This is my first review of a computer. I am having laptop computer for my personal use but netbook fascinated me since the time of its release. There was not much use of it but my gadget freaky behavior was continuously forcing me to own a netbook. After much R&D, online market research and much more, I decided to purchase one.
Initial Dilemma
Before purchasing, I shortlisted few brands as per the price and specifications. I had to choose between Dell, HP and Acer with in the price tag of around Rs.17000. I left the choice of exact model on my impulse. When I went to a multibrand store, there was much more in display.
When I think of netbook, it was always a 10.1in screen without an optical drive. But while experiencing it for the first time in that store, I felt that 10.1in is very small for me (I am using 15in screen laptop). I used to wear spectacles with high power so it was bit difficult for me to concentrate on that tiny screen. So I rejected that screen size, the next available was 11.6in screen. There were three brands in display in that screen size- HP, Dell and Sony. The features were almost same except few- HP was having Windows 7 HB and higher battery backup. Leave aside features; my impulse was bowled over by the looks of Sony Vaio. I should tell you that owning a Sony Vaio was always my desire so it was good chance to satisfy that.
I wanted a white netbook but had to satisfy with silver color, as there was no white color option in that model.
Specifications
OS: Windows 7 Starter 32-bit
Architecture: AMD Dual-core Processor E350 (1.6GHz) with 1MB L2 Cache
Main Memory: 2GB DDR3 RAM (upgradeable to 4GB)
Storage: 320GB SATA (5400rpm)
Graphics: AMD Radeon HD 6310
Display: 11.6in wide (Resolution- 1366x768) TFT color display (VAIO Display, LED backlight)
Interface: USB 2.0 (3 ports), RJ-45 LAN, VGA, HDMI, Memory stick Duo, SD memory card, WLAN 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 2.1, Ethernet, Headphone, Microphone
Webcam: 0.3MP (Resolution- 640 x 480)
Audio: Intel High Definition Audio chip, internal stereo speakers
Optical drive: Not available
Keyboard: Isolation keyboard (standard)
Size: 290 x 25-31.5 x 202.8 mm
Weight: 1.46 kg (including the supplied battery)
Battery: 6-cell
Looks and design
It has got killer looks like all other Sony Vaio products. It has tapered design with unique-shaped corners (neither round nor sharp). The other end of netbook where the hinges are located is beautifully made in cylindrical form. On one end of this cylinder, there is charging socket; on other end there is a big ‘Power On’ button. Power button emits green light all the time that look awesome.
On top right corner above the keyboard is an ‘ASSIST’ button, specific to Vaio care. The touchpad is very large, smooth and comfortable to use. It supports multi gestures such as pinch-to-zoom. The palm rest is sufficient enough and it is made in mesh type shape so as to make it non-slippery.
The keyboard is isolation type (all keys are individual). It has 83-keys keyboard with few problems like comparatively small right ‘Shift’ key that confuse sometimes.
The lid is made up of durable plastic with matte finish so there are no problems like finger marks or smudges. There is large ‘VAIO’ written in trademarked style on the lid.
The netbook is available in three colors- pink, silver and green. Accordingly the last letter in model name changes with color- YBC15AG/S or G or P.
Performance
This netbook is powered with AMD dual-core processor with 2GB RAM, and I did not feel it superior or inferior to Intel. It is as if you are working on Intel. There is no additional boost in performance. You can easily do multitasking like listening music and web browsing. I had even tried opening 7-8 WebPages and the performance was ok.
The supplied OS is Windows7 starter edition. Windows7 SE comes with limited functionality like you can’t change wallpapers, but there are many applications available on internet that can easily do this job. I have noticed that boot up is not very quick as I expected. It may be because of OS or processor that I am not sure about.
It is loaded with AMD Radeon graphics card (with VISION technology) that promised a better performance regarding video and graphics. You can easily play HD videos but the lower resolution (compared to laptops) may not give you the real HD feel.
There is no extra copy of Windows is given in CD/ DVD format other than the installed one (this is normal nowadays). It is saved in rescue drive of netbook. By default there is no hard disk partition but you can easily do that by going through ‘help’.
The 6-celled battery provided with this netbook gives backup of almost 4 hours. I have used it mainly for web browsing and it easily achieved the promised backup time. Considering the netbook, the backup is at lower side, as competitive netbooks are promising 7-8hrs backup time.
Multimedia & connectivity
The stereo speakers of netbook are loaded with Intel High Definition Audio chip to deliver clear and louder output, which is quite impressive. The speakers are located at bottom of netbook near the corners.
When 2MP Webcam is normal nowadays, it has only 0.3MP so you can’t expect good image quality.
There are three USB 2.0 ports (one on left, two on right). The HDMI port enables you to watch HD movies on large screen by connecting it to your TV (most of the TV are provided with HDMI port). There are other standard features like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, multi-card reader, Ethernet, and VGA etc.
Battery and other features
Bundled softwares/ tools
There are many utility softwares and tools preloaded in the netbook. I am giving a list of few-selected one.
Media Gallery- Provides easy and fun way to access photos, videos and music files.
PMB Vaio edition- It lets us organize, create and share photos and videos.
VAIO Gate- To select and run applications by clicking on large icons.
ASIST button- Calls up Vaio care that automatically optimizes, fixes and troubleshoots various problems.
MS Office 2010 starter edition- It includes reduced functionality versions of Word and Excel with advertisement and does not include PowerPoint and Outlook.
McAfee anti-virus with 30-days trial
Magic-I visual effects- It enables photo clicking and video chatting with fun frames and Avatar function.
Pros
Perfect screen size, considering portability and usability.
Isolation keyboard provides comfortable typing.
ASIST feature
Excellent finish and build quality
Pre-installed Office starter edition
’Vaio’ pouch cover included with the supply
Graphics card.
Cons
1. Only 0.3MP Webcam
No USB 3.0 port, which is very much required in near future.
Costlier than other similarly featured netbook.It’s all because of Sony brand name.
Boot up time is comparatively more.
Low backup time of only 4hrs, as 7-8hrs is normal in netbook.
Windows 7 Starter Edition.
Price
The MRP of this netbook is Rs.22990 as per the Sony India website. I purchased it for Rs.23350 from Reliance Digital (it is a long story that why I paid more than MRP- read out my review on ‘Reliance Digital’ to know more). You can easily get it in the range of Rs.22000 from online stores or a store near you. Do bargain.
Final words
This slim and stylish netbook offers durability, mobility and lightweight. It has the perfect size for portability and can easily fit in any type of bag.
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