Sony VAIO VGN-C240E/B 13.3" Laptop (Intel Core 2 Duo T5500 1.66 GHz Processor, 2 GB RAM, 160 GB Hard Drive, DVD RW Drive, Vista Premium)

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: B000M5ND4S
• Item model number: VGN-C240E/B
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: December 22, 2006

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Celebrate your style with the cool colors, trendy trim and dimpled surface of the powerful and exquisitely designed Sony VAIO VGN-C240E/B notebook PC, which features a 13.3-inch widescreen display with energy-saving XBRITE-ECO technology. The dark gray body features orange accents for added style, and it weighs just 5.1 pounds--perfect for portability. Send e-mail from your sofa, share photos while lounging by the pool, or chat with friends from the coffee shop, campus or airport thanks to the built-in tri-mode wireless LAN (compatible with 802.11a/b/g networks). It's powered by the 1.66 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T5500 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. It also features a 160 GB SATA hard drive, 2 GB of installed RAM (maximizing capacity), multi-format, dual-layer DVD burner, Intel Graphic Media Accelerator graphics card with up to 224 MB of shared video RAM, multi-format memory card reader, and ExpressCard/34 slot.

This laptop also comes preinstalled with Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium, which includes all of the Windows Media Center capabilities for turning your PC into an all-in-one home entertainment center. In addition to easily playing your DVD movies and managing your digital audio library, you'll be able to record and watch your favorite TV shows (even HDTV). Vista also integrates new search tools throughout the operating system, includes new parental control features, and offers new tools that can warn you of impending hardware failures.

The Basics

• 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.
• Hard Drive: The 160 GB hard drive (5400 RPM) offers enough to room to hold a digital audio library of over 26,000 songs and still have room left over for movies, games, and a large collection of software. This Serial ATA (SATA) hard drive also quickens the pace with a higher speed transfer of data--akin to FireWire and USB 2.0.
  
• Memory: The 2 GB of built-in memory (PC4200, 533 MHz, DDR2 SDRAM, 2 x 1 GB) maximizes the capacity for this machine, enabling you to effortlessly handle a wide variety of multimedia tasks right out of the box.
  
• DVD/CD 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/16x 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, Video & Audio
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 224 MB of total graphics memory from the system memory. Audio is powered by Sony's Sound Reality audio enhancer.

Networking, Connectivity & Expansion
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 also 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. 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
• 5-in-1 memory card adapter (Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, Secure Digital, MultiMedia, XD)

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).

Operating System
Windows Vista Home Premium is the operating system for users with advanced computer needs, and it includes all of the Windows Media Center capabilities for turning your PC into an all-in-one home entertainment center for watching DVD movies and accessing your digital audio library. You can also use Windows Media Center to record and watch your favorite TV shows (even HDTV) and to access new kinds of online entertainment content. Computers that include Windows Vista Home Premium and an auxiliary Windows SideShow display will also allow you to access key data even when your computer is off. It is also easier than ever to share files between other PCs in your household and to manage your laptop computer settings to more securely connect to your favorite WiFi hotspot.

Every edition of Windows Vista provides the essential tools and technologies to help protect you whether you are browsing the Internet, connecting to a wireless network, or just reading e-mail. All editions of Windows Vista include new tools that can warn you of impending hardware failures long before you have lost any important personal data. And, all Windows Vista editions include parental control features that allow you to manage and monitor your family's use of games, the Internet, instant messaging, and other activities.

Preloaded Software
Includes Sony Click to DVD (for easy DVD creation), Microsoft Works, Microsoft Office 2007 Student and Teacher Edition (60-day trial), Symantec Norton Internet Security 2007 (with 60 days of Live Update).

Dimensions & Weight
This notebook measures 13 x 9.3 x 1.47 inches (WxDxH) and weighs 6.2 pounds.

Power
It's powered by the VGP-BPS2C rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which has a battery life of between 2.5 and 4 hours (depending on usage).

What's in the Box
This package contains the VGN-C240E/B notebook PC, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, memory card adapter (VGP-MCA20), 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

More than just good looking, the VAIO(R) C240E/B has the heart of a champion backed by an Intel Core 2 Duo processor, DVD Writer and Energy Saving 13.3-inch Widescreen LCD with XBrite-ECO Technology. Enjoy the freedom and flexibility of integrated Wireless LAN and extended battery life to bring the Internet to you anywhere in your house. This 5.07 pounds lightweight mobile PC also comes with Windows Vista Home Premium operating system making content management a breeze and an easy way to enjoy your digital entertainment on-demand. 2GB (1GBx2) PC2-4200 DDR2 533MHz Max Memory 160GB Serial ATA(TM) 5400rpm Hard Drive Optical Drive - 4x DVD+-R Double Layer, 8x Write DVD+-R, 6x DVD+-RW, 24x Write CD-R/RW, 24x Read CD, 8x Read DVD, 5x Read and Write DVD-RAM Multimedia Card Reader - ExpressCard 34 Slot 5-in-1 Memory Card Adapter supporting Memory Stick, Memory Stick(R) PRO, Secure Digital, xD Picture Card and Multimedia Card (MMC) Windows Sound System 13.3-inch 1280x800 XBrite-ECO WXGA LCD Technology Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950 224MB Video RAM VGA Out with Smart Display Sensor Interface Ports - Ethernet Port, Headphone Jack, 4-Pin iLink Interface, Memory Stick(R) Media Slot, Modem, Microphone, Port Replicator Connector, S-Video Output, 2 USB 2.0 Port, VGA Output and DC-in Operating System - Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium Dimensions - Width 12.98 x Height 1.47 x Depth 9.28 inches Weight - 5.07 pounds Note - When you first turn this machine on, you will have to wait ONLY 5-6 minutes before you use Windows Vista.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Love the hardware, hate the preloaded software, March 27, 2007

By 

Christopher Kiefer (San Francisco) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Sony VAIO VGN-C240E/B 13.3" Laptop (Intel Core 2 Duo T5500 1.66 GHz Processor, 2 GB RAM, 160 GB Hard Drive, DVD RW Drive, Vista Premium) (Personal Computers)

I have used this Vaio for about three weeks now, and have been quite pleased with it's performance. Everything has worked as it should. The main problem I had was simply adapting to Windows Vista. However, this computer comes with so much useless preloaded software! I probably spent two hours clearing away all the AOL, CNN, Corel and other trial programs just so I could feel like it was my own computer.

The hardware is fast. The RAM is abundant. The battery lasts for a very long time, which is why I chose it over other laptops. The screen is sharp except for viewing it from an above point of view. The built-in wireless hardware is fast, simple and reliable. The case is lightweight, yet not too fragile. I love good product design!

I will use it for design presentations and on-the-road design work. I would still purchase this if I had to do it all over again.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Product, March 19, 2007

By 

M. Kelson (Los Angeles) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sony VAIO VGN-C240E/B 13.3" Laptop (Intel Core 2 Duo T5500 1.66 GHz Processor, 2 GB RAM, 160 GB Hard Drive, DVD RW Drive, Vista Premium) (Personal Computers)

It's extremely well made, reliable and fast. Can generally access networks anywhere in the world, VPN works great, wireless is sensational and the keyboard and feel of the machine are very nice. Highly recommended. Its my third Vaio.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars like no other, Sony :), March 14, 2007

By 

Ahmed N. Alderhm - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sony VAIO VGN-C240E/B 13.3" Laptop (Intel Core 2 Duo T5500 1.66 GHz Processor, 2 GB RAM, 160 GB Hard Drive, DVD RW Drive, Vista Premium) (Personal Computers)

Great laptop I used it now for like 2 weeks. stylish, Lightweight, good looking and I found the black color with red line the best.
Amazon should write the true color it is black not silver
Very good performance with Core 2 Duo processor and the 2 GB ram makes it just great
Another good thing is that you get the laptop with windows vista and a big capacity hard disk 160
All I can say is that i'm very pleased with this laptop

you can feel the quality of Sony's nice material used in the c240 laptop.
I highly recommended it and I found it to be a good investment.