Refurbished, W/ 6 MONTH WARRANTY!! DON'T MISS OUT!
Stylish and utterly professional, the Sony Vaio PCG-V505EX is a lightweight notebook PC--only 4.39 pounds--that's geared for business and mobility. Thanks to the Intel Centrino processor, its enhanced battery life will keep you productive even on long flights. It features a built-in wireless LAN (802.11b), a CD-RW/DVD-ROM combo drive, spacious 60 GB hard drive, 512 MB of installed RAM, and a good range of pre-installed Sony digital media software. Stepping up in price, the Sony Vaio PCG-V505EXP offers a 54g wireless LAN.
The Basics
- Hard Drive: Though not world-beating in size, the 60 GB enhanced-IDE hard drive (4200 RPM) offers more than enough storage capacity for road warriors.
- Processor: The 1.5 GHz Pentium M processor is near the top of the speed range compared with other Centrino notebooks (with current speed topping out at 1.7 GHz). Because of its design, the Intel Pentium M gets more done per clock tick than a Mobile Intel Pentium 4, thus providing the discrepancy in GHz measurement (i.e., 1.7 versus 3.2). 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. It also has a 512 KB L2 cache and a 400 MHz front-side bus (FSB) speed.
- Memory: The PCG-V505EX 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: It comes equipped with a combo DVD/CD-RW drive, which enables you to play DVD-ROM discs and DVD movies as well as burn data and record music to CD discs. The CD-RW drive has 24x write, 10x rewrite, and 24x read speeds.
- Keyboard & Mouse:
Sound and Graphics The installed ATI Mobility Radeon 9200 IGP video/graphics card is a relatively strong 3-D graphics renderer, and it has 32 MB of shared video memory. The 12.1-inch XGA TFT active matrix LCD has a native 1024 x 768 pixel display. It also has an sound card that's integrated into the main board, and offers built-in stereo speakers.
Connectivity and Expansion Slots
The PCG-V505EX has an Intel Pro-Wireless 2100 integrated wireless LAN that connects using the 802.11b wireless standard, which is not exactly in step with the latest in wireless networking--54g, or 802.11g. You get a decent--but not overpowering--offering of connectivity options, including both high-speed USB 2.0 and FireWire:
- 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
- 1 Memory Stick slot (Memory Stick Pro compatible)
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-V505EX 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 (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
Measuring 1.38 x 10.9 x 9.54 inches (H x W x D) and weighing just 4.39 pounds, the PCG-V505EX is easily portable.
Power
The included rechargeable lithium-ion battery (PCGA-BP2V) offers between 2.5 and 6.5 hours of life with typical usage.
What's in the Box
This package contains the Sony Vaio PCG-V505EX notebook PC, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, and operating instructions.
1 Decent and stylish but not very hardy!
I got my vaio about a year back to replace an aging desktop. In about 6 months, a couple of keys came off but sony support replaced those immediately.
I'e had some problems wiht the operating system- for instance, internet explorer will not show some images on websites. Its irritating (is it SP2? I dont know). ALso, the beautiful case gets scratched easily adn the screen seems very delicate- I dont carry it around too much and I am afraid to.
But otherwise it is a great little machine which I can take around and use anywhere in the house. Very pretty, very smart only thing is needs more strength.
2 Near Perfection!
I bought my SONY VAIO V505EX to write my disertation.
The good news: It is FAST and reliable. I can easily sync with my home and work computers using Briefcase so my data on all three computers is always up to date. As mentioned in other reviews, downloads from sites such as iTunes are speedy and accurate. I love that the connections are on the sides instead of the back. This allows me to keep my "baby" in a zippered sleeve that I don't have to remove to plug it in or use the USB ports. Most other brands have their connections on the back and it is awkward to hook up if you prefer to keep a cover or sleeve on the machine. The screen resolution is brilliant if tilted at just the right angle. I have never been a fan of touch pads, and in fact purchased a small portable USB mouse when I purchsed the computer. The touch pad is so "true" and easy to use, that the mouse now stays in my briefcase unused.
The "not so good" news: My machine came with a multimedia package that included a partitioned hard drive. This was NOT workable for me as my data and research (including a library of PDF files) needed to be easily accessbile. I did not like having to switch drives or go to special lengths to make sure I was not overloading the smaller partition (20 GB). When I contacted Sony, they told me that if I remove the partitions, I could no longer use their support. I stewed over this for awhile and then opted to reformat the entire drive and take the risk. I am much happier with one 60GB hard drive. The only other problem I have is with the keyboard. I have read in other reviews that the keyboard is great so I am not sure if this is just "me" or if others have this problem. They keys are nice and tight, but have edges that help you make sure you are not "drifting" to a neighboring key...however, the shift key is only one key instead of a double key. Thus I am constantly hitting "Page Up" when I mean to shift and typing in the wrong place. Additionally, if I accidentally touch the key pad when this happens (a sleeve brushes it, etc.), I end up selecting (and often deleting) a whole page of data. I have caught this each time and am able to use the "undo" function to retrieve my info, but it is annoying. I have been trying to review and revise my own keyboarding habits to overcome this problem, but so far without much luck. For now, I make sure I glance at the screen (not as easy when taking notes in a class or meeting) to make sure I am in the right place.
Overall, I couldn't be happier (with minor exceptions) with this tiny, light, and efficient machine. I recommend it to anyone who needs portability, speed and reliability. Perhaps an external keyboard when not on the road would make it almost perfect!
3 Don't Add RAM and Watch for Heat Stress
This is my third Vaio laptop since 1999 and my wife has one also, plus two Vaio desktops, so you can tell we like this brand. I like my PCG-V505 for several things, like the speed and the built in DVD writer, which seems very fast. It is great to use data DVDs for backup and ripping music CDs into iTunes is very swift.
But the PCG-V505 series has two minor issues for me--the keyboard keys have tight edges that can catch on fingernails and the case scrathes easily as one other reviewer indicated--and a major problem for anyone with XP and anything over 512MB of RAM. There is a known bug in XP that can prevent hibernation in machines with 1 gigabyte or more of RAM.
Hibernation is essential for a laptop because the hard drives in laptops are susceptible to heat damage. The longer they run in a high temeprature laptopn case, the sooner they die (I think I have replaced enough hard drives in laptops, including Vaois to make this claim, and if you read the tech lit, this is a well-documented phenomemon). So if the laptop won't hibernate you either have to shutdown as you travel between locations or it is liable to come on, in your bag, during travel, resulting in damaging 'hot briefcase' syndrome.
I treated myself to 2 gigabytes of factory-installed RAM in my machine and boy am I regretting it. Performance is great, I can run a ton of apps at once, which is how I like to work, but no hibernation. Sony support told me XP SP 2 would fix this (it is listed on the fixes that Microsoft claimed). But SP2 did not fix it and the thing that bothers me is Sony knew of the problem when they sold me the machine. Tech support at Sony was not at all helpful -- "rebuild the machine from scratch then add one app at a time, test, and then add another." Since the problem only appears after about 24 hours of use, and I can't go without some apps for several days, this was not a good fix.
Microsoft support was more helpful and is still working with me on it. But I am now inclined to take out the extra RAM and sell it (at a loss) defaulting back to the standard 512MB. My advice to buyers, test the keyboard yourself, and skip the extra RAM.
Stephen
4 In love with Vaio
I've had my Vaio PCG-V505EX for a year now, and I haven't had any problems yet. It's light so I can carry it under one arm easily. It withstands light shaking and bumping, so it's not too fragile. I bring it everywhere!
Keyboard feels great, screen is nice and bright. Only thing is I found out about Giga Pocket, which this particular model doesn't have. I would love to be able to watch TV from my laptop and record TV shows...
5 Its great
I love sony vaio's. I have had this v505ex for a couple of weeks and love it. It is so fast, light. The screen is huge and the keyboard is great. It has a great warranty and sony backs everything.
6 The touchpad is fine. Please read your manual
I have an PCG-V505ECP. The touchpad was a little bit confusing in the beginning but after I read the online manual the mistery is solved. The touchpad actually work both as mouse and scroll wheel. When you slide your finger along the right side of the pad, it activates the scrolling mode. This is configurable if you don't like it, although I agree they probably should put some hint (such as a color strip) on the touchpad so people will aware of it at the first place. The wireless 802.11b works fine for me. I've use it for only a few days but I like it a lot. The battery life almost as good as they described (maximum 6 hours if you don't use any power-consuming features). Also it comes with the support of Java by default. The only thing bothers me is that there are too many trial software (AOL, MS Office 2003 60-day trial) so I need to spend one hour to uninstall them.
7 NOT RUGGED ENOUGH TO BE PORTABLE!
I've had two of the V505 series, this one being the latest. The first one suffered from touchpad problems (clicking at random) and had to be sent out for repairs for a month right after i got it. After two months of use I noticed the case was so poorly reinforced that ripples would go across the screen if you slightly touched the back. After a few more months of carrying it around in a case purchased especially for it, it had major pixel damage. Sony's telephone representatives insisted that carrying it in a laptop case was excessive or abusive use and refused to replace it for several months. They finally replaced it with this model, and now the touchpad is starting to malfunction again.
Aside from the touchpad not working and the wireless card not working on some LEAP enabled networks, this model works well enough and it would make an OK desktop replacement for someone who works from home and never moves their laptop more than a few inches. If you're looking for something you can haul around with you though, look for something that's built better.
8 Avoid Sony
Just got this Notebook for 3 days. It has problems maintaining it's wireless connection. I tried it on 2 different wireless access points (Netgear and SkyHawk) and Vaio drops the connection every 5 mins. I'm literally 4 feet from my access point, and it still drops. All my other wireless connection works fine and the Dell Notebook works fine. I called Vaio Support and they're useless. They first said that my warranty expired??? and then proceed to say that I purchased it from an unauthorized seller (Amazon). After I resolved that issue, they start to blame the wireless access point. That's a total BS, because my other wireless devices would be affected if it was the access point. Also, I used the Vaio on 2 access points! How can that happen to 2 different access points???
Aside from being small, light weight, excellent battery life, and slick design; this one sucks without the support. I will be returning mine back to Amazon and stick with Dell. They offer better support and quality. I strongly recommend another small notebook and avoid Sony!!!
9 Great machine, case scuffs annoying
I love this machine. The one kvetch I have is that the beautiful casing scuffed very easily, and I can't seem to remove the scuffs. Other than that--it's extremely fast, very light, keyboard size and play are great, I have no complaints.
10 GREAT STABLE MACHINE! SUPERB GRAPHICS/MULTIMEDIA NOTEBOOK
I HAD THIS FOR ABOUT 2 MONTHS NOW. I AM IMPRESS WITH THE ATI RADEON GRAPHICS CARD AS IT PLAYS VARIOUS 3D GAMES. SO FAR I LOADED NEED 4 SPEED UNDERGROUND, AND FREEDOM FIGHTERS, AND IT PLAYS GREAT. BE FOREWARN; RUNNING A GAME ON CD REQUIRES LOTS OF POWER SO DONT EXPECT THE SAME PERFORMANCE ON BATTERIES.
I HAD PROBLEMS WITH ERROR MESSAGES POPPING UP REGARDING THE SONY MEDIA SERVER. TECH SUPPORT HELP CORRECT THOSE PROBLEMS
OVERALL, ITS A GREAT CENTRINO MULTIMEDIA/BUSINESS LAPTOP, ALL PROGRAMS WORK FAST AND THE SYSTEM SEEMS VERY STABLE.
SO AFTER TWO MONTHS.. NOTHINS CRASHED YET!!! GREAT LIL MACHINE.. ENOUGH KEYBOARD SPACE.. AND VERY FAST! ONLY NEGATIVE... IS THE 2 X 256MB MEMORY THAT IT COMES WITH INSTEAD OF JUST 1 512MB! THOSE SONY EXECS ALWAYS TRYING TO MAKE MONEY FROM US!
