Sony VAIO PCG-TR1A Laptop (900-MHz Pentium-M (Centrino), 512 MB RAM, 30 GB Hard Drive, DVD/CD-RW Drive)

by Sony

Product Details

Data Sheet [146kb PDF]

• Product Dimensions: 10.6 x 7.4 x 1.4 inches ; 3.1 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 8 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B00009MJDH
• Item model number: PCG-TR1A
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #18,094 in Computers & Accessories (See Top 100 in Computers & Accessories)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: June 27, 2003

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Built for notebook users whose situation and requirements dictate extreme portability, Sony's TR series of mobile computers are amazingly petite yet satisfactorily powered. Demanding folks who need top-end speed and all the capabilities of a desktop should look elsewhere, but those who consistently work in remote environments or simply appreciate the convenience of miniaturization would do well with this, the Sony VAIO PCG-TR1A Notebook PC.

The VAIO PCG-TR1A features advanced Intel Centrino mobile technology for improved performance and reduced power consumption over similar speed non-Centrino units. At the heart of the system sits a 900 MHz ultra-low voltage Pentium M processor with an amazing one MB Level 2 cache. Sony has matched this processor with 512 MB DDR SDRAM memory and an integrated Intel 855GM graphics chipset with 64 MB of shared (not dedicated) video memory. Though this setup won't effectively drive the latest 3-D-based applications or keep up with the current crop of desktops, it will easily handle most typical mobile tasks.

The system features an adequate 30 GB hard disk for your files and applications and a versatile CD-RW/DVD-RW combo drive through which you can archive data, burn and play audio CDs and enjoy the latest movies. You'll monitor your work through a crystal clear 10.6-inch wide (1280x768) TFT display with XBRITE technology, and enter data via an integrated 83-key keyboard and electro-static touchpad.

At a mere 10.6 by 7.4 by 1.4 inches and just 3.1 pounds, the VAIO PCG-TR1A is extraordinarily compact. Yet it's packed with useful amenities, including two high-speed USB 2.0 ports, one FireWire port, a low-speed RJ-11 modem, a high-speed RJ-45 Ethernet connection and wireless LAN. Shutterbugs will appreciate the system's built-in low-resolution 640x480 swivel camera. Battery life is estimated at an impressive 2.5 to 7 hours with the enclosed standard cell and 3.5 to 11 hours with a separately available large capacity battery.

Product Description

14.1-S DVD/CDRW ENET WL FIREWI

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Product, Poor Customer Service, October 29, 2003

By 

Guntur Gozali (Jakarta, DKI Jakarta Indonesia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sony VAIO PCG-TR1A Laptop (900-MHz Pentium-M (Centrino), 512 MB RAM, 30 GB Hard Drive, DVD/CD-RW Drive) (Personal Computers)

I just bought PCG-TR2A last week. I am very satisfied with the product, but unfortunately the customer service is very bad.

I failed to upgrade the pre installed XP Home to XP Pro. The network smart capture software just can not work. And there is no clue on how to reinstall this application. So I called Hong Kong Customer Service and send them many emails without any solution. They only responded my email suggesting me not to upgrade the O/S. So, I should stay with XP Home forever???

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Micro Notebook, August 20, 2003

By 

S. Ledterman "sledterman" (California) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sony VAIO PCG-TR1A Laptop (900-MHz Pentium-M (Centrino), 512 MB RAM, 30 GB Hard Drive, DVD/CD-RW Drive) (Personal Computers)

This notebook is great, the keys are much larger than previous 3lb micro notebooks. It is a very usable keyboard. The display is the most vibrant, beautiful display I have seen yet. The built in 802.11B has great range. The battery life is excellent, I still can't believe you can get 6-7 hrs on a standard battery.
I love this notebook.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Portability, great. Dependability, poor., January 5, 2005

By 

Moebius (Boston, MA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sony VAIO PCG-TR1A Laptop (900-MHz Pentium-M (Centrino), 512 MB RAM, 30 GB Hard Drive, DVD/CD-RW Drive) (Personal Computers)

I bought these computer just before starting law school, hoping to ease the strain on my back with a lighter computer than the others on the market. I won't be buying another Sony Vaio anytime soon.

In the last year, I've had to have the hard drive replaced TWICE, (along with the keyboard, video card and CD/DVD drive last February - not that anyone told me WHY) and it takes FOREVER for Sony to get the parts to their authorized service centers (in my case, a CompUSA where I, thankfully, bought an extended warranty). I've lost files BOTH times, because I apparently should be backing up my system every day "just in case" (an unrealistic ideal to hold us every day users to, and frustrating that we should expect catastrophe at the drop of a hat). I've also had to replace the power cord, which took 6 weeks.

My friend at school also bought this computer for portability, and has had the same trouble: our hard drives mysteriously go on the fritz and the "Operating System not found" message pops up.

Overall, I wish it were a better system, because the portability is fantastic, the screen is sharp and colorful, and if it didn't randomly die on me it'd be the perfect laptop.