Sony VAIO PCG-SR17K
By Dan Labriola
The Sony VAIO could not be submitted to the Test Lab in time for this article, but was reviewed here on its own. Sony's VAIO PCG-SR17K is a solidly built and innovative little machine that's packed with the sophisticated digital-video capabilities for which Sony is noted. Despite compromises necessitated by its tiny form factor, it offers a slew of advanced features rarely found in a system so small.
Weighing a scant 1.32kg (1.63kg with AC adaptor), it's a very light system. The unit we looked at came with a 700MHz processor, 8MB 3D graphics accelerator, a 20GB hard drive, and a hefty six-cell lithium ion battery that supplied almost four hours of power on our BatteryMark test: three hours 52 minutes with SpeedStep in low-power mode, three hours 43 minutes in high-power mode.
The VAIO also has a slot for Sony's Memory Stick flash card, which can be used to exchange daya with digital still cameras and MP3 players. And the IEEE 1394 interface connects to other VAIO computers, high-throughput external hard drives, and digital video equipment like MiniDV camcorders.
But the compact package comes with some trade offs. The system's keyboard seemed a bit flimsy. And the diminutive chassis can accommodate only a 10.4in screen. Depite being extremely bright and sharp, the display felt somewhat claustrophobic.
Not designed for easy expansion, the VAIO can't be equipped with a port replicator, docking station, or add-on base. Sony will sell you external USB-attached floppy disk, CD-ROM, CD-RW, and DVD drives, but the only way you can add an Ethernet port is by buying a third-party PC Card. The system also lacks parallel, serial, S-video, and PS/2 ports.
Sony VAIO PCG-SR17K
Company:Sony Australia
Price:AU$5,199
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