Sony Vaio VGN-FE550 Review

I bought this a few months ago for just over $400 used (not bad seeing as it retailed for ~$1700 just 2 years ago)

Pros:

• Large Vibrant Screen
• Core Duo Processor handles nearly all tasks with ease
• Upgradeable Ram and Hard drive
• Video Camera
• Good size to power ratio
  

Cons:

• Integrated Video Card (can't upgrade)
• Clasp that holds laptop shut doesn't automatically retract, leaving it exposed and vulnerable to being broken off.
  
• Video Camera is of poor quality, the voice doesn't sync up with video, and there's no included software to record video (except Windows Movie Maker, which kinda sucks).
• Comes loaded with Windows XP Media Center Edition, which is useless.
  

Conclusion:

Overall I'm very pleased with this machine, I've read alot about bad battery life, but even after 2 years mine gets around 2.5 hrs, which isn't bad considering the duo core processor and the large, bright screen. I'm disappointed it can't handle any serious games, and since the video card is integrated, that can't be remedied. If you want to browse, watch video, multi-task or even run memory intensive programs like Photoshop or Premiere, then this is your machine.

If you enjoyed this review, be sure to check out my other reviews.

Here are the specs, I copied them from CNET in case the page goes down. Hopefully their lawyers won't come after me.

General Specifications

Platform Technology

Intel Centrino Duo

System Type

Notebook

Built-in Devices

Stereo speakers, Wireless LAN antenna

Width

14.4 in

Depth

10.8 in

Height

1.4 in

Weight

6.2 lbs

Color

White

Notebook type

Mid-size laptops (6-7.5 lbs.)

Screen type

Wide-screen

Wireless capabilities

802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g

Processor

Processor

Intel Core Duo T2300 / 1.66 GHz

Multi-Core processor technology

Dual-Core

Data bus speed

667 MHz

Processor features

Enhanced SpeedStep technology, Execute Disable Bit capability

Chipset type

Mobile Intel 945GM Express

Cache Memory

Type

L2 cache

Cache size

2 MB

RAM

Installed Size

1 GB / 2 GB (max)

Technology

DDR II SDRAM - 533 MHz

Memory specification compliance

PC2-4200

RAM configuration features

2 x 512 MB

Storage

Floppy Drive

None

Hard Drive

100 GB - Serial ATA-150 - 4200 rpm

Hard drive type

Portable

Optical Storage

Type

DVD±RW (+R DL) - Integrated

Card Reader

Card reader type

Card reader

Supported flash memory cards

Memory Stick Duo

Display

Display Type

15.4 in TFT active matrix

Max Resolution

1280 x 800 ( WXGA )

Widescreen Display

Yes

Features

X BRITE

Video

Graphics Processor / Vendor

Intel GMA 950

Video Memory

Dynamic Video Memory Technology 3.0

Audio

Audio output type

Sound card

Audio Input

None

Notebook Camera

Camera Type

Integrated

Input Device(s)

Input device type

Keyboard, Touchpad

Keyboard localization and layout

QWERTY

Telecom

Modem

Fax / modem

Protocols & Specifications

ITU V.90

Networking

Networking

Network adapter

Networking / Wireless LAN Supported

Yes

Wireless NIC

Intel PRO/Wireless 3945ABG

Data link protocol

Ethernet, IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, Fast Ethernet

Networking standards

IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g

Expansion / Connectivity

Expansion Bays

None

Expansion Slots Total (Free)

2 ( 1 ) x Memory

Interfaces

1 x IEEE 1394 (FireWire) - 4 pin FireWire, 1 x Docking / port replicator, 1 x Headphones - Output - Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, 1 x Microphone - Input - Mini-phone 3.5 mm, 1 x Modem - Phone line - RJ-11, 1 x Network - Ethernet 10Base-T/100Base-TX - RJ-45, 3 x Hi-Speed USB - 4 pin USB Type A, 1 x Display / video - VGA - 15 pin HD D-Sub (HD-15)

Power

Power device form factor

External

Battery

Technology

Lithium ion

Installed Qty

1

Mfr estimated battery life

3.5 hour(s)

Manufacturer Warranty

Service & support type

1 year warranty

Service & Support Details

Limited warranty - Parts and labor - 1 year - On-site, Technical support - Phone consulting - 1 year, Product info support - Web support

Operating System / Software

OS Provided

Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005

Software

VAIO Media, VAIO Update, Sony SonicStage, Sony DVgate Plus, InterVideo WinDVD, Sony Click to DVD, Sony Image Converter, VAIO Recovery Wizard, VAIO Security Center, VAIO Support Central, Roxio DigitalMedia SE, AOL Online (180 days trial), Microsoft Works 8.5 (Trial), Quicken 2005 New User Edition, Sony SonicStage Mastering Studio, Norton Internet Security (60 days subscription), Microsoft Office 2003 Student and Teacher Edition (Trial)