You expect the best from Sony, now you have it - the best in portability, the best in style, and the best in ultra-light performance. The award winning TR line of notebooks delivers it all: head turning design, unbelievable battery life, a beautifully detailed XBRITE screen with a 16: 9 aspect ratio, a built-in digital camera and uncompromising computing power. All this at just over three pounds.
Offering a head-turning design and eyebrow-raising features, the ultra-light, tiny Sony VAIO PCG-TR3A notebook PC offers long battery life (thanks to the Intel Centrino processor), a Sony XBRITE screen with a 16:9 aspect ratio (great for watching DVDs), and an built-in digital camera. It also features a 54g wireless LAN, combo CD-RW/DVD drive, 512 MB of installed RAM, and a weight of just over three pounds. The integrated swivel camera at the top of the screen enables you to capture 640 x 480 still images and live video (motion JPEG) that can be saved directly to your hard drive.
The PCG-TR3A has an Intel Pro-Wireless 2100BG integrated wireless LAN that connects using the 802.11g wireless standard
| The Basics - Hard Drive: The 40 GB (4200 RPM) hard drive offers plenty of space for most users, though this size is beginning to feel small compared with other notebooks. It also has a 1024 KB L2 cache and a 400 MHz bus speed.
- Processor: While at the low end of current Centrino notebooks, the PCG-TR3A's 1 GHz Pentium M processor is definitely fast enough for everyday tasks and basic multimedia (it's comparable to a 1.5 GHz Mobile Intel Pentium 4). The Pentium M processor is designed specifically for low-power mobile usage, and it features the latest in power-saving technologies--ensuring you push your battery and productivity to the max.
- Memory: The PCG-TR3A comes with a 512 MB built-in memory (DDR SDRAM, 333 MHz)--a good start for power users--with a maximum memory expansion up to 2.05 GB (2 x 1024 MB).
- CD/DVD Drive: You can easily and quickly burn music and video to CD with the combo CD-RW/DVD drive (24x write/10x rewrite/24x read).
- Keyboard & Mouse: The PCG-TR3A has an 83-key keyboard and electro-static touchpad.
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Sound and Graphics
The PCG-TR3A has an Intel 855GM chipset integrated graphics card with 64 MB of shared video memory. Combining three new technologies for increased brightness, contrast and viewing angles, the 10.6-inch flat-panel XBRITE LCD offers a bright, vibrant screen for watching DVDs and editing your digital photos. It also has a sound card that's integrated into the main board, and offers built-in stereo speakers. It has a high native resolution of 1280 x 768. | 
The PCG-TR3A features built-in stereo speakers for use with software, audio and video media. |
The PCG-TR3A offers many essential connectivity options for its small size
| Connectivity and Expansion Slots
The PCG-TR3A has an Intel Pro-Wireless 2100BG integrated wireless LAN that connects using the 802.11g wireless standard. You get a smaller offering of connectivity options (due to the notebook's size): - 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) ports for connecting digital video camcorders and other peripherals
- 1 RGB monitor port
- 1 PCMCIA (or PC Card) slot (Type I/II)
- 1 headphone jack and 1 microphone jack
It also has an integrated 56K modem (V.92), and an RJ-45 LAN network port (for a 10/100 Ethernet connection to networks and DSL/cable modems). |
Preloaded System and Software
The PCG-TR3A comes with the Windows XP Home Edition operating system, and it also features Microsoft Works (for working with word processing and spreadsheet documents). It also is loaded with a bevy of Sony multimedia software: PictureGear Studio and Network Smart Capture (digital photo), DVgate Plus (digital video), and SonicStage (digital music). Other preloaded software includes Intervideo WinDVD and Norton Internet Security Center 7. Dimensions and Weight
At 10.6 x 7.4 x 1.4 inches (L x W x H), this is a seriously small notebook. And it weighs just a mere 3.11 pounds with the battery. |  |
Power
The included rechargeable lithium-ion battery offers between 3 and 5.5 hours of life with typical usage. An optional larger-capacity battery will provide double that (between 6 and 11 hours of battery life).
What's in the Box
This package contains the Sony Vaio PCG-TR3A notebook PC, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, and operating instructions.
1 The Good, The Bad and The Ugly
The Good: it's *very* sexy, light, compact and fast.
The Bad: Month 4 of use -- hard drive dies but Sony replaces.
Month 11 of use -- no power -- totally dead. Sony fixes.
The Ugly: at month 12, my warranty is expired; the system runs hot ALL THE TIME. It's a simple matter of time before something blows again.
Net-Net: Owning this laptop is like owning a Lambo -- you don't know if it's going to start when you turn the key -- but when it's working -- you're the coolest kid in town. Better have a regular computer; keep this as your 'toy'.
2 Screen prone to damage w/the slightest touch - $$$ repair!
I've had this unit since April 2004, and it currently is at Sony for repair. The brilliant crystal clear screen is being replaced for $726.73 even though it is still under the first year of warranty. I dropped a pen on the screen, it barely tapped the surface, and the screen burst forth with white and rainbow, wiping out all readable text and display.
Again, THE PEN BARELY TAPPED THE SURFACE, AND THE SCREEN WENT OUT! I remember the salesman telling me to buy the warranty for just that reason, however Sony tells me that the warranty does not cover physical damage. So I am screwed, and must treat this notebook like a fragile (and expensive) carton of eggs. Beware of the XBrite screen if you are looking for a notebook that needs to stand up to the road, or any sensitive contact with the outside world.
Outside of the costly penalty to enjoy the screen on the product, it is a great machine. I'm just sick to my stomach that such a fine item has such a sensitive and expensive screen to repair. It hurt enough to cough up $2300 for this baby, but when you have to pay hundreds more for repairs, or the accidental damage warranty, it's time to think again.
3 Looks 10 reliability 0
I have had this expensive machine for a little over two years and have not gone six months without major problems. This includes two trips to the service center in San Diego. I love the size, its features and it's eye catching looks. However it's lack of an internal fan leads to overheating which I am sure is contributing to the poor performance--including the need to replace the hard drive after less than 6 months of light home use by my wife. I noticed that Sony produced an early micro similar for the Japenese market which was pulled due to over heating problems and have wondered if the TR3A is a relative. I have anorther VAIO desktop that runs Media Center XP and it is outstanding. I also believe Sony's technical support is one of the best---I just wish I wasn't on a first name basis with them. I would strongly recommend against anyone purchasing this machine.
4 the manufacturer's warranty sucks... well Duh it's a laptop!
I sell this and many other laptops and I have to tell those who are interested in it that you should buy some sort of extended coverage plan if you are going to buy any laptop. I know there are plenty of people out there that thing they are smarter than that but in reality they aren't. It's a laptop folks, if your gonna own one chances are VERY good that your gonna have to get it fixed from time to time, as the person who payed $700+ can attest.
About the laptop itself it is a very handy unit but one that is best used as a companion pc to a large notebook or desktop because trying to type on it is a pain, both because of the small keyboard and the small screen.
As to battery life if you don't charge the battery for a good 12 hours the first time you use it you'll get poor performance. If you do charge it right the first time and still get less than 4-5 hours of time per charge then you prbly have a faulty machine (if so I hope you weren't too "smart" to get a third party warranty from a reputable company).
5 This computer is great!
The keyboard is very small, and since I have extra-small hands, it's the most comfortable keyboard I have ever used.
Everyone oohs and ahhs over my stylish little computer. I use it to take notes in class - I don't miss a beat!
I carry it in a cool Guatemalan bag. It's so small, no-one even knows I have a computer in there until I take it out. It's lighter than any of my textbooks.
It has been surprisingly durable. It's taken a few knocks in the backpack and been OK.
The important thing to do is to make the backup disks *right away* when you get the computer. I had an IT friend do it since I wasn't sure how.
My computer was recently hosed by a virus, and I would have been S.O.L. if I hadn't had those backup disks.
I decided on the version *without* Office/Photoshop/EndNote etc., since I can get that stuff at the student bookstore.
6 Fantastic on-the-go computer
I throw my vaio in my bag everyday (I do have a case for it!!). It's fantastic!
I haven't had the problems with the screen that others have had. In fact I went and looked at this computer at a local national chain and tried to damage the screen...and I couldn't. I am extremely impressed with the quality and all the bells and whistles this computer comes with. My coworkers are very jealous and now think I make tons more money than they do.
The only draw back that annoyed me with this computer, and maybe this is a given with a new computer, but it didn't come with Microsoft Word, Exel, Access or Powerpoint. I bought this with the idea of using on a train and working in a word processing document(my commute is 1.5 hrs. door to door) and my first day I was very annoyed with this...I couldn't do anything but listen to music! I fortunately had access to an old version of Office '97 so I didn't have to pay hundreds of additional dollars for programs that I assumed would have been already installed. Maybe it's because I'm the furthest from a computer geek (unfortunately), but I really thought if I spent this much money I would have the programs I needed...and bought the laptop for.
With this being said, I really can't fault the laptop for my ignorance, but I felt it was something I should share. Now that I have it, though, I really do love it! I recommend this laptop to anyone who has to carry a computer with them everyday (it's very, very light), very fast and very effective.
I bought it here at Amazon after reading the reviews previously reported and I'm very happy I did. This computer is wonderful. I didn't like the lack of "Word" but maybe more knowledgable people know about this. I would recommend this to a friend or my mom!!
7 Great Laptop - Bad hard drive
This is the second VAIO mini I've bought -- the other being the C1XS Picturebook -- and I love them both. The size and features on the TR3AP2 are incredible. I just have one warning: be sure to back up the hard drive often. I've grown complacent over the past 20 years because I've never lost a hard-drive or its contents. This VAIO's hard-drive crapped out suddenly after only 4 months. Calling customer support, though, was fine. They sent me a FedEx box the next day and will even send me back the hard-drive so I can try to get my data off it from some hard-drive reclamation expert.
8 Great little machine
I bought my Vaio through Amazon and love it. The reviews on here were spot-on, and this has been exactly the right purchase for me. I am a student who is looking at several years of heavy computer use ahead of me, and at first I was worried that it's so small! But the screen really is so bright and so clear that you forget instantly. Also, the light weight is key.
A side note about the screen: yes, it is a little sensitive to touching. However, I opted for the ($75) privacy screen for this model, which has the two-fold advantage of making the screen hard for people nearby to read (through darkening, not blurring) AND protects the screen itself. It makes the screen *slightly* darker, but it is worth it for the protection and does not cause eyestrain whatsoever. Unfortunately, the privacy screen is not a cheap accessory, but it is available on Amazon.
As for the right-hand shift key being half-size, I have a typing quirk that never uses that one. I can see how this might be annoying, but it is not a problem for me.
A great feature that I have not seen mentioned here is that tapping on the mousepad has the same effect as left-clicking the mouse buttons. This is a fantastic feature as it minimizes hand motion over the mousepad.
Also, everyone talking about how cute and sexy this thing is ... well, they're right. I thought some of the reviews were over the top in this regard, but strangers have *literally* complimented me on the laptop (esp. its size) and of course my classmates are jealous that it's only 3lbs!
Another accessory is the "envelope-style" case available only from Sony Style website (again, not cheap -- around $40) is great as it is custom-fit, BUT it is rather puffy and takes up real estate in whatever larger bag you carry it in. It, too, looks cool (although a little bit like a snowboarding outfit for your laptop).
And the motion eye camera is super cool. It takes less than a minute to get the camera on and in business thanks to a "capture" button that auto-launches the camera software. Also, the volume buttons are easily accessible alongside the screen, which is fantastic.
As for technical specs, everything seems to be running fine after 2-3 months so far, which should be expected. The wireless card is also as easy as everyone below says -- if there is a network, this machine finds it instantly. Another great detail: the port covers pop out and are attached to the machine with rubber -- which is a very smart detail, as it gives you (literally) flexibility when you are plugging in your accessories. I will say, however, that the machine can get rather hot to the touch occasionally, esp. if it is directly on your lap.
This computer is the epitome of attractive, 21st century portable computing.
9 Gem
I looked around quite a bit before settling on the VAIO TR3. I am more than pleased with it and heartily recommend it. It is a perfect size for personal use in tight spaces. I use it on business travel and also when I take a break from work, by going to the local coffee shop.
The letters on the keyboard are in a different kind of font and sometimes, if you look down at the keyboard, it can disorient you. Yes, the machine does get warm - but it is not a problem at all. This machine is jam packed with features, from the cd burner to the camera - which takes great still shots by swiveling the camera around.
I say - get this gem now.
10 Sreen is a big problem
I loved the whole idea of this light weight notebook and camera,
but the screen is so vulnerable to even a slight touch that it is an anxiety producing nightmare. I accidentally touched the corner of the screen while adjusting the cover. My thumb print cost $724.00 to fix and Sony seems not to care. I have had the machine 2 months. There is no warning label on or around the screen and the margin of error is small. Unless you have money to spare I would not buy this computer. I am now afraid to use it. Sony is aware of the problem but is not supporting the consumer. Caveat Emptor!
11 Battery didn't last that long as claimed
Like everyone else. I read the reviews, user's comments, checkout the stats, etc. about this laptop. Then finally put out the big $$$ to get it. There are alot of things to like about this computer like other owners have described. My only complain is about the battery. Sony's site and most folks in this column said that they can get 6 hours with a fully charge with the battery that comes with this laptop. But I only get about 3 - 3.5 hours max including using the "Maximum Battery Life" profile. I have put up some more $$$ to get the larger battery, still what I got is about 7 hrs or less. So where is the 8+ hours that other people have said ? I have been looking up and down in Sony's technical support site and Goolge but find nothing said if this long lasting battery claim is true. Does anyone have an actually experience with this battery claim ?
12 beware of small screen
OK, I read all the reviews here and I checked out my friend's Vaio, so I thought I was prepared for the small size of this notebook. And I love how small and portable and lightweight it is, but after typing for only 2 hours, my eyes were burning, I had to sit really close and squint at the screen to see my words being typed. It's very difficult to read anything in Word in 12pt. And when I tried typing in 14pt, the print was almost blurry. I don't know yet if it's just my model or the SONY, but it's harder to see than my other laptop, an Acer TM 800, which I love, but is just so heavy.
All the good things people say about this laptop are true, but you need to be aware just how small everything on the screen appears. It's easier to read my palm than it is this vaio.
13 VERY portable notebook, solid feature set
For work, I've primarily used ultrathin notebooks: the Sony R505 for a year and then the Toshiba R100 over the last 12 months. Here's what I look for:
> long battery life (for plane flights)
> minimal sacrifice of processing power, HD space, keyboard, other features
> painless wifi and ethernet access
> other cool, smart things I can showoff
This VAIO is great on a number of fronts:
1. INCLUDED battery is solid: 6 hrs for docs, powerpoint, etc, 3 hrs for a DVDs. Meets all my needs for coast-to-coast flights. Light as a book.
2. It works great as my primary computer. I do hook up to a full keyboard/monitor at the office, but I don't feel compromised on speed or functionality.
3. On the road, the is very usable. You might want to try it out, but I don't have an issue. The monitor is extremely clear and bright. They've included a ZOOM feature on the unit to make it easy to enlarge the screen image. Thoughtful, and it works very well.
4. WIFI switch works perfect. Have connected in coffeeshops, airports and the like. No issues. The Ethernet and dial-up jacks are well-postioned.
5. Monitor jack is on the side so it doesn't interfer with the screen being open. 2 USBs are on opposite sides for good reason. Generally, well laid out.
6. When you're working on your traytable on a plane, and the person in front of you leans back, your poor display doesn't get crushed because it's short enough not be compacted.
7. Other items: The camera is fun and useful if you use IM video. Well positioned for informal chatting. It includes DVD viewing software (which my other computer with a DVD drive didn't). My long-term experience with Sony laptops has been that they are very good, durable computers. I researched this unit and compared to other Toshiba, Dell and ThinkPad before the purchase, and after a month feel even more confident about the decision.
Some Cons
> Additional battery is overpriced. As usual, Sony makes the upcharge for another battery or larger capacity battery abusely expensive. Such a turnoff. Thankfully, you really don't need one with this model.
> The Screen IS smaller. Hey, you should know this going into it. Fine for word docs, email, ppts, some spreadsheet work, and DVDs (16x9 format), but if you do a lot of graphics work, it's going to feel tight.
14 I love it more than my girl friend !!!!
Simply speaking.. this is the most coolest and sexiest thing I have ever had.. And it really make me feel good about my decision of buying tr3a when people just can't stop eyeing this babe..
PROS: Small size, Light weight, Best features including bright display, inbuilt cd-dvd drive, inbuilt webcam and mic, all possible slots including usb, flash card reader, magicdrive, wi-fi ready, better battery life. Keyboard is awesome, noiseless and soft like anything.
CONS: Gets hot (You have to handle it so that base gets exposed to a little air), Screen gets tinted with finger marks if touched (my friend has a compaq and he wipes it with bare fingers w/o problem), Screen is brighter when you are viewing right from front, not from side (unlike powerbook), speakers are really crappy and irritating. On top of all, its pricey.
I don't anymore need a girl friend now..:-)
15 Best Mobile Gadget Ever!
Well, i'll make it simple and easy. I bought the Sony Tr3 from Bahrain (PCG-TR3). It is so handy when it comes to mobility.
Pros:
Long life battery lasted me 2 days with more than average use
with wireless turned on
Nice keyboard that makes no sound .. only problem is the right shift key which is no big deal
This Camera is so handy when it comes to taking pictures on the move of friends and to make online conference
Wireless is so handy when you are in a hot spot ...
The laptop is so lite weighted u can't even feel u are carrying anything!
Looks so trendy and all you get is amazed faces
I use it for university studies, designing my sites, (www.bahrainmobiles.com / www.ucbforums.lunarpages.com) and i also use it for presentations and to get together with my friends studying abroad
cons
can't think of any
the only thing there are so many batter options which keeps u amazed and confused on which to choose
I recommend this laptop to anyone who appreciates the taste of technology and elegance at the same time
Trust me this is the ONE .. the only thing that may stand in your way is the over price .. but it is worth every penny/cent/fils .. just name it
Have a good day all
16 Sony VAIO PCG-TR3A Notebook is good
This new generation of notebook provides alot of added punch, even in the stripped down centrino pentium model. Highly recommended for professional as well as casual users alike.
17 I love this Centrino
I bought one of these little things because I wanted something small enough to carry aroud without feeling like I was going bowling. It's a great little computer and with the ULV CPU the battery last forever (I went almost a four days of moderate use without recharging the battery!) I also like the fact that the wireless setup was so easy. I can see why people love Centrino, I know I'm hooked.
18 A perfect mini
I've had a few Sony minicomputers - an early 505g, an SR-7, and now this TR3a. Each revision of the mini keeps getting better for me: The keyboard fits my hands well, and the screen, while small, is brilliant and sharp (and at 768x1280, it is ALMOST equivalent to my Powerbook 17"!)
It's fast, the battery life is very good (you really can get 5+ hours - I don't have to plug it in at work, putting it to sleep at lunch and meetings. The Wireless G has very good range too, much better than my previous two Powerbooks...
Also, it looks FANTASTIC, and I've got nothing but awed looks at work - everyone wants to try it. And it's remarkably light.
My only complaints: The touchpad is dinky - you really need an external mouse for serious visio action - and it's just a LITTLE thicker than I wish...
In the end - if size and coolness are primary drivers for you (as they are for me), this is a no-brainer. But if performance is what you need, the Z1 series might be better. But the screen on the TR is much sharper than the Z1.
Highly Recommended by this geek.
19 Failed in a week; customer support is dire
Caveat emptor. A beautiful piece of design and technology but is it reliable? Mine broke within a week of purchase. The customer support is useless.
20 Great build quality
If you've seen one you know the are works of art. Be sure to handle it and then compare it to cheaper offerings. This thing is just solid. Sony has to be the Lexus of computers. The build quality is fantastic. Of course there are other good Centrino systems out there, but for my money it's a Sony, followed closely by Dell.
21 Surprisingly great
Bought the Sony so I wouldn't break my shoulders on trips but found that the small size is only one of it's many virtures.
The screen, even though small, is extremely bright, clear and accurate and is wonderful to use. The built in WiFi card is just terrific for absent minded travelers like myself; no need to remember to carry an PCMCIA card and nothing to break when stuffing the PC into a carry bag running for the airport gate. Battery life is absolutley amazing and there is very little heat that is produced from this laptop. Having a cd/dvd drive on such a little unit is a definate plus, though upgrading it seems impossible. I always thought that not having a cd/dvd drive would be ok, but I find I use it more often than I thought.
There is one thing on this laptop I would change. The little keyboard, in it of itself, is just fine, but the right hand shift key is just not placed correctly and should be double wide like the left hand one. Most often, when one goes to shift, the up arrow key is hit which causes lots of cut and pasting when trying to complete a document or spreadsheet in an hurry.
It has some neat features as well, that I really don't use. The video camera is a nice feature, but for the life of me, I have no idea what to use it for. Really more to impress your freinds than anything else.
Overall, the lightweightness, bright screen, long battery life, and cd/dvd drive for watching movies on airplanes when you don't want to do any more work, really makes this one of the best laptops on the market today.
Highly recommended.
22 Awesome Laptop!!!!
I just bought this Laptop from a CompUSA, they were the only store to actually have one on display, the unknowledgeable staff at Best Buys said that this model didn't even exist!
I am a student and wanted something with wireless connectivity, portability, and very small/lightweight. This laptop met all those requirements. I use my Treo 600 phone/PDA with PDA net and a USB cable to access the wireless internet when I'm away from home and I a Linksys wireless-G router with Speedbooster at home. I also have cable modem access at home. The laptop immediately recognized my home network with no adjustments needed. Web access was really fast. If I am surfing the web I will get 3.5 hrs. battery life using the standard battery that came with it. I'm thinking about buying the double capacity battery that's available, (lists at $349 but you get 20% off when you register the laptop.)
It's also very quiet and doesn't get "hot", just very warm. Yes, the keyboard is a little small for my hands, but I just type a little slower and check for accuracy more often.
I read all the reviews here before buying. I also considered the Z series, but seeing the X-brite screen on this TR laptop really made me want this one. The screen is awesome. Very crisp, clear and bright.
Yeah, the warranty isn't so great, but I bought a 2 yr. warranty through CompUSA for $349 that covers everything, even the screen.
If anybody has any questions about this laptop, I highly recommend it and you can e-mail me your questions at:
JJS070470@cox.net.
Thanks!
23 never buy vaio
I am having sony vaio and it is like a liability for me. Sony laptops suck...
24 Love It!
I researched for at least for months before plunnking down the money, and could not be happier. More sturdy than I thought it would be. The screen is crystal clear, the wireless modem is excellet (even on multiple floors of my house), really light and easy to put in a small briefcase or bag. The keyboard is small - but that's kind of the point. The system is fast, and the battery litterally lasts four-plus hours unlike my other laptops which lasted 40 minutes to an hour. Exactly what I wanted for taking on the road. Worth the money.
25 Poor customer service
Never trust Sony laptops, you lose functionality if you ever make the mistake of upgrading and the laptop is pretty much useless.
26 I sleep with it
i am in love with my new vaio. I was hesitant to choose between the Z1 vaio or TR3A for a long time and finally decided cause of the lighter weight and the built in camera. I bought a wireless router and i am video chatting with my friends all over the world lying in my bed.
Pros: lightweight, whoever sees it with you see that you have a style, long battery , relativly fast performance with pics and videos , very good keyboard i can type faster on it than my pc and doesnt tire my hands , sony picture and vidosoftware is great, the built in cam gives you the freedom t o re cord a meeting easily what i often do since ..in fact that is why i shoose this model, excelent screen quality , if you buy it you will be simply happy with it, but dont forget this is a second notebook
Cons: if you are not a mediaperson like me and rather wanna use it for business like word, office ..i wouldnt suggest it cause this screen is too small for a long use with document. and if you are not using the built in mic which has excelent qualty and cam which is good for the net, i would rather suggest an asu with 12 screen, or the Z1 modell from sony which has 14 screen and mic too and bigger processor. For some reason though Cnet has bad revews on that modellbut if the little heavier weight doesnt disturb you and dont need built in cam i might go with that .And important if you do not see well close choose a modell with bigger screen cause with this one you have to be a bit shortsited that i am though..lol..
SUmming it up i love my vaio.
27 Vaio PCG-TR3AP GREAT!
I have the PCG-TR3AP, which is the "loaded" version of the unit. I had a bad experience with a G4 12" (burned, long story) I decided to leave apple for good. I was hesitant because I did not know if I would like to go smaller screen size (10.6".) I have to admit, I am amazed by the so-called XBRITE screen, never seen such clear picture and that from every angle. It is so good that one hardly realizes the smaller size.
The unit is very light and easier to carry around than the 12" units, yet it includes all the bells and whistles; like cd burner (even dvd burner in my case) wireless connection is a great plus. You can manually turn it on and off saving battery power.
The overall battery use is great thanks to centrino and thanks to the fact that you can fine-tune the screen properties to extend battery life. In addition I purchased the larger battery as well, which gave me almost double the original battery time.
Overall, the unit is sturdy and the integrated camera is a nice gadget that is useful, especially considering that video conference is becoming more available every day.
The only thing my unit is missing is Bluetooth (I can't lie, I am disappointed), but you can buy a d-link usb dongle for 35$. The memorystick slot is very useful if you are using other sony products. Another issue I was not very found of was the fact, that sony does not send you any software/cd's, so a word of advise as soon as you take the thing out of the box, following the instruction make the system restore cd's they recommend.
My experience with the keyboard is very good as well. It took only couple of hours to get used to the 17mm keys, one thing I am missing is the larger shift key on the right-hand side.
This is not a low-budget item, there are laptops on the market for 800$, this clearly is more expensive, but you get what you pay for. I travel a lot and I appreciate the capabilities of this laptop especially since it is delivered in such a small package with little or no compromises. So if you are looking at this item, make sure to count the extras that you would have to add to another laptop to make it do all the things this one does.
Although the look of a computer is one of the least important, admittedly, it is very attractive and a discussion piece no matter where you go.
I do not want to talk about the harddrive size and memory since this will be different in different models.
Pros:
Size
Display
Integrated CDRW/DVD(RW)
Integrated Wifi
Integrated Camera (Still/Video/Webcam)
Centrino (low voltage)
Battery life
MagicGate Memorystick slot
The TOuchpad has special sections that let you add extra functionality
Cons:
No restore cd's
No Bluetooth (some models do include Bluetooth)
