Sony VAIO VGN-A290 17" Laptop (Intel Pentium M Processor 735 (Centrino), 1 GB RAM, 100 GB Hard Drive, DVD+/-RW Double Layer Drive)

by Sony

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 16 x 11 x 1.8 inches ; 8.6 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 23.5 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B0002Y8F6K
• Item model number: VGN-A290
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: September 19, 2004

Product Description

Amazon Product Description

The Basics
Sony takes mobile computing to new heights with its impressive VAIO VGN-A290 Notebook PC. Much like extra-bulky, battery-draining "desktop replacement" notebooks, the VAIO VGN-A290 offers such amenities as a massive 17-inch widescreen display, a huge 100 GB hard drive and both CD and DVD burning. Yet the unit is far more power efficient than most desktop replacements and comparatively compact at just 8.6 lbs. Though it may cost a bit more than a standard notebook, the VAIO VGN-A290 is perfect for those who crave the next generation of portable computing today.

Sony Series A Display Sizes The VGN-A290 features a 17" screen.

Processor At the heart of any computer lies the CPU (or processor), a massive collection of miniature transistors that governs the speed and power of the entire unit. Some of today's notebooks are equipped with high-end CPU's on par with those found in top-of-the-line desktop PCs, while others are quick enough only for basic duties such as word processing, email and the like. The VAIO VGN-A250 is equipped with an Intel Pentium M 725 processor operating at 1.6 GHz. This is one of three components that comprise Intel's efficient Centrino system (the others being a specialized Intel chipset and integrated wireless support). Centrino-equipped notebooks are generally smaller, easier on the batteries, and more versatile than their non-Centrino counterparts. This particular CPU is part of Intel's upgraded Pentium M lineup, featuring an amazing 2 MB of Level 2 cache for extremely fast access to recently opened data and a fast 400 MHz front side bus to help reduce data streaming bottlenecks. Though its raw clock speed is not on par with that of a high-end Intel Pentium or AMD Athlon, this CPU will easily handle most every mobile task while at the same time improving battery life. Moreover, Sony has equipped the system with solid graphics support and adequate memory -- two components vital to overall performance. Memory Computers typically store information on their hard drive, but they keep frequently and recently accessed data in Random Access Memory (RAM) for faster retrieval. More RAM means more efficient computing, superior multitasking and less strain on your hard drive. The VAIO VGN-A290 incorporates a startling one GB of RAM. This is a massive allotment for a notebook and substantially more than that of most desktops as well. Thusly, users can expect superb multitasking and virtually no slowdowns during ultra-complex tasks.

The VGN-A250 features a 15.4" screen.

Video
CPU's are usually so busy doing basic calculations that they need help translating visual output to the viewing screen. This is the duty of the graphics card (or graphics controller). This system's graphics controller is an ATI Mobility Radeon 9200 with 64 MB of dedicated video RAM. Dedicated video memory is far preferable to "shared" video memory (where the graphics controller appropriates a portion of the main system memory), and this 64 MB allotment is considered plenty for 3D graphics, midlevel 3D animation packages and many of the latest 3D games.

Display The VAIO VGN-A290 sports a 17-inch WUXGA display. This is a comparatively enormous screen when compared to other notebook displays, and all the more spectacular given the unit's surprisingly compact size and lightweight mass. It's highly sophisticated too -- sporting Sony's new XBRITE Technology for better contrast and a brighter picture, and an exceedingly detailed 1920 by 1200 maximum resolution. Furthermore, the widescreen format is perfectly suited to watching the Hollywood blockbusters you'll play on the system's DVD-compatible optical drive. Hard Disk A 100 GB hard drive in a mobile computer many be a rarity, but that didn't stop Sony. This level of data storage is a welcome perk indeed for those who need to operate a broad range of applications and also keep a generous library of space-gobbling music and/or multimedia files. Audio The unit is equipped with integrated stereo speakers and audio amplifier.	Dimensions When Closed Other Series A Computers
	Sony VAIO VGN-A290 1.70 GHz Pentium M 1 GB RAM 100 GB HD	Sony VAIO VGN-A250 1.6 GHz Pentium M 512 MB RAM 80 GB HD

Optical Drive
An optical drive is essential in today's computing environment. A "CD-ROM" drive allows you to install CD-based applications and play music CDs. A "CD-RW" drive adds CD "burning", so you can also backup your important files to long-lasting discs and create personalized music CDs. With a DVD-ROM drive you can watch DVD movies. And with a DVD-RW drive, you can "write" home movies to durable discs and archive files to DVD (DVDs boast more than seven times the storage capacity of a CD). Some drives allow you to do a combination of all of these tasks. This system features a DVD+R Double Layer/DVD±RW Drive, through which you can do all of the above. The drive also supports today's hot new double layer DVD format that effectively doubles the capacity of typical DVDs.

Keyboard and Controls
You'll control your notebook via an 82-key keyboard and a standard electro-static touch pad.

Connectivity and Expansion
The VAIO VGN-A290 features a bevy of connectivity facilities, including a 56K modem for low-speed dial-up Internet and email access, a 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX Ethernet port for high-speed wired network and Internet, and an integrated Intel PRO/Wireless 2200BG Network Connection (802.11b/g) for cord-free e-communication at home, at the office or on the road via a local public hotspot. Other key amenities include high-speed USB 2.0 ports for plug and play devices such as external drives and digital cameras, an IEEE 1394 FireWire port (commonly used for quick data uploads from digital camcorders), and an AV Entertainment Dock with high-end perks such as a TV Tuner and MPEG Encoder, VGA Monitor port, VHF/UHF TV port, S-Video in/out, DVI-D, Optical out, Line in (RCA Pin), Line out (RCA Pin) and more. Suffice to say that no matter what sort of connections you want to make, you can likely do it with the VAIO VGN-A290.

Operating System and Software
Sony will install Microsoft's Windows XP Home Edition operating system, a variety of productivity and business applications, and a broad range of digital photo, audio and video utilities.

Dimensions and Weight
Many of today's most powerful notebooks are also the largest, weighing ten or twelve lbs or more and therefore too big and cumbersome for extensive, continuous traveling. These are often referred to as "desktop replacements". On the other extreme are "thin and lights" or "ultra-portables", super-miniaturized units that are typically less powerful than their larger brethren but weigh as little as two lbs and will often fit comfortably inside a large purse. Despite its impressively spacious display and cutting-edge capabilities, the VAIO VGN-A290 is not excessively heavy at just 8.6 lbs. It is larger than average at 16 by 11 inches, though not nearly as bulky as most other similarly equipped portables.

Product Description

Includes: lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, Windows XP Home w/ Service Pack 2, Quicken 2004 New User Edition, WinDVD, Works 7.0, & more. Sony VGN-A290 VAIO(R) Notebook Computer - This notebook computer features the Intel Pentium M processor. Pentium M is specifically designed for mobile applications, giving you increased battery life without sacrificing power. And while you're on the go, you can easily stay connected via the Internet and e-mail - utilizing the built-in 802.11g Wi-Fi wireless networking adapter! 2 RAM Slots (both occupied) 100GB HDD 17 widescreen LCD with XBRITE(TM) Technology (native resolution - 1920 x 1200) ATI Mobility Radeon 9200 with 64MB of RAM Double-Layer DVD Writer Integrated v.90 56k Modem Memory Stick Media Slot - supports Pro and Duo PC Card Slot - Type I/II Windows Sound System with Built-in Stereo Speakers Ports - 10/100 Ethernet, VGA Out, A/V Mini Jack, 1 FireWire, & 3 USB 2.0

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

168 of 180 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars buyers beware, November 11, 2004

By 

alex jonson "bub" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sony VAIO VGN-A290 17" Laptop (Intel Pentium M Processor 735 (Centrino), 1 GB RAM, 100 GB Hard Drive, DVD+/-RW Double Layer Drive) (Personal Computers)

Buyers watch out for private sellers
There are a lot of private sellers trying to rip you off .prices look cheap when you send the money you wont get the product or your money back.

Look for the specific items that scammers try to do:

1. Look at the seller's id they look like some what irrelevant. Example (amazon_cheap)(Sony_Amazon)
2. Look at the sellers rating it says just launched because the sellers like to create many e mails as they can.
3. In the sellers comments they will say like "please contact me before buying. Otherwise I won't send you the item".
4. When you send the e mail to them they will say "we are a small company in Romania or UK or Spain trying to evolve to sell outside the country". They will say send money through western union. When I get the money you will get the notebooks with in 2 business days.
5. They will send detailed sellers address where to send the money western union (Spain). I said "I know the address in Spain can I come and pay to that address" he said "I will do only through online" this is cheater.


When you send money through western union you won't get your money back.

Escrow and Amazon secure payment are the trusted payment.

I got an e mail from a seller he said "I will get transaction only through Amazon secure payment. I thought he was good seller. Next e mail he wrote "tell me your complete address I will forward the address to Amazon" I gave him my address .

With in 1 day I got a e mail from "Amazon secure payment" from address looked like it was from Amazon, but when I clicked on reply the to address said "([e-mail]) it was not a e mail from Amazon in that message it said Amazon wants you to make payment through western union. I wrote the email to Amazon they said we will not allow any one to pay through Amazon these are fake e mails trying to rip peoples money.

112 of 119 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Don't allow yourself to get scammed, November 19, 2004

By 

Ron L. Stephens - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sony VAIO VGN-A290 17" Laptop (Intel Pentium M Processor 735 (Centrino), 1 GB RAM, 100 GB Hard Drive, DVD+/-RW Double Layer Drive) (Personal Computers)

Amazon customers,
Please beware! It is really sad that Amazon is unable to police up their own web site and allow some piece of mind and security when making purchases.

I recently attempted to purchase a Sony Vaio A290 through Amazon, and at only $600.00 I knew this had to be too good to be true, and it was.

After I made the purchase I contacted the seller at [e-mail], who quickly replied and inform me that he was shipping from the UK (not in the United States as was listed) and he had to liquidate his inventory because he was going out of business, the price went up to $650, and to secure the purchase we would have to use a "third party" for the financial transaction.

This is not an isolated case. I emailed 4 other people that was also selling the Vaio A290 on Amazon, and they all had very similar stories.

Amazon needs to do a much better job in protecting their customers. I got lucky because I could see what was happening; however, it is easily understandable how a consumer could get robbed via this process.

Good luck and be watchful, especially if you are purchasing from Amazon because they are providing a perfect cover for people to take advantage of us.

40 of 43 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent desktop replacement!!, October 15, 2004

By 

M. A. Fiallo Ch "mfiallo" (Santo Domingo, Dominican Rep.) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sony VAIO VGN-A290 17" Laptop (Intel Pentium M Processor 735 (Centrino), 1 GB RAM, 100 GB Hard Drive, DVD+/-RW Double Layer Drive) (Personal Computers)

This a DESKTOP REPLACEMENT, no doubt!
For the features, is NOT so heavy...with the added port replicator is a monster laptop, sound is exceptional thru the 12" speaker included in the packet.
The screen is out of the mind...extremely brilliant and nitid..even better than my office Vaio K23, its 17 inches surpasses all expectations... the bundle softwares is ok, even would be better if would bring some more burning applications

PROS: Superbrilliant screen, convenient size, 1 gb Ram and 64 mb ATI video card 9600, quick response, 100 Gb HD, not so heavy, nice port replicator, burn Double Layer DVD, wireless work extremely smooth....

CONS: Port replicator easily detached in a non-totally horizontal surface (lap, etc), my XP crashed two times with Gigapocket appl. (for TV captures)...no big deal

After buying this machine I noticed the Toshiba 17" COSMIO with 100 GB HD, 512 RAm and the TV/Video card inside, no need of port replicator, A comparison would be interesting to find.

I wonder why the Vaio A series did not come with all in there as the GRT models did.

Anyway this in an excellent laptop for home.