The Notebook Review forums were hosted by TechTarget, who shut down them down on January 31, 2022. This static read-only archive was pulled by NBR forum users between January 20 and January 31, 2022, in an effort to make sure that the valuable technical information that had been posted on the forums is preserved. For current discussions, many NBR forum users moved over to NotebookTalk.net after the shutdown.
Problems? See this thread at archive.org.

    Sony FW 139 E/H

    Discussion in 'VAIO / Sony' started by genopixel, Aug 1, 2008.

  1. genopixel

    genopixel Newbie

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    8
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    So Ive been doing a bit of digging on this model

    Apparently the FW series are all suppose to have Centrino 2 technology

    However when looking on various websites they conflict with each other
    Even after calling sony customer service themselves they dont know and are consulting with the main branch.

    On the Sony Style Website FW 139 E/H comparison against other models shows up no Centrino 2 Tech yet its advertised as having it.

    Also on Best Buy they dont mention Centrino 2 tech

    Circuit City however does mention it and gives it a Intel Genius sticker HIGHER than the FW 140 model yet that model has a more powerful CPU and has Centrino 2 supposedly.

    Other websites are claiming FW in general have Centrino 2

    So after all this I have no idea if ALL FW models have Centrino 2 or if its just the FW 139 E/H model that doesnt have it.

    If someone can clarify or knows whats what please respond!

    Thanks!

    ~G
     
  2. dave92029

    dave92029 Notebook Guru

    Reputations:
    9
    Messages:
    63
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    You might try doing a google search on Sony Style. Then choose notebooks. Then go to the FW section, and then look up Specifications. That will give you complete information on what is included in each model from a reliable source.

    ...or take my word for it...The FW is awesome!!
     
  3. genopixel

    genopixel Newbie

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    8
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    Thats what I meant,

    I did go to Sony Style, I checked the specs, no mention in comparison charts, no mention in specs however
    Sony Style Customer Support claims there should be
    Best Buy Specs dont mention it
    Circuit City Does
    Other websites do

    Im talking specifically for 139EH model

    I wanted to get this model, but if it doesnt have Centrino 2 rather not

    Thanks though,
     
  4. SoundsGood

    SoundsGood Notebook Virtuoso

    Reputations:
    188
    Messages:
    3,251
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    105
    Strange ...
     
  5. kaustubh_d

    kaustubh_d Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    11
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
  6. TetonWolf

    TetonWolf Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    78
    Messages:
    407
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    What you are seeing is a consequence of a problem Intel had with Centrino 2 wireless FCC certification. Early configurations of the FW that you find at Best Buy, Newegg, even Sonystyle (139 and 140 models) do not have the new Intel wireless card...they are using an Atheros card. Because of that they cannot offically use the Centrino 2 designation. Everything else about the laptop is identical. Today or Monday Sony will start shipping CTO FWs that are full Centrino 2 with the Intel 5100 wireless card.

    BTW, this was not a Sony-only phenom. HP had a dv5t at Best Buy early on that did not have Intel wireless and hence did not say Centrino 2 on it.
     
  7. dave92029

    dave92029 Notebook Guru

    Reputations:
    9
    Messages:
    63
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    Perhaps if you can't figure this out maybe you aren't ready to use The FW
     
  8. dave92029

    dave92029 Notebook Guru

    Reputations:
    9
    Messages:
    63
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor P8400 (2.26 GHz, 3MB L2 Cache)
    Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium

    Features: 16.4" widescreen display, 3GB RAM, 250GB hard drive, ATI® Radeon HD 3400 graphics, built-in camera/microphone and Bluetooth, HDMI™

    Now Shipping!
    This item is out-of-stock.
    Return to Previous View
    F S
    VAIO® FW Series Notebook PC
    Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor P8400 (2.26 GHz, 3MB L2 Cache)
    Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium

    Features: 16.4" widescreen display, 3GB RAM, 250GB hard drive, ATI® Radeon HD 3400 graphics, built-in camera/microphone and Bluetooth, HDMI™

    Now Shipping!

    Enhance your entertainment and gaming experience with the luxuriously designed VAIO® VGN-FW139E/H FW Series notebook. Inspired by theater screens, born from Sony HD expertise and powered by super-powerful Intel® processor technology, this entertainment powerhouse is ideal for watching widescreen movies or viewing two web sites side-by-side. Watch and record DVDs and get the most out of your games with an Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processor and the extra-wide 16.4" XBRITE-ECO™ LCD display. Stay connected with friends, family and colleagues with real-time video conferencing using the integrated MOTION EYE® camera and microphone.

    Powerful PC Performance
    Intel® Core™ 2 Duo P8400 processor (2.26GHz1) – the latest chipset from Intel®. The VAIO® FW notebook comes pre-installed with Genuine Microsoft® Windows Vista® Home Premium with Service Pack 1. Built-in Wireless-N technology offers a boost in wireless connection speed and range3.

    Inspired by theater screens. Born from Sony® HD technology.
    Fall in love with your favorite movies all over again with an extra-wide, theater inspired 16.4”6 display (1600x900 resolution) using the energy-efficient XBRITE-ECO™ LCD technology. The 16:9 aspect ratio ensures that you won’t miss an inch of the original picture from your favorite movie while also providing valuable extra workspace. Compare two documents or websites side-by-side without the hassle of having to tab back and forth. An HDMI™ output delivers video and audio to external sources via a single cable so you can enjoy HD entertainment on your compatible big screen TV without a myriad of extra cables (HDMI™ cable sold separately)17.

    Endless Features
    Store you favorite multimedia, important documents, and cherished family photos on the roomy 250GB2 Serial ATA hard drive. The VAIO® FW notebook, designed with dedicated AV Controls, makes navigating through your favorite multimedia quick and easy. Whether it’s for YouTube™, a class project or for sharing with friends and family, editing digital video captured by your Sony® Handycam® is quick and easy with VAIO® Movie Story software. You choose the supplied template and professional-looking cutaways, cross-fades and soundtrack syncing are automatically done for you. Stay connected to colleagues, friends and family with real-time video conferencing4 using the integrated MOTION EYE® camera and microphone.
    Product Profile
    Product Specs (PDF, 2.98MB)

    Product Specifications
    License Agreements
    End User License Agreements
    Weights and Measurements
    Dimensions (Approx.) : 15.1"(W) x 1.14-1.46"(H) x 10.3"(D)7,8

    Weight (Approx.) : 6.4 lbs7 (with standard battery)

    Hard Drive
    Interface : Serial ATA

    Speed : 5400rpm

    Capacity : 250GB2

    Hardware
    Camera : Built-in 1.3 megapixel MOTION EYE® camera and microphone

    Keyboard : QWERTY, 86 keys with 2.0mm stroke and 19.05mm pitch

    General
    Action Buttons : S1, DVD Play, A/V Mode, Volume -/+, Play/Pause/Stop, WLAN/Bluetooth® on/off

    Computer Type : Notebook

    Pointing Device : Electro-Static touch pad

    Type of Use : Portable

    Power
    Battery Type : Standard Capacity Lithium-ion Battery (VGP-BPS13/S)

    Estimated Battery Life : 2.0 to 4.0 hours11 Standard Capacity Battery 3.0 to 6.0 hours11 Large Capacity Battery

    Power Requirements : 110W + 10%

    Expansion Slots
    Multimedia Card Reader : One Memory Stick Duo™ media slot with MagicGate® functionality One ExpressCard® /34 slot One Secure Digital (SD™ memory card) media slot

    Service and Warranty Information
    Limited Warranty : 1 year limited warranty12. See actual warranty for details.

    Online and Email Support : Support available from http://www.esupport.sony.com/EN/VAIO

    Telephone Support : 1 year toll-free technical telephone assistance, available 24/713

    Audio
    Sound System : Dolby Sound Room® Audio

    Optical Drive #1
    CD Read : 24x max

    CD-R Write : 24x max

    CD-RW Write : 24x max

    DVD Read : 8x max

    DVD+R DL Write : 6x max

    DVD+R Write : 8x max

    DVD+RW Write : 8x max

    DVD-R DL Write : 6x max

    DVD-R Write : 8x max

    DVD-RAM Read : 5x max

    DVD-RAM Write : 5x max

    DVD-RW Write : 6x max

    DVD±RW : Yes5 (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/RAM)

    Graphics
    Chipset : Mobile Intel® PM45 Express Chipset

    Interface : HDMI™17 and VGA out with Smart Display Sensor

    Processor : ATI Mobility Radeon™ HD 3470 with Total Available Graphics Memory of 1530MB (max.)10

    Video RAM : 256MB of dedicated video RAM

    Regulation and Standard Compliance
    Energy Star® compliant : 4.0

    Processor
    Front Side Bus Speed : 1066MHz

    L2 Cache : 3MB

    Speed : 2.26GHz1

    Type : Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor P8400

    Networking/Modem
    Bluetooth® Technology : Integrated Stereo A2DP Bluetooth® Technology16

    Ethernet Protocol : 10Base-T/100Base-TX/1000Base-T

    Ethernet Speed : Fast Ethernet (RJ-45)

    Modem Type : Integrated V.92/V.90 Modem (RJ-11)

    Wireless LAN : Atheros 802.11b/g/n Wireless Network Connection(802.11b/g/n)3

    Inputs and Outputs
    DC-In : 1

    Ethernet Connection (s) : 1

    HDMI™ Connection Output(s) : 117

    Headphone Jack : 1

    i.LINK® Connection : 1 (4pin) i.LINK® connector (IEEE 1394)9

    Microphone Input : 1

    Modem Jack : 1

    USB Port(s) : 3 (2.0 compliant)

    VGA Output(s) : 1

    Display
    Screen Size : 16.4"6

    XBRITE-ECO™ Technology : Yes

    Resolution : 1600 x 900

    Software
    Anti-Virus and Recovery Software : Microsoft® Windows Live™ OneCare™ Trial Version

    Internet Services : AOL® 90-Day Risk Free Trial - New Users Only

    Supplied Software : Microsoft® Works SE 9.0 w/ 60-Day Trial Version of Microsoft® Office Home and Student 200714

    Operating System : Genuine Microsoft® Windows Vista® Home Premium with SP1

    The VAIO® Software Experience : VAIO® Startup Assistant Click to Disc Editor - Import, Edit, Burn VAIO® Movie Story - Simple Movie Creation VAIO® MusicBox - Music by Mood VAIO® Media plus - Multimedia Streaming Software *Please access VAIO® Help and Support from your PC for a complete list of software applications and trials.

    Memory
    Maximum : 4GB15

    Speed : 800MHz

    Type : DDR2 SDRAM

    Installed : 3GB PC2-6400 (2GBx1 + 1GBx1)

    Environmental Information
    EPEAT™ : Meets Silver EPEAT™ Rating

    RoHS® : Compliant For more information: www.sony.com/vaioeco

    Accessories Supplied
    Standard Lithium-ion battery (VGP-BPS13/S)
    AC Adapter
    Power Cable
     
  9. SoundsGood

    SoundsGood Notebook Virtuoso

    Reputations:
    188
    Messages:
    3,251
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    105
    Bahhh!

    ;)
     
  10. dave92029

    dave92029 Notebook Guru

    Reputations:
    9
    Messages:
    63
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    I'm using a VGN FW139E right now ,and my screen is pleny bright across all 16.4". I don't think I would want it any brighter, because that might be hard to look at for an extend time IMHO.

    They make different configurations because everyone will use the machine differently. The model I have continues to exceed my expectations . :D

    You should buy what you think you need.
     
  11. genopixel

    genopixel Newbie

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    8
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    Thanks Teton Wolf - Your answer makes sense and helps, so basically I should either order online directly from Sony at this time if I want that model or I should wait until retail stores carry the new version with Centrino 2 compliant hardware right? Thanks again!
     
  12. genopixel

    genopixel Newbie

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    8
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    and Thanks Davey92029, Im sure your very helpful around here but you dont need to be rude and make your comment

    "Perhaps if you can't figure this out maybe you aren't ready to use The FW"

    whatever, thanks to Teton though
     
  13. laptopland

    laptopland Newbie

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    1
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    Genopixel I am having the same problem with this sony model and like you I want only the Centrino 2 Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor P8400 (2.26 GHz,
    and I didn't buy it at Best Buy for that very reason, it's not designated as a 2 Duo.

    I am with you and am waiting for Sony to come out with the right model or will buy another brand that has it.

    Its very confusing for a customer who does not buy laptops every year, to find a suitable laptop when each store has different specs even with the same model number.

    And I also agree that comment was not called for Davey...babie...
     
  14. TetonWolf

    TetonWolf Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    78
    Messages:
    407
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    The only difference is the wireless card. If you aren't comfortable with non-Intel, then wait. Otherwise, go for it.
     
  15. RESmonkey

    RESmonkey Notebook Consultant NBR Reviewer

    Reputations:
    23
    Messages:
    161
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    It's the Wifi card. It's not Intel brand, it's Atheros. Centrino = intel processor + intel wifi card. If one is not intel, you can't name it Centrino.


    That said, I hear Atheros pick up better than Intel, but use a bit more power.
     
  16. ascariss

    ascariss Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    156
    Messages:
    1,287
    Likes Received:
    6
    Trophy Points:
    56
    actually I believe it's cpu, chipset and the wifi card in order to qualify and be able to tag a product as centrino 2.
     
  17. Bardia

    Bardia Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    47
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    Correct. The FW doesn't even come with the Intel 5300 even on the "upgraded" version... so the Atheros should be pretty comparible.
     
  18. Bardia

    Bardia Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    47
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    Ehh? The Best Buy model (VGN-FW139E/H) uses the P8400.

    Uhh... what is the "right model." Of the CPU? Of the laptop? Every single FW laptop has the P8400 or better.

    It's very confusing for a customer who perhaps didn't go to www.bestbuy.com and read the specs which clearly state P8400.

    You might not like this reply either then... ;)

    I believe your confusion is a misunderstanding of what Centrino 2 means. Hint: it's not the processor. The processor is, always was, and always will be an Intel Core 2 Duo with a Penyn Core, with the particular model codenamed P8400.

    Centrino 2 refers to the entire platform, which consists of:

    1) An Intel Mobile CPU (of which the P8400 is one)
    2) An Intel Montevina based Chipset (which the FW has)
    3) An Intel Wireless card (either the 5100 or the 5300 in this case, which the FW139E/H does not have)

    Thus, it is not a Centrino two, as it lacks the Intel Wireless card. Personally, I don't mind a $150 saving thanks to not having a "Centrino 2" sticker on the box, but your results may vary...