Sony VAIO VGN-C140G/B 13.3" Laptop (Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T5500, 1 GB RAM, 120 GB Hard Drive, DVD+/-R Dbl Layer Drive)

by Sony

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 13 x 1.5 inches ; 5.1 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 8 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B000J45EX0
• Item model number: VGN-C140G/B
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: July 2, 2004

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Sleekly styled with an exquisitely designed copper trim and dimpled surface, the handsome Sony VAIO VGN-C140G/B makes a highly functional fashion statement. Beyond its eye-catching good looks, the C140G/B will keep you productive while you're on the run from meeting to meeting thanks to its 5-pound weight, 13.3-inch widescreen, battery-saving XBRITE-ECO LCD screen, and tri-mode wireless LAN (compatible with 802.11a/b/g networks). And with the Microsoft Windows XP Media Center operating system, you get a wide range of tools to easily manage and enjoy your music, movie, and photo collections.

It's powered by the Intel Core 2 Duo processor, which offers a 20 percent performance boost over its predecessor while using 28 percent less power--so you get the benefit of a powerful dual-core PC plus all the benefits of mobility. The dual-execution core T5500 Core 2 Duo processor provides an optimized, multithreaded architecture for improved gaming and multitasking performance, and it features a 1.66 GHz speed, lightning quick 667 MHz system bus, and large 2 MB L2 cache. Other features include a 120 GB hard drive, 1 GB of installed RAM (2 GB maximum), multi-format, dual-layer DVD burner, Intel Graphic Media Accelerator 950 card with 128 MB of shared video RAM, multi-format memory card adapter, ExpressCard/34 slot, and a wide selection of preloaded Sony multimedia software titles. This is Windows Vista capable PC, and it's also Windows Vista Premium ready.

The Basics

• Hard Drive: The 120 GB hard drive (5400 RPM) is above average in size for notebook PCs, and it's befitting of such an entertainment-centric PC. It offers more than enough capacity for storing documents and productivity software for road warriors. You'll also be able to store a good-sized digital audio library.
  
• Processor: The Intel Core 2 Duo T5500 processor has a 1.66 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 2 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 Microsoft Windows Vista operating system. 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. Some of the advanced Intel innovations of the Core 2 Duo processor include:

  • Smart Memory Access: Improves system performance by hiding memory latency, thus optimizing the use of available computer data bandwidth to provide data to the processor when and where it is needed.
  • Advanced Digital Media Boost: Effectively doubles the execution speed for instructions used widely in multimedia and graphics applications.
  • Dynamic Power Coordination: Coordinates Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology and idle power-management state (C-states) transitions independently per core to help save power.
  • Deeper Sleep with Dynamic Cache Sizing: Saves power by flushing cache data to system memory during periods of inactivity to lower CPU voltage.
  
  
• Memory: The 1 GB of built-in memory (PC4200, 533 MHz, DDR2 SDRAM, 2 x 512 MB) is a good start out of the box, but you'll want to maximize the 2 GB capacity of this machine to make your multimedia hum along.
  
• CD/DVD Drive: The double-layer DVD drive is compatible with a wide range of formats, including both DVD+RW and DVD-RW discs, CD-RW discs, and dual-layer (DL) DVD+/-R discs, which can hold up to 8.5 GB of data--great for backing up your MP3 collection or your most important documents. It features the following speeds: 4x for DVD+R DL, 4x for DVD-R DL, 8x for both single layer DVD+R/-R, 8x for single layer DVD+RW, 6x for single layer DVD-RW, and 24x/24x for CD-R/RW. It reads DVD-ROM discs at 8x and CD-ROMs at 24x.
  
• Keyboard & Mouse: This notebook has a standard 86-key keyboard (2.5mm stroke and 19.05mm pitch) and electro-static two-button touchpad.

Screen, Graphics and Sound
The 13.3-inch WXGA LCD offers Sony's XBRITE-ECO display technology and has a resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels. The widescreen display gives increases the width of the notebook's display while giving the computer the form factor of a smaller computer, so it takes up less space on your desk or in your briefcase. Video is powered by the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950, which uses Intel Dynamic Video Memory Technology (DVMT) and provides up to 128 MB of shared video memory. It also has an integrated audio card with Microsoft Windows sound system compatibility.

Connectivity and Expansion Slots
This notebook 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). It includes a next-generation ExpressCard/34 card slot (though no PCMCIA card slot), which lets you take advantage of thinner, faster, and lighter expansion cards for even more advanced wireless, networking, storage, and security features. It also offers a built-in Memory Stick slot (with MagicGate functionality) and this package comes with the VGP-MCA20 memory card adapter, which is compatible with Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, Secure Digital, MMC, and XD Picture Card media. Here's the full list of connection options:

• 2 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 ExpressCard/34 slot
• 1 VGA monitor out
• 1 S-Video out
• Stereo headphones/speakers/line-out
• Microphone/line-in

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. It also comes loaded with a bevy of Sony multimedia software: Click to DVD (DVD creation) and DVgate Plus (digital video). Other pre-loaded software includes Microsoft Works 8.5 (with word processing, spreadsheet, and calendar), Norton Internet Security (with 60-day subscription), and TrendMicro Anti-Spyware (30-day trial).

Dimensions and Weight
This notebook measures 13 x 9.3 x 1.5 inches (WxDxH) and weighs 5.07 pounds.

Power
It's powered by the VGP-BPS2C rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which has a battery life of between 3.0 and 4.5 hours (depending on usage).

What's in the Box
This package contains the VGN-C140G/B notebook PC, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, 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

Celebrate your style with the powerful, portable and exquisitely designed VAIO(R) VGN-C140G/B notebook PC. This functional fashion statement features a 13.3-inch widescreen display with energy-saving XBRITE-ECO technology. Outfitted with built-in wireless LAN technology, you can connect to your home network or local hotspots for quick and wire-free access to the Internet, e-mail or chats. The VGN-C140G/B notebook is a Windows Vista Premium Ready. In addition to its eye-catching design, the VAIO(R) C notebook is also backed by an Intel Core 2 Duo processor, DVD burner and energy-saving 13.3-inch widescreen LCD display with XBRITE-ECO technology, this lightweight and powerful notebook has the latest technologies to get you through the day. Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950 with 128MB dynamically allocated shared (RAM/Video) memory 1GB (512MB x 2) PC2-4200 533MHz DDR2 Memory (Up to 2GB) Optical Drive - Up to 4x DVD+R DL Write, 8x DVD+R Write, 8x DVD+RW Write, 8x DVD-R Write, 6x DVD-RW Write, 24x CD-R Write, 24x CD-RW Write, 24x CD Read, 8x DVD Read, 5x DVD-RAM Write, 4x DVD-R DL Write, 5x DVD-RAM Read Integrated V.92/V.90 Modem (RJ-11) Ethernet 10/100BaseT Ethernet with RJ-45 interface Multimedia Card Reader Supports Memory Stick(R) Duo media with MagicGate(TM) functionality ExpressCard 34 Slot - 5-in-1 Memory Card Adaptor (VGP-MCA20) supporting Memory Stick, Memory Stick(R) PRO, Secure Digital, xD-Picture Card and MultiMediaCard (MMC) One 4pin i.Link connector (IEEE 1394), 2 USB 2.0 ports, port replicator connector Electro-Static touch pad Pointing Device QWERTY, 86 keys with 2.5mm stroke and 19.05mm pitch Keyboard Battery Life - Approximately 3.0-4.5 hours Windows Media Center Edition 2005, Windows Vista Premium Ready Dimensions - Width 12.98 x Height 1.45 -1.47 x Depth 9.28 inches Weight - 5.0 pounds

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sony 13.3" C140G Notebook, December 30, 2006

By 

R. Gough "laptop traveller" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sony VAIO VGN-C140G/B 13.3" Laptop (Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T5500, 1 GB RAM, 120 GB Hard Drive, DVD+/-R Dbl Layer Drive) (Personal Computers)

I've had this laptop for 1 week and am very pleased. It weights just 5 pounds (which it very important for me). Key pros: large hard drive (120GB), good performance (Core 2 Duo at 1.66GHz), Full Keyboard (dedicated page up/down, Home/End keys), excellent screen (for watching movies), clean look (black with copper trim). One con: a built in mic would be nice for Skype calls. Works well with a plug in mic but one more item to schlep. As to battery life, my key test is weather I can view a full length movie on a battery charge. I tend to run these from a thumb drive and I ran a 2 hour, 18 minute movie this way with 8% battery life remaining (wireless off). On a flight I wouldn't watch anything longer.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My first notebook, and a winner, February 4, 2007

By 

David Casker (Johnstown, PA United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Sony VAIO VGN-C140G/B 13.3" Laptop (Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T5500, 1 GB RAM, 120 GB Hard Drive, DVD+/-R Dbl Layer Drive) (Personal Computers)

I share other readers' comments that it comes with way too much "buy this, buy that" stuff preloaded with shortcuts on the desktop. But that's a minor annoyance. It's not hard to get rid of that stuff, though it took me a few minutes to check out what was useful and what was just crap. I can also quibble about battery life. I don't get anything like what's advertized. I'd also like a screen that's a little bit less reflective. But those things being said, I love it. It's easy. It works beautifully for everything I want to do. Controls are clear, intuitive, and accessible. (I borrowed a friend's laptop a couple of months ago, and the controls were dozens of tiny buttons, poorly marked and not particularly intuitive. This is just the opposite.) The built in speakers are fine, but you get knock-your-socks-off sound through headphones, It lets you choose from available wireless connections very easily. All in all, I haven't wanted to do anything at all on this machine that I've found difficult. Very intuitive. And also, even though I don't give a rat's behind about style over performance, I actually do like the style. Black coffee, copper and silver. It's a nice combo.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars GREAT NOTEBOOK, January 8, 2007

By 

Brian Thompson (Huntsville, TX United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sony VAIO VGN-C140G/B 13.3" Laptop (Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T5500, 1 GB RAM, 120 GB Hard Drive, DVD+/-R Dbl Layer Drive) (Personal Computers)

I've had this notebook for a few weeks now and I'm SOOOOOOOOO satisfied with it. It's obviously not meant for gaming, but it works great as far as multimedia goes with EXTRAORDINARY sound quality from a laptop and wow. The only thing more I could ask for is longer battery life. Although... I've managed to squeeze out about 4 1/2 hours with the right settings while using wireless networking, some light web browsing, and chatting using Trillian Pro. It's definitely worth the money. I would've paid more for it if I had to. It's more than worth it.

Brian