My Sony GRT Review--Finally done

The stylish Sony Vaio GRT is the perfect laptop for multimedia aficionados who don’t travel much; or if they do--have masochistic tendencies.

The Good: Excellent performance; solid, stylish design; highly configurable; optional DVD+-RW; Memory Stick reader; bright, crisp screen with an exceptional viewing angle; nice full size keyboard; meticulous attention to detail

The Bad: Heavy; horrid battery performance; more susceptible to glare from ambient light sources; middling speakers; lackluster wireless performance from mini-PCI WIFI card; lack of S-Video output

System Configuration: Windows XP Professional; 2.8GHz Intel Pentium 4; 1GB DDR SDRAM 266MHz; Nvidia GeForceFX 5600 Go 64MB; IBM Travelstar 80GN 80GB 4,200rpm; 16.1” UXGA XBrite Screen

Visit your local Sony retailer or SonyStyle.com and you will find a multitude of Vaio portable computers, each with its intended use and each intended for a different demographic. At the top of the heap lies the GRT series--Sony’s desktop replacement portable. Weaklings need not apply as the series can weigh in at a possible 10.9 lbs (including power supply) and includes one of the larger footprints on the market, so it is quite evident that the GRT is meant for a desk and not your lap. The series produces a relatively small amount of heat thanks to the center-mounted CPU/memory and an extremely impressive cooling method not only keeps the notebook cool but allows the fans to spin at a lower RPM--or not at all--alleviating a common problem with DTRs; their noise. The key feature to this technology is a Sensor Triple Fan mechanism, which comprises three separate fans. Two fans draw in heat from above, below, and the sides, and disperse it via a rear heat fin surface and heat pipe. The 3rd fan focuses on cooling the memory. Each operates independently to promote optimal heat diffusion.



At the time of this writing the GRT series is currently topping out at a 3.2GHz P4 w/HT, 2 GB of PC2700 RAM, 64 MB Geforce FX 5600Go GPU, 80 GB Hard Drive, Dual Format DVDRW, 16.1” UXGA Screen, and an integrated TV tuner/AV input; leaving little room for want. The review unit represents a “middle-of-the-road” configuration that most readers would be interested in--although as previously mentioned if you don’t need quite this much performance/amount of features or if you would like more, Sony allows you to configure a notebook to your needs. Also check out www.notebookreview.com’s price finder for pre-configured GRT systems--it will save you time and money--something we can all appreciate.

Upon opening the unit I was greeted by a gargantuan 16.1” XBrite screen--one of the major selling points of the GRT series. Featuring a stunning UXGA (1600x1200) resolution, 600:1 contrast ratio, and a viewable area dwarfing that of a regular 17” CRT monitor; it’s the main attraction of the GRT show--and show it did. Colors were extremely vibrant and accurately depicted, movies were a joy to take part in and--though try as I might--it did not exhibit any tearing whilst playing several rousing games of Unreal Tournament 2004 and Halo; a breath of fresh air compared to many other notebook LCD screens. It would appear that Sony hit a grand slam with this screen--appear that way. In order to obtain that super high contrast ratio and equally high brightness rating Sony had to incorporate a hi-gloss plastic coating that reflects a fair amount of ambient light. Though this problem is helped somewhat by three layers of anti-reflective coating applied over the original layer, it still may bother some people enough to dismiss the GRT series as a whole. I would highly recommend going to your local store and eyeing one yourself before making the final purchase. That said, this reviewer didn’t find it a problem and would imagine that most people would be under the same influence. Grand Slam? Nope? Home Run with two people on? Surely.

The two speakers below the screen offer nice stereo separation and sound extremely clear but the lack of bass hurts--especially when watching DVDs or gaming on the go. A common complaint against notebooks as a whole. Pick up some headphones or a nice pair of external speakers if you anticipate using the laptop for its multimedia offerings. The keyboard is extremely comfortable and has full size keys, a nice touch. Typing for long periods didn’t hurt my wrists or give me carpal tunnel. Overall this is one of the better keyboards on the market.

Because of its large size one would expect to see a plethora of input/output options, and indeed, from its two PCMCIA expansion slots to its three hi-speed USB 2.0 ports to its i-link fire-wire port--the whole family is here. Also included are a 10/100 network card, standard 56K modem, and an integrated mini PCI wireless b/g card for connecting to the internet or local network. Both the 10/100 and modem port are covered with a plastic plug when not in use--a special touch that this author appreciated. To handle TV out responsibilities Sony decided to forgo the mostly standard S-Video port and instead included a RCA video port--especially dissapointing on a high end laptop. At first glance, there doesn't appear to be anything else on the computer, but upon further inspection one finds a hidden door (posing as a vent) that holds behind it a VGA out and parallel port. The purpose of the door? To hide the ugly looking ports. This notebook oozes style.

Sony bundles a ton of software with the VAIO GRT series. You can choose Microsoft Windows XP Home or XP Professional Edition for the operating system. The productivity software includes Microsoft Money 2004 Standard, Microsoft Works, and Microsoft Encarta Online. You also get a long list of music, video, and photo applications. This is, after all, a multimedia computer.

Battery life is, for lack of better terminology--horrid. Lasting not quite one hour and twenty five minutes while performing basic tasks such as web browsing shows once again that this is a full-blooded desktop replacement computer. To be fair, other competitors to the GRT series offer the same awful battery performance.

What it lacks in battery power, it more than makes up for in application performance. Whether it is a presentation based in Powerpoint or you want to play the latest 3D game, the GRT series can run it at a fast clip. Below are a few benchmarks run out of the box at highest detail in both the application and in the advanced video properties, higher results would be acheived if these were set appropriately; however, for this review I wanted to show "out of the box" performance:







Overall, the Sony GRT series has a lot going for it--superb screen, fast performance, meticulous attention to detail, and many features not found on any other competing models. If you don’t need your notebook to second as your traveling companion it deserves serious consideration. Highly recommended!


Sony GRT270-16.1" UXGA; P4 2.8GHz; 1GB RAM; 80GB HD; DVD+-RW; 64MB Geforce 5600; XP Pro

"People demand freedom of speech to make up for the freedom of thought which they avoid." - Soren Aabye Kierkegaard

 

Slat, that's a great review. An honest overview of the pros and the cons of the GRT. I think battery life is easy to forgive, anytime I know a mfr. is marketing a notebook as desktop replacement I automatically equate it with "the battery life on this thing sucks." So, although it is certainly a con, it's an acceptable one.

keep up the good work my man [ ]

 

The Edit was to fix up some spelling and grammar and add some more content. If anyone wants me to run a benchmark I can do that, simply ask. [ ]

Sony GRT270-16.1" UXGA; P4 2.8GHz; 1GB RAM; 80GB HD; DVD+-RW; 64MB Geforce 5600; XP Pro

"People demand freedom of speech to make up for the freedom of thought which they avoid." - Soren Aabye Kierkegaard

 

Great review!

I have one too (1GB RAM). I agree, the battery life blows. I do wish it could handle some of the newer games too (e.g. Deux Ex2, Far cry etc). I've had problems trying to run Halo tho (I'll check the drivers).

For multimedia, works great.

 

ok, scratch that. thanks to Slat, Far Cry runs *beautifully* on this notebook [ ]

 

Slat or anyone. Need a little help here. BTW, great review on the Sony GRT. Am looking at both the Sony 360zg and the 390zg and can't see much difference between them. Both have 3.06 processors. But the display on the 360 is an SXGA TFT Matrix and the 390 is a UXGA TFT Matrix. I assume the latter is a little finer resolution but don't know. Saw the 360 yesterday at CompUSA. Screen is exquisite and most importantly, the keyboard has the perfect tactile touch which happens to be critical to me. Was a diehard Dell man and was going to get the Dell 9100 or XPS but the service (also critical to me) seems to be totally re-routed to another country with language barriers. (Being nice) Can you or anyone give me a little advice on which of these is the better of the 2 machines? The 390 is more expensive and the benchmark tests (probably due to the 80GB hardrive) seem to be fairly slow. Would the 60GB drive correct that? Only heard 2 negatives about the Sony. 1. DVD drive is incompatible with other formats? And NO S-Video output? Don't know whether this is true or not. Understand the new Sony Vaio A17 will be announced on Tues. one day after Intel announces their new Dothan chip. Beautiful machine but the price will probably be up there as well.
Thanks,
Bobcat

 

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by Bobcat

 

Slat, Many thanks for the comeback. Totally missed the fact that I had customized the 390 up to $3,700 but didn't know it didn't have the "gigapocket." Since I need the speed, memory and extra ram, the only other option which has everything I need is the Vaio 380. So, am leaning in that direction unless you know something about this unit that I don't? I didn't see it but I believe it comes with the remote. It's also expensive and I'm sure I couldn't tell the difference between a 3.06 processor and a 3.2 since the increases in speed are marginal. I wish Sony offered the 128 ATI Radeon instead of the 64 Mb Nvidia but it's coming in the new A17 and you can't have everything. It does have the UXGA screen and the gigapocket included along with a 3.2 processor and 1gb of ram. (Bear with me, I'm nowhere near as computer literate as you or many others in this forum) I'm going to be doing some sales training for GM dealerships and needed a high-end notebook with the ability to create multimedia presentations in different formats. Also needed the horsepower. Thanks as well for the correction on the format compatability issue and the S-Video issue.

I think in one of your earlier forums you bought the extended warranty with accident protection. I haven't found that anywhere on Sony's site. CompUSA wanted nearly $400. for their 3 year extended warranty which as usual included the 1 year limited warranty Sony gives you. So it's not really a 3 year but a 2 year. What is included in their 3 year is the ability to walk into a CompUSA store anywhere there is one and get your computer repaired and/or replaced. At least that's what I was told. The Sony warranty only covered the screen and the battery. Nothing else was included in the event you dropped it accidentally.

Sincerely appreciated your help and direction. If you do know how or where I can find out about the extended product and accident warranty, please let me know. Apart from that, I don't know how Sony's service compares but that's vital to me. CompUSA wanted me to buy a third party "Tech Support" credit card that went from 3 months to a year, but it wasn't from or by Sony. So I was a little confused on that one.

Once again, Kudo's to you for taking the time to reply and for your valuable assistance and information. Can't wait to see the new Sony A17 when they announce tomorrow.

Thanks,
Bob D.

 

I replied to your other thread.

Sony GRT270-16.1" UXGA; P4 2.8GHz; 1GB RAM; 80GB HD; DVD+-RW; 64MB Geforce 5600; XP Pro

"People demand freedom of speech to make up for the freedom of thought which they avoid." - Soren Aabye Kierkegaard

 

I'm going to be getting one of these, and I'm also buying a Toshiba Travelstar 7200rpm 60gb HD and I'm looking for instructions on how to ... rip apart my new notebook to install the harddrive

any links to howtos or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>The series produces a relatively small amount of heat thanks to the center-mounted CPU/memory and an extremely impressive cooling method not only keeps the notebook cool but allows the fans to spin at a lower RPM--or not at all--alleviating a common problem with DTRs; their noise. The key feature to this technology is a Sensor Triple Fan mechanism, which comprises three separate fans. Two fans draw in heat from above, below, and the sides, and disperse it via a rear heat fin surface and heat pipe. The 3rd fan focuses on cooling the memory. Each operates independently to promote optimal heat diffusion.<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'></font id='quote'></blockquote id='quote'>

Hi Slat, i'm going to buy a PCG-GRT916Z Sony laptop and one important factor for me is the noise. If I set the micro frequency to, for example, 1 GHz, will the fans start to spin after some time at low RPM? How many time will the fans be ON and OFF if I set the lowest frequency? Whats the lowest frequency supported by the processor?

Thank you in advance.

 

Do you know if the GRT series has the same problem on the motherboard that the grx had. I own a GRX but want to buy a good price GRT 260