Stay productive in the office, at home or on the road with the T140P/L. Designed with convenient features for people on the go, the slim profile and lightweight design make this notebook the perfect mobile companion. Intel Centrino Mobile technology enables longer battery life, and the integrated wireless LAN support lets you connect to thousands of Hotspots across the country. The integrated optical drive allows you to view and share presentations or pictures, while the 10.6" widescreen LCD display with XBRITE Technology offers exceptional clarity and sharp images.
The Basics It was just a few years ago that true micronotebooks were little more than glorified calculators. But times change, and Sony's innovative VAIO VGN-T140P/L proves that a 3-pound notebook no larger than a traditional pad of paper can indeed deliver adequate power and connectivity for the majority of typical mobile tasks. Differing from the otherwise identical VAIO VGN-T140P/L by virtue of its enhanced operating system (Windows XP Professional Edition, rather than Windows XP Home Edition), the VAIO VGN-T140P/L isn't an ideal unit for demanding business and power users or for sophisticated 3D gamers. It is, however, perfect for anyone who frequently hauls a notebook to remote, unplugged environments and engages in comparatively basic tasks, such as word processing, data gathering, finances, contact management, and e-mail and Internet sessions. Stunningly portable, extremely battery efficient, and more potent than the vast majority of past or present micronotebooks, the not-inexpensive VAIO VGN-T140P/L is a miniature dynamo.
| 
The VAIO VGN-T140P/L features a widescreen display that is perfect for watching panoramic DVD movies. | Processor
At the heart of any computer lies the central processing unit (CPU), or processor. The CPU is a massive collection of miniature transistors that governs the speed and power of the entire unit. Some of today's notebooks are equipped with high-end CPUs on par with those found in top-of-the-line desktop PCs, while others are quick enough only for basic duties such as word processing, e-mail, and the like. The VAIO VGN-T140P/L is equipped with an Intel Pentium M processor, one of three components that compose Intel's efficient Centrino system. (The other components are a specialized Intel chipset and integrated wireless support.) Centrino-equipped notebooks are generally smaller, easier on the batteries, and more versatile than their non-Centrino counterparts. Rated at 1.1 GHz, this entry-level Pentium M and is one of the least powerful in the Pentium M roster, though it's quick enough for most typical notebook applications. It features an amazing 2 MB of Level 2 cache for extremely fast recovery of recently accessed information. Memory
Computers typically store information on hard disk drives, but frequently and recently accessed data is kept in random access memory (RAM) for faster retrieval. More RAM means more efficient computing, superior multitasking, and less strain on your hard drive. The VAIO VGN-T140P/L incorporates 512 MB of RAM--more than enough for most situations. |
Video
CPUs are usually so busy doing basic calculations that they need help translating visual output to the viewing screen. This is the duty of the graphics card, or graphics controller. When shopping for a computer, remember that a video controller with dedicated built-in video memory is preferable to one with shared video memory where, the graphics controller borrows a portion of the all-important main system memory. This system's graphics controller is an Intel 855GME with 64 MB of shared video memory. For this reason, the unit shouldn't be counted on for high-end 3D games or complex 3D animations and graphics, though it will efficiently display 2D and many mid-level 3D applications. Display
As a subcompact computer, the VAIO VGN-T140P/L features a smallish 10.6-inch WXGA display. But if size is not its strong suit, visual quality is. With its widescreen display, this unit is perfect for watching panoramic DVD movies. Furthermore, the display uses Sony's new XBRITE technology and an impressive 1,280 by 768 maximum resolution to deliver detailed, bright, high-contrast images. | 
XBRITE LCD technology creates a new standard of picture quality inspired by high-definition television. |
Hard Disk Drive
The system features a 40 GB hard disk drive. In a time when some notebooks offer hard drives of 100 GB and more, 40 GB may not seem overly generous. However, in the rarified, miniscule world of ultra-compact notebooks, 40 GB of storage space is a sizable amount. Though you likely won't have enough room for a library of space-gobbling video files, the unit will store a typical number of mobile applications and user-created files, and a few tunes, too.
Optical Drive
An optical drive is essential in today's computing environment. A CD-ROM drive allows you to install CD-based applications and play music CDs. A CD-RW drive adds CD burning capability, so you can also back up your important files to long-lasting discs and create personalized music CDs. With a DVD-ROM drive you can watch DVD movies.
Audio
The unit is equipped with two miniature stereo speakers, a mini-microphone jack, and a stereo mini-headphone jack.
Keyboard and Controls
You'll control your notebook with an 83-key keyboard and a standard electro-static touch pad.
Connectivity and Expansion
The VAIO VGN-T140P/L offers an assortment of ways to keep in touch, including a 56K modem for low-speed dial-up Internet and e-mail access, a 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX Ethernet port for high-speed wired network and Internet, and an integrated Intel PRO/Wireless 2200BG Network Connection (802.11b/g) for cord-free e-communication at home, at the office, or on the road via a local public hotspot. Other key amenities include two high-speed USB 2.0 ports for plug-and-play devices such as external drives and digital cameras, an IEEE 1394 FireWire port (commonly used for quick data uploads from digital camcorders), and a PC Card Slot for one type I or type II card with CardBus support.
Operating System and Software
Sony preinstalls one of today's most advanced operating systems, Microsoft Windows XP Professional Edition. Other applications include productivity and word processing software and Sony's typically ample array of music, video, and digital photo utilities and editing packages.
 | Dimensions and Weight
Many of today's most powerful notebooks are also the largest, weighing 10 to 12 pounds or more--too cumbersome for extensive, continuous traveling. These notebooks are often referred to as desktop replacements. On the other extreme are thin-and-lights or ultraportables super-miniaturized units that typically aren't as powerful as their larger brethren, but weigh as little as 2 or 3 pounds. They often fit comfortably inside a large purse. The VAIO VGN-T140P/L is exceptionally small and comfortable at a mere 3.1 pounds and just 10.1 by 8.1 by 1.0 to 1.3 inches (depending on configuration). |
Power
The unit is equipped with a Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery that delivers up to 5.5 hours (with a standard battery) and 6.0 to 11.0 hours (with a large-capacity battery). These are exceptional figures in today's notebook world.
1 Design faults, poor warranty/support
I received this device and thought it was fantastic...to begin with.
Then I began to notice the design problems. There is no LCD catch! So the LCD has some free play against the keyboard allowing things in your bag to fall between the keyboard and the display. The display is very week in order to save weight (no glass etc). So combined it is a disaster waiting to happen. Other laptops made it around the world with me, whereas this laptop did not make it off the local metro without the LCD going because of the design fault.
A key came loose, and since the screen had not catch it lodged between the keyboard and screen until it smashed the screen.
Sony intended to charge me in full for this, but later settled to 70%. Yet I still do not have the machine back as Sony fail to deliver it. Originally they also had many failed pick ups. I've been waiting nearly 2months to get it back.
A further warning to others regarding the Vaio range. If the LCD hinge/s crack you would expect this to be covered by the warranty. It is not the case. Sony will tell you that the hinges must have been too tight and that you failed to inform them. So if buying this product contact www.vaio-link.com and report that you wish for your hinges to be checked otherwise you will be liable if they crack.
2 Powerful little road warrior
I have owned this laptop for two months now, and I am exceptionally pleased with it so far. It packs a surprising amount of power into an astonishingly small and light package. It is really best used as a versatile companion to a primary desktop computer and is not a good choice as a standalone productivity machine. However, if a balance of features favoring endurance and mobility is what you are after, this is a nearly ideal machine.
The machine looks good and feels solid. It starts up fairly quickly and performs most basic computing tasks briskly. It has an onboard CD-RW/DVD and good connectivity including USB 2.0 and FireWire (iLink). Ports are distributed on both sides except for the power port on the back corner. The battery quite obviously sticks out from its bay on the back.
Pros: All-around good performance, even on a battery. The large cache is a definite plus here. The hard drive is fairly spacious too, given the notebook's size, especially if you nix the recovery partition. The T140P will serve for many different tasks, with the caveat that the screen size makes document-related work a bit of a chore.
- Monster battery life. I have used this machine for an entire day of work with intermittent use of the wireless networking and optical drive without losing power. This machine has incredible longevity even if you do not pay attention to power management, and if you do...this is a huge upside.
- Serious mobility. I am one of those people who hates to lug large laptops around; this machine actually replaced a VAIO Z505. It's even lighter, and I hardly notice it on the road even in comparison with its very light predecessor. Particularly because I rarely have to bring the AC adapter along.
- Keyboard. It has a great feel for a machine this size. The layout is good and most people should have no trouble adjusting from a full size.
- Screen quality. The XBrite screen really looks superb. DVD playback is awesome. I didn't think it could be that great until I checked it out in a retail store before buying.
- Aesthetics. It not only travels well, it also looks sharp. People will marvel at its size and appearance.
Plus/Minus: Documentation and software CDs. Some people loathe the recovery partition and the absence of software CDs and printed documentation. I'm one of those who doesn't mind. I figure, unless I realy need the space, save the paper, the media, and a few bucks. I'm perfectly happy having those things in electronic form. If you disagree, you probably won't buy a Sony anyway.
- Service. I have had consistently positive encounters with Sony customer support, but I also have heard credible, howling complaints about their quality and responsiveness. No company can guarantee a good service interaction, but there are others who traditionally do much better than Sony. Something to think about.
- The battery sticking out of the back thing. Doesn't bother me, certainly doesn't detract from the machine's looks in my mind, and I'll take that long battery life any day. Others will disagree. Look at the notebook in person if you can before you buy it if you're concernced.
Cons: Screen. It's small for office work. It's a tradeoff for size and lightness, but if you need to spend hours every day reading or writing documents, the screen is not ideal. I have taken to displaying PDFs and Office documents at 125-150% to compensate. It's also a dust magnet, and be careful cleaning it; although mine remains undamaged, popular wisdom has it that these screens are easy to mar.
- No dedicated video card. Perhaps a wise choice given considerations of battery life, but the lack of a separate video adapter means you won't be doing (or playing) anything requiring 3D rendering. It was a downside for me and will be for others.
- Lots of useless proprietary Sony software. You will spend some time cleaning up the hard drive to get rid of it. God forbid the system ever crashes, because if you have to use the recovery software, you get all those worthless programs back and have to spend the time removing them once again. Sony needs to include separate provision for OS recovery without automatically including their worthless multimedia software. This is a flaw common to all Sony computers, though.
In summary, the VGN-T140P has a lot of power and versatility for such a small notebook. Its mobility, endurance, and aesthetics far outweigh its drawbacks. If your requirements for a notebook emphasize these features, this one deserves serious consideration.
3 Stylish and media-savvy, but not perfect
Sony's new T-series VAIO ultraportable laptops replace the camera-included TR series, which has been discontinued. There are currently four models in the T-series: T140, T150, T160, and T170. All sport the same casing (no surprise), same weight (3.1 lb. incl. piggy-back battery but excl. AC adapter), same processor (the new Intel ultra-low-voltage Pentium M 733 (based on the Centrino, not Pentium IV, running at 1.1Ghz but with an amazing 2MB level-2 cache!), same screen, and same hard drive (slow-ish 4800rpm 40GB shock resistant drive).
The differences among the models are as follows:
- The 140 and 160 come with a DVD-ROM/CD-RW drive, so you can't burn DVDs.
- The 150 and 170 come with dual-format DVD burner/CD-RW drive, so you can burn both the plus and minus formats of DVDs.
- The 140 and 150 come with 512MB of RAM.
- The 160 and 170 come with 1GB of RAM (max the T-series can take).
- If there's a "P" after the model number (e.g., VGN-T150P/L), it means the computer comes with WinXP Professional installed. The absence of "P" means you get WinXP Home.
- The "L" after the model number signifies the color scheme. Most of the T's come in what Sony calls "midnight blue," a stylish color that gives an understated emphasis to the exterior. On Sony's website (sonystyle.com) you can special-order a T150P/T that has a burgundy exterior, which looks really "hot."
All the T-series VAIOs are designed with two primary goals in mind: ultra portability, reflected mainly in the travel weight; and multimedia capabilities. In fact, VAIO buffs will recall that VAIO stands for Video Audio Integrated Operation, which (I presume) in Japanese means a multimedia-centric computer.
All the T models are equipped with an optical drive. Only a year ago, the only ultraportable with a built-in optical drive was the 2.8lb. Panasonic ToughBook W2 (which, as you'll see, is still my favorite ultraportable, for lighter weight and bigger screen). I personally recommend a 150 or 170 with the dual-format (not dual-layer) DVD burner. These days, whether you burn personal videos or backup files, a DVD burner really comes in handy. Of course, if you plan to use the VAIO T as a secondary computer for Starbucks or Barnes & Noble or flying, you can save yourself $150 by skipping the DVD burner. (You still get a CD burner with the 140 and 160.)
The VAIO T's are very stylish. Except for the protruding battery which seems like an afterthought, the notebook is well designed and well built. You get both 802.11b+g wi-fi and Bluetooth built-in, as well as an i.Link port and a MemoryStick slot. (Too bad Sony still refuses to support the much more popular Secure Digital format in their laptops.)
The T's screen is amazing. Well, it's both amazingly small (only 10.6" vs. the Panasonic W2's 12.1") and amazingly bright, easily viewable outdoors. The widescreen resolution is 1280x768, great for watching DVDs but a pain in the eye for doing your everyday work. (You may want to turn on Windows' built-in font-magnification function, via the Accessibility control panel. Also turn off font smoothing.) I get eye strains from reading e-mails and surfing the Internet. Panasonic W2's 12.1" screen seems so much bigger. Like most ultraportables, the T uses shared memory for video, so don't expect to play Doom 3 on this.
The keyboard on the T is shrunk to accommodate the small footprint of the ultraportable. I had the 2.7lb. VAIO N505VE before so I got used to the small keyboard quickly. If you are a touch typist who's never used a 90%-sized keyboard, you might be unhappy with the size, at least in the beginning.
Performance is snappy on this laptop despite the many plug-ins it comes with; the new processor with its enormous L2 cache and the generous amount of RAM surely help. When you get the 1GB versions, the performance is simply great for a laptop this size.
Sony should be lauded for getting some amazing battery life on this machine, but spanked for making the battery stick out in the T's rear. I watched a 3-hour DVD movie (with wi-fi intentionally left on) as I sat in a B&N cafe. After the boring movie ended, the T still had plenty of juice left. Just amazing.
So, in short, for about two thousand big ones, you get a multimedia road warrior that will turn heads in cafes and on the Amtrak (and might even invite a mugging or two if you are in the wrong neighborhood). The small screen is amazingly bright, and the stick of a battery powers this laptop for good hours. If you want an ultraportable, I still recommend you look at the Panasonic W-2, which is even more stylish (I just love its circular, under-the-keyboard DVD loading), has a bigger screen and weighs less. But if you want an ultraportable with a built-in DVD burner, the T is probably the best you can get right now.
(I also like Fujitsu laptops, so you might want to consider the Fujitsu Lifebook P7010 ultraportable as well: cheaper, 80GB hard drive, fingerprint sensor, SD/CF/MemoryStick slot, up to 10.5 hours of battery life!)
I hope my quick review helps you. Feel free to e-mail me at hotmail with your questions.
4 Excellent laptop!
I bought this as a replacement for a Dell Latitude X200 and have not been disappointed.
Pros:
- long battery life (>4hrs)
- lightweight and physically compact
- no-compromise feature set including WiFi, Bluetooth, USB 2.0, PC Card slot, etc.
- built in DVD/CDRW (unlike the Dell X200/X300 where it was an external device)
- great keyboard layout and ergonomic design
- bright, sharp onboard display; VGA port can drive my 1600x1200 monitor without a problem
Cons:
- no printed manuals
- no recovery CDs
- includes a limited set of software (Office 2003 "trial")
Sony has obviously saved a few bucks by putting the recovery installers on a separate hard disk partition instead of on CDs. The software will happily burn CDs for you -- invest in a 10-pack of CD-Rs for this. Look at this as an opportunity to test the CDRW drive.
By booting up the recovery CDs you can easily rebuild the system without the 5GB recovery partition. This is the first thing I did once I received the laptop.
5 I Love It
There's not much to complain about this machine. It's fully loaded with wifi, bluetooth, PC card slot, firewire port, 2 usb 2.0 ports, ethernet, modem, DVD+-RW (mine wasn't just CD+-RW/DVD-ROM).
The machine physically looks great if you're into aesthetics. The keyboard is very easy to type on. It has a full sized right shift key that the previous TR series lacked. I hardly ever find myself looking for keys on the keyboard. It's light enough to take with you whereever you want. The battery lasts over four hours. I couldn't be happier with my purchase.
6 Sony VAIO T series
It's light 3.1 lb (ad adv) and it runs very long with that standard battery (yes, the one that sticking out in the back). I got no less than 5 hr in real life - depends on how much I spent. Of course, spinning the optical drive - like watching movies will make it go shorter but this is one of the mega-size LiMh batteries - 7200 mA. One of which that you will forget to concerns about having enough battery juice on the road. Did I tell you that if you stay with just doc/regular work - it has gone as long as 6+ hr for me.
The other good is the screen, wide format - good for movies. I wish that I can rotate and make it display in vertical - that'll be perfect for document job.
There are things I dislike, hate, loathe about this notebook as well (despite still having to purchase it).
1) Sony's evil documentations/package. There is no printed user manual as you can guess. But there was not even the pdf file of it. Sony USA provide you the very poor help file that let you browse thru and not even helpful. Guess, we do not need to learn about the machine, everyone know where to hit to get what they want ? A little tip though, you can download the pdf file of the software and hardware user manual from Sony europe. They're not exactly the same but close.
-sony doesn't give you any CD/DVD software driver. Not even the copy or Microsoft WXP that you actually paid for it. Instead, they stole 5 GB out of your Hard drive to use for the recovery. Everyone who's been using computers will know how reliable that will work when the system crash. This is really an upset for me because after all, I can see only 28 GB avilable on my adv 40 GB harddrive. Although, I believe that I can retrieve those space back, but so far, I'm still unsuccessful.
Update 2/5/05
I finally successfully retrieve that HDD space. All you have to do is burning those recovery software and restart the computer and let it re-install the whole thing. The whole process took a while especially the part that after you reboot into WXP and sony try to install all the crappy softwares without asking you to choose. After all of that , it took me hourssssssssss to finalize it the way i like. So i back up the HDD and will not reinstall this again.
Did I tell you that you can actually purchase these recovery disc from Sony website for $11.xx. And that can't be included in 2K valued laptop. Oh, you also can burn CD (6 required) or DVD depending on which optial drive you have.
2. I hate the battery to sticking out in the back. I'm glad that I can get 7200 mAh from this but the protruding part is a drawback in term of a design. I wish some third party will make a smaller version e.g. 3600 mAh and the batt is not protruding.
Update about the battery. 2/4/05
I recently purchase the 2nd battery and find no way to charge the battery without using the notebook. It's troublesome when you plan for a long day meeting and want to have 2 full battery ready for the day and may not have enought time to charge of having to wake up at 3 am to swap them. After I fuss around with some other 3rd party universal Lithium battery charger. I found that sony's Lithium battery go all ways deep and you can't really crack it. It's been smartly designed and there will be no Sony Vaio T charger unless they make one (which they not, I calle). So afterall, I spent hours making custome cables that connect all those 6 prongs from the back of Notebook and connect to the battery and it has a y split to the 2nd battery. The note book still see only 1 battery anyway (it will choose to see one that has less charge) but it actually charging for both. With the notebook connecting to 2 batteries in paralell, there is 14400 mA to charge instead of 7200. I time it charge from 0% for both, it took 7 hr which is about twice of what it need for charging one. The only benefit is that you don't have to get up at night to swap charge the 2nd. Of course, this is the risky process and I can't be responsible for your outcome.
Update 3/9/05
After learning about Lithium battery from the Guru. It turns out that the heat from the device is shortening the battery life. It has then, turn out that the ugly sticking out of Sony T battery - serve some purpost. By doing that, only 15-20% of surface area that has actual contact with the main hot part of notebook. Tricky...
3. Keyboard is tiny. Thank god, my hand are small. And having been using Libretto 50CT for years, this is much bigger already. They keyboard on R100 will blow you away though.
4. I'm a little fiesty about the memory stick slot. It'd be much better if it's CF/SD slot. Something that Sony has to get over with.
hope it helps.
7 Stylish Ultra portable notebook for long trips
This Notebook is very stylish and cool. When closed its no bigger than a 150 page text book. The screen is super crisp and bright. The 16:9(1024x768) aspect ratio take some getting used to but its great for watching DVDs. The battery lasts about 2hrs if screen is on full intensity and a DVD is playing. If you set the screen dimmer you can probably strech it to 3.5-4 hrs. If your in the market for a notebook that'll allow you to watch some DVD'd and work on some Office documents while traveling this laptop is for you. This is by no means a desktop replacement and I really wouldn't even try running a graphics intensive game on it like Doom3 or HalfLife2. Also If your going to buy this laptop I would try and get some extended coverage. I have not experienced this 1st hand but there are a lot of people complaining about the Sony's battery for these laptop. They seem to have a life of about a year then they need to be replaced. I think each battery costs about $300 so a typical extended coverage would pay for itself in about a year.
The Good:
-Super portable, even the battery doesn't add too much weight.
-Screen is excelllent
-keyboard is tiny but isn't half bad once you get used to it
-Button placements and ports placements make good sense.
-Decent batery uptime.
The Bad:
-Sony does not include a recovery DVD. Recovery is done via separate partion. If you want a recovery DVD sony will sell you one for $12.
-Because sony has the recovery partion on HDD and installs a lot of their own software, HDD is cluttered and only 20 Gigs of space is availible when you 1st power up the unit.
-computer must be booted to use the DVD player
