Sony AR-100 series

Just thought to share-

I just bought sony VGN-AR-150G laptop by replacing HP-dv8280us (5 days after purchase)

Reason:
I need more space for my work and usually do not carry that much around. It is 17 inch, and works pretty good.
On top of that, compusa came with a good payment which i could afford and hence bought it. It had another model 190G which is 3499$ way expensive and I do not wish to be an early adopter for their blue-ray disc.

Sonystyle carries other lower models like 130G and 170G (customizable).

Cost:
On the whole, this laptop is bit expensive than hp or toshiba etc with less features, but its gorgeous design will kill'ya. RAM and other things are upgradeable, hence not a big deal for me.

Design Flaws:
After opening the package, several things that I noticed- could have been better.
1. Lid lock-very poor design. Lid does not stay close to the base, in a way it is good as the screen will be healthy without any scratches.
2. Caps lock and other key's do not have any lights. Hence it is hard to know if it is locked or not.
3. Numpad is missing. There are so much wasted space around keyboard.
4. Not enough USB ports.
5. Remote control is too big.
6. Watched a DVD-crispiness tad missing. Otherwise a really bright screen.
7. Speakers-really bad. Not enough volume even at maximum setting.


Advantages:
Superior make-materials than HP. Everything looks exceptional. One has to look at this laptop in a store before buying any other competitor's model.

But I like this laptop way better than HP.

drb

 

nice getting the AR, could you give us the specs of your notebook?

let us know how everything goes, there aren't a lot of people here who have that!

 

Hope I can get some pictures uploaded to the forum tonight.
I am not that computer saavy, hence if you are looking for worldbench or other scores, pardon me.

--------------------
Processor Brand: Intel
Processor Class: Core Duo Processor
Processor Number: T2400
Processor Speed: 1.83 GHz
Bus Speed: 667 MHz
Mobile Technology: Centrino
L2 Cache Size: 2 MB
System Chipset: Intel 945GM Express
Memory Speed: PC2-4200 (533MHz)
Memory Technology: DDR2-SDRAM
Installed Memory: 1 GB
Maximum Memory: 2 GB
Hard Drive Capacity: 160 GB
Drive Controllers: SATA-150
Rotational Speed: 4200 RPM
Optical Drives: Double Layer DVD+/-RW Drive:

* Create a DVD+R DL at a maximum 4X Write speed
* Create a DVD-R DL at a maximum 4X Write speed
* Create a DVD+R at a maximum 8X Write speed or a maximum 8X Rewrite speed
* Create a DVD-R at a maximum 8X Write speed or a maximum 6X Rewrite speed
* Create a DVD-RAM at a maximum 5X Write speed
* Play a DVD-Rom at a maximum 8X Read speed
* Create a CD-Rom at a maximum 24X Write speed
* Create a CD-RW at a maximum 16X Rewrite speed
* Play a CD-Rom at a maximum 24X Read speed

Additional Drives: DL DVD+/-RW
Sound Support: Digital Audio (16-bit)
Video Chipset Brand: NVIDIA
Video Chipset: GeForce Go 7600
Installed Video Memory: 128 MB
Resolution: 1440 x 900
Display Size: 17.0 in
Display Type: Active Matrix LCD (TFT)
Port Connectors:

* 1 x HDMI™ Connection Output
* 1 x VGA out with Smart Display Sensor
* 1 x i.LINK® connector (IEEE 1394) (4 pin)
* 3 x USB 2.0
* 1 x Port replicator connector
* 1 x RJ-45 Ethernet LAN
* 1 x RJ-11 Modem
* 1 x Audio - Headphone jack
* 1 x Audio - Microphone input
* 1 x RF Connection Input
* 1 x S-Video Input
* 1 x S-Video Output
* 1 x S/PDIF Output
* 1 x Audio/Video Input

Card Slots: 1 x MagicGate Memory Stick
1 x Memory Stick Duo
1 x Secure Digital (SD)
1 x ExpressCard/54
1 x Type II / Type I CardBus
Network Support: Ethernet (10/100 Mbps)
Wireless Protocol: 802.11a
802.11b
802.11g
Bluetooth
Modem Speed: 56 Kbps
Input Devices: Keyboard
Remote Control
Touchpad
Battery Life (average): 1.5 - 2.5 Hours
Number of Batteries: 1
Installed Operating System: Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005
Microsoft Vista Capable: Yes
Included Software: Anti-Virus and Recovery Software:

* Norton® Internet Security™ 60-Day Subscription - Norton AntiVirus®, Norton Personal Firewall, Norton Privacy Control, Norton AntiSpam®, Norton Parental Control
* TrendMicro™ Anti-Spyware™ 30-Day Trial
* Sony VAIO® Security Center
* Sony VAIO® Update software
* Sony VAIO® Recovery Wizard software
* Sony VAIO® Support Central

Supplied Applications:

* Adobe® Photoshop® Elements 4.0
* Adobe® Premiere Elements 2.0
* InterVideo® WinDVD BD
* InterVideo® WinDVD®
* Ulead® BD Disc Recorder
* Roxio® DigitalMedia SE
* Microsoft® Works 8.5 - Word Processing, Spreadsheet, Calendar, Scheduling, Contact Management, and Database
* Intuit Quicken® 2006 New User Edition (previous Quicken users may require additional upgrade)

Sony® Original Software:

* Click to DVD™ - DVD Creation
* DVGate Plus™ - Digital Video
* SonicStage® Mastering Studio - Audio Mastering and Remastering
* SonicStage® - Digital Music
* VAIO Media™ - Network File Sharing
* Image Converter - PSP Transfer

Chassis Color: Black
In the Box:

* Sony VAIO AR150G Notebook
* Standard Lithium-ion battery (VGP-BPS2C)
* AC adapter (VGP-AC19V15)
* Remote Control and IR (Infrared) Receiver
* Power Cord
* RF Cable

Height: 1.3 in
Width: 16.4 in
Depth: 11.8 in
Weight: 8.4 lbs
Limited Warranty: 1 Year (12 Months)

 

Oh.. get some nice shot of everything..

 

pictures would be awesome! Also, I'm trying to compare the FE690 with the AR thickness wise. If it isnt too much trouble can you mease the thicknees at the front and at the back and get a general measurement on both. Thank you so much!

 

Itaf1506: I have to post picture monday morning. Got caught up at work. Sorry.

 

drb that sounds good. Thanks a lot!

 

I´m a bit concerned about the "external IR- REciever- Issue"...........
Can you switch the system on/ off (in any kind of way: stand- by/ away- mode, booting up/ down) out of the media center surface by using the remote control?

 

Sorry for the delay. Workload!.
Still I haven't gotten much chance to play with the new laptop. Hurriedly took pictures.

I will try to post better ones, if these are not good.

Front side: 1.4 inches and back side 1.7 inches.

Itaf: seriously try to see this laptop or 17 inch like acer / asus etc and then decide. It is really big. But if you are like me, who is after screen space, then this is it.

Solid system.


I am noticing a glitch in OS-i think. I noticed this in HP dv8280us. Maybe to do with Media center edition? What happens is that if i change anything in mouse pointers like acceleration, scrolling etc, it defaults back whenever i boot. Very annoying. I thought it was a HP issue, but it happens in this laptop too.


marten.thoenelt:
IR reciever-please let me know what you need. I will find out.

 

at dlb06:
1) looks **** nice!
2) I´d really like to know, if you can turn the notebook on/ off with the remote control or - at least - switch into standby and (most of all) back while using the Media Center. I´m kind of afraid this could dash against the external IR- solution. For me, it´s a big issue - i´d like to use it as TV- replacement and musicstation fully.

 

marten.thoenelt:
I'll try to test it tonight and let you know.

Mouse pointers resolved: issue is basically interference from my other desktop and speakers. I got this clue from pcpitstop forum. So nothing to worry about.

As you said, sleek design. It could have been better, but all other features are great especially the screen. So clear, and bright.


Another design flaw: Lid (black) color easily takes up fingerprint (oils) and does not go away easily. Shows up when there is less lighting. Otherwise looks normal.

 

Would be really great!!!
Maybe, you could even take a short stand on the book´s speakers as well?
I own external ones anyway - but wouldn´t be that bad, if they were good for falling back on ´em here and there!

PS: If i´ll get me one, it´ll be the midrange- model (called AR11- M here in Germany) probably, which - I think - does not have that kind of piano- surface on the lid. Less money - less problems?