Sony VAIO VGN-SR220J/B 13.3-Inch Laptop (2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T5800 Processor, 4 GB RAM, 250 GB Hard Drive, Vista Premium) Black

by Sony

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 16.1 x 5.5 x 11.8 inches ; 6.8 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 6.8 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B001FB6T8K
• Item model number: VGN-SR220J/B
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: September 10, 2008

Product Description

Color: Black

Amazon.com Product Description

The sleek, portable and durable Sony VAIO VGN-SR220J/B packs a variety of advanced security, performance and entertainment features into a compact notebook PC, from biometric fingerprint reader to a shock-resistant hard drive to wireless Bluetooth stereo music streaming. It also includes a new, uniquely Sony Switch mode that enables you to set three distinct usage personalities, each with its own shortcuts and wallpapers, to suit your mood or mode of work. Lightweight and easy to handle at just over 4 pounds with a 13.3-inch high-definition display and a durable magnesium alloy chassis (in black), this VAIO SR notebook features a spacious keyboard for comfortabl typing and a rounded hinge at the back that fits perfectly in your hand.

Thin, lightweight and durable, the magnesium alloy Sony VAIO SR notebook weighs just over 4 pounds and offers an LED-backlit 13.3-inch screen.

It's powered by the latest Intel Core 2 Duo processor--with Centrino technology--which boosts speed, reduces power requirements, and saves on battery life. The 2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T5800 includes a fast 800 MHz front-side bus and 2 MB of L2 cache, providing an optimized, multithreaded architecture for improved multimedia and multitasking performance. Other features include a 250 GB hard drive, 4 GB of installed RAM (maximum capacity), Intel GMA 4500MHD graphics with up to 1750 MB of available memory, a dual-layer DVD±RW drive (which also burns CDs), ExpressCard 34 slot, quad-mode Wi-Fi, Gigabit Ethernet, Bluetooth connectivity (including A2DP stereo music streaming), a 1.3-megapixel webcam built into the bezel, both Memory Stick and SD card readers, and pre-installed 64-bit version of 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.

VAIO Switch Mode
The new Switch mode enables you to tailor your SR notebook to the way you use your computer. A set of buttons above the keyboard lets you set three distinct usage personalities, or modes. You can base your modes on the scenarios in which you use your PC--such as home, work and entertainment. For instance, you can get your favorite websites and personal email at home; business productivity applications when your at work; and multimedia programs when you're ready to play. Each mode is customized with its own unique wallpaper and set of 5 shortcuts to your preferred programs.

Security Enhancements
Sony's VAIO SR notebooks take security seriously, employing a biometric fingerprint sensor and proprietary hard disk drive protection software to ensure your data is protected from unauthorized use as well as accidental damage. It also stores passwords to secure web sites you visit, so authentication and access are quick and easy--you only need your fingerprint. It also includes an integrated Trusted Platform Module (TPM) TCG Ver.1.2 compliant chip that enhances security by allowing you to control access on a specific client/user basis.

Spec Check Color: Black 13.3-inch LCD screen 2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T5800 processor 250 GB hard drive 4 GB RAM (maximum) Dual-layer DVD±R drive Quad-mode Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n) Intel GMA 4500MHD graphics (up to 1750 MB available) Windows Vista Home Premium 64-Bit (SP1) Weighs 4.14 pounds

The Basics

• Processor: Experience improved energy efficiency, expanded wireless connectivity, and amazing battery life with the 45nm Intel Core 2 Duo T5800 processor featuring Intel Centrino technology. This processor has a 2.0 GHz processor speed, fast 800 MHz front-side bus (FSB), and a 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.)

  Formerly codenamed Montevina, Intel Centrino 2 processor technology improves upon every facet of a laptop's main features, including performance and battery life via new processors and chipsets, faster draft 802.11n wireless, and new business-class manageability capabilities. The new hafnium-infused circuitry--which reduces electrical current leakage in transistors--conserves even more energy, giving you more time away from the wall outlet.

  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 it can 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.

• Hard Drive: The large 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.

  The G-Sensor Shock Protection feature makes your data even less vulnerable to loss or damage. When the built-in 3D acceleration sensor detects a risky movement like being dropped, the HDD-head will lock up to secure its position and protect the disc from scratching. An intelligent algorithm, unique to VAIO PCs, judges whether or not a movement is risky, activating disk drive protection only when your hardware is at risk.

• Memory: The 4 GB of installed RAM (PC6400, 2 x 2 GB, 2 x 1 GB) maximizes the capacity of this notebook, and it also offers an ultra-fast 800 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 VAIO SR notebook features an innovative keyboard design with keys that are individually raised above a solid, one-piece piano-black bezel layer, providing a quieter keyboard and more durable panel. It has a standard 82-key keyboard (2mm stroke and 19.05mm pitch) and electro-static two-button touchpad.

The VAIO SR notebook features an innovative keyboard design with keys that are individually raised above a solid, one-piece layer providing a quieter keyboard and more durable panel.

Screen, Video & Audio
You'll enjoy razor-sharp graphics and widescreen movies with the 13.3-inch WXGA high-definition screen, with its 1280 x 800-pixel resolution. The XBRITE-ECO technology (with LED backlighting) 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 4500MHD, which uses shared video memory (up to 1750 MB allocated from the system memory). This graphics card is built with Intel Clear Video technology, which delivers clearer, more detailed images by eliminating many of the jagged edges and video artifacts seen when viewing interlaced content and features powerful color control to ensure videos are not too dark, overly bright, or washed out.

Networking, Connectivity & Expansion
Be ready for the next platform in wireless connectivity with the integrated quad-mode Intel Wireless 5100AGN 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). With the Bluetooth 2.1 connectivity, you can communicate and synchronize with Bluetooth-enabled peripherals such as PDAs and cell phones as well as enjoy wireless stereo music streaming (thanks to its embedded A2DP profile).

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:

• 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
• Analog video output: 1 VGA
• 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
• 10/100 Fast Ethernet
• 56K modem (V.90)

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 12.4 x 9.2 x 1.33 inches (WxDxH) and weighs 4.14 pounds.

Power
It's powered by the VGP-BPS13A/B rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which has a battery life of between 2.5 and 6 hours (depending on usage). This laptop is compliant with Energy Star 4.0 specifications, meaning that it uses less power and reduces greenhouse gas emissions by meeting very strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy.

What's in the Box
This package contains the VGN-SR220J/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

Sr220jb nb c2d/2.0 4gb 250gb 13.3 dvdr wvhp

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Don't blame Vista...this is a great Laptop with a few tweaks, May 27, 2009

By 

mom2sarah... (Windy City) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sony VAIO VGN-SR220J/B 13.3-Inch Laptop (2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T5800 Processor, 4 GB RAM, 250 GB Hard Drive, Vista Premium) Black (Personal Computers)

Let me first state that I got a Great deal on this laptop which factored into my rating. Right now Staples has it for $800 and there is a $450 trade-in offer from SONY if you exchange it for any Dell laptop ($300 for a non-Dell laptop). So, for $350 (+tax) after rebate, it's the "Deal of the Century" as Sony is also including a mail-in offer for a Free SONY Mobility or Productivity Bundle until 6/30/09. I opted for the Productivity Bundle as I wanted the docking station. It also comes with a bluetooth Mouse and a slim AC stick. So, I simply could not resist this deal ! Sony is obviously trying hard to take away some of Dell's market share and I have to admit that I was happy to give Sony a chance.

Having said that, this laptop is not perfect but unless you are going to spend $2K, I don't know many that are. I have owned my share of laptops which include HP/Compaq , Asus eee, Lenovo, Sony and several Dell models.
My biggest complaint about any Sony laptop is the amount of crapware that is installed into their laptops. It really is shocking. I strongly recommend you do a Clean Install . It makes the laptop at least twice as fast if not faster. You can remove the programs manually or use pcdecrapifier if you are not comfortable doing a clean install. Neither will yield a perfectly "clean" hard-drive but it will get most of the junk off your computer. And before you proceed, make sure to make Recovery Discs as they do not ship out with any. It comes with VISTA OS which I have personally had a great experience with. I know there are a lot of haters out there but it is now a mature OS and I would recommend that you give it a chance before joining the "Vista Sux" club.

The Best Part about the SONY is the Screen. WOW. I love watching TV shows and movies on my laptop and the image is nothing short of stunning. I have been very disappointed in the past with the screen on my Dell 15.4" laptop. I can't even bear to watch anything on it Full-Screen as it only accentuates the poor image. The speakers unfortunately, is not up to par. In fact, they are actually "bad" so I end up using my BT headphones with it almost exclusively. It's kind of surprising as SONY is known for their "entertainment" factor but oh well. A lot of people have also complained that there is no HDMI port even though there is a space alloted for one. If I could redesign this laptop, I would definitely add better speakers, HDMI, more USB ports (!) and maybe a backlit keyboard.

Overall though, I am very pleased with my Sony laptop. I think 13.3" is the perfect size offering both portability and decent screen + keyboard. I have also owned a Dell m1330 (they are very similar) but the Dell unfortunately does not offer a docking station which is essential for me. The SONY anticipated that buyers will use this laptop for both Work and Play and you can even set different "modes" with different websites, bookmarks, programs ETC which is a nice feature, not a crucial one by any means, but still a nice idea. Finally, it does get WARM but not HOT and I have used it for hours with it on my lap (wearing shorts) with no problem. It is also whisper-quiet (except for when playing a DVD) which I appreciate. My HP's fan was so loud that I ended up giving my laptop away to a family member. If you can get this laptop for less than $600, I would definitely recommend that you do. I have not yet had to deal with SONY technical help dept so I can't comment on that aspect but I am hoping that I won't have to !

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fast, functional, and great looking laptop.....if you do a clean install of the OS, June 19, 2009

By 

P. Bui (Gateway to the West) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sony VAIO VGN-SR220J/H 13.3-Inch Laptop (2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T5800 Processor, 4 GB RAM, 250 GB Hard Drive, Vista Premium) Grey (Personal Computers)

This laptop is great, once you do a clean install of Vista. The fingerprint reader is a time saver when you have to log into websites. If you don't do a clean install of Vista, then all the crapware Sony puts on the laptop will slow it down greatly. Doing a fresh install is easy. Just boot up your laptop as usual and create the OS reinstall discs (there will be 4 total if using single layer DVDRs). Once they're created, go through the procedure to reformat and reinstall the original image of the hard drive from the discs. After the reinstall procedure is done installing the 3rd disc, skip the 4th disc and reboot. This will allow you to have Vista installed with all the proper drivers, minus the drivers for the wireless card. You can download the Vista 64 bit drivers for the wireless card from the sony website. And bam! Your Sony laptop is now fast and furious. If you want other software that came with the laptop, you can browse through the 4th disc and install what you want. Hope this helps.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Nice laptop, March 8, 2009

By 

Andy Twain (Seattle) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sony VAIO VGN-SR220J/B 13.3-Inch Laptop (2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T5800 Processor, 4 GB RAM, 250 GB Hard Drive, Vista Premium) Black (Personal Computers)

I bought this laptop from Amazon.com, with their next day shipping for an extra $30. It came the next day, true as advertised.

I really like this laptop, extremely light yet with powerful enough specs for Adobe CS4 programs and Office to run simultaneously efficiently. I think this is a Vista criticism, but Internet Explorer often freezes and has to restart---I don't really care because I downloaded Firefox and Chrome, with no problems. Flash drive downloading breezes through at 4mb/s. I would call battery life "adequate"...somewhere around 2.75 hours with typical use---perhaps a bit less than I would have figured. I typically am able to find an outlet, so not too much of a big deal.

Pros:

Lightweight
Very slim profile
Slightly graduated horizontal profile, which aids in typing
Spacing of the keys is efficient and they are very solid and large for a laptop this size


Cons:
The keys are a bit, well....'squishy'. They make a bit of a squeak on every keystrike. Not a problem, just a very, very minor annoyance.

Bloatware (just an annoyance as well)


All in all, I'm quite please with this laptop.

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