Sony VAIO VGN-AR760U/B

Weight: 8.3 lbs. with standard battery¹⁷
Dimensions: 16.4"(W) x 1.32"(H) x 11.8"(D)¹⁷
The VAIO® AR760 notebook is a multimedia powerhouse with digital, analog and cable TV tuners, DVR capabilities and a 17” widescreen display⁸ with XBRITE-HiColor™ LCD technology. Featuring an Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T8100 processor and a 400GB² hard drive , the AR760 notebook is a super-powerful notebook. Watch and record in stunning Blu-ray Disc™ format¹⁷ or even watch, record and manage cable TV content¹⁸.

Audio

Sound System

:

Sony® Sound Reality™ - Audio Enhancer

Display

Screen Size	:	17"8
Screen or Display Technology	:	WXGA+
Resolution	:	1440x900
XBRITE-HiColor™ Technology	:	Yes

Expansion Slots

Multimedia Card Reader

:

Supports Memory Stick® and Memory Stick Duo™ media5 with MagicGate® functionality and Secure Digital Media (SD) One PCMCIA - Type II/Type I card slot with CardBus support One ExpressCard® /54 Slot

General

Computer Type	:	Notebook
Type of Use	:	Desktop Replacement
Action Buttons	:	S1, S2, AV Mode, Volume, Mute, Eject, Play/Pause/Stop, Wireless LAN On/Off, FF and Rewind

Graphics

Processor	:	NVIDIA® GeForce® 8400M GT GPU with Total Available Graphics Memory of 1023MB (max.)14
Video RAM	:	256MB dedicated Video RAM
Interface	:	VGA out w/ Smart Display Sensor, HDMI out and S-Video out
Video RAM	:	256MB Dedicated Video Memory
TV Tuner	:	Yes - ATI TV Wonder™ Digital Cable Tuner (NTSC and ATSC Support)
Chipset	:	Mobile Intel® PM965 Express Chipset

Hard Drive

Capacity	:	400GB2 (200GBx2)
Interface	:	Serial ATA
Speed	:	5400rpm

Hardware

Camera	:	Built-in 1.3 megapixel MOTION EYE® camera and microphone
Keyboard	:	QWERTY, 86 keys with 2.5mm stroke and 19.05mm pitch
Pointing Device	:	Electro-Static touch pad

Inputs and Outputs

Headphone Jack	:	1
S/PDIF Output(s)	:	1
Microphone Input	:	1
i.LINK® Interface	:	1 (4pin) i.LINK® connector (IEEE 1394)6
USB Port(s)	:	3 (2.0 compliant)
HDMI™ Connection Output(s)	:	1
S-Video Output(s)	:	1
VGA Output(s)	:	1
Ethernet Port	:	1
Modem Jack	:	1
DC-In	:	1

Memory

Type	:	DDR2 SDRAM
Installed	:	2GB (1GBx2) PC2-5300
Speed	:	667MHZ
Maximum	:	4GB16

Networking/Modem

Ethernet Protocol	:	Fast Ethernet (RJ-45)
Ethernet Speed	:	10Base-T/100Base-TX/1000Base-T
Modem Type	:	Integrated V.92/V.90 Modem with (RJ-11)
Wireless LAN	:	Intel® PRO/Wireless 4965AGN Network Connection (802.11a/b/g/n)3
Bluetooth® Technology	:	Integrated Bluetooth® Technology10

Optical Drive #1

DVD±RW	:	Yes4
DVD+R DL Write	:	2.4x max.
DVD-R DL Write	:	2x max.
DVD+R Write	:	8x max.
DVD+RW Write	:	8x max.
DVD-R Write	:	8x max.
DVD-RW Write	:	4x max.
DVD-RAM Write	:	5x max.
DVD-RAM Read	:	5x max.
DVD Read	:	8x max.
CD-R Write	:	8x max.
CD-RW Write	:	8x max.
CD Read	:	24x max.
Blu-Ray Disc™ Support	:	Yes19,20 (BD-R/-RE/ROM/DVD±R DL/RAM Drive)
BD-R DL Read	:	1.6x max.
BD-RE Write	:	2x max.
BD-RE Read	:	2x max.
BD-RE DL Write	:	1x max.
BD-ROM Read	:	2x max.
BD-R Read	:	2x max.
BD-RE DL Read	:	1.6x max.

Power

Battery Type	:	Standard Capacity Battery (VGP-BPS2C)
Estimated Battery Life	:	1.0-2.5 hours7 (Standard Capacity Battery) 2.0-4.0 hours7 (Large Capacity Battery)
Power Requirements	:	150W=10%

Processor

Type	:	Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor T8100
Speed	:	2.10GHz1
L2 Cache	:	3MB
Front Side Bus Speed	:	800MHz
Technology	:	Intel® Centrino® Duo processor technology

Service and Warranty Information

Limited Warranty	:	1 Year Limited Warranty9
Online and Email Support	:	Support available from http://www.esupport.sony.com/EN/VAIO
Telephone Support	:	1 year toll-free technical telephone assistance, available 24/711 See actual warranty for details.

Software

Operating System	:	Microsoft® Windows Vista® Ultimate
Security and Anti-Virus Software	:	Norton 360™ All-In-One Security 60-day Trial
Supplied Software	:	Microsoft® Works SE 9.0 w/ 60-Day Trial Version of Microsoft® Office Home and Student 200713
Sony® Original Software	:	Click to Disc™ - DVD Creation LocationFree Player® Software *Please access VAIO® Help and Support from your PC for a complete list of software applications and trials.
Internet Services	:	AOL® 90-Day Risk Free Trial - New Users Only

Weights and Measurements

Weight (Approx.)	:	8.3 lbs. with standard battery17
Dimensions (Approx.)	:	16.4"(W) x 1.32"(H) x 11.8"(D)17

Source $2,599.99

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Sony VAIO VGN-AR770ND

Weight: 8.4 lbs.¹⁸ (with standard battery)
Dimensions: 16.4"(W) x 1.32"(H) x 11.8"(D)¹⁸

Footnotes
1. GHz denotes microprocessor internal clock speed; other factors may affect application performance. CPU speed will be reduced under certain operating conditions.
2. GB means one billion bytes when referring to hard drive capacity. Accessible capacity may vary. A portion of hard disk space is reserved as a recovery partition.
3. Requires compatible wireless LAN access point. Internet connection may require fees.
4. DVD Media/Formats are not universally compatible.
5. Supports Memory Stick PRO™ high-capacity media tested up to 1GB. Does not support MagicGate® functionality.
6. i.LINK is a trademark of Sony used only to designate that a product contains an IEEE 1394 connector. All products with an i.LINK connector may not communicate with each other.
7. Actual battery life may vary based on product settings, usage patterns, battery and environmental conditions.
8. Viewable area measured diagonally.
9. When available, Sony will provide Onsite Service in fulfillment of its limited warranty obligations. Any such services are subject to the terms and conditions of the limited warranty. See actual Limited Warranty for details. Onsite Service will be provided via third-party technician to be dispatched as needed following phone-based troubleshooting. Some repairs may be accomplished with self repair kits. Onsite Service may not be available in all locations.
10. Use of this Bluetooth enabled product with other devices may vary as not all Bluetooth devices are compatible.
11. For certain third party software applications, Sony provides first level Phone Support. Additional telephone support may be available from the applicable 3rd party vendor. Availability and schedule for any such support is determined by the applicable software vendor.
12. Broadband connection is required along with third party services which may require a subscription fee and other service fees.
13. 60-Day Trial Version of Microsoft® Office 2007 - This trial software will work only for 60 days after you first use it. You will not be able to use the software if you do not activate it as described the first time you use the software. You can activate the software by Internet: Internet service charges may apply. If you want to keep using the software after the 60-day trial period, you must convert to the perpetual version. You can convert online by following the conversion instructions presented during setup and paying the required fees.
14. Total Available Graphics Memory refers to the new Windows Vista® classification of graphics memory, which is the total of Dedicated Video Memory, System Video memory and Shared System Memory. Shared System Memory vaires depending on the operating condition and system memory size.
15. As with other optical media devices, circumstances may limit compatibility or prevent Blu-ray Disc™ media playback. VAIO computers may not support movie playback on packaged media recorded in AVC or VC1 formats at high bit rates.
16. Video recording to Blu-ray Disc™ media is done in MP2 format only.
17. A portion of the system memory over 3GB available to the operating system.
18. Non-metric weights and measure may vary.
19. The digital TV tuner supports a CableCARD™ removable security module. Contact your cable operator to receive a CableCARD compatible with your operator’s network (additional charges may apply). Not all functions that are available when using a set-top box provided by your cable operator will be supported by CableCARD (e.g., video-on-demand and pay-per-view functionality may not be supported). Premium HD programming requires additional subscription fee.

Audio

Sound System

:

Sony® Sound Reality™ - Audio Enhancer

Display

Screen Size	:	17"8
Screen or Display Technology	:	WUXGA
Resolution	:	1920x1200
XBRITE-HiColor™ Technology	:	Yes

Expansion Slots

Multimedia Card Reader

:

Supports optional Memory Stick® and Memory Stick Duo™ media5 with MagicGate® functionality One Secure Digital (SD) Media Slot One PCMCIA - Type II/Type I card slot with CardBus support One ExpressCard® /54 Slot

General

Computer Type	:	Notebook
Type of Use	:	Desktop Replacement
Action Buttons	:	S1, S2, AV Mode, Volume, Mute, Eject, Play/Pause/Stop, Wireless LAN On/Off, FF and Rewind

Graphics

Processor	:	NVIDIA® GeForce® 8600M GT GPU with Total Available Graphics Memory of 1791MB (max.)14
Video RAM	:	512MB Dedicated Video RAM
Interface	:	VGA out w/ Smart Display Sensor, HDMI out and S-Video out
Chipset	:	Mobile Intel® PM965 Express Chipset

Hard Drive

Capacity	:	400GB2 (200GBx2)
Interface	:	Serial ATA
Speed	:	5400rpm
Technology	:	RAID Technology

Hardware

Camera	:	Built-in 1.3 megapixel MOTION EYE® camera and microphone
Keyboard	:	QWERTY, 86 keys with 2.5mm stroke and 19.05mm pitch
Pointing Device	:	Electro-Static touch pad

Inputs and Outputs

Headphone Jack	:	1
i.LINK® Interface	:	1 (4pin) i.LINK® connector (IEEE 1394)6
Microphone Input	:	1
USB Port(s)	:	3 (2.0 compliant)
HDMI™ Connection Output(s)	:	1
S-Video Output(s)	:	1
S/PDIF Output(s)	:	1
VGA Output(s)	:	1
Ethernet Port	:	1
Modem Jack	:	1
DC-In	:	1
Memory Stick® Media Slot	:	1
Secure Digital Slot	:	1
Express Card™ Slot	:	/54 x 1

Memory

Installed	:	4GB17 (2GBx2) PC2-5300
Maximum	:	4GB17
Speed	:	667MHZ
Type	:	DDR2 SDRAM

Networking/Modem

Ethernet Protocol	:	Fast Ethernet (RJ-45)
Ethernet Speed	:	10Base-T/100Base-TX/1000Base-T
Modem Type	:	Integrated V.92/V.90 Modem with (RJ-11)
Wireless LAN	:	Intel® PRO/Wireless 4965AGN Network Connection (802.11a/b/g/n)3
Bluetooth® Technology	:	Integrated Bluetooth® Technology10

Optical Drive #1

Blu-Ray Disc™ Support	:	15
DVD±RW	:	Yes4
DVD+R DL Write	:	2.4x max.
DVD-R DL Write	:	2x max.
DVD+R Write	:	8x max.
DVD+RW Write	:	4x max.
DVD-R Write	:	8x max.
DVD-RW Write	:	4x max.
DVD-RAM Write	:	5x max.
DVD-RAM Read	:	5x max.
DVD Read	:	8x max.
CD-R Write	:	8x max.
CD-RW Write	:	8x max.
CD Read	:	24x max.
BD-ROM Read	:	2x max.
BD-R Read	:	2x max.
BD-RE Read	:	2x max.
BD-R DL Read	:	1.6x max.
BD-RE DL Read	:	1.6x max.
BD-R DL Write	:	1x max.
BD-RE DL Write	:	1x max.
BD-R Write	:	2x max.
BD-RE Write	:	2x max.

Power

Battery Type	:	Standard Capacity Battery (VGP-BPS9A/B) or Large Capacity Battery (VGP-BPL9)
Estimated Battery Life	:	1-2.5 hours7 (Standard Battery) 2-4.5 hours7 (Large Capacity Battery)
Power Requirements	:	150W+10%

Processor

Type	:	Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor T9500
Speed	:	2.60GHz1
L2 Cache	:	6MB
Front Side Bus Speed	:	800MHz
Technology	:	Intel® Centrino® Duo processor technology

Service and Warranty Information

Limited Warranty	:	1 Year Limited Warranty9
Online and Email Support	:	Support available from http://www.esupport.sony.com/EN/VAIO
Telephone Support	:	1 year toll-free technical telephone assistance, available 24/711

Software

Operating System	:	Windows Vista® Business
Security and Anti-Virus Software	:	Norton 360™ All-In-One Security 60-day Trial
Supplied Software	:	Microsoft® Works SE 9.0 w/ 60-Day Trial Version of Microsoft® Office13 Home and Student 2007 (with Windows Vista® Home Premium and Windows Vista® Ultimate) or Small Business 2007 (with Windows Vista® Business)
Sony® Original Software	:	Click to Disc™ - DVD Creation LocationFree Player® Software *Please access VAIO® Help and Support from your PC for a complete list of software applications and trials.
Internet Services	:	AOL® 90-Day Risk Free Trial - New Users Only

Weights and Measurements

Weight (Approx.)	:	8.4 lbs.18 (with standard battery)
Dimensions (Approx.)	:	16.4"(W) x 1.32"(H) x 11.8"(D)18

Price $3,099.99

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Sony Vaio VGN-AR790U/B

Multimedia powerhouse with 17" display¹ The VAIO® AR notebook combines the convenience and portability of a notebook with the power and performance of a desktop. Featuring a full-sized keyboard and a spacious 17" widescreen¹ LCD coupled with up to 4GB⁹ of RAM and an NVIDIA® GeForce® 8400M or 8600M graphics card, this multimedia powerhouse is the perfect productivity and multimedia companion. And with stunning XBRITE-ECO™ LCD technology, the massive widescreen delivers the ultimate viewing experience in brilliant color and razor-sharp definition.

Next-generation Intel® Centrino® Duo processor technology Select VAIO® AR notebooks are powered by Intel's new hafnium-based processor technology. Hafnium, a unique metal with extraordinary insulative properties, acts as an insulator to the chipset to prevent electrical leakage. This revolutionary technology conserves power, resulting in increased energy efficiency, faster wireless networking and amazingly quick system responsiveness — ideal for all your productivity and multimedia needs. To complement this power, built-in 802.11n wireless LAN technology² keeps you connected with greater performance, range and reliability than ever before.



Blu-ray Disc™ technology Select VAIO® AR notebooks feature Blu-ray Disc™ technology, and you have two ways of utilizing this cutting-edge entertainment and storage technology. Choose the Blu-ray Disc optical drive for HD video playback³ and up to 50GB of data storage to a Blu-ray Disc media⁴ — that's 5 times the capacity of a standard DVD. Or choose the Blu-ray Disc ROM drive to enjoy HD video play back only. Both Blu-ray Disc technology-enabled drives also deliver the read/write utility of a CD/DVD drive⁶. And since select AR notebooks feature an HDMI™ output, you can view all your HD video and audio content, including your Blu-ray Disc movies, in full 1080 HD on your compatible hi-def TV⁸. (HDMI cable sold seperately)


Premium features With a high-gloss piano black exterior and Sony's top-of-the-line XBRITE-HiColor™ LCD technology, select AR notebooks feature a full 1080 HD 17" widescreen LCD¹ that lets you watch and display your media in the same crystal-clear resolution found among the best hi-def TVs. What's more, with the optional TV tuner with CableCARD™ support, you can watch analog TV, digital TV and premium subscription-based cable HD content on your PC, or record it all directly to the roomy hard drive for convenient on-demand viewing⁵.



Genuine Windows Vista® Business The VAIO® AR notebook comes pre-installed with Windows Vista® Business - the definitive choice for your business today and tomorrow. A stunning and simple new user interface lets you easily find, use and share information. Powerful safety features provide you with a safer computing experience and help protect your critical data. Mobile computing enhancements allow you to stay connected with your business and customers whether you're in the office or on the road. And as your business and technology needs grow and change, Windows Vista® Business can grow with you, providing a great return on your investment. Windows Vista® Ultimate and Windows Vista® Home Premium also available.

Footnotes

1. Viewable area measured diagonally.
2. Requires a compatible 802.11n access point. Some functionality may require Internet services, which may require a fee.
3. As with other optical media devices, circumstances may limit compatibility or prevent Blu-ray Disc™ playback. VAIO® computers may not support movie playback on packaged media recorded in AVC or VC1 formats at high bit rates.
4. Video recording to Blu-ray Disc™ media is done in MPEG2 and AVC formats.
5. The digital TV tuner supports a CableCARD™ removable security module. Contact your cable operator to receive a CableCARD compatible with your operator's network (additional charges may apply). Not all functions that are available when using a set-top box provided by your cable operator will be supported by CableCARD (e.g., video-on-demand and pay-per-view functionality may not be supported). Premium HD programming requires an additional subscription fee.
6. DVD media/formats are not universally compatible.
7. A broadband connection is required along with third party services which may require a subscription fee and other service fees.
8. Requires high definition-capable display with HDMI connector (sold separately). Image quality will vary.
9. A portion of the system memory over 3 GB may not be available to the operating system.

VGN-AR790U/B •Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor T9300 (2.50GHz) •Genuine Microsoft® Windows Vista® Ultimate OS •17" WUXGA8w/ XBRITE-HiColor™, glossy piano black finish

4GB16 (2GBx2) PC2-5300

Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor T9300

400GB2 (200GB x2)

Price $3,299.99

Source Sony

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Dell Announces New Vostro 1310, 1510 and 1710 Laptops

Dell today unveiled a redesigned version of its Vostro Small Business laptop line-up. The new Vostros range in size from 13.3" - 17" screens and have a new thinner and lighter form factor.

The new Vostro notebooks are as follows:

• Dell Vostro 1310 - 13.3" Intel Core 2 Duo or Celeron powered portable notebook starting at $749
• Dell Vostro 1510 - 15.4" Intel Core 2 Duo or Celeron powered mainstream notebook starting at $599
• Dell Vostro 1710 - 17" Intel Core 2 Duo or Celeron powered desktop replacement notebook

The new Vostro 1310 and 1510 will be available today in Europe, the Middle East and Africa while North America and South America will see availability on May 1st and Asia on May 5th. Later in May the Vostro 1710 will become available world wide.

Dell will continue to offer the attractive 30-day worry-free return policy and no loaded trialware options, both important factors to business buyers that want comfort and no hassle purchasing.

The new design of the Vostro lineup is completely different to that of the Inspiron lineup. Previously Vostro notebooks shared a common chassis with the Inspiron consumer notebooks, but Dell collected feedback from its small business customers to tailor the design to their needs and build these new machines from the ground up.

The new Vostro design features a thinner and lighter form factor, but sacrifices some ruggedness by using thinner materials to accomplish this. The new Vostros are also more square and less rounded than before. A glossy finish lid with a metal flake affect is attractive, but will mean that a microfiber cloth is a necessary accessory to remove fingerprints from the lid before that powerpoint presentation gets underway. Some features from the XPS lineup such as touch sensitive button controls with backlit blue LED lighting and a slot loading optical drive have also made it into the new Vostro lineup.

notebookreview.com

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