1 - 7 June 2000

Sony's slimmer image

by David Kelleher

What do you pack in a box measuring just 22.2mm high and the size of a copybook? Not much really, unless you happen to be a developer at Sony and firmly believe that the only way forward is by going smaller.

Fed up with the cliché "size does count", Sony have come out with a great product that puts to rest once and for all the maxim that quality only comes in a big box.

The latest offering from Sony is the Vaio range of notebook computers sporting an elegant design and packed - literally - with every conceivable necessity for a computer user.

The Sony Vaio does not come cheap but when you take into consideration the masterpiece of technology that they have put together, you wouldn't mind paying that little bit extra.

I managed to spend a couple of days with a nice little Sony Vaio, courtesy of Forestals Ltd, sole agents for the Sony brand. The model I was given, the Sony PCG-N505SN was not over-specified but met the normal needs of a computer user - ease of use, adequate resources and basic software. The notebook came with Windows 98 Second Edition operating system pre-installed as well as a range of Sony software and applications. Hardware included Mobile Intel Pentium II 400Mhz processor, 10.4" p-Si TFT display (1024x768), 64Mb SDRAM, 6GB harddisk, USB external floppy drive, external 16x CD-Rom drive, High capacity Lithium-ion battery (great stuff these batteries), i.Link port, USB Port and 56 Kbps PC Card modem.

Ease of use

There are two important factors for every computer user, especially those whose level of technical knowledge is five or below on a scale of 10. The more complicated, the more frustrating it will be for the user to get to grips with the technology. I was pleasantly pleased to see that most of the software was pre-installed.

"One headache out of the way," I said to myself. With Windows 98's plug and play capability, adding the floppy drive and CD-Rom was a piece of cake. Even setting up the PC Card Modem was easy. Just slot in the card or USB connection in the port, switch on the computer and you're up and running in minutes.

I was a bit disappointed that the documentation at hand was a bit poor. Most of it is available on a CD that comes in the package, however if the CD doesn't work from the beginning you have a slight problem... unless you're a computer wizard. But then again, not many are.

Up and running

Power on and the notebook does the rest for you. The version I was using came with anti-virus software pre-installed as well, so that explains the longer time to boot. I still felt the computer was a bit slow to bring up the fancy (but nice) desktop pattern. Windows 98 has an improved power management and this helped to prolong the battery's life. After 30 minutes, only 15 per cent of battery capacity has been used up, giving a total battery charge of around three hours. I recommended using the power supply as much as possible. As soon as you remove the main supply, the monitor tends to decrease in contrast. I was particularly impressed with the screen. Excellent resolution and colours.

The keyboard has a nice soft and rubbery feel although it is on the small side and could be a bit of a problem for those with large fingers. Those familiar with Windows 98 will not have any problems and the Vaio runs as smooth as anything even with a number of applications running together. The Vaio can be tucked neatly away and takes up very little space. Its size is perfect for business meetings or conferences were you have little space in which to work. It also fits perfectly on the tray you find on an aircraft's seat. On a scale of one to 10, the Sony Vaio easily deserves an eight. Two points deducted because of its price which is not within everyone's reach, and not everybody like the idea of carrying external floppy and CD-Rom drive around with them. However, if you want something the size of the Sony Vaio, you can expect to have everything... but if its size that matters for you, the Sony Vaio should be your number one choice.

For more information contact Forestals on tel: 344700/7. Website: www.forestals.com/sony_vaio.htm