Sony VAIO VGN-T150P/L 10.6" Laptop (U/L/V Intel Pentium M Processor 733 (Centrino), 512 MB RAM, 40 GB Hard Drive, DVD+/-RW/CD-RW Drive)

by Sony

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 8.1 x 1.3 inches ; 3.1 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 8 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B0002YACFC
• Item model number: VGN-T150P/L
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: October 10, 2004

Product Description

Amazon Product Description

The Basics
It was just a few years ago that true micro-notebooks were little more than glorified calculators. But times change and Sony's innovative VAIO VGN-T150P/L proves that a three lb. notebook no larger than a traditional pad of paper can indeed deliver adequate power and connectivity for the majority of typical mobile tasks. Differing from the otherwise identical VAIO VGN-T150/L by virtue of its enhanced operating system (Windows XP Professional rather than Windows XP Home), the VAIO VGN-T150P/L isn't an ideal unit for demanding business and power users or sophisticated 3D gamers. It is, however, perfect for anyone who frequently hauls their notebook with them to remote un-plugged environments and engages in comparatively basic tasks such as word processing, data gathering, finances, contact management and email/Internet sessions. Stunningly portable, extremely battery efficient and more potent than the vast majority of past or present micro-notebooks, the not inexpensive VAIO VGN-T150P/L is a miniature dynamo.

The VAIO VGN-T150/L features a widescreen display, that is perfect for watching panoramic DVD movies

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-T150P/L is equipped with an Intel Pentium M processor, one of three components that comprise 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, and more versatile than their non-Centrino counterparts. Rated at 1.1 GHz, this is an entry-level Pentium M and therefore one of the least powerful in the Pentium M roster, though it's quick enough for most typical notebook applications and features an amazing 2 MB of Level 2 cache for extremely fast recovery of recently accessed information. Memory Computers typically store information on their hard drive, but they 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-T150P/L incorporates 512 MB of RAM, more than enough for most situations.

Video CPU's are usually so busy doing basic calculations that they need help translating visual output to the viewing screen. This is the duty of the graphics card (or graphics controller). When shopping for a computer, it's good to remember that a video controller with "dedicated" built-in video memory is preferable to one with "shared" video memory wherein the graphics controller borrows a portion of the all-important main system memory. This system's graphics controller is an Intel 855GME with 64 MB of shared video memory. Thusly, the unit shouldn't be counted upon for high-end 3D games or complex 3D animations and graphics, though it will efficiently display 2D and many midlevel 3D applications. Display Being a subcompact computer, the VAIO VGN-T150P/L features a smallish 10.6-inch WXGA display. But if size is not its strong suit, visual quality is. Being a widescreen display, it's perfect for watching panoramic DVD movies. Furthermore, it takes advantage of Sony's new XBRITE technology and an impressive 1280 by 768 maximum resolution to deliver detailed, bright, high-contrast images.

XBRITE LCD technology creates a new standard of picture quality inspired by high-definition television.

Hard Disk
The system features a 40 GB hard disk. In a time when some notebooks offer hard drives of 100 GB and more, 40 GB may not seem overly generous. However, in the rarified, miniscule world of ultra-compact notebooks, 40 GB of storage space is indeed a sizable amount. Though you likely won't have enough room for a library of space-gobbling video files, the unit will store a typical number of mobile apps and user-created files and a few tunes too.

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 with a DVD-RW drive, you can "write" home movies to durable discs and archive files to DVD (DVDs boast more than seven times the storage capacity of a CD). Some drives allow you to do a combination of all of these tasks. This system features a DVD+RW/-RW drive through which you can do all of the above.

Audio
The unit 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 83-key keyboard and standard electro-static touch pad.

Connectivity and Expansion
The VAIO VGN-T150P/L offers an assortment 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 2200BG Network Connection (802.11b/g) for cord-free e-communication at home, at the office or on the road via a local public hotspot. Other key amenities include two 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 quick data uploads from digital camcorders), and a PC Card Slot for one type I or type II card with CardBus support..

Operating System and Software
Sony will preinstall one of today's most advanced operating systems, Microsoft's Windows XP Professional Edition. Other applications include productivity and word processing software and Sony's typically ample array of music, video and digital photo utilities and editing packages.

Dimensions and Weight 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 or three lbs. and will often fit comfortably inside a large purse. The VAIO VGN-T150P/L is exceptionally small and comfortable at a mere 3.1 lbs and just 10.1 by 8.1 by 1.0 - 1.3 inches (depending on configuration).

Power
The unit is equipped with a Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery that delivers up to 5.5 hours (with standard battery) and 6.0 to 11.0 hours (with a large capacity battery). These are exceptional figures in today's notebook world.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Stylish and media-savvy, but not perfect, January 27, 2005

By 

Gadgester "No Time, No Money" (Mother Earth) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Sony VAIO VGN-T150P/L 10.6" Laptop (U/L/V Intel Pentium M Processor 733 (Centrino), 512 MB RAM, 40 GB Hard Drive, DVD+/-RW/CD-RW Drive) (Personal Computers)

Sony's new T-series VAIO ultraportable laptops replace the camera-included TR series, which has been discontinued. There are currently four models in the T-series: T140, T150, T160, and T170. All sport the same casing (no surprise), same weight (3.1 lb. incl. piggy-back battery but excl. AC adapter), same processor (the new Intel ultra-low-voltage Pentium M 733 (based on the Centrino, not Pentium IV, running at 1.1Ghz but with an amazing 2MB level-2 cache!), same screen, and same hard drive (slow-ish 4800rpm 40GB shock resistant drive).

The differences among the models are as follows:

- The 140 and 160 come with a DVD-ROM/CD-RW drive, so you can't burn DVDs.
- The 150 and 170 come with dual-format DVD burner/CD-RW drive, so you can burn both the plus and minus formats of DVDs.
- The 140 and 150 come with 512MB of RAM.
- The 160 and 170 come with 1GB of RAM (max the T-series can take).
- If there's a "P" after the model number (e.g., VGN-T150P/L), it means the computer comes with WinXP Professional installed. The absence of "P" means you get WinXP Home.
- The "L" after the model number signifies the color scheme. Most of the T's come in what Sony calls "midnight blue," a stylish color that gives an understated emphasis to the exterior. On Sony's website (sonystyle.com) you can special-order a T150P/T that has a burgundy exterior, which looks really "hot."

All the T-series VAIOs are designed with two primary goals in mind: ultra portability, reflected mainly in the travel weight; and multimedia capabilities. In fact, VAIO buffs will recall that VAIO stands for Video Audio Integrated Operation, which (I presume) in Japanese means a multimedia-centric computer.

All the T models are equipped with an optical drive. Only a year ago, the only ultraportable with a built-in optical drive was the 2.8lb. Panasonic ToughBook W2 (which, as you'll see, is still my favorite ultraportable, for lighter weight and bigger screen). I personally recommend a 150 or 170 with the dual-format (not dual-layer) DVD burner. These days, whether you burn personal videos or backup files, a DVD burner really comes in handy. Of course, if you plan to use the VAIO T as a secondary computer for Starbucks or Barnes & Noble or flying, you can save yourself $150 by skipping the DVD burner. (You still get a CD burner with the 140 and 160.)

The VAIO T's are very stylish. Except for the protruding battery which seems like an afterthought, the notebook is well designed and well built. You get both 802.11b+g wi-fi and Bluetooth built-in, as well as an i.Link port and a MemoryStick slot. (Too bad Sony still refuses to support the much more popular Secure Digital format in their laptops.)

The T's screen is amazing. Well, it's both amazingly small (only 10.6" vs. the Panasonic W2's 12.1") and amazingly bright, easily viewable outdoors. The widescreen resolution is 1280x768, great for watching DVDs but a pain in the eye for doing your everyday work. (You may want to turn on Windows' built-in font-magnification function, via the Accessibility control panel. Also turn off font smoothing.) I get eye strains from reading e-mails and surfing the Internet. Panasonic W2's 12.1" screen seems so much bigger. Like most ultraportables, the T uses shared memory for video, so don't expect to play Doom 3 on this.

The keyboard on the T is shrunk to accommodate the small footprint of the ultraportable. I had the 2.7lb. VAIO N505VE before so I got used to the small keyboard quickly. If you are a touch typist who's never used a 90%-sized keyboard, you might be unhappy with the size, at least in the beginning.

Performance is snappy on this laptop despite the many plug-ins it comes with; the new processor with its enormous L2 cache and the generous amount of RAM surely help. When you get the 1GB versions, the performance is simply great for a laptop this size.

Sony should be lauded for getting some amazing battery life on this machine, but spanked for making the battery stick out in the T's rear. I watched a 3-hour DVD movie (with wi-fi intentionally left on) as I sat in a B&N cafe. After the boring movie ended, the T still had plenty of juice left. Just amazing.

So, in short, for about two thousand big ones, you get a multimedia road warrior that will turn heads in cafes and on the Amtrak (and might even invite a mugging or two if you are in the wrong neighborhood). The small screen is amazingly bright, and the stick of a battery powers this laptop for good hours. If you want an ultraportable, I still recommend you look at the Panasonic W-2, which is even more stylish (I just love its circular, under-the-keyboard DVD loading), has a bigger screen and weighs less. But if you want an ultraportable with a built-in DVD burner, the T is probably the best you can get right now.

(I also like Fujitsu laptops, so you might want to consider the Fujitsu Lifebook P7010 ultraportable as well: cheaper, 80GB hard drive, fingerprint sensor, SD/CF/MemoryStick slot, up to 10.5 hours of battery life!)

I hope my quick review helps you. Feel free to e-mail me at hotmail with your questions.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Little package, big surprise, December 7, 2004

By 

J. Christman "masterofchaos" (New Cumberland, PA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sony VAIO VGN-T150P/L 10.6" Laptop (U/L/V Intel Pentium M Processor 733 (Centrino), 512 MB RAM, 40 GB Hard Drive, DVD+/-RW/CD-RW Drive) (Personal Computers)

This is a neat little notebook. It's small enough to take on many journeys & not dread the weight hanging off your shoulder. The wireless capability is super easy to use. The screen quality rocks! The DVD writer/player is a great way to add value to this gadget. With 1 Ghz processor don't expect to have Photoshop and 4 other programs open but it does great with 3 MS office products open & IE. Also I recommend you buy the system with 512 & upgrade to 1GB aftermarket. This,laptop only comes with 1 512 SIMM but accepts 2. The battery power is good. The keyboard is cramped...if you don't hunt & peck it might drive you nuts. The speakers bite...so either buy headphones or an aux. set of speakers. I highly recommend the system though if you want a gadget that wows, pleases and can be conveniently packed in almost anything but the pocket of your jeans.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Ultra Portable Laptop For Work And Fun, January 9, 2005

By 

J. Herrera (Houston, Texas United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sony VAIO VGN-T150P/L 10.6" Laptop (U/L/V Intel Pentium M Processor 733 (Centrino), 512 MB RAM, 40 GB Hard Drive, DVD+/-RW/CD-RW Drive) (Personal Computers)

Pros : Light (3 pounds), small, beautiful screen, great wi-fi, sturdy, good battery life, dvd burner, great dvd playback, widescreen, fast for Office MS, IE, Itunes, even games such as Rise of Nations and Age of Empires, great looks, dvd and volume controls, nice all around design, attention to detail, 2 USB 2.0 and 1 Firewire, video out. I mainly use it for Office, IE, a few strategy games, sync with my IPAQ, sync with my IPOD, burn DVDs and CDs, whatch DVDS, listen to Audiobooks, Outlook, and digital pictures editing and managing.

Cons : runs hot after a while (one of the ventilation slots on the bottom), keyboard a little bit cramped but you get used to it after a while, only 40gb HD - could have bigger options (will buy an external VAIO HD) thinking about it, I prefer small and light with an external HD at home or even take it with you on your trips, so this is not such a bad deal.

In conclusion :
This is a great little machine. Ultra portable and powerful. Built with great quality. Before this one I had a Dell Inspiron 8200 (big and heavy), and after using the Vaio T I will definetely never go back to a big laptop or buy from Dell, and I will surely buy from Sony again. In the end, just a few drawbacks because of its size, but hey, nothing is perfect, right ? If you want Apple looks and design but want to keep using Windows, buy a Sony.