Sony VAIO VGN-FS850P/W 15.4" Laptop (Intel Pentium M Processor 750, 512 MB RAM, 100 GB Hard Drive, DVD+R Dbl Layer /DVD+/-RW Drive)

by Sony

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 10.4 x 14.3 x 1.4 inches ; 6.3 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B000DZZR32
• Item model number: VGN-FS850P/W
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: December 20, 2005

Product Description

Amazon Product Description

The Basics:
Sony describes its wide-ranging "FS" series of VAIO notebooks as "well-balanced", and few could argue the point. Unlike some portable computers, the FS series is sensibly designed from top to bottom with well-matched components and an eye on important facets such as portability, ease of use, and price. Sitting in the midst of the FS series lineup is this model, the VAIO VGN-FS850P/W 15.4" Notebook PC, an affordable machine that features the business-oriented Windows XP Professional operating system and delivers many of the attributes the modern notebook user requires but does not go overboard in any one area. Serious gamers may want better 3D graphic capabilities than the unit can provide, and its battery efficiency figures aren't quite as strong as other notebooks using Intel Pentium M processors, but the VAIO VGN-FS850/W should otherwise appeal to most.

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-FS850P/W is equipped with an Intel Pentium M processor 750 running at 1.86 GHz. This is one of three components comprising 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 (though not so with this model), and more versatile than their non-Centrino counterparts. This particular CPU is part of Intel's upgraded Pentium M lineup, featuring a whopping 2 MB of Level 2 cache for extremely fast access to your most utilized information. Its rated clock speed is clearly not on par with that of a high-end Intel Pentium 4, but this CPU will easily handle most common mobile tasks.

Memory:
Computers typically store information on their hard drive, but they also 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-FS850P/W incorporates 512 MB of super fast PC2-4200 533 MHz DDR2 memory. This is a typical allotment but a higher speed than the memory in many other midlevel notebooks, and is certainly quite adequate for virtually any application or multitasking situation you're likely to encounter in the foreseeable future. That said, the unit does permit upgrades to its maximum of 2048 MB (2 GB) RAM.

Video:
CPUs are usually so busy with basic calculations that they need help translating visual output to the viewing screen. This is the duty of the graphics card (or graphics controller). Generally, a controller with dedicated video memory is far preferable to one with "shared" video memory, wherein the graphics controller appropriates a portion of the main system memory. Nevertheless, many notebooks utilize shared memory controllers to keep the overall cost in check and because of obvious space restrictions. Such is the case with this system, which incorporates an Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900. The advantage of this comparatively new controller over other shared memory controllers is twofold-it utilizes more refined components, and it commandeers more of the system's memory (up to 128 MB). Still, though it will effectively display 2D and the majority of 3D applications and games, the system won't satisfy hardcore gamers or demanding 3D graphic artists who need powerful, smooth 3D performance.

Display:
The VAIO VGN-FS850P/W features a 15.4-inch WXGA widescreen display that allows you to watch DVD movies and play the latest games in their full panoramic glory. Its 1280 by 800 maximum resolution offers enough detail for even the pickiest digital photo tweaker, and Sony's XBRITE Technology provides a brighter, more compelling picture than older and/or less efficient notebooks.

Hard Disk:
The integrated 100 GB hard disk, equivalent to what you'll find in some of today's budget-priced desktop PCs, is a welcome perk indeed for those who require a smaller notebook but need to load a broad range of applications and also keep a library of space-gobbling music and/or multimedia files.

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 a DVD-RW drive allows you to "write" home movies to durable discs and archive files to DVD (DVDs boast more than seven times the storage capacity of a CD). The latest optical drive technology involves double-layer DVDs, each of which sports double the capacity of a standard DVD. This system features a DVD+R Double Layer/DVD±RW drive that will make quick work of all of the above.

Audio:
The VAIO VGN-FS850P/W is equipped with two miniature stereo speakers, a mini microphone jack and a stereo mini headphone jack.

Keyboard and Controls:
You'll control your notebook via an 86-key keyboard and standard electro-static touch pad.

Connectivity and Expansion:
The VAIO VGN-FS850P/W offers a wide variety of ways to keep in touch, 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 2200b/g Network Connection (802.11b/g) for fast cord-free e-communication at home, at the office or on the road via today's two most popular wireless formats, Wireless-B and Wireless-G. Other key amenities include three 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 data uploads from digital camcorders), a Memory Stick media slot for reading Memory Stick memory cards, and provisions for a Port Replicator interface (3 USB 2.0, Ethernet, VGA, DVI-D, printer, DC in).

Operating System and Software:
Sony will preload Microsoft's sophisticated business-oriented operating system, Windows XP Professional Edition, and a versatile application package that includes Microsoft's Works 8.5 productivity suite, Intuit's Quicken 2005 New User Edition financial package, Adobe Photoshop Album Starter Edition, and an impressive assortment of Sony's highly-respected photo, music and video utilities.

Dimensions and Weight:
Notebook computers are manufactured in a wide variety of sizes and weights. 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 typically aren't as powerful as their larger brethren but weigh as little as two lbs and will often fit comfortably inside a large purse. The VAIO VGN-FS850P/W is marginally smaller than today's median notebook size at 6.28 lbs (with standard battery) and a mere 14.33 by 10.41 by 1.0-1.41 inches.

Power:
The unit is equipped with a Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery that delivers 1.5 - 2.0 hours between charges. This is a slightly smaller figure than most notebooks featuring the efficient Pentium M CPU.

Product Description

Includes: AC adapter, lithium-ion battery, Microsoft Windows XP Professional Edition with Service Pack 2. Sony VGN-FS850P/W VAIO(R) Notebook PC - Powered by an Intel Pentium M Processor 750 (1.86 GHz), and 512MB of DDR2 Memory, this notebook can handle most, if not all, of your daily tasks. It even features a built-in 802.11b/g Wi-Fi wireless networking adapter. So you can surf the Internet and check e-mail from any one of a number of Wi-Fi Hot Spots around the world. 100GB EIDE Hard Drive Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900 with up to 128MB of shared video memory (memory is taken from the main system's RAM) Double Layer DVD Writer - supports Double Layer DVD+R, DVD-RW, & DVD+RW media Integrated 802.11b/g Wi-Fi Wireless Network Support

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wide and thin, April 19, 2006

By 

S. Kumar "SBK" (AR, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sony VAIO VGN-FS850P/W 15.4" Laptop (Intel Pentium M Processor 750, 512 MB RAM, 100 GB Hard Drive, DVD+R Dbl Layer /DVD+/-RW Drive) (Personal Computers)

Fast,lots of storage, great xbrite widescreen, looks great (wide and thin), nice keyboard, vaio zone.

Battery life is just adequate, speakers not best in class, limited portability but better than most in class.

5.0 out of 5 stars I've been very happy with this laptop..., May 15, 2008

By 

J. Moorhouse "Adventure-Biker" (Florida, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sony VAIO VGN-FS850P/W 15.4" Laptop (Intel Pentium M Processor 750, 512 MB RAM, 100 GB Hard Drive, DVD+R Dbl Layer /DVD+/-RW Drive) (Personal Computers)

- Pros:
. Great Display
. Great keyboard
. Slim, stylish design & great appearance
. Great audio (for a laptop)
. Fun to use!
. Reasonably lightweight

- Cons:
. No built-in microphone
. Battery life could be better
. Came with lots of 'junkware'/'bloatware'
. Takes a long time to boot up when just turned on

I purchased this computer as an open-box / demo item nearly 1.5 years ago at a computer & electronics show. The seller made me a very good deal on the price and included several expensive extras in the purchase at no extra charge (including a memory upgrade from the standard 512MB to 1GB).

I've used this laptop as a wireless desktop replacement (no longer have a desktop) and have traveled with it on occasion. It sees a lot of use from me as I am on it at some point nearly every day for at least several hours at a time. It has been a fun to use and very reliable machine that has not given me any problems so far in the time that I've had it. It has great portability, a great looking display screen, & great sounding audio for a laptop. The keyboard has a great look and feel to it as well. Overall it is an excellent and very stylish machine.

It does have a few downsides however. For one, it takes too long (in my opinion) to boot up. This is after removing a lot of the junk/ trial software that comes installed by Sony (another downside). This could also possibly be caused in part by the harddrive speed (not sure). Secondly, the battery life is not good enough for a truly portable machine (and not even close to many of the other laptops out there). At best, the battery lasts about 1.5hrs (after using this for over a year now battery life is more like 1hr + a few minutes). Lastly all notebook PC's should have an integrated built-in mic (this model does not). I use a VOIP softphone to send & receive VOIP telephone calls via the internet, and having to plug in an external mic all the time to do this gets to be a real hassle sometimes. This PC would be SOO much better if it just had a mic (like MOST laptops do!).

Overall this is a GREAT machine though, and I have been very happy with it. Recommended!