Sony VAIO VGN-A290 17" Laptop (Intel Pentium M Processor 735 (Centrino), 1 GB RAM, 100 GB Hard Drive, DVD+/-RW Double Layer Drive)

Sony Series A Display Sizes The VGN-A290 features a 17" screen.

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-A250 is equipped with an Intel Pentium M 725 processor operating 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 opened data and a fast 400 MHz front side bus to help reduce data streaming bottlenecks. Though its raw clock speed is not on par with that of a high-end Intel Pentium or AMD Athlon, this CPU will easily handle most every mobile task while at the same time improving battery life. Moreover, Sony has equipped the system with solid graphics support and adequate memory -- two components vital to overall performance. 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-A290 incorporates a startling one GB of RAM. This is a massive allotment for a notebook and substantially more than that of most desktops as well. Thusly, users can expect superb multitasking and virtually no slowdowns during ultra-complex tasks.

The VGN-A250 features a 15.4" screen.

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 64 MB of dedicated video RAM. Dedicated video memory is far preferable to "shared" video memory (where the graphics controller appropriates a portion of the main system memory), and this 64 MB allotment is considered plenty for 3D graphics, midlevel 3D animation packages and many of the latest 3D games.

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+R Double Layer/DVD RW Drive, through which you can do all of the above. The drive also supports today's hot new double layer DVD format that effectively doubles the capacity of typical DVDs.

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-A290 features a bevy of connectivity facilities, 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 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 an AV Entertainment Dock with high-end perks such as a TV Tuner and MPEG Encoder, VGA Monitor port, VHF/UHF TV port, S-Video in/out, DVI-D, Optical out, Line in (RCA Pin), Line out (RCA Pin) and more. Suffice to say that no matter what sort of connections you want to make, you can likely do it with the VAIO VGN-A290.

Operating System and Software
Sony will install Microsoft's Windows XP Home Edition operating system, a variety of productivity and business applications, and a broad range of digital photo, audio and video utilities.

Dimensions and Weight
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 are typically less powerful than their larger brethren but weigh as little as two lbs and will often fit comfortably inside a large purse. Despite its impressively spacious display and cutting-edge capabilities, the VAIO VGN-A290 is not excessively heavy at just 8.6 lbs. It is larger than average at 16 by 11 inches, though not nearly as bulky as most other similarly equipped portables.