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Boasting an 18.4-inch widescreen XBRITE-FullHD display that's designed to maximize LCD space while minimizing chassis size, the Sony VAIO VGN-AW130J/H delivers vibrant colors in full 1080p high definition clarity. Weighing a little more than 8 pounds, it's ideal for multimedia enthusiasts or photographers who like to view or edit high-definition content on-the-go. And the Blu-ray Disc optical drive lets you play HD Blu-ray Disc movies in crystal-clear resolution with immersive audio via Dolby Home Theater surround sound technology and the integrated stereo speakers with subwoofer. An HDMI output provides single-cable full 1080 HD connectivity (audio and video) to a compatible HDTV (cable sold separately). And you'll be able to tackle virtually any graphics requirement with the NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT graphics card and 512 MB of dedicated video RAM (and up to 2280 MB of total available memory. 
Equipped with an extra-wide 18.4-inch XBRITE-FullHD LCD screen, this Sony AW-Series laptop delivers vibrant colors and full HD 1080p resolution. | It's powered by the 2.53 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T9400 processor, which offers a light-speed 1066 MHz front-side bus speed and 6 MB L2 cache. Part of Intel's 45-nanometer (nm) Penryn series, this processor boosts speed, reduces power requirements, and saves on battery life. A built-in 1.3-megapixel webcam (with integrated microphone) lets you join in on video conferences as well as make long-distance VoIP calls. Other features include a 320 GB hard drive, 4 GB of installed RAM (maximizing capacity), ExpressCard 34 slot, quad-mode Wi-Fi, Gigabit Ethernet, Bluetooth connectivity (including stereo music streaming), both Memory Stick and SD card readers as well as a Compactflash slot, biometric fingerprint sensor, and pre-installed 64-bit version of Windows Vista Home Premium (SP1). This Sony notebook is RoHS-compliant, effectively reducing the environmental impact by restricting the use of lead, mercury and certain other hazardous substances. Security Enhancements
This Sony VAIO AW-series notebook takes 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. The Basics
- Processor: Experience improved energy efficiency, expanded wireless connectivity, and amazing battery life with the 45nm Penryn series Intel Core 2 Duo T9400 processor, which has a 2.53 GHz processor speed, amazingly fast 1066 MHz front-side bus (FSB), and a super-sized 6 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.
 | Spec Check - 18.4-inch XBRITE-FullHD LCD screen
- 2.53 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T9400 processor
- 320 GB hard drive
- 4 GB RAM (maximum)
- Blu-ray Disc read, DVD±R read/write
- Quad-mode Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n)
- NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT graphics
- Windows Vista Premium (64-bit)
- Weighs 8.4 pounds
|  | | - 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.
- Memory: The 4 GB of installed RAM (PC2-6400, 2 x 2 GB) maximizes the capacity for this notebook,. It also offers an ultra-fast 800 MHz speed.
- DVD/CD Drive: This Sony notebook is capable of playing back Blu-ray Disc movies in stunning clarity, as well as playing your current library of purchased and burned disc content. This notebook can also write standard DVD and CD media. The BD drive offers a 5x speed for reading BD-R/RE discs and a 5x BD-R/RE DL (dual layer) read speed. It also offers the following write speeds for standard DVD and CD discs: 6x DVD±R DL, 8x for single-layer DVD±R, 6x DVD±RW, 24x CD-R/RW, and 5x for DVD-RAM.
- Keyboard & Mouse: This notebook has a standard 103-key keyboard (2mm stroke and 19.05mm pitch) and electro-static two-button touchpad. Playback controls include play/pause, stop, forward, rewind, AV mode, mute, volume +/-, WLAN/Bluetooth on/off.
Screen, Video & Audio
Ideal for Blu-ray Disc movies, this Sony AW laptop's 18.4-inch LCD screen has a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. Since many high-definition films are shot using a 16:9 aspect ratio, the unit-s extra-wide LCD is constructed with the same dimensions, helping to minimize the black bars that typically appear and letting you view movies in their intended format. The screen's XBRITE-FullHD technology delivers dazzling colors and stunning picture clarity in full 1080p high definition. It also provides deep blacks and bright whites, true-to-life color, and razor-sharp detail. Preventing surprise at print, the Adobe RGB color compatible display ensures the most color accurate reproduction of images captured by your digital camera. 
It comes with a Blu-ray Disc optical drive for playback of high-definition content, including movies in full HD 1080p resolution. |  | Video is powered by the Nvidia GeForce 9600M GT HD graphics/video card, which provides 512 MB of dedicated video RAM and offers up to 2280 MB of total available graphics memory as allocated by Windows Vista. Enabled by PureVideo HD, movies come to life with outstanding picture clarity, ultra-smooth video and vivid color. The lifelike images have up to six times the detail of standard DVD movies. Delivering state-of-the-art graphics performance, GeForce 9300M GT graphics card is sure to give you the power and performance you crave to play the hottest DirectX 9 and DirectX 10 titles. Its 16x full-screen antialiasing technology delivers superior quality along with astounding performance and since it's optimized for Windows Vista. This laptop also has an integrated Intel High Definition Audio card with Dolby Digital Live, which provides real-time encoding technology that converts any audio signal into a Dolby Digital bitstream for transport and playback through a home theater system. It provides Dolby Digital (5.1-channel surround sound) during movie playback and gameplay, immersing players in high-quality surround sound that puts them at the center of the action. This laptop includes two built-in stereo speakers and a 2W subwoofer. 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 2.1 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: - 3 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 HDMI output (for connecting to a compatible HDTV or home theater receiver for uncompressed digital audio and video via a single cable)
- Analog video output: 1 VGA
- 1 ExpressCard/34 slot
- Memory Stick/Memory Stick PRO slot (Standard/Duo with MagicGate functionality)
- Secure Digital memory card slot (compatible with MMC cards)
- Compactflash memory card slot
- 1 headphone jack, 1 microphone jack
- 1 SPDIF digital audio output
- 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet
- 56K modem (V.90)
Operating System
The 64-bit version of 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 Dimensions & Weight
This notebook measures 17.2 x 11.4 x 1.56 inches (WxDxH) and weighs 8.4 pounds. Power
It's powered by the VGP-BPS13/B rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which has a battery life of between 1 and 2.5 hours (depending on usage). What's in the Box
This package contains the VGN-AW130J/H 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.
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 A Good Value! |
| Review Date: October 23, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Vincent Whitmore, |
Pros:
Screen- 18.4", Full HD, 1920 by 1080 pixels, 16:9 aspect ratio. Biggest screen I have ever had (or seen) on a laptop.
Photographer's Laptop- Built in compact flash port, runs Adobe Lightroom 2 and Adobe Photoshop CS4 quite quickly, screen makes photos look really good and makes editing easy, included Roxio CD/DVD burning software that makes it easy to to put finished photos on a disk
Powerful system for the price- 4 Gigs of Ram, 320 GB Hard Drive. I have looked at systems with faster Dual Core processors and higher rpm hard drives- at twice the price of this system. Watching TV with an external tuner while running several resource-demanding applications such as Photoshop CS4 on two monitors can slow things down a bit, but that would be a demand on any system.
Full numeric keypad- Something I've always missed in a laptop and now I have it. No more cramping hands on those 'almost useful' regular keyboard adaptations or hauling around an external USB numeric keypad. This is a BIG feature for me.
Built in speakers with subwoofer are remarkably good.
Vista Home Premium- I guess I should turn in my geek card for saying this but I really like Vista- have since it came out. I'm not sure what all the hating it is about as I have found it stable, handy and full of great features. This computer is a replacement for my previous Vista computer that was stolen, and running XP for a few weeks on an backup laptop made me appreciate Vista even more.
Built in web cam and microphone- I've been Skyping on this new computer with family and love it. No extra stuff to carry about and I can video conference. I'm liking it. A lot!
Fingerprint sensor- I didn't think I would use this feature and when I discovered that I could swipe my finger rather than type in a password I use it all the time. I keep my laptop password protected but can be logged in in no time. Another cool feature.
All of this for less than two grand. THAT's a deal!
Cons:
Only 3 USB ports. What was Sony thinking? When there's a USB-compatible everything available now? While not a huge tragedy with all the USB hubs out there, I still think this is a design flaw. But it's the worst I could find in this great computer.
Other thoughts:
Docking. I don't have a real docking station but I plug this computer into a 24" Dell HD monitor with an HDMI cable and the display is GREAT. Even with a Blue-Ray disk. I tossed in a old Compaq USB keyboard and I run a two monitor system with the laptop. Very handy.
Recommended Accessory: The Microsoft Wireless Laser Mouse 8000 Microsoft Wireless Laser Mouse 8000
Love this Bluetooth mouse. I'm a left-handed person and a five button, ambidextrous, wireless, rechargeable mouse is cool.
In closing: I'm very happy with this laptop. Good price, good deal. |
Amazing desktop replacement
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| Review Date: November 21, 2008 |
| Reviewer: K. D. Wells, Northern CA |
| Fully loaded. Crystal clear huge 18.4 inch 1920 X 1080 HD LCD backed by NVIDIA's GForce 9600M GT card w/512 ram, Blue Ray DVD ROM, full size keyboard with numeric pad and 64 bit Vista Home Premium OS. Quick to set up, not too much bloatware. Runs graphic intensive programs quite well however a cooling tray such as NZXT's Cryo LX would be beneficial. Not a laptop, somewhat heavy, not something to easily tote from place to place unless you have a rolling case for it. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a desktop replacement with the advantage of being mobile. |
Spectacular Beast!!!! LOVE IT!!
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| Review Date: February 7, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Pamela Van Beekum, San Francisco |
I am beyond pleased even after paying the rather large amount for the top of the line of this AW series - AW-170YQ.
And it is definitely a beast in weight... I had mistakenly always bought the very light laptops and since I work as a Web developer and photographer I was always trying to make things work without enough disk space or horse power and then there is the lack of screen real estate. This just satisfies it all... I was always worried I wanted something light to carry but in the end I don't carry it around all that much - travel with it and take it to clients at times.
The greatest beauty I find is that I now use this as my desktop computer and while I still keep my desktop CPU for back up space and a secondary computer in case this should fail, etc. It is a joy to ALWAYS have all my files all the time. In the past I had always hustle to transfer over to my laptop all the files I might need... now that is never a concern -- saving a lot of time and possible disasters if forgetting a file.
The screen is amazing, keyboard is excellent as well as the mousepad although I love the Sony bluetooth mouse - works perfectly.
I have now had it for about 3 months and I love it everyday.
Only problem I have had is when I put it to sleep and close the lid it seems to wake up again with the lid closed - but I am sure there is a simple reason why this is occurring and can be fixed. |
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