Sony VAIO PCG-TR2A Laptop (1.0-GHz Pentium M (Centrino), 512 MB RAM, 40 GB Hard Drive, DVD/CD-RW Drive)

by Sony

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 10.6 x 1.4 x 7.4 inches ; 3 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 7 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B0000DF2QB
• Item model number: PCG-TR2A
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,861 in Computers & Accessories (See Top 100 in Computers & Accessories)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: October 26, 2003

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Ideal for notebook users whose situations and requirements dictate extreme portability, Sony’s TR series of mobile computers are amazingly petite yet stunningly equipped. Demanding folks who need desktop-level speed should look elsewhere, but those who consistently work in remote environments or simply appreciate the convenience of micro-miniaturization would do well with this, the newest and lowest-priced model in the TR line, the VAIO PCG-TR2A Notebook PC.

At the heart of the VAIO PCG-TR2A Notebook resides a 1 GHz ultra-low voltage Pentium M processor with an amazing 1 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 games or keep up with high-end Pentium 4-based systems, the unit features advanced Intel Centrino mobile technology for improved performance and reduced power consumption over similar speed non-Centrino units, and as such will easily handle lengthy sessions with typical mobile applications.

The VAIO PCG-TR2A Notebook features an adequate 40 GB hard disk for your files and applications and a versatile CD-RW/DVD 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 (1280 by 768 resolution) TFT display with XBRITE technology, and enter data via an integrated 83-key keyboard and electro-static touchpad.

At just 10.6 by 7.4 by 1.4 inches and a featherweight 3.1 pounds, the system is extraordinarily compact. Yet it’s packed with useful amenities, including two high-speed USB 2.0 ports, one FireWire port, a high-speed RJ-45 Ethernet connection, wireless LAN for those times when you just can’t plug in, and last but certainly not least, a nifty built-in 640x480 swivel camera. The generous software bundle includes Microsoft Windows Home Edition, Microsoft Money 2004, Microsoft Works 7.0, and Adobe Photoshop Elements.

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.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Road Warriors Best Friend BUT Consider TR2AP3, November 19, 2003

By 

Michael A. Israel (United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sony VAIO PCG-TR2A Laptop (1.0-GHz Pentium M (Centrino), 512 MB RAM, 40 GB Hard Drive, DVD/CD-RW Drive) (Personal Computers)

PROS: The TR2A is a full featured system in an incredibly small and lightweight package. Despite the small size the screen is excellent and the keyboard usable. Before the Vaio I used to dread lugging my full sized laptop on trips. The Vaio goes with me everywhere. Battery life is not 15 hours (an absurd claim) but is long enough for a 7 hour flight and then some. Some nice touches such as a switch at the front to turn wireless lan off / on. It is not a CAD or graphics workstation, nor is it intended to be. Great WOW factor.

CONS: Should have a DVD burner and not just CD burner. For sake of future compatibility, 802.11G wireless would be nice as well. Sony should include the recovery media instead of requiring you to order it or burn it to a dozen plus CD's (since there is no DVD burner). Probably the best subnotebook available at the moment although it seems they cut a few corners in terms of the DVD and wireless. Heck, at least provide a cheap vinyl zipper case and a printed copy of the manual.

Do consider the TR2AP3. For not much more $$$ you get twice the memory, XP Pro, and 802.11 B AND G. TR2 is great, I only wish the AP3 configuration had been available when I bought mine.

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Now you know what I think 5 stars is all about., November 16, 2003

By 

Rheumor (New Orelans) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Sony VAIO PCG-TR2A Laptop (1.0-GHz Pentium M (Centrino), 512 MB RAM, 40 GB Hard Drive, DVD/CD-RW Drive) (Personal Computers)

Okay, this is a niche product that fills its niche so magnificently that it deserves all 5 stars. It is solidly built and yet so light it almost defies explanation. The processor is not only a very capable 1 gigahertz, but as a Centrino tuned Pentium, it throws off less heat and is much more miserly with its battery use. The optical drive will play and record CDs and will play DVDs beautifully on an extra crisp 10.6" screen (and battery life is longer than any DVD I can think of).
The hard drive is an adequate 40 gigs. The connections are fine, including two USB 2.0s, and the built in 802.11 wireless is foolproof. I find I have no problems with the ergonomics of the keyboard or touchpad, though I do keep a tiny USB optical mouse in my case for hotel stays, etc.
Overall, this is the ideal 2nd computer, especially for a student or for a frequent flyer. Sony has been pretty good about backing their products in case you have a problem, though mine has not even hiccupped yet. The only extra expense I had was finding a small enough case to carry it in, and that was very much a pleasant purchase!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Super Mobile Machine!, November 19, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Sony VAIO PCG-TR2A Laptop (1.0-GHz Pentium M (Centrino), 512 MB RAM, 40 GB Hard Drive, DVD/CD-RW Drive) (Personal Computers)

I got a TR2AP3 a few days ago, and just about finished configuring it to my needs. So a few quick comments.

I did side-by-side tests with a V505 with 2-GHz Mobile P4, with the same amount of RAM (1GB) and have found TR2A with 1-GHz P4M Centrino is in some cases faster than V505!
Other than raw speed, TR2A is extremely quiet and generates much less heat than other notebook PCs. Also, the battery life is just phenomenal.

I also noticed that built-in wireless card is much more sensitive than most notebooks.

The stunningly sharp LCD screen, etc., etc. can be mentioned, but, to keep my review short, you can read reviews of TR1A.

I am enjoying a renewed freedom in mobile computing.