Sony VAIO VGN-CR120E/W 14.1-inch Laptop (Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T7100, 2 GB RAM, 160 GB Hard Drive, Vista Premium) Dove

by Sony

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 13.2 x 1.7 inches ; 5.5 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 8.1 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B000RMU1OQ
• Item model number: VGN-CR120E/W
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: March 1, 2007

Product Description

Color: Dove

Amazon.com Product Description

Add a zesty style to your mobile computing with the stunning good looks of the dove white Sony VAIO VGN-CR120E/W notebook PC, which offers unique eye-catching features, impressive attention-to-detail, and an amazingly thin and light profile. Aside from its jaw-dropping good looks, it's also an entertainment powerhouse. The instant AV Mode feature enables you to start watching a DVD or listening to music with the push of a single button--without having to boot up the system--and the convenient, built-in multimedia control buttons also let you control all playback functions.

This notebook is powered by the 1.8 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T7100 processor from the newest "Santa Rosa" chipset, which offer a top-of-the-line 800 MHz front-side bus speed and 4 MB L2 cache. The Core 2 Duo processor provides an optimized, multithreaded architecture for improved gaming and multitasking performance, as well as excellent battery management. It also includes Intel's 4965 AGN wireless LAN, which will connect to draft 802.11n routers and offers compatibility with 802.11a/b/g networks as well. A built-in 1.3 megapixel digital web camera lets you quickly snap photos and participate in live video chats. Other features include a bright 14.1-inch XBRITE-ECO screen, 160 GB hard drive, 2 GB of installed RAM (4 GB maximum capacity), multi-format/dual-layer DVD+/-RW drive (which also burns CDs), ExpressCard 34 slot, and both Memory Stick and SD memory cart slots.

Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium 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 T7100 processor has a 1.8 GHz processor speed, super-fast 800 MHz front-side bus (FSB), and a extra-large 4 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 installed RAM (2 x 1 GB DDR2, PC5300) is an excellent start, but you'll want to add more RAM to handle today's demanding multimedia and productivity suites. It provides two DIMM slots and has a large 4 GB maximum RAM capacity. It also offers a top-of-class 667 MHz speed. To receive the faster data transfer benefits of the dual-channel DDR2 RAM, any RAM additions require memory modules of same capacity and clockspeed.

• DVD/CD Drive: The dual-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 82-key keyboard (2mm stroke and 19.05mm pitch) and electro-static two-button touchpad. Playback controls include play/pause, stop, forward, rewind, AV mode, mute, volume +/-, capture, and display off.

Screen, Video & Audio
You'll enjoy razor-sharp graphics and widescreen movies with the 14.1-inch WXGA high-definition screen, with its 1280 x 800-pixel resolution. The XBRITE-ECO technology delivers brilliant colors and stunning clarity with efficient power usage, and it features an anti-reflective coating to minimize reflection and ensure a beautifully clear image from any viewing angle.

Video is powered by the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100, which uses shared video memory (up to 358 MB allocated from the system memory) and provides Windows Vista Aero interface support and enhanced 3-D graphics performance--delivering over 2x scores on 3-DMark 06. Intel Clear Video Technology provides outstanding video playback with sharper image quality, increased clarity, and customizable color controls. It also enables enhanced visual quality of interlaced content on progressive displays.

Networking, Connectivity & Expansion
Be ready for the next platform in wireless connectivity with the integrated quad-mode Intel Wireless 4965AGN Wi-Fi chip. Based on the draft 802.11n Wi-Fi specification, it offers up to five times the performance and twice the wireless range as existing 802.11g wireless. It's also backward 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 includes a next-generation ExpressCard 34 card slot (no PCMCIA 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 connectivity 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
• Video output: 1 VGA, 1 S-Video
• 1 ExpressCard/34 slot
• Memory Stick/Memory Stick DUO slot (with MagicGate functionality)
• Secure Digital memory card slot (compatible with MMC cards)
• 1 headphone jack, 1 microphone jack

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 via Wi-Fi.

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 (60-day trial), Symantec Norton Internet Security 2007 (with 60 days of Live Update).

Dimensions & Weight
This notebook measures 13.2 x 9.8 x 1.67 inches (WxDxH) and weighs 5.5 pounds.

Power
It's powered by the VGP-BPS9/S rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which has a battery life of between 1.5 and 3.0 hours (depending on usage).

What's in the Box
This package contains the VGN-CR120E/W 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

Packed with cool design details, cutting-edge technology and entertainment extras, the VAIO(R) CR120 Series Notebook PC will accessorize and energize your life with power and portability. The VAIO(R) CR120 Notebook features PC Intel Centrino Duo processor technology, powered by an Intel Core 2 Duo processor and an 800 MHz Front Side Bus. It also features a built-in 1.3 Megapixel digital web cam that lets you quickly snap photos and participate in live video chats. A complete set of multimedia controls makes content navigation easy. Complete with a great set of speakers, a stunning 14.1-inch widescreen display with xBrite-Eco LCD technology and a CD/DVD player/burner, the VAIO(R) CR120 series notebook is a portable, easy way to enjoy your digital entertainment. Front Side Bus Speed - 800MHz L2 Cache - 2MB 2GB (1GBx2) DDR2 PC2-5300 667MHz Speed (4GB Max) Memory 160GB 5400rpm speed SATA Hard Drive Pointing Device - Electro-Static touch pad QWERTY, 82 keys with 2mm stroke and 19.05mm pitch Keyboard Built-in 1.3 Megapixel Motion Eye(TM) camera and microphone Ethernet Protocol - Fast Ethernet (RJ-45) Ethernet Speed - 10Base-T/100Base-TX Modem Type - Integrated V92/V.90 Modem (RJ-11) Wireless LAN - Intel PRO/Wireless 4965AGN 802.11a/b/g/n Ports - Ethernet, Headphone Jack, Modem Jack, Microphone Input, S-Video Output, 3 USB Ports, VGA Output, DC-In, 34/Express Card Slot, 4-pin iLink connector (IEEE 1394) Operating System - Windows Vista Home Premium Dimensions - Width 13.2 x Depth 9.8 x Height 1.25 to 1.67-inch Weight - 5.49 pounds

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

177 of 184 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars High Expectations, All Met But a Few, July 12, 2007

By 

Electronic Surfer (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sony VAIO VGN-CR120E/L 14.1" Laptop (Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T7100, 2 GB RAM, 160 GB Hard Drive, Vista Premium) Indigo (Personal Computers)

Ok, I will start by saying I do "NOT" own this laptop, yet I want people to be aware of a few things. I sold laptops for over 6 years at a large retail company and I have been waiting for this laptop since early 2007 to purchase for myself. I was excited when I found out it will have the new Intel chip set and all the current video graphics and wireless technology. Then I got really excited when I found out it would not have the "usual" premium Sony price tag. I was on Sony's pre-order list when I discovered 4 things that have made me stop for a moment and ask what I am buying. 1. This series does have the 800 MHz front side bus that everyone is advertising, yet if one looks at it, the RAM that powers the chip set is still 667 MHz. The chip set can only run as fast as the RAM, therefore you're not getting a faster speed really. The 800Mhz RAM is scheduled to be released late 2007, and Sony could not answer me when I asked if it would ship with 800Mhz RAM anytime soon, or at what added cost would be incurred to the consumer. 2. The laptop does not have Bluetooth and it is not an option. Almost every laptop has the option to upgrade to Bluetooth. With everything today running Bluetooth; cell phones, digital cameras, MP3 players, head-phones, printers, PDA's, and etc. This is a necessity or should at least be an option to upgrade too. 3. Sony has never been great at battery life for laptops. They state 1.5 - 3 hours depending upon usage. If you plan on using this off a power source, buy the extra large battery. 4. It does not have a Blue-Ray disc drive or the option to upgrade too it. Now as I said I have been waiting for this laptop for a long time and will more then likely buy one later this fall (holding out for the 800 MHz RAM). I just want others to realize what they are buying. I dug a little further to find out why this series is missing these things. I found out in other reviews and opinions. Sony created this series to take on the HP 14.1 series that has been a HOT seller to say the least. It's just the right size laptop screen, bigger then the hard to see 12" screens and much smaller then the standard 15.4" screens. This series was also created for the home and "primarily" the college student user. NOT the business end or high-end user. This explains the Bluetooth and Blue-Ray missing. I hope others find this helpful. Best regards and happy shopping. :-)

46 of 47 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Price/Value - From Sony???, August 3, 2007

By 

Simon Jones "Self-Professed Geek" (Burlingame, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sony VAIO VGN-CR120E/W 14.1-inch Laptop (Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T7100, 2 GB RAM, 160 GB Hard Drive, Vista Premium) Dove (Personal Computers)

OK, I admit it, I have always lusted after a Sony machine, then chickened out once I saw the price. Heck, I even bought one once then took it back because the price was just so ludicrously high I couldn't justify hanging onto it.

But the CR120 is really a bargain, assuming you're not looking to play the highest end games on it. The keyboard (shamelessly copied from Apple, IMHO) is responsive and nice to use; the screen is out-of-this-world clear and bright; and the specs for the price are extremely comparable to the real competition, which is the smaller Dells.

So far, I've nothing to complain about except the battery life, which is not at all bad when you're not doing much, but runs down fast with a DVD going. Odd note - unlike the HPs, the Sony actually uses up more power playing DVDs in AV mode (i.e. without Windows running) than if you just load up Windows on Power Saver mode and play them on Media Player or similar...weird.

You lose a lot configurability by going this way, but the benefit is that if the specs are in your wheelhouse, you'll save a bundle over going custom-made from any of the other vendors. For me, there is plenty on board, and I use it all day every day to work - and I'm not missing my HP or Lenovo at all!

The one thing you have to know is that Sony continue to load the thing up with unacceptable amounts of garbage tester programs. Take the time to remove them, and you've got a slick, very effective machine!

27 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Nice elegant laptop. No Recovery CD. No User manual, July 26, 2007

By 

Tony Tran "Tony Tran" (San Jose, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sony VAIO VGN-CR120E/R 14.1-inch Laptop (Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T7100, 2 GB RAM, 160 GB Hard Drive, Vista Premium) Sangria (Personal Computers)

I just bought this SONY VGN-CR120E/R 14" laptop from Amazon last week for my girlfriend as a gift. This is a very elegant laptop. It was shipped very promptly from Amazon, However the package was not packed very professionally. (my box was poked with a hole, and there was not enough paper stuffing in it).

The laptop was slower than I expected for a high end Dual 2 core with 2 GB of memory on it. To my surprise, the package did not

come with a Recovery CD or user manual. When I called SONY tech support, they pointed me to a website to show me how to create a Recovery CD,and how to download a user manual. While the laptop comes with prepackaged software, It took a longtime (more than 1 hour) to bring up the laptop to its useable condition, and I noticed a bunch of trial software (60 day trials) which actually slows down the laptop. Overall, I like the sleek, beautiful appearance, and it is pretty light to carry around. However I am not impressed with the new Window Vista (very slow) and the free software that goes with the laptop, and the lack of recovery CD and manual in this package. As a side note, I got a $100 rebate for this which is good. I am quite impressed with the way Amazon handles the online purchase and how they handled the rebate processing. Regarding the product,I think Sony needs to learn how Dell and HP package their laptops (with manuals and goodies).

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