Sony Vaio PCG-V505EX Laptop (1.50-GHz Pentium M (Centrino), 512 MB RAM, 60 GB, CDRW & DVD Combo Drive)

The Basics

• Hard Drive: Though not world-beating in size, the 60 GB enhanced-IDE hard drive (4200 RPM) offers more than enough storage capacity for road warriors.
• Processor: The 1.5 GHz Pentium M processor is near the top of the speed range compared with other Centrino notebooks (with current speed topping out at 1.7 GHz). Because of its design, the Intel Pentium M gets more done per clock tick than a Mobile Intel Pentium 4, thus providing the discrepancy in GHz measurement (i.e., 1.7 versus 3.2). The Pentium M processor is designed specifically for low-power mobile usage, and it features the latest in power-saving technologies--ensuring you push your battery and productivity to the max. It also has a 512 KB L2 cache and a 400 MHz front-side bus (FSB) speed.
• Memory: The PCG-V505EX comes with a 512 MB built-in memory (DDR SDRAM, 333 MHz)--a good start for power users--with a maximum memory expansion up to 2.05 GB (2 x 1024 MB).
• CD/DVD Drive: It comes equipped with a combo DVD/CD-RW drive, which enables you to play DVD-ROM discs and DVD movies as well as burn data and record music to CD discs. The CD-RW drive has 24x write, 10x rewrite, and 24x read speeds.
• Keyboard & Mouse:

Connectivity and Expansion Slots
The PCG-V505EX has an Intel Pro-Wireless 2100 integrated wireless LAN that connects using the 802.11b wireless standard, which is not exactly in step with the latest in wireless networking--54g, or 802.11g. You get a decent--but not overpowering--offering of connectivity options, including both high-speed USB 2.0 and FireWire:

• 2 USB 2.0 ports for connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras to MP3 players
• 1 FireWire (also known as IEEE 1394 or i.Link) ports for connecting digital video camcorders and other peripherals
• 1 RGB monitor port
• 1 PCMCIA (or PC Card) slot (Type I/II)
• 1 headphone jack and 1 microphone jack
• 1 Memory Stick slot (Memory Stick Pro compatible)

Preloaded System and Software
The PCG-V505EX comes with the Windows XP Home Edition operating system, and it also features Microsoft Works (for working with word processing and spreadsheet documents). It also is loaded with a bevy of Sony multimedia software: PictureGear Studio (digital photo), DVgate Plus (digital video), and SonicStage (digital music). Other preloaded software includes InterVideo WinDVD and Norton Internet Security Center 7.

Dimensions and Weight
Measuring 1.38 x 10.9 x 9.54 inches (H x W x D) and weighing just 4.39 pounds, the PCG-V505EX is easily portable.

Power
The included rechargeable lithium-ion battery (PCGA-BP2V) offers between 2.5 and 6.5 hours of life with typical usage.

What's in the Box
This package contains the Sony Vaio PCG-V505EX notebook PC, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, and operating instructions.

I HAD PROBLEMS WITH ERROR MESSAGES POPPING UP REGARDING THE SONY MEDIA SERVER. TECH SUPPORT HELP CORRECT THOSE PROBLEMS

OVERALL, ITS A GREAT CENTRINO MULTIMEDIA/BUSINESS LAPTOP, ALL PROGRAMS WORK FAST AND THE SYSTEM SEEMS VERY STABLE.

SO AFTER TWO MONTHS.. NOTHINS CRASHED YET!!! GREAT LIL MACHINE.. ENOUGH KEYBOARD SPACE.. AND VERY FAST! ONLY NEGATIVE... IS THE 2 X 256MB MEMORY THAT IT COMES WITH INSTEAD OF JUST 1 512MB! THOSE SONY EXECS ALWAYS TRYING TO MAKE MONEY FROM US!


Near Perfection!   March 2, 2005
Gina Matkin (Nebraska, U.S.A.)
8 out of 8 found this review helpful

I bought my SONY VAIO V505EX to write my disertation.

The good news: It is FAST and reliable. I can easily sync with my home and work computers using Briefcase so my data on all three computers is always up to date. As mentioned in other reviews, downloads from sites such as iTunes are speedy and accurate. I love that the connections are on the sides instead of the back. This allows me to keep my "baby" in a zippered sleeve that I don't have to remove to plug it in or use the USB ports. Most other brands have their connections on the back and it is awkward to hook up if you prefer to keep a cover or sleeve on the machine. The screen resolution is brilliant if tilted at just the right angle. I have never been a fan of touch pads, and in fact purchased a small portable USB mouse when I purchsed the computer. The touch pad is so "true" and easy to use, that the mouse now stays in my briefcase unused.

The "not so good" news: My machine came with a multimedia package that included a partitioned hard drive. This was NOT workable for me as my data and research (including a library of PDF files) needed to be easily accessbile. I did not like having to switch drives or go to special lengths to make sure I was not overloading the smaller partition (20 GB). When I contacted Sony, they told me that if I remove the partitions, I could no longer use their support. I stewed over this for awhile and then opted to reformat the entire drive and take the risk. I am much happier with one 60GB hard drive. The only other problem I have is with the keyboard. I have read in other reviews that the keyboard is great so I am not sure if this is just "me" or if others have this problem. They keys are nice and tight, but have edges that help you make sure you are not "drifting" to a neighboring key...however, the shift key is only one key instead of a double key. Thus I am constantly hitting "Page Up" when I mean to shift and typing in the wrong place. Additionally, if I accidentally touch the key pad when this happens (a sleeve brushes it, etc.), I end up selecting (and often deleting) a whole page of data. I have caught this each time and am able to use the "undo" function to retrieve my info, but it is annoying. I have been trying to review and revise my own keyboarding habits to overcome this problem, but so far without much luck. For now, I make sure I glance at the screen (not as easy when taking notes in a class or meeting) to make sure I am in the right place.

Overall, I couldn't be happier (with minor exceptions) with this tiny, light, and efficient machine. I recommend it to anyone who needs portability, speed and reliability. Perhaps an external keyboard when not on the road would make it almost perfect!


Avoid Sony   June 3, 2004
Network Pro (Milpitas, CA United States)
4 out of 6 found this review helpful

Just got this Notebook for 3 days. It has problems maintaining it's wireless connection. I tried it on 2 different wireless access points (Netgear and SkyHawk) and Vaio drops the connection every 5 mins. I'm literally 4 feet from my access point, and it still drops. All my other wireless connection works fine and the Dell Notebook works fine. I called Vaio Support and they're useless. They first said that my warranty expired??? and then proceed to say that I purchased it from an unauthorized seller (Amazon). After I resolved that issue, they start to blame the wireless access point. That's a total BS, because my other wireless devices would be affected if it was the access point. Also, I used the Vaio on 2 access points! How can that happen to 2 different access points???

Aside from being small, light weight, excellent battery life, and slick design; this one sucks without the support. I will be returning mine back to Amazon and stick with Dell. They offer better support and quality. I strongly recommend another small notebook and avoid Sony!!!