Sony VAIO VGN-A250 15.4" Laptop (Intel Pentium M Processor 725 (Centrino), 512 MB RAM, 80 GB Hard Drive, DVD+/-RW Double Layer Drive)

Sony Series A Display Sizes The VGN-A290 features a 17-inch screen.

Processor At the heart of any computer lies the CPU (or processor), 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-A250 is equipped with an Intel Pentium M 725 processor operating at 1.6 GHz. This is one of three components that comprise Intel's efficient Centrino system (the others being 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. This particular CPU is part of Intel's upgraded Pentium M lineup, featuring an amazing 2 MB of Level 2 cache for extremely fast access to recently opened data and a fast 400 MHz front side bus to help reduce data-streaming bottlenecks. Though its raw clock speed is not on par with that of a high-end Intel Pentium or AMD Athlon, this CPU will easily handle most every mobile task while at the same time improving battery life. Moreover, Sony has equipped the system with solid graphics support and adequate memory--two components vital to overall performance. Memory Computers typically store information on their hard drives, but they keep frequently and recently accessed data 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-A250 incorporates 512 MB of RAM. This is considered a standard allotment for high-end notebooks, delivering solid multitasking and few slowdowns during ultracomplex tasks.

The VGN-A250 features a 15.4-inch screen.

Video
CPUs are usually so busy doing basic calculations that they need help translating visual output to the screen. This is the duty of the graphics card (or graphics controller). This system's graphics controller is an ATI Mobility Radeon 9200 with 64 MB of dedicated video RAM. Dedicated video memory is far preferable to shared video memory (where the graphics controller appropriates a portion of the main system memory), and this 64 MB allotment is considered plenty for 3-D graphics, midlevel 3-D animation packages, and even some of the latest 3-D games.

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, 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. And with a DVD-RW drive, you can write home movies to durable discs and archive files to DVDs, which boast more than seven times the storage capacity of CDs. Some drives allow you to do a combination of all of these tasks. This system features a DVD+R Double Layer/DVD±RW Drive, with which you can do all of the above. The drive also supports today's hot new double-layer DVD format that effectively doubles the capacity of typical DVDs.

Keyboard and Controls
You'll control your notebook via an 82-key keyboard and a standard electrostatic touchpad.

Connectivity and Expansion
The VAIO VGN-A250 features a bevy of connectivity facilities, including a 56K modem for low-speed dialup Internet and e-mail access, a 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX Ethernet port for high-speed wired networking 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 at a public hotspot. Other key amenities include 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 the usual impressive Sony roster of audio and video ins and outs.

Operating System and Software
Sony will install Microsoft's Windows XP Home Edition operating system, a variety of productivity and business applications, and a broad range of digital photo, audio, and video utilities.

Dimensions and Weight
Many of today's most powerful notebooks are also the largest, weighing ten or twelve pounds or more and therefore too big and cumbersome for extensive, continuous traveling. These are often referred to as "desktop replacements". On the other extreme are "thin and lights" or "ultraportables", super-miniaturized units that are typically less powerful than their larger brethren but weigh as little as two pounds and often fit comfortably inside a large purse. The VAIO VGN-A250 is just below today's median at 7.3 pounds and 14.7 by 10.9 by 1.7 inches.