Sony VAIO VGN-NR280E/S 15.4-inch Laptop (Intel Core 2 Duo T5450 Processor, 1 GB RAM, 200 GB Hard Drive, Vista Premium) Granite

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Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 10.6 x 14.2 x 1.5 inches ; 10 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 9.2 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B000ZOWV30
• Item model number: VGN-NR280E/S
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (30 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #4,070 in Computer & Accessories (See Bestsellers in Computer & Accessories)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: December 24, 2007

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Offering powerful computing resources at an affordable price, the Sony VAIO VGN-NR280E/S also makes a stylish statement with rounded corners and unique coloring. This Granite VAIO NR notebook features a matte silver hue that showcases the notebook's subtly textured chassis and clean lines. The widescreen 15.4-inch screen makes it easy to multitask in several open windows, or watch a DVD in its proper aspect ratio. And Sony's original XBRITE-ECO LCD technology delivers razor-sharp details and crisp, bold colors--all while conserving battery life. 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.

This notebook is powered by the 1.66 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T5450 processor, which offers a 20 percent performance boost over its predecessor while using 28 percent less power--so you get the benefit of a powerful dual-core PC plus all the benefits of mobility. Other features include a roomy 200 GB hard drive, 1 GB of RAM (4 GB maximum), tri-mode Wi-Fi connectivity (802.11a/b/g), 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 T5450 processor has a 1.66 GHz processor speed, fast 667 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 200 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 1 GB of installed DDR2 RAM (PC5300, 2 x 512 MB DDR2, 667 MHz) is a good start, but you'll want to maximize the 4 GB RAM capacity to handle hungry productivity software and demanding multimedia. Also, to receive the 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, 5x for DVD-RAM, and 24x 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.

Screen, Video & Audio
You'll enjoy razor-sharp graphics and widescreen movies with the 15.4-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 251 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
The Intel PRO wireless LAN 3945ABG provides a tri-mode network connection (supporting 802.11a/b/g), with throughput up to 54 Mbps at 5 GHz (802.11a) and 2.4 GHz (802.11g). 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:

• 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
• 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
• Fast Ethernet port for a 10/100 connection
• 56K modem (V.90/V.92)

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 SE 9.0, Microsoft Office 2007 (60-day trial), Symantec Norton 360 All-In-One Security (with 60 days of Live Update).

Dimensions & Weight
This notebook measures 14.2 x 10.6 x 1.5 inches (WxDxH) and weighs 6.2 pounds.

Power
It's powered by the VGP-BPS9/B rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which has a battery life of between 2.5 and 4.5 hours (depending on usage).

What's in the Box
This package contains the VGN-NR280E/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

Available in three fashionable colors, the 15.4¿ VAIO NR notebook with XBRITE-ECO LCD technology exemplifies contemporary style in a mobile PC ideal for everyday productivity and entertainment. Boasting an aesthetic yet functional design, it will turn heads with its unpretentious charm. Enjoy superior performance with an available Intel Pentium Dual Core processor. Connect to wireless networks, such as your home network or public hotspots at cafés and airports, with wireless LAN technology. And build your own media library with the built-in CD/DVD burner. With its good looks and tools like these, the VAIO NR is a great PC for all your day-to-day computing endeavors

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars VGN-NR220E/S: A cool machine, a super value, February 27, 2008

By	R. D. Heath (Coastal, Calafia USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Sony VAIO VGN-NR220E/S 15.4" Laptop (Intel Pentium Dual Core T2330 Processor, 1 GB RAM, 160 GB Hard Drive, Vista Premium) Granite (Personal Computers)

Shoppers should note that this page is home to a variety of Sony notebooks, accessed by the pull-down menu at the top of the page. The description and prices change as you select a model, but the reviews do not.

I researched extensively for user reviews on this model and other low-end Sony VAIO laptops. Results showed above average satisfaction. So I bought one!

I have had the VGN-NR220E/S model for only a short time. I am initially impressed by this notebook. After you uninstall/delete all the bloatware Sony loaded this thing with, the 1GB of memory handles Vista without much problem. Yet, benefits are assured with a RAM upgrade, and I plan on one soon.

The screen is pleasantly large and refreshingly crisp with vivid colors, Sony really knows how to produce a superior display. Although all plastic, the build quality is solid for a low-end PC which can be had for less than 600 dollars.

Cons: Vista - oh well, I never thought I'd miss using XP. No bluetooth, built in camera or built in mic. There is no line level audio input, and it utilizes the older/smaller Express Card 34 slot. None of these were deal breakers for me. Note also that Sony does not include ANY install disks. You can order them for about 18, or apparently you can burn your own.

Other than that, lots of inputs, including firewire and wireless networking are included here. Also the the optical drive will write dual layer DVD's.

This Sony won't have me giving up my G5 tower or either of our sleek Powerbooks, but it will be very effective when one must use a PC, and it didn't cost thousands.

If you are not a gamer or a power user, and you want a laptop with a fair sized, brilliant screen, then you could do a lot worse than this VAIO. Just be prepared for the shock-of-Vista.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars great bargain, February 21, 2008

By	R. McDonough - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Sony VAIO VGN-NR220E/S 15.4" Laptop (Intel Pentium Dual Core T2330 Processor, 1 GB RAM, 160 GB Hard Drive, Vista Premium) Granite (Personal Computers)

I bought this notebook at best buy for a great price at 577. I do not have complex computer needs as I basically only use it for writing, internet use, music downloads and dvds. I would highly recomend this so far. I have heard terrible things about vista but so far so good as far as I am concerned. It is fast and performs well in picking up wireless signals. I was very suprised with the quality of the screen and how colorful and clear it is. so in conclusion, if you are not looking to spend a lot of money, and you have basic computer needs, I would definetely urge you to look into the sony NR-220e

21 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Usable SONY VAIO Laptop VGN-NR285E/S model, January 31, 2008

By	DGG "DGG" (Florida) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sony VAIO VGN-NR285E/S 15.4-inch Laptop (Intel Core 2 Duo T5450 Processor, 2 GB RAM, 200 GB Hard Drive, Vista Premium) Granite (Personal Computers)

In my humble personal opinion I think that this is a very nice "middle-of-the-road" laptop.

My laptop has the following configuration: 2GB DDR2-667 SDram, 200 GB SATA (5400rpm) drive, Vista Home Prem., Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T5450 (1.66Gz, 2MB L2 Cache, 667MHz FSB), DVD-RW, 15.4" WXGA TFT with XBrite-ECO screen, various memory stick and USB ports/slots.

It has worked well and reliably. It is a nice size with 15" screen, and a laptop that doesn't weight that much. I am primarily running Office 2007, Turbo Tax Business, Quickbook Pro, and other business related software on it.

It does play DVD's smoothly and with good clarity although that (and games) was not the criteria for purchase.

Battery life is about 3-4 hours with regular battery. Various upgrades and options are available.

I'm totally satisfied with it.