Sony VAIO VGN-NS255J/S 15.4-Inch Laptop (2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T6400 Processor, 4 GB RAM, 250 GB Hard Drive, Vista Premium) Silver

Other products by Sony

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 10.6 x 14.2 x 1.5 inches ; 6.4 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 9.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B001MS6NTG
• Item model number: VGN-NS255J/S
• Average Customer Review: 2.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,619 in Computers & PC Hardware (See Bestsellers in Computers & PC Hardware)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: December 28, 2008

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description
Boasting an aesthetic yet functional design, the Sony VAIO VGN-NS255J/S notebook PC brings together stunning imagery, access to all your multimedia, and excellent productivity in an affordable package. The clean lines, textured exterior, and elegant silver coloring gives this laptop a very contemporary feel. And it helps you connect to the world via ultra-fast Draft N Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g/n) and a 1.3-megapixel MOTION EYE web cam built into the display bezel--perfect for video blogging or chatting with friends and family.

The 15.4-inch display uses Sony's XBRITE-ECO LCD technology so you can see deeper blacks, brighter whites, true-to-life color and razor-sharp detail from almost any angle. It's great for watching movies as well as making your own using the included Sony Movie Story software--just choose the supplied template and professional-looking cutaways, cross-fades and soundtrack syncing are automatically done for you.

It's powered by the 2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T6400 processor, which boosts speed, reduces power requirements, and saves on battery life. It offers a fast 800 MHz front-side bus speed and 2 MB L2 cache. Other features include a 250 GB hard drive, 4 GB of RAM (maximum capacity), ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3430 graphics with up to 2040 MB of available memory, dual-layer DVD±RW and CD burning capabilities, ExpressCard 34 slot, Gigabit Ethernet, both Memory Stick and SD card readers, and pre-installed Windows Vista Home Premium (SP1).

This Sony notebook is Energy Star 4.0 certified, and has received a Silver EPEAT designation for meeting standards to help reduce its environmental impact. Additionally, it is RoHS-compliant, effectively reducing the environmental impact by restricting the use of lead, mercury and certain other hazardous substances.

Spec Check Color: Silver 15.4-inch LCD screen 2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T6400 processor 250 GB hard drive 4 GB RAM (maximum capacity) Dual-layer DVD±R drive Tri-mode Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n) ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3430 graphics (2040 MB total shared) Windows Vista Home Premium (64-bit) Weighs 6.4 pounds

The Basics

• Processor: The Intel Core 2 Duo T6400 processor has a 2.0 GHz processor speed, fast 800 MHz front-side bus (FSB), and 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.)

  With two computational execution cores in a single processor, it provides 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 generous 250 GB Serial ATA hard drive (5400 RPM) provides more than enough capacity for storing a large audio and video library, as well as extra space required for video editing. This SATA hard drive also quickens the pace with a higher speed transfer of data--akin to Firewire and USB 2.0.

• Memory: The 4 GB of installed RAM (PC2-5300, 2 x 2 GB) maximizes the capacity of this notebook, and it also offers a quick 667 MHz speed.

• 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, 8x for single layer DVD+RW, 6x for single layer DVD-RW, 5x for DVD-RAM, 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 (2mm stroke and 19.05mm pitch) and electro-static two-button touchpad. Playback controls include play/pause, stop, forward, rewind, AV mode, mute, volume +/-, WLAN/Bluetooth on/off.

The Sony VAIO NS in silver.

Screen, Video & Audio
You'll enjoy razor-sharp graphics and widescreen movies with the 15.4-inch WXGA high-definition screen, which has a widescreen resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels--perfect for watching DVD movies the way they were meant to be seen. 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 ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3430, which provides 2040 MB of total available graphics memory. ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3400 Series graphics processors have breakthrough efficiency, with phenomenal performance-per-watt and energy-saving features. Advance to the power of discrete graphics for HD gaming with best-in-class performance, amazing effects, and lifelike worlds and characters delivering a compelling gaming experience.

Networking, Connectivity & Expansion
Enjoy easy wireless networking with the integrated tri-mode Atheros Draft-N wireless LAN (compatible with 802.11b/g/n wireless networks). 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). This desktop also provides ultra-fast Gigabit Ethernet networking (10/100/1000).

This notebook also includes a next-generation ExpressCard 34 card slot (though 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:

• 4 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
• Audio: 1 headphone, 1 microphone/line-in
• Analog video output: 1 VGA
• 1 ExpressCard/34 slot
• Memory Stick/Memory Stick PRO slot (Standard/Duo with MagicGate functionality)
• Secure Digital memory card slot (compatible with MMC cards)
• RJ-45 port for 10/100/1000 Ethernet
• 56K modem port (V.90/V.92)

Operating System
The 64-bit version of Windows Vista Home Premium (with SP1) 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
Microsoft Windows Live OneCare anti-virus and recovery (trial version), Microsoft Works SE 9.0, Microsoft Office 2007 Home and Student (60-day trial), Sony Click to Disk Editor (CD and DVD burning), VAIO Movie Story (video editing), VAIO MusicBox

Dimensions & Weight
This notebook measures 14.2 x 10.63 x 1.5 inches (WxDxH) and weighs 6.4 pounds.

Power
It's powered by the VGP-BPS13/B rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which has a battery life of between 1.5 and 4 hours (depending on usage).

What's in the Box
This package contains the VGN-NS255J/S 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
The 15.4-Inch VAIO NS notebook exemplifies contemporary style in an easy-to-handle mobile PC. Boasting an aesthetic yet functional design, it will turn heads with its unpretentious charm. Enjoy superior performance with an available Intel Core 2 Duo processor. Video message with friends and family with the built-in webcam. And get things done with loads of RAM and ample storage. With its good looks and tools like these, the VAIO NS notebook is a great PC for all your day-to-day computing endeavors.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Great computer for my Kid, June 28, 2009

By	John C. Tu "johnctu" (LA, CA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I bought this for my kid @ $650. Great computer at this price. They play Maple Story and this computer has plenty of power for that. Nice display. Sony build. I did not mind about creating recovery disk. Most computers requires you to do it any way. Even the expensive ones.

8 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Disappointed....., March 1, 2009

By	W. Pidgeon (Westerville, OH United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I opened the box, turned it on and was immediately instructed to create system recovery discs. I was a little surprised that the recovery discs were not included on a premium, $800+ laptop. The first recovery disc failed about 1/3 of the way into recording.

When I tried a second time, the clickable link to create recovery discs was no longer clickable/working. The computer would not let me create a recovery disc no matter what I did (even bypassing the Vista/Sony link).

So, I boxed it up and returned it. A computer just doesn't get better from here.

I have no confidence in the unit I received and, frankly, after seeing the other reviewers comments, my confidence is a little shakey for this model in general. I'm not sure what I'm going to do as I really need a laptop. By the time I ordered this unit and recieved it and, now, send it back and get credited, I will have lost two to three weeks. I guess these things happen... but it's a pretty frustrating experience nonetheless....

8 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Problem right from the start, February 23, 2009

By	W. Zhou (North Branford, CT USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The preloaded operating system, Windows Vista, was not properly installed. I had to call Sony tech support 3 minutes after turning on the computer for the first time. There was nothing on the screen. Tech support was good. Had to reload Vista. It finally worked. How upsetting it was to spend $700+ on a computer in this bad economy only to find that it had a problem as soon as you turn it on.

On another note, before I placed the order, I called Amazon tech support by clicking on the "call me" button. Got a clerk named "George" on the phone. He gave me the silent treatment. He didn't want to answer my questions about the 60-day trial version of Microsoft Home and Student software. He obviously needed more training or he was unhappy about his job. Then I called another agent to connect me with a supervisor to report his poor service. The supervisor promised to get back to me on this case by the following Wednesday. She didn't. So, I wrote to Amazon and told them I would present this case to their Headquarters. Then, I got two e-mails from Amazon informing me that they have spoken with George and apologized. This was my experience in this purchase.