Sony VAIO VGN-AR190G 17-inch Laptop (Intel Core Duo Processor T2500, 1 GB RAM, 200 GB Hard Drive, Blu-Ray Disc,DVD+/-R DL/DVD+/-RW Drive)

by Sony

Product Details

• Item Weight: 8.4 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 14.8 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B000FRL5ES
• Item model number: VGN-AR190G
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: May 16, 2006

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

The luxuriously sleek, black Sony Vaio VGN-AR190G AR Digital Studio notebook PC is more than just a computing showpiece. It's a powerful, portable multimedia/entertainment PC that can nimbly handle the most advanced graphics for both video and immersive 3D games, watch and record high-definition TV programming, and communicate with pals all around with world via VoIP calling and video conferencing using the built-in microphone and camera. It has a stunning 17-inch display with an anti-reflective coating to keep everything in view even in bright sunlight.

The AR190G is one of the first Sony notebooks to include high-definition Blu-Ray DVD playback capability. Blu-ray Disc technology supports full 1080p HD capability as well as uncompressed audio options and up to 5.1 channels. The Blu-ray system is backwards-compatible with standard DVDs and CDs, enabling you to enjoy your digital library for years to come. It's also a multi-format disc burner, capable of writing DVD+/-R/RW discs as well as dual-layer discs. And with its built-in NTSC TV tuner, you can also use the VGN-AR190G view and record your favorite programs using the advanced entertainment features of the installed Windows XP Media Center operating system.

It's powered by Intel's new, groundbreaking processor--the powerful Core Duo T2500--which provides an optimized, multithreaded architecture for improved gaming and multitasking performance and a more efficient power consumption. The dual execution core T2500 has a 1.83 GHz processor speed and 2 MB L2 cache. Other hardware features include an extra-large 200 GB hard drive, 1 GB of installed RAM (2 GB maximum), full tri-mode 802.11a/b/g wireless capability, multi-format, dual-layer DVD burner, NVidia GeForce Go 7600GT graphics card with 256 MB of video RAM, memory card reader, Bluetooth wireless connectivity, and a wide selection of preloaded Sony multimedia software titles. It also comes with a copy of the high-definition Blu-Ray DVD of the award-winning House of Flying Daggers.

Despite an abundance of high-end hardware and technologies, the VAIO AR Digital Studio Notebook utilizes lightweight magnesium to reduce unit weight.

The Basics

• Hard Drive: You'll be able to store large libraries of digital audio, video, and photos on the 200 GB hard drive (5400 RPM)--one of the largest hard drive capacities you'll find currently in multimedia notebooks (May 2006). This Serial ATA (SATA) hard drive also quickens the pace with a higher speed transfer of data--akin to FireWire and USB 2.0.
  
• Processor: The Intel Core Duo T2500 processor is built with the Mobile Intel 945PM Express chipset, and it has a 2.0 GHz processor speed, super-fast 667 MHz front-side bus (FSB), and large 2 MB L2 cache. (An L2, or secondary, cache temporarily stores data; and a larger L2 cache can help speed up your system's performance. The FSB carries data between the CPU and RAM, and a faster front-side bus will deliver better overall performance.)

  The Intel Core Duo processor has two computational execution cores in a single processor, providing greater system response when running multi-threaded applications simultaneously with no significant increase in power consumption. It's optimized for multitasking and is ready to support the next version of Microsoft Windows, code-named Vista. It can simultaneously run multiple demanding applications--such as graphics-intensive games or serious number-crunching business productivity applications--while downloading music or running virus-scanning security programs in the background. It's more efficient, thanks to Intel's Power Coordination and Deeper Sleep, which help to transfer power only to those areas of the processor that need it. It also features Intel's Digital Media Boost, which delivers enhanced performance on floating point-intensive applications such as CAD tools, 3D and 2D modeling, video editing, digital music, digital photography and gaming.
  

• Memory: The 1 GB of built-in memory (PC4200, DDR2 SDRAM) is an excellent start for power users, and it offers a very fast 533 MHz speed. It has two memory slots that can handle up to 2 GB of RAM, enabling you to add more power to handle graphics-intensive 3D games, video editing, and multi-tasking across several RAM-hungry applications.
  
• CD/DVD Drive: This Vaio notebook's DVD drive is capable of playing high-definition Blu-ray disc movies in stunning clarity and incredible 1080p HD resolution. The Blu-ray drive can also record video or data to a Blu-Ray disc--up to 25 to 50 GB of HD video. This notebook also comes with a bundled suite of applications that enables you to capture, edit and burn high-definition camcorder content to Blu-ray media while maintaining high-quality 1080 HD resolution. It's also backwards compatible with writing to standard DVD and CD formats, as well as dual-layer (DL) discs. It offers the following write speeds: 2.4x DVD+R DL, 2x DVD-R DL, 8x DVD+R, 4x DVD+RW, 8x DVD-R, 4x DVD-RW, 5x DVD-RAM, 8x CD-R, and 8x CD-RW.
  
• Keyboard & Mouse: This notebook has a standard 86-key keyboard (2.5mm stroke and 19.05mm pitch) and electro-static two-button touchpad, as well as action buttons including wireless LAN on/off and play/pause/stop/fast-forward/rewind for playback of DVDs.

The VAIO AR Digital Studio Notebook features a stunning 17" widescreen display with Sony's original XBRITE Hi-Color LCD technology.

Screen, Graphics and Sound
The stunning 17-inch WXGA+ (1440 x 900 pixels--ready for 1080i HDTV) widescreen LCD offers Sony's XBRITE display technology--delivering deep blacks and bright whites, true-to-life color, and razor-sharp detail. And with a glare filter and anti-reflective coating to minimize reflection, youÕll experience a beautifully clear image even when outside in the bright sun. Video is powered by the Nvidia GeForce Go 7600GT graphics card with an amazing 256 MB of dedicated video RAM. Nvidia's TurboCache feature increases the performance of this thin and light notebook PC without increasing its size or draining its battery. It's coupled with the PowerMizer 6.0 advanced power management technology, which significantly extends your notebook PC's battery life while minimizing the amount of heat it produces.

Connectivity and Expansion Slots
The AR150G features an integrated PRO/Wireless 3915ABG wireless LAN that's compatible with 802.11b/g networks (commonly found in home routers and wi-fi hotspots) as well as 802.11a networks (which has a higher throughput, but more limited range--great for closed office environments). This notebook also features an HDMI audio/video output, which enables you to connect to an HDTV or A/V receiver with just a single cable--no more hassling with separate video and audio cables. HDMI offers a lossless, uncompressed, all-digital signal, for the outstanding high definition video and multi-channel digital audio.

With the Bluetooth wireless connectivity, you can synchronize and transfer files between the PC and peripherals such as cell phones and PDAs. It also includes a next-generation ExpressCard/54 card slot, which lets you take advantage of thinner, faster, and lighter expansion cards for even more advanced wireless, networking, storage, and security features. Here's the full list of connection options:

• 3 USB 2.0 ports for connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras to MP3 players
• 1 FireWire (also known as IEEE 1394 or i.Link) port for connecting digital video camcorders and other peripherals
• 1 PCMCIA (or PC Card) slot (one Type II/Type I card)
• 1 ExpressCard/54 slot
• 1 HDMI video port (for connecting to flat panel, high-definition monitors and televisions)
• 1 VGA monitor out
• 1 S-Video out
• TV inputs: 1 S-Video and 1 RF
• Stereo headphones/speakers/line-out
• Microphone/line-in
• S/PDIF digital audio out
• Memory card reader (Secure Digital, MultiMedia, Memory Stick, Memory Stick DUO)

It also has an integrated 56K modem (V.90) and an RJ-45 LAN network port (for a 10/100 Ethernet connection to networks and DSL/cable modems).

Preloaded System and Software
The pre-installed Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 (Update Rollup 2) is essentially Windows XP Professional Edition with a variety of tools to help you to create, organize, and enjoy digital media ranging from music to home movies to photo slide shows. The Update Rollup 2 upgrade offers support for the Windows Media Center Extender technology built into XBox 360 game consoles, which lets you access entertainment from your Media Center PC--whether itÕs live and recorded TV and movies, music, photos or Online Spotlight--on any TV in the house.

It also comes loaded with a bevy of Sony multimedia software: Click to DVD (DVD creation), SonicStage (digital music), Vaio Media (network file sharing), DVgate Plus (digital video), and Image Converter (for PSP transfer). Other preloaded software includes Adobe Photoshop Elements, Adobe Premiere Elements, Quicken 2005 New User Edition, Microsoft Works 8.5 (with word processing, spreadsheet, and calendar), Norton Internet Security (with 60-day subscription), Roxio DigitalMedia SE, and TrendMicro Anti-Spyware (30-day trial).

Dimensions and Weight
This notebook measures 16.4 x 11.8 x 1.32 inches (WxDxH) and weighs 8.4 pounds.

Power
It's powered by the VGP-BPS2C rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which has a battery life of 1.5 to 2.0 hours (depending on usage).

What's in the Box
This package contains the VGN-AR190G notebook PC, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, remote control/IR receiver, RF cable, HDMI cable (with DVI-D adapter), House of Flying Daggers Blu-ray movie disc, and operating instructions. It is backed by a one-year limited hardware warranty, and Sony offers 1-year of toll-free telephone technical assistance.

Product Description

Intel Core Duo T2500 2.0GHz 1024MB RAM (2048MB max) 17 WUXGA XBRITE Hi-Color (1920x1200) 200GB HDD (100GB x 2) Blu-Ray+R/W DL DVD±R/W WiFi (802.11a/b/g) Ethernet Bluetooth Built-In Webcam & Microphone TV Tuner HDMI NVDIA GeForce Go 7600GT (256MB) Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 (Black)

See all Product Description

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

63 of 68 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Laptop, but wait at least 6 months before buying, July 9, 2006

By 

Adam L. Safianow "Kiddo" (Dallas, TX) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sony VAIO VGN-AR190G 17-inch Laptop (Intel Core Duo Processor T2500, 1 GB RAM, 200 GB Hard Drive, Blu-Ray Disc,DVD+/-R DL/DVD+/-RW Drive) (Personal Computers)

This is a fantastic laptop. Beautiful design, not too heavy for a 17" notebook, massive hard drive, BLU RAY DISC DRIVE, fast processor, plenty of RAM... it's all good. But here in lies the problem, it's $3500!

Now, for those willing to shell out the investment for the long haul, this is a pretty sweet deal. Sony's screen is gorgeous going to resolutions up to 1920 x 1200 and resolutions up to 1080p, this is no slacker. Unfortunately, the nVidia 7600GT is it's graphics card. Not to say it's not a good card, but with 19" SLI Laptops running two top of the line 7900GSs, this seems very weak in comparison. Also, for $3500 dollars you get 1GB of RAM, which isn't bad, but you can have 2GB. There are some laptops capable of 4GB of RAM also, this doesn't seem to be one of them.

Also, Blu Ray right now is very new technology, and very expensive. Yet to be perfected and popular, the quality isn't much better than DVD, and there isn't much selection. Not only that, the battery life is atrocious. The manufacturer claims 2 hours, I got 97 minutes... it died before I could finish watching Underworld Evolution!

Now in its current state it runs pretty impressive benchmarks. The T2500 Core Duo runs at 2.0GHz which is really fast and really dependable, and also causes this laptop to be pretty portable for a full sized desktop replacement. There are lots of media options and a built in camera, but it doesn't justify the price.

BOTTOM LINE: Wait 6 months, the price will not only be at least $500-1000 cheaper, but there were be more options for movies, and more options by other manufacturers.

27 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars excellent computer, July 24, 2006

By 

Howard Choi "howard" (New York, NY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Sony VAIO VGN-AR190G 17-inch Laptop (Intel Core Duo Processor T2500, 1 GB RAM, 200 GB Hard Drive, Blu-Ray Disc,DVD+/-R DL/DVD+/-RW Drive) (Personal Computers)

***Original review July 2006***
i needed a desktop replacement notebook for when i'm not at my desktop at home, with a big enough screen to do work with large Excel spreadsheets, stats and graphics programs, and read long pdfs comfortably. the computer and screen are gorgeous to say the least. the Blu-ray DVD movie looked pretty unbelievable.

i started running into the problems when i started trying to install programs to replicate my setup for each of my computers (to mimic the setup on my work/home desktops and ultraportable notebook). i tried to install my old Office 2003 Professional. it installed but none of the programs would start. i tried to activate the pre-installed "MS Office trial" but this wouldn't install either. the pre-set security settings on the computer blocked the installation. changing all the security settings, spread across multiple programs and areas of Windows didn't help. needing to get some work done, i installed some other programs which worked fine. however, i noticed that Windows media player and the Blu-ray DVD program no longer played files.

exasperated, i reset the computer to previous settings using the installed Recovery software. The Blu-ray DVD was working again. obviously the drive was fine, i guess it was some sort of driver issue. no matter what, however, the Office 2003 trial installation wouldn't start. i couldn't uninstall it either, thinking that would free up the Office Professional installation.

finally, i went back to the VAIO Recovery software and selected re-setting the C: drive to "factory settings." of course, after clicking on this, the computer would not boot again, saying "no hard drive can be found." i had to go through Sony technical help to reset the BIOS, deal with the silly system preparation tool 2.0 window, etc. (just about everything is non-intuitive). eventually everything was fine.

i've had many sony computers, both desktops and notebooks over the years. i still use the TR3AP3 for flights and train rides. i'm generally a big fan of Sony. the AR190 is the first Sony computer that i've had trouble with. i probably should have waited a little while, but i didn't. i think the trouble has more to do with MS Windows and software than the hardware or anything else. i'm definitely not a techie, but i've used both Wintel and Macs for more than 15 years and i'm not completely clueless when it comes to computers either. i don't think they dotted all the i's and crossed all the t's before they released this model. again, the computer itself looks and seems great if you don't mind paying a premium for a Sony product (5 stars for the computer itself). the specs are the specs, either they're enough for your needs or they're not. i guess a better video card would have been nice, but i doubt most people would notice any problems with the factory-installed product. only 1 star for the crummy experience trying to set this computer up. you just don't expect this sort of hassle when you lay down $3500 for a computer. i don't sit around salivating about working on the a computer's interal plumbing all day. 3 stars overall.

***6 month update:***
the computer works great, no regrets whatsoever on purchasing this, except maybe could've done without the Blu-Ray drive, but, oh well. it hasn't caused me any grief at all since the set up period. can't beat the super huge screen. i've even taken it on business trips since it's hard to do real work on really small screens, and it was a lot less cumbersome than i would have thought. had some real angina setting it up originally (a long time ago), but that's long forgotten now....

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gorgeous computer, very fast, blu-ray, January 14, 2007

By 

Gadgester "No Time, No Money" (Mother Earth) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Sony VAIO VGN-AR190G 17-inch Laptop (Intel Core Duo Processor T2500, 1 GB RAM, 200 GB Hard Drive, Blu-Ray Disc,DVD+/-R DL/DVD+/-RW Drive) (Personal Computers)

The price tag says it all: this is one power machine, even when you don't consider the Blu-ray drive. The styling is nothing short of gorgeous -- it'll turn heads everywhere you go. (It's 500 times cooler than anything Apple has produced.) The machine itself is a speed demon, and the 17" screen is breath-taking for a laptop. I don't know why one other person was complaining about "no 1080p"; on a PC, you don't need 1080p because the screen always renders everything in progressive scan mode and the "lack" of resolution is addressed via a superb downscaling algorithm in the computer itself, so you get top-notch video image quality.

$3300 is a lot of dough to cough up for a computer, but if you want one that makes a powerful statement about your status or just want the best geekware, this is for you.