Personal Computer/541966
Sony VAIO VGN-SR165E/B 13.3' Laptop (2.26 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo P8400 Processor, 3 GB RAM, 320 GB Hard Drive, Vista Premium) Black
Sony
Features:
Product Description
The sleek, portable and durable VAIO(R) SR notebook is powered by Intel Centrino 2 processor technology - the latest and greatest from Intel. Thin, lightweight and durable magnesium alloy chassis weighs just over 4 pounds (with standard battery) and a 13.3" razor-thin LED backlit XBRITE-ECO display, the VAIO(R) SR notebook packs a variety of advanced security and entertainment features. Store your important documents, team projects and cherished family photographs on the roomy 320GB Serial ATA(TM) hard disk drive. G-Sensor Shock Protection technology makes your data even less vulnerable to loss or damage. When the built-in 3D acceleration sensor detects a risky movement, the HDD-head will lock up to secure its position and help protect the disc from scratching. Protect your notebook with fingerprint security and chat with friends and family with a built-in webcam. You can even customize the on-screen look of your notebook with the new ?Switch" mode, a cool new feature that lets you set up different usage ?personalities" for home, work and play. 13.3 WXGA (1280 x 800) XBRITE-ECO Display with LED Backlighting Built-in 1.3MP Webcamera and Microphone Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD with up to 1340MB shared Video Memory DVD+-R/RW Drive with Double Layer Intel WiFi Link 5100AGN 802.11a/b/g/n Integrated Stereo Bluetooth A2DP 10/100 Base-TX Ethernet Built-in Memory Stick(R) Duo with MagicGate(TM) Card Reader Built-in Secure Digital (SD) media slot ExpressCard 34 Slot Fingerprint Reader 2 x USB 2.0, Headphone; Microphone, VGA, IEEE 1394, RJ-11 (Modem), RJ-45 Approximate Unit Dimensions - 12.4 (W) x 9.2 (D) x 1.33(H) Approximate Unit Weight - 4.14 Pounds
The sleek, portable and durable Sony VAIO VGN-SR165E/P packs a variety of advanced security, performance and entertainment features into a compact notebook PC, from biometric fingerprint reader to a shock-resistant hard drive to wireless Bluetooth stereo music streaming. It also includes a new, uniquely Sony Switch mode that enables you to set three distinct usage personalities, each with its own shortcuts and wallpapers, to suit your mood or mode of work. Lightweight and easy to handle at just over 4 pounds with a 13.3-inch high-definition display and a durable magnesium alloy chassis (in black), this VAIO SR notebook features a spacious keyboard for comfortabl typing and a rounded hinge at the back that fits perfectly in your hand.
It's powered by the latest Intel Core 2 Duo processor--with Centrino 2 technology--which boosts speed, reduces power requirements, and saves on battery life. The 2.26 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo P8400 includes a quick 1066 MHz front-side bus and 3 MB of L2 cache, providing an optimized, multithreaded architecture for improved multimedia and multitasking performance. Other features include a 320 GB hard drive, 3 GB of installed RAM (4 GB maximum), Intel GMA 4500MHD graphics with up to 1340 MB of available memory, a dual-layer DVD±RW drive (which also burns CDs), ExpressCard 34 slot, quad-mode Wi-Fi, Gigabit Ethernet, Bluetooth connectivity (including A2DP stereo music streaming), a 1.3-megapixel webcam built into the bezel, both Memory Stick and SD card readers, and pre-installed Windows Vista Home Premium (SP1).
This Sony notebook is Energy Star 4.0 certified, and has received a Silver EPEAT designation for meeting standards to help reduce its environmental impact. Additionally, it is RoHS-compliant, effectively reducing the environmental impact by restricting the use of lead, mercury and certain other hazardous substances.
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The new Switch mode enables you to tailor your SR notebook to the way you use your computer. A set of buttons above the keyboard lets you set three distinct usage personalities, or modes. You can base your modes on the scenarios in which you use your PC--such as home, work and entertainment. For instance, you can get your favorite websites and personal email at home; business productivity applications when your at work; and multimedia programs when you're ready to play. Each mode is customized with its own unique wallpaper and set of 5 shortcuts to your preferred programs.
Security Enhancements
Sony's VAIO SR notebooks 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. It also stores passwords to secure web sites you visit, so authentication and access are quick and easy--you only need your fingerprint. It also includes an integrated Trusted Platform Module (TPM) TCG Ver.1.2 compliant chip that enhances security by allowing you to control access on a specific client/user basis.
The Basics
- Processor: Experience improved energy efficiency, expanded wireless connectivity, and amazing battery life with the 45nm Montevina series Intel Core 2 Duo P8400 processor, which has a 2.26 GHz processor speed, super-sized 1066 MHz front-side bus (FSB), and a extra-large 3 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 new hafnium-infused circuitry--which reduces electrical current leakage in transistors--conserves even more energy, giving you more time away from the wall outlet. And you'll be able to encode video on-the-go and watch HD movies with Intel HD Boost.
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 extra large 320 GB Serial ATA (SATA) hard drive (5400 RPM) offers a wealth of storage space, perfect for storing a vast multimedia collection or for editing digital video. This SATA hard drive also quickens the pace with a higher speed transfer of data--akin to Firewire and USB 2.0.
The G-Sensor Shock Protection feature makes your data even less vulnerable to loss or damage. When the built-in 3D acceleration sensor detects a risky movement like being dropped, the HDD-head will lock up to secure its position and protect the disc from scratching. An intelligent algorithm, unique to VAIO PCs, judges whether or not a movement is risky, activating disk drive protection only when your hardware is at risk.
- Memory: The 3 GB of installed RAM (PC2-6400, 1 x 2 GB, 2 x 1 GB) helps boost the amount of available video RAM that's shared with this notebook's video card. It also offers a top-of-class 800 MHz speed. This notebook has a 4 GB maximum RAM capacity (2 x 2 GB). 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, 8x for single layer DVD+RW, 6x for single layer DVD-RW, 5x for DVD-RAM, and 24x for CD-R/RW. It reads DVD-ROM discs at 8x and CD-ROMs at 24x.
- Keyboard & Mouse: This VAIO SR notebook features an innovative keyboard design with keys that are individually raised above a solid, one-piece piano-black bezel layer, providing a quieter keyboard and more durable panel. It has a standard 82-key keyboard (2mm stroke and 19.05mm pitch) and electro-static two-button touchpad.
You'll enjoy razor-sharp graphics and widescreen movies with the 13.3-inch WXGA high-definition screen, with its 1280 x 800-pixel resolution. The XBRITE-ECO technology (with LED backlighting) delivers brilliant colors and stunning clarity with efficient power usage, and it features an anti-reflective coating to minimize reflection and ensure a beautifully clear image from any viewing angle.
Video is powered by the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD, which uses shared video memory (up to 1340 MB allocated from the system memory). This graphics card is built with Intel Clear Video technology, which delivers clearer, more detailed images by eliminating many of the jagged edges and video artifacts seen when viewing interlaced content and features powerful color control to ensure videos are not too dark, overly bright, or washed out.
Networking, Connectivity & Expansion
Be ready for the next platform in wireless connectivity with the integrated quad-mode Intel Wireless 5100AGN Wi-Fi 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). With the Bluetooth connectivity, you can communicate and synchronize with Bluetooth-enabled peripherals such as PDAs and cell phones as well as enjoy wireless stereo music streaming (thanks to its embedded A2DP profile).
This notebook also includes a next-generation ExpressCard 34 card slot (though no 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 connectivity 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
- Analog video output: 1 VGA
- 1 ExpressCard/34 slot
- Memory Stick/Memory Stick DUO slot (with MagicGate functionality)
- Secure Digital memory card slot (compatible with MMC cards)
- 1 headphone jack, 1 microphone jack
- 10/100 Fast Ethernet
- 56K modem (V.90)
Operating System
Windows Vista Home Premium (with SP1) is the operating system for users with advanced computer needs, and it includes all of the Windows Media Center capabilities for turning your PC into an all-in-one home entertainment center for watching DVD movies and accessing your digital audio library. You can also use Windows Media Center to record and watch your favorite TV shows (even HDTV) and to access new kinds of online entertainment content. Computers that include Windows Vista Home Premium and an auxiliary Windows SideShow display will also allow you to access key data even when your computer is off. It is also easier than ever to share files between other PCs in your household and to manage your laptop computer settings to more securely connect via Wi-Fi.
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
Microsoft Windows Live OneCare anti-virus and recovery (trial version), Microsoft Works SE 9.0, Microsoft Office 2007 Home and Student (60-day trial), Sony Click to Disk Editor (CD and DVD burning), VAIO Movie Story (video editing), VAIO MusicBox, VAIO Media plus (multimedia streaming)
Dimensions & Weight
This notebook measures 12.4 x 9.2 x 1.33 inches (WxDxH) and weighs 4.14 pounds.
Power
It's powered by the VGP-BPS13A/B rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which has a battery life of between 2.0 and 4 hours (depending on usage). This laptop is compliant with Energy Star 4.0 specifications, meaning that it uses less power and reduces greenhouse gas emissions by meeting very strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy.
What's in the Box
This package contains the VGN-SR165E/B notebook PC, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, 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:
Sony SR Series
VGN-SR290 Configure-to-Order, Fresh Start(tm), 320 GB Hard Disk Drive [5400], Standard Battery, ATI HD 3470 with HDMI(tm) Output, Duo Processor P8600 (2.40GHz), 13.3" WXGA, Night Black, Business 32-bit, 4 GB (DDR2-800, 2GBx2)
I placed my customized order directly with Sony on October 28th and received it on October 31st, even though I was told by the website to expect 7 business days to build it (I did opt for the overnight delivery). The packaging was safe and clean and I am completely satisfied, though when buying VAIO's at the store I noticed a lot more pride in the packaging, but who cares.
I opted for the Fresh Start option and was very pleased to get what I was promised; a clean machine with nothing to remove except for Microsoft Works. Vista did require multiple updates that took most of the afternoon.
I also opted for the medium operating system (slight upgrade), maximum RAM and best display. The overall performance for my needs in data manipulation and presentations work GREAT! I have not yet used the Blue Tooth or HDMI options for the display yet, but it has been GREAT so far. I do have to say the screen is a little small for programming, but for those quick items it works great (I have a workhorse of a desktop for heavier use). The keyboard is very friendly to my large hands. The size and weight makes it feel more like a portfolio or notebook than a computer (super light and comfortable. Overall, I would say this computer is perfect for anyone without vision issues and with a definite need to be mobile. It's small and clean profile makes for a great tool in business proposals and meetings.
This is my first computer with the finger print system. It is easy once you learn how to do it. The tutorial will confuse you, but once you get it, you have it. The password option is still there, so even after you set it up with finger prints, you can still use the password anytime. I found the fingerprint option a much simpler way.
The battery is the factory default. I wanted to go with the larger one, but I wasn't sure if it would be oversized like most laptop extended batteries. This standard battery seems to last 2 hours of continual use, or somewhere around three hours of light use. But it is new, and this doesn't prove much yet.
Sony Vaio VGN-SR165E Black 
Great computer. Very lightweight. You can put the laptop on your lap because it doesn't heat up like my previous two laptops (Dell and Compaq). It is very lightweight. The screen is very bright. The computer runs very fast and starts up very fast.
Cons: Lots of installed junkware but can be removed. The bottom of the laptop is plastics which makes it less durable. The resolution other than the native resolution is a bit distorted.
Not quite what I was expecting 
I've been using Fijutsu's Lifebooks for years so when this arrived, I was disappointed to find that I hadn't bought a compact laptop but in fact a regular sized heavy laptop. It is slightly smaller than large laptops but not small enough to make much difference, and it's far heavier than the two pound laptops I'm used to.
The screen looks excellent. It's bright and has great accurate color. The keyboard is full sized with plenty of space between the keys. The CPU is very fast as is the hard disk. This is the first laptop I've owned that had enough CPU, memory and a screen accurate enough to edit pictures and do color correction. The speakers are good although a lot of sound seems to be coming out of the bottom of the laptop.
The laptop does have a fan which isn't noisy but is certainly not silent. The laptop runs very cool but a warm laptop has never bothered me. There is a lack of USB outputs (only two) and there is no HDMI out, only an old VGA. It does have an SD slot as well as a slot for Sony's beloved Memory Stick, probably for the Sony employees who have to use them. The trackpad buttons are strangely noisy but they give you good feedback. Battery life is acceptable but nothing outstanding. There are lots of "mode" buttons that some may find useful but I have yet to push any of them.
Sony is known for loading their laptops with every mediocre bit of software available and they don't disappoint here. Allocate some time to remove a lot of poorly-written junk that will extend your boot time, fill your memory and clutter your screen.
What's especially annoying is that there is a very powerful Intel graphics chip inside, however the DVD application Sony gives you isn't compatible with it -- the hardware acceleration options are disabled. It turns out you have to purchase one of two DVD players that are compatible with the chip's MPEG acceleration (called Clear Video; check Intel's web site). Of course most people aren't going to know this so they'll run their battery down watching a DVD with the free software-only player. Even those who know about the graphics chip won't feel like buying a special player when they already got one with the laptop. Why can't Sony include applications made for the very hardware you've just paid for?
And I agree with those who say that Vista is a tremendous burden on the system. You can forget about using the first gigabyte of memory for applications because Vista needs that just to boot up. Unfortunately no Linux distributions support the graphics chip yet but support for it has been checked into freedesktop.org so it's on the way.
A good, compact notebook with solid performance
I bought the Sony VAIO VGN-SR140E/B 13.3 inch notebook after 4 years with my old Acer laptop. The Acer was bulky and ran pretty hot, so this time I decided to get myself something more compact, since I want to be able to comfortably hold it on my lap. I have to say that I'm very pleased with this notebook.
This VAIO is very small and light. It weighs something like 4 lbs. Besides being compact and light, I also like the fact that it doesn't run hot. It stays cool pretty much all the time. The fans are very quiet and barely noticable, even when they spool up (which happens once every two days, if that). The design of the notebook is very nice. I wish it had more USB slots, but there's always some trade offs with a compact notebook. The biggest drawback is that the screen is on the small size. If you have bad vision you'll have a hard time with the screen resolution. Unfortunately the screen resolution can only be adjusted in such a way that it looks like absolute crap if it's anything other than the native resolution. I'm not a computer wiz, so I don't know how else to explain it. Personally, the 13.3 inch screen works out fine for me.
Other than that, it runs Vista without any problems. I haven't experienced any slowdowns so far. Overall, I'm very pleased with my purchase. For those looking to buy one of the 13.3 inch VAIOs, make sure that you are Ok with the screen size, because it may be a little too small for some people.
SUPER machine in a small package!
I bought this laptop for college, and it's the best laptop i have used so far!
First off, I have to say that this laptop runs VERY cool and quiet, even when gaming. My laptop temperature never went over 60C even when i was gaming, and I can barely hear the fan even when the laptop is under stress.
This laptop is FAST, It loads programs super fast, and it can multitask very well, I usually have more than 10 programs opened at the same time (firefox, aim, msn, yim, skype, itunes, outlook, photoshop cs3, etc), and this laptop has had no problems handling that.
This is laptop also gives you easy access to the RAM and the Harddrive, so it would be really easy if you want to upgrade the RAM or the harddrive(or a SSD) later on.
The screen is very bright and vibrant! I usually have to turn the brightness down a bit, because it hurts my eyes at full brightness.
The keyboard is very unique and easy to type on, and the laptop has a large and responsive trackpad, a fingerprint reader, you can use the fingerprint reader to log in to windows, websites, im programs, etc. very convieient.
The battery life usually lasts around 4 hours for under normal use, like web browser, word processing, etc
This laptop is very light, just a little over 4lbs, very easy to carry around.
its a really good looking laptop
when im at school, people would always be like wow that's a really great looking laptop.
The built quality is excellent, the cover and the palmrest area are made out of magnesium, but there are some flex on the right palm rest area, and on the screen, but not a big deal at all.
Pros:
solid performance
excellent screen
great looking
light
excellent battery life
cool/quiet running
mode switch
built in 1.3mp camera, and mic
Cons:
lousy speakers!!!
flex at some parts of the laptop
part of the laptop is made out of plastic
came loaded with bloastwares
Accessories:
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