Sony C series VGN-C190

i understand what you are saying, but i can argue that with sony being a large provider of notebooks, they should have the resources to install the 667 memory to take full advantage of what the notebook is capable of (even if there is little difference in performance - and one can argue that customers should get the performance boost). The risk of a bad memory, yes there are bad memories, but that is why sony should get their memory from reputable companies who back their products.

as far as these "moves" on sony's part, all I can say is, YES they are a smart move on sony's part, to save and conserve their money, and to increase profit.

 

I can live without 667MHz, but I can't understand Sony's decision not to include the Nvidia 7400 as an option in North America (Europe only apparently). What is the thinking behind this?

I'm impressed with the C, particularly the build quality, screen and keyboard. The 7400 option would make it nearly perfect.

 

I have to go the Sony Style store here in SF to see it. It sounds like a nice lappy. Yes, too bad about the 7400, but that would have affected battery life too. It might be worthwhile to wait until January to get the newest models preloaded with Vista. That's what I'm going to do.

 

I just brought the VGN-C190G home from Costco in Palm Springs CA. It cost $1329.99 and was bundled with a carrying case. The box model number is VGN-C190GM/HC but Costco's site calls it VGN-C190GM/ MC. My specs seem to match the site's so it's probably a typo.

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Productgroup.aspx?Prodid=11180554&whse=BC&Ne=4000000&N=4017752&Mo=3&No=2&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&cat=28283&Ns=P_Price|1||P_SignDesc1&Sp=C&topnav=

I knew nothing about it but it runs Media Center Edition and is small and that's exactly what I wanted. So far I like it but find it odd there are no dedicated audio control buttons. Something I would expect on a MCE machine.

 

i just upgraded my C to 2 GB...

btw if anyone wants 1 GB of memory 512x2 pulled straight out of a brand new vaio...let me know

I'll sell it for dirt cheap.

PC4200 533 200pin

 

Hey penetrode,

Any early thoughts you can share on the C prior to your review?

Thanks!

 

My initial impressions:

Very good build quality.
Very nice keyboard.
sturdy bright lcd build with very little flex
quiet
laptop can get somewhat hot, especially when running harddrive intensive apps/programs
trackpad is decent
very bad documentation (manuals, ect)
no backup cd's

full review coming this weekend

 

my co-worker just bought that laptop from bestbuy (for a lot cheaper than customizing it on sonystyle). he got it with the 1.6 core2duo + 1gb ram + 120gb hdd. its a pretty good laptop imo. i currently have the sony SZ series and performance wise, i'd say theyre comparable. its definitely a bit heavier and bulkier than the SZ. I didnt get a chance to really use it for a extended period of time but from just messing arond with it for a little while i think its safe to say its a pretty good laptop. Its definitely a lot more bang for the buck compared to the SZ, if you dont need the high end video card. go to your local bestbuy (or any other computer store) and check it out for yourself.

 

I posted my Sony Style experience in a separate thread. Suffice it to say, the C series is a very nice computer, but once I saw the SZ screen, I had major hardware envy!

 

what was the price at costco pre-tax

 

does the C serie have window vista?
and how different between window vista and window xp?

thanks

 

C series at the sony store in canada is around CAD$1600 + TAX. i just visited store yesterday

 

Vista has not been released so is not possible to find any notebook with Vista installed!

 

oh i see.. Thank you so much.

 

Hey, I'm considering buying one of these (there's a C140G selling on bestbuy.com for $1200). The specs and price are exactly what I was looking for, and the design looks great.. but for those who have bought it: 1) what is the battery life like?? and 2) what is the performance like for standard office or graphics apps? Thanks.

 

To those who have bought this laptop...is there Bluetooth by default??

 

Hey, penetrode, six days have passed since you promised us a full review plus pix! Stop playing with your lappy!

 

Owwww, the Go 7400 only has 64 Dedicated.

 

CNet has reviewed the C series (C150P/B):

http://reviews.cnet.com/Sony_VAIO_C150P_B/4505-3121_7-32103787.html?tag=pdtl-list&ar=o

7.6

 

I know I saw that!

 

where is the review penetrode??? At least just do a little quick mini review on your impressions.

 

He actually did. Read the thread!

 

Hi, I would like to purchase one of these C Series notebooks. Just wondering, is it easy to replace the CPU? I know you can change the CPU on the SZ easily, just wondering if its the same with the C Series notebooks? There seems to be two panels at the bottom of the laptop. One panel is very warm, and that panel has a vent on the side, so I guess thats where the CPU is?

 

any full review coming or here?

 

I'm new to the forum, but wanted to weigh in. I just configured and ordered the C190 two days ago. I purchased an SZ about two weeks ago from Best Buy, had all sorts of problems with it, returned it and am now going with the C-series. I think my SZ was just a lemon. A plastic piece was coming off, the function keys weren't working when I got it, the battery was loose and rattled around, etc. The C-series just seems more sturdy and heavy duty (thus the extra pound and thickness--but I will take that over thin, flimsy, and plastic). The C190 doesn't have all the bells and whilstles of the SZ, but most of them I did not care about any--only the graphics that everyone has already discussed.

I ordered the "urban grey" 190 with the 2.0 GHZ processor and 1 GB memory (but upgraded to 1 1GB slot versus 2 512 MB slots to allow for a cheaper upgrade to 2 GB in the future).

I will let you know how it turns out in about 2 weeks after it is delivered. The estimated 5-7 days for build and I just went with their free ground delivery (6 or so days).

 

Seems like penetrode is lost in action, MIA!

 

I found this forum while looking for a review on the Sony VGN-C190. My first Sony Vaio was a PCG-748 with a 13” screen. I still have it. It is heavy and slow. I replaced it with a Sony Vaio Model FXA48 with a 15” screen. I went crazy with that one buying extra batteries, memory, docking station and anything else I could. After flying around the county with it, I decided it was too big for the tray table on airplanes unless you were flying first class which I seldom get to do. Last year I had enough and bought a Sony VGN-S360. I gave the FXA48 to one of my kids. The S360 is slightly more than a year old and I started looking for something new because I was not happy with it. The things about the Sony I did not like were only two USB ports, no DVD recorder, no support for SD cards, the keyboard layout especially the “function keys and no video out for TV. I do a lot of traveling and I like the small size (13.3” screen factor), the screen brightness and the weight (A little over four pounds).

I started searching for a replacement about two months ago looking in the 12-13” inch size. After looking at everything I decided on the Dell XPS M1210. I hauled my Sony to the local Dell store for a side-by-side comparison. The Dell was slighter bigger but the picture on my Sony was the best. I had my picture displayed on both machines at the same time. The salesman gave all kinds of excuses and explanations but I was not buying it. We checked the specs and the brightness was listed at 250 or 260 I believe. While looking at the specs I discovered that the WXGA+ screens were listed at 300. I could not find any specs for the Sony. I could not get a WXGA+ screen in the M1210. The smallest screen size for the WXGA+ was the E1405. I really did not want to go bigger, but I did want the brighter screen. I ordered the E1405 from Costco.com because the Dell Store did not have a machine with the brighter screen to show me (more excuses) and Costco has a better deal. It came with the 1.83 processor, 120 GB HD, 2 GB memory, bluetooth (which I wanted), DVD/RW, a 3 year warranty and a whole bunch of other stuff including a nice software bundle that actually turned out to be mediocre for me. The cost was $1299.99 including shipping. With tax it was $1401.86 delivered.

It was a good machine, but I really did not like the size. It was not as bright as the Sony. I played a DVD on it last night and I was really disappointed in the screen compared to the Sony. For one thing the Sony was more forgiving while viewing at less than optimum viewing angles. The picture on the Dell was dull. I noted that the properties for the screen was set for a plug and play monitor. The Sony was set for a “Sony LCD notebook.” I figured that I needed to set the proper driver, but I could not find it so I was going to call Dell today. While it was a good notebook, I was disappointed. Since it was the best I found and met most of my requirements, I was going to keep it anyway.

That was before I wandered into Costco this morning. As I walked by the notebooks the VGN-C190 caught my eye. I had not seen this model in the store or online before. As I examined it in the store I thought it looked the same size as my S360. (It is actually 3/16” deeper and 5/8” wider) and weighs a pound more according to my scale. I was disappointed that it still only had two USB ports, but it has built in bluetooth, which saves me one USB port. I like four, but I can squeeze by with bluetooth build in. It also included an Express card that would accept my SD cards, which freed up another USB port. It has an S-Video output that makes life easier for me. The processor speed is only 1.66, which is disappointing, but I can live with it. Other components are 1 GB memory, 120 GB HD, DVD/RW, bluetooth and a mediocre software bundle, which doesn’t matter. I usually remove all the factory installed stuff and install just what I want. The best thing about it is that all my extra batteries for the S360, while not as powerful as the original C190 one, fit the C190 which save me money!!!.

I went home, packed up the Dell and returned it to Costco and bought the Sony. I think I will be happy with it. I will try to give a review on it within a week.

 

For Canadian models, Bluetooth appears in the device manager but not enabled.

Do you find this laptop runs a little too hot?

 

anyone happy with their C190?
how hot does it run?

i checked out a C150 and although i couldn't make it run any heavy proceesing applications, it was running too warm just sitting there.

 

I'm keen to find out news on these too

Considering the buzz just before they hit the stores, there is next to no reviews of them... Odd considering they close to perfectly fit the size/power/style form.

 

CNet has a pretty favorable review of it. The only con I can find with it is the same one that I have with the competing MacBook: Why does this 13.3" laptop weigh just 2oz less than my 14" FJ270? Every other 13" on the market is 4.5 or less, even the tablet one! It would be more palateable if it had the Go7400, but thats for Europe only.
Good notebook, but I wish it weighed a half pound less.

 

I posted a question in a topic just above, about some problems I'm having with my C notebook. If any of you guys could help me out, I'd appreciate it.

 

In coming weeks it looks like there will be some decent reviews out of it.

I don't think the MB is in direct competition with the C series. Mostly due to the whole OSX v Windows thing. Not to mention the C series comes with the 7400Go.

 

It doesn't come with the 7400go in the US verison. The C series is the windows version of the macbook imo.

 

i agree. the specs are decent. the heavier weight doesn't concern me much.
i find the colours on some models rather ghey.

 

I got my C190 in the mail on Tuesday. So far I am very well-pleased. My initial impression is that I made I VERY wise choice in returning the SZ and purchasing this machine. Though a pound heavier and a little thicker, it just seems so much more solid than other small-screen notebooks. The SZ always felt like it would break if it got bumped. This is not all plastic (thus the weight I guess) and seems more sturdy.

As expected, it came with a bunch of junk software that I have had to uninstall. I am still in the process of getting everything loaded on here that I use and really testing it out. But so far it seems like a winner.

The lack of graphics capabilities was the main question mark for me in going with this computer. However, I am not a big gamer so it should not matter for what I will use the machine for. Still a disappointment.

I agree that the color choices are "ghey." I went with the urban grey machine. It has a burnt orange trim. All I had seen in person before I got my machine was the C140 in black/copper. I am very pleased with the way this notebook looks. It actually surprised me.

So for now, I give a tentative "two thumbs up" on this laptop. If any surprises show up in the next several days, I will let you know.

 

wordpictures, do you have this problem with this staticlike electric noise in your speakers?

 

I have not noticed any strange noises. I am listening to music right now and don't hear anything out of the ordinary. Then again, I am hardly ever in a place quiet enough to hear anything.

 

Actually, wordpics, I think the C is all plastic, but really thick plastic.
The SZ, I know for sure, is most definitely not all plastic. It has quite a bit of magnesium alloy (Carbon Fibre in the premium models) in the structure and casing, which is why it weighs exactly 1lb less.

About the colors, I am pretty sure that the C is the follow up to the FJ, except smaller (similar weight, options, colors, etc), so they had to implement the colors. IMO, they didnt manage to do it as elegantly as with the FJ. The options are not as good, and the trim kinda mars the look. Not clean and simple like the FJ: Black lid, underside, bezel, silver keyboard surround and touchpad, nearly black keyboard. C is more like, Black underside and keyboard, dark gray lid and inside, orange trim along the edges of the laptop and the touchpad. It still looks good, but not elegant.

 

For those who mentioned the battery is loose it looks like you aren't the only ones. Here is another thorough review

http://www.notebookcheck.net/Review-Sony-Vaio-VGN-C1.2445.0.html

I'm looking forward to when notebookreview.com post a review

 

sorry guys, work has been a living hell lately, but here are some impressions after using the notebook for about a month. I'm typing this at work, btw...so I apologize if it doesn't read like an essay


Out of the box - Laptop came in a stylish print box. Along with HP, Sony is another manufacturer that wusses out on the documentation content. Where is my **** manual? Oh wait who needs those when I have AOL bloatware! Laptop came packed neatly and was easy to set up. Nothing more to comment here.
Design - very sturdy and tastefully done. Plastics fit well and the finish is what you expect from Sony. For a 13.3" it is just a tad on the thick side, but it's really not that bad. This is still a very portable laptop and fits nicely in almost any bag. The keypad area has a nice dimple outlay which feels comfortable when typing/resting your hands on the keyboard. The copper trim/accent adds some flair to the overall design.

Keyboard/controls/connections - I love how the keyboard feels. Sorta reminds me of a macbook keyboard. Very precise and sturdy. Track pad isn't as responsive as I expected (have to press a little harder), but the buttons are better than my lenovo. 9-1 media card is pretty standard, Sony also included a xD adapter which is imo pretty worthless because xD is not widely used, imo. The only big issue I have are the USB ports. There are two on the right side, which for the majority of people who are right-handed becomes a drag. IF you have something plugged into the usb, it kinda gets in the way of the mouse/righthand. It would have been better if they put 1 on the right side and 2 on the left. Also placing the power cord input on the right-side is just weird to me.


Performance - I purchased a 1.66 core 2 duo and upgraded my ram to 2GB. I can't complain here, as the performance is top notch/lightning fast. Boot time is minimum. Although my gaming is limited to civilation 3 and simcity type games, Sony should have included a GEFORCE 7300 or something of the sorts as a dedicated GPU option. The Europeans got one, now give us one! Moving on, the laptop does generate some heat especially around the area where the hard drive resides. If you are charging and using applications that are hard drive intensive, then do not rest the laptop on your bare skin because it does get hot. The vaio runs smooth and quiet and emits very little noise. Fan comes on intermittently, but not too much.

LCD - There is very very little to no LCD Flex ( i don't wanna take that test too far). LCD is vibrant and can be adjusted. This blows away the HP DV2000T I previously ordered/returned. Stacked against my lenovo, it looks just as bright and maybe slightly brighter.

Battery Life - Although I haven't tested the battery life, I can estimate that based on my usage I get around 3 hours of usage. Again I haven't tested the battery and this is just a guesstimate. The only real complaint I have about the battery is that it doesn't fit very flush. Once it clicks in you can still move it around. If you shake the laptop you can hear/feel the battery move.

Speakers - these are probably the worse laptop speakers I have ever encountered. They are placed on the rear right and left sides of the laptop. They sound really muffled and weak. Even if I adjust the volume all the way up, you can still barely hear it. It is what it is...laptop speakers usually suck.

Purchased at Bestbuy.com for $1199.
Upgraded to 2GB ram for $230 with kingston ram.
Purchased a sleeve from sonystyle.com

PROS
Design and appearance is very attractive
Portability
Great fit/finish
Core 2 duo power
nice media card adaptor
ease of use
runs very quiet
battery life is sufficient
it's a vaio!

CONS
Battery fit (does not fit snuggly)
No dedicated GPU
Thickness (with no dedicated GPU, you'd think they could have made it slimmer)
USB port locations and quantity
why is Bluetooth still an option; it should be standard
lack of documentation materials
bloatware


overall rating
9/10

 

Very nice, got some photo's to include with your review?

I'm wondering how the 7400Go GPU would effect the runtime.

 

See the W7J's run time, it'll probably make it to around 3 or 3.5 hours.
Thats a pretty good review penetrode. Add some pics and benchmarks and it will be perfect.

 

thanks,

im going to submit a full review with pics and maybe benchmarking...whenever i have time

it's cool that they pay for reviews!

 

I went to my local sony store yesterday, plastic in hand, ready to buy a C190.

Unfortunately, I left the store empty handed. Of the two models (pink and gray) they had on display, both had problems with the left side of the space bar! The left side appears to get stuck and the key doesn't really register when pressed. Quite annoying, considering that the space bar is one of the most used keys on the keyboard.

Also, the unit seemed to be running awefully hot for a Core2Duo, even though it wasn't running any labour-intensive prog.

Why can't sony get it right?

 

untill now, there any fix issue from sony about that left side of the space bar?

 

U give up HP dv2000t for Sony C Series, u must be joking right? Damm, I wont do that, unless I will give up dv2000t for a SZ series.

 

I agree
If I had an HP dv2000 I'd ony change to a Asus A8/W3/W7 or a Vaio SZ3

 

its really weird right, in china the lack space bar only happen with the black colour.when i try with the white one, the left space bar work fine.
i cant understand either why this happen.

 

I got one today, in pink (!). It's really great looking, and my mom had my computer geek friend configure it. I am not enitely sure what he did- the systam configurations say I have 2G of RAM, the duo processor at 1.83 GHZ, so I think I'm pretty well set for a while. I like the keyboard, very nice though the larger keys give me a little trouble when I touch type. Not a huge deal, and I think I'll get used to it. The weight isn't the best, but it's a great size and is plenty portable. The graphics are nice, I haven't had a chance to test the sound since iTunes is, as usual, giving me crap about the authorization limit...