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Computers Search Computers ComputersSony VAIO VGN-SZ691N/X 13.3-Inch Laptop (Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T7700, 2 GB RAM, 200 GB Hard Drive, Vista Business)
Sony
Features:
Product Description
Intel Core 2 Duo Mobile Processor T7700 / 2GB DDR2 667MHz RAM / 200GB HD / WXGA XBrite LCD Display / Bluetooth / MS Vista Business
The sleekly designed, lightweight Sony VAIO VGN-SZ691N/X notebook PC delivers intelligent mobile design while placing a priority on usability and performance. Coolly contemporary, it features a cutting edge black carbon fiber case for a fashionable look, which also helps to bring the weight down to 4 pounds. (Carbon fiber, the same material used on jets and sports cars to keep them lightweight yet sturdy, is much stronger than the magnesium used on standard notebooks.) Sony's VAIO SZ notebooks also take security seriously, employing a biometric fingerprint sensor and proprietary hard disk drive protection software to ensure your data is protected from unauthorized use as well as accidental damage. With the integrated wireless WAN, you can access the national Sprint Mobile Broadband service (subscription required) to extend your wireless coverage beyond LAN access networks and hotspots, giving you the freedom to go farther, do more, and stay connected.
This VAIO SZ notebook features Sony's Hybrid Graphics System lets toggle between internal and external graphics chips, enabling you to choose lighter battery consumption or better performance depending on the situation. This notebook is powered by the 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T7700 processor from the newest ""Santa Rosa"" chips, which offer a top-of-the-line 800 MHz front-side bus speed and 4 MB L2 cache. It also features a 200 GB hard drive, 2 GB of installed RAM (4 GB maximum), built-in quad-mode Wi-Fi connectivity (802.11a/b/g/n), multi-format/dual-layer LightScribe DVD+/-RW drive (which also burns CDs), ExpressCard slot, Bluetooth connectivity, Gigabit Ethernet, and a Webcam integrated into the LCD's bezel, enabling easy video conferencing via VoIP and video IM chats.
This laptop also comes preinstalled with Microsoft Windows Vista Business, which has a new user interface, named Windows Aero, that makes it easy to navigate through the operating system and from application to application. For instance, Windows Aero helps you juggle multiple tasks at once by providing a three-dimensional, real-time, animated view of all your open applications and documents. Vista also integrates new search tools throughout the operating system, includes new parental control features, and offers new tools that can warn you of impending hardware failures.
The Basics
- Processor: The Intel Core 2 Duo T7700 processor has a 2.4 GHz processor speed, super-fast 800 MHz front-side bus (FSB), and an extra-large 4 MB L2 cache. (An L2, or secondary, cache temporarily stores data; and a larger L2 cache can help speed up your system's performance. The FSB carries data between the CPU and RAM, and a faster front-side bus will deliver better overall performance.)
The Intel Core 2 Duo processor has two computational execution cores in a single processor, providing greater system response when running multi-threaded applications simultaneously with no significant increase in power consumption. It's optimized for multitasking and is ready to support the Microsoft Windows Vista operating system. It can simultaneously run multiple demanding applications--such as graphics-intensive games or serious number-crunching business productivity applications--while downloading music or running virus-scanning security programs in the background. Some of the advanced Intel innovations of the Core 2 Duo processor include:
- Smart Memory Access: Improves system performance by hiding memory latency, thus optimizing the use of available computer data bandwidth to provide data to the processor when and where it is needed.
- Advanced Digital Media Boost: Effectively doubles the execution speed for instructions used widely in multimedia and graphics applications.
- Dynamic Power Coordination: Coordinates Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology and idle power-management state (C-states) transitions independently per core to help save power.
- Deeper Sleep with Dynamic Cache Sizing: Saves power by flushing cache data to system memory during periods of inactivity to lower CPU voltage.
- Hard Drive: The 200 GB Serial ATA hard drive is about double the average size for notebook PCs, however its 4200 RPM speed is a bit slower than current standard hard drives. It provides more than enough capacity for storing documents, digital media files, and video editing software. This SATA hard drive also quickens the pace with a higher speed transfer of data--akin to FireWire and USB 2.0.
- Memory: The 2 GB of installed RAM (PC2-5300, 2 x 1 GB) is a great start out of the box, and it offers a top-of-class 667 MHz speed. You can sweeten your performance even more with this notebook's maximum capacity of up to 4 GB or RAM. To receive the faster data transfer benefits of the dual-channel DDR2 RAM, any RAM additions require memory modules of same capacity and clockspeed.
- DVD/CD Drive: The dual-layer DVD drive is compatible with a wide range of formats, including both DVD+RW and DVD-RW discs, CD-RW discs, and dual-layer (DL) DVD+/-R discs, which can hold up to 8.5 GB of data--great for backing up your MP3 collection or your most important documents. It features the following speeds: 4x for DVD+R DL, 4x for DVD-R DL, 8x for both single layer DVD+R/-R, 8x for single layer DVD+RW, 6x for single layer DVD-RW, and 24x/16x for CD-R/RW. It reads DVD-ROM discs at 8x and CD-ROMs at 24x.
- Keyboard & Mouse: This notebook has a standard 86-key keyboard (3mm stroke and 19.05mm pitch) and electro-static two-button touchpad.
This notebook has a 13.3-inch LCD screen with anti-reflective coating has a widescreen 1280 x 800-pixel resolution. This XBRITE LCD provides higher brightness levels than standard displays, resulting in deeper blacks, brighter whites, true-to-life color, and razor-sharp detail. This notebook uses Sony's exclusive Hybrid Graphics System, which lets you set your graphics performance with a simple flick of a switch, enabling you to toggle between an internal graphics chip for optimal power consumption with excellent performance or an external graphics chip for even more robust performance. You can choose either the integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100 (with up to 358 MB of dynamically shared video RAM) or the installed Nvidia GeForce Go 8400M GS graphics card (with up to 831 MB of shared video RAM).
The Intel GMA X3100 provides Windows Vista Aero interface support and enhanced 3-D graphics performance--delivering over 2x scores on 3-DMark 06. The 8400M GS offers support for Microsoft DirectX 10 Shader Model 4.0 and High Dynamic-Range Lighting (HDR), enabling you rip through all of today's most advanced and cutting-edge games and applications. The audio card includes Sony Sound Reality technology with DSD (Direct Stream Digital) support.
Networking, Connectivity & Expansion
Be ready for the next platform in wireless connectivity with the integrated Intel Wireless Wi-Fi Link 4965 AGN LAN chip. Based on the draft 802.11n Wi-Fi specification, it offers up to five times the performance and twice the wireless range as existing 802.11g wireless. It's also backward compatible with 802.11b/g networks (commonly found in home routers and Wi-Fi hotspots) as well as 802.11a networks (which has a higher throughput, but more limited range--great for closed office environments). Sprint's Mobile Broadband high-speed EV-DO service (software included, subscription requires) enables you to extend your wireless coverage beyond LAN access networks and wireless hotspots, helping you to keep connected without having to hunt for a Wi-Fi coffee shop.
With the Bluetooth connectivity, you can communicate and synchronize with Bluetooth-enabled peripherals such as PDAs and cell phones. This notebook also includes a next-generation ExpressCard 34 card slot (replacing the PCMCIA slot), which lets you take advantage of thinner, faster, and lighter expansion cards for even more advanced wireless, networking, storage, and security features. Here's the full list of connection options:
- 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) port for connecting digital video camcorders and other peripherals
- 1 ExpressCard/34 slot
- 1 VGA monitor out
- Stereo headphones/speakers/line-out; microphone/line-in
- Port replicator connector
- 5-in-1 memory card adapter (compatible with Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, Secure Digital, MultiMedia, and XD formats; also supports Memory Stick DUO with MagicGate functionality)
Operating System
The Windows Vista Business operating system is designed to meet the needs of business organizations of all sizes. For small businesses, Windows Vista Business will help keep PCs running smoothly and more securely so you will be less reliant on dedicated IT support. For larger organizations, Windows Vista Business provides dramatic new infrastructure improvements, enabling your IT staff to spend less time focused on the day-to-day maintenance of PCs. An array of sophisticated new backup technologies helps protect your information even in the event of a catastrophic hardware failure. And Windows Vista Business has a new user interface, named Windows Aero, which is designed to deliver new levels of efficiency for any business user. This new interface makes it easy to navigate through the operating system and from application to application. For instance, Windows Aero helps you juggle multiple tasks at once by providing a three-dimensional, real-time, animated view of all your open applications and documents.
Every edition of Windows Vista provides the essential tools and technologies to help protect you whether you are browsing the Internet, connecting to a wireless network, or just reading e-mail. All editions of Windows Vista include new tools that can warn you of impending hardware failures long before you have lost any important personal data. And, all Windows Vista editions include parental control features that allow you to manage and monitor your family's use of games, the Internet, instant messaging, and other activities.
Preloaded Software
Includes Sony Click to DVD (for easy DVD creation), Microsoft Works, Microsoft Office 2007 Student and Teacher Edition (60-day trial), Symantec Norton Internet Security 2007 (with 60 days of Live Update).
Dimensions & Weight
This notebook measures 12.5 by 1.5 by 9.3 inches (WxHxD) and weighs approximately 4 pounds with the standard battery (included).
Power
It's powered by the VGP-BPS10 rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which has a battery life of between 3 and 6 hours (depending on usage).
What's in the Box
This package contains the VGN-SZ650N/C notebook PC, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, memory card adapter (VGP-MCA20), and operating instructions. It is backed by a one-year limited hardware warranty, and Sony offers 1-year of toll-free telephone technical assistance.
Customer Reviews:
Service is a disaster--I will never buy Sony again
You should be able to find good reviews of the computer elsewhere, so I won't go into that.
But I will share with you my nightmarish experience with their service.
About 6 months after buying it, I dropped the computer from a low height. Totally my fault, though because it's a delicate machine it was damaged. I've dropped Dells and Acers in my life and not had problems.
So I paid $800 to have them fix it at their repair center. They did fix it, but they sent it back to me with a host of new problems. The battery didn't work, the screen would flash unpredictably, etc. It was unusable.
I called their support line (and suffered through the typical long wait) and they told me to send it back to their repair center. I protested--I just did that, and I had to wait a week for it to come back, and when they did send it back it was broken. Why would I do that? But they told me I had no choice. So I send it back. They wouldn't charge me for it.
Guess what? When they sent it back to me it was still broken! I called them back to report the issue. They want me to send it back to their support center. Why, so I can wait a week to have them send it back to me broken again?
Every time I deal with their support people it takes 30 minutes and is very painful.
I will never buy Sony again.
Comments from a three year SZ user 
I have been a vaio sz user for more than three years (~3.5), have bought one for my wife and brother as well. I have used different versions, 160, 330 and 650 last. It is surprising to see so many negative feedback as I did not experience anything that bad past three years with so many different computers.
I mainly use the computer for research and simulations. As regards to performance, it is fast indeed. Even if you are running many programs together including matlab, mathematica, photoshop, office programs etc. high speed mode can handle them pretty easily. I don't see the reason why people are getting troubles with speed.
Yes it is coming with lots of software junk however I don't understand what those people uninstalling for three days. Come on, if you are a little patient you can get rid of them in an hour after you first turn on the computer. It might be handy to have some these software too though if you don't have your office or adobe cds ready, you can use the trial versions in the meantime for a while...
The overall design is really sleek, and keyboard really feels soft and nice, your fingers are sliding on the keys. The downside is after a year of frequent use there is a slight wear that you can guess from the outer look which keys are used most frequently (may be this is a problem in all computers out there). It is still fully functional however a better material should be used.
Some people say it doesn't come with a restore cd, well it has a very nice restore program, you can just say go and it restores the computer to after factory state, and if you like you can burn your own DVD's too. It would good to have an xp downgrade cd though for those who want to use xp.
As it comes to the service I don't have experience with other brands to make a comparison however I can comment on my personal experience. In the past I have sent my previous computer for the fan had started making too much noise. The next day I called sony service, a prepaid overnight ups box arrived to send the computer to them and the computer came back within a week with the fans cleaned up and problems fixed.
As to compare between different models although initial models had some problems, it is improving in time, going quieter and faster.
The only problem I have is that I have to pay attention extra care to protect the lcd as the casing is pretty thin and doesn't feel strong enough. I wish they made it a little more sturdy.
In the overall it is definitely a fast, sleek and very portable computer. I would definitely recommend this computer if you want a portable one yet you do not want to sacrifice performance.
Sony should do better than this for money - poor value
I had this notebook for about 8 months - all of the problems with bloated software described by other reviewers hold true - but I can deal with that hassle.
I have a hardware failure that involves the hinge on the notebooks screen this failure is related to poor workmanship - ie: cheap flimsy screen and hinge. The hinge is loose and will eventually fail - this problem is well described by others on the web. I sent it in for warrenty work and Sony wants close to $700.00 to replace it - looking at what others have posted on the web this seems typical of their level of support.
I am sorry I spent the money on what was billed as a break through product that really is just a product that breaks. If you are hoping for a level of support that justifies the premium price you will be disappointed in my opinion.
not the best laptop 
I love the computer for its weight (or lack there of) but I have had more problems with this laptop than any of my previous computers. It freezes often, the mouse sometimes goes on the fritz (operates in reverse, won't let me click, does this random skipping around the screen thing), and it often will have problems updating (BTW-updating and tech support have yet to make these problems go away). It may be because I use this laptop everyday for at least 16 hours, but still, this laptop had problems within the first month.
Small in form, big in function!
The computer represents a radical change for me, coming from an Inspiron E1705. I purchased the computer without seeing one in person, so I was pleasantly surprised when it arrived and I saw first-hand how small and light it really was. I had reservations about going from Windows XP to Vista, but the transition has been pretty easy. I was also concerned about the size of the palm rests on the Vaio compared to the Inspiron, but there's ample room. The pitch of the keys is slightly different, and the noise from typing on them is a bit louder, but the feeling is secure.
Not knowing too much about Vista I did read that it functions better with "at least" 2GB of RAM. This particular Vaio comes with 2GB but can accommodate 4GB, so I performed the upgrade. Checking the computer's stats and contacting Vaio technical support confirmed only 3GB is available with 1GB reserved for other computer functions. There may be a way to change this, but I'm not sure how.
The difference between the Vaio's LED backlit screen and the Inspiron's CFL is phenomenal. The Vaio's screen is bright and clear, which I really didn't notice was missing from the Inspiron.
I didn't anticipate wanting or needing to use the various power conservation modes, but they're accessed so easily that I do find myself using various modes to prolong battery life. There are a couple of defaults, but there's also the option to create new conservation profiles.
I'm not a gamer so I can't comment on the graphics chip, but from what I've read it's supposed to be perform pretty well.
If someone's already read the specs and is looking for anything they need to be aware of that might not be mentioned, I can only think of a couple. The default layout of the desktop includes a task bar for ease of access to various Sony/Vaio entertainment/website features. It was actually more than a task bar, as if memory serves me correctly it was about 0.5" text that ran across the lower portion (not the very bottom) of the screen. I contacted Vaio support who said there was no way to remove it, but I did end up finding a way.
The computer runs hotter than my Inspiron, but not to the point where the internal fan comes on. It was just notably warmer, but a cooling pad will certainly take care of that.
This particular model has the external antenna, I believe to access the Sprint network. As I use the AT&T network through an Express Card, the antenna is not functional and now is more of an annoyance as it's plastic and is the only protruding part on the side of the computer. It might eventually break off which would solve the issue, or I might find a way of removing it myself.
If you've taken the time to read this review you'll probably notice my criticism of this computer is limited to just a few, really inconsequential items. If I were to summarize the computer in just a few words, I would say it's absolutely fantastic. I can't imagine anybody being disppointed with the computer after reading the specs and using it first-hand.
Accessories:
 Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2009 |
 Dragon NaturallySpeaking 10 Standard |
 Quicken Deluxe 2009 |
 Adobe Photoshop Elements 7 |
 Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition FULL VERSION with SP2 |
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