VGN-S150P is exceedingly small and comfortable at just 4.2 lbs (with standard battery) and a mere 12.3 by 8.85 by 1.16 -- 1.39 inches. Power:
The unit is equipped with a Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery that delivers an admirable two to five hours between charges.
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