Sony VAIO VGN-NS290J 15.4-Inch Laptop (2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T6400 Processor, 4 GB RAM, 250 GB Hard Drive, Blu-ray Drive, Vista Premium)

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Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 10.6 x 14.2 x 1.5 inches ; 6.4 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B001MS6NTQ
• Item model number: VGN-NS290J/L
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,438 in Computer & Accessories (See Bestsellers in Computer & Accessories)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: December 28, 2008

Product Description

Color Name: Blue

Amazon.com Product Description

Boasting an aesthetic yet functional design, the Sony VAIO VGN-NS290J/L 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 blue 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 thanks to the included read-only Blu-ray Disc drive (which is also compatible with burning DVD±RW and CD discs), 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.

This notebook PC is powered by the 2.0 GHz dual-core Intel Pentium T3200, which provides easy multitasking capabilities. 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, 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: Blue 15.4-inch LCD screen 2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T6400 processor 250 GB hard drive 4 GB RAM (maximum capacity) Combo Blu-ray Disc Read-Only and 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: This Sony notebook is capable of playing back Blu-ray Disc movies in stunning clarity, as well as playing your current library of purchased and burned disc content. This notebook can also write standard DVD and CD media. The BD drive offers a 2x speed for reading BD-R/RE discs and a 2x BD-R/RE DL (dual layer) read speed. It also offers the following write speeds for standard DVD and CD discs: 6x DVD±R DL, 8x for single-layer DVD±R, 6x DVD±RW, 24x CD-R/RW, and 5x for DVD-RAM.

• 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 deep blue.

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-NS290J/L 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 with Blu-ray Disc technology 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

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Specifications not as listed!!!, July 7, 2009

By	NewYork10023 "NewYork10023" (New York, NY 10023) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sony VAIO VGN-NS290J/S 15.4-Inch Laptop (2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T6400 Processor, 4 GB RAM, 250 GB Hard Drive, Vista Premium) Silver (Personal Computers)

Specifications list a high-end "ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3430 graphics (2040 MB total shared)". NOT. The product only has the low-end "Mobile Intel 4 Series Express Chipset Family". BURNED.

Indeed, a search on Sony's website confirms this.

As such, it is certainly not powerful enough for gaming, and probably not powerful enough for the Blue-Ray player included. In any event, the advertisement is false advertisement. Buyer beware.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Not perfect, but simple and elegant., September 6, 2009

By	C. Goshorn - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

For the price this laptop offers, it's a pretty good deal. Be Sure that when you do get it you know what it's for.

The video card is by far the systems downfall, it's (as an early reviewer said) an intel 4 family video card so those looking to any high end or recent gaming might be looking elsewhere, a gaming laptop with this display size at this price doesn't exist. That being said, it still plays games like WoW on lower (not lowest, but lower) settings and it can be enjoyed comfortably. Any game circa 2004 will run fine, but you shouldn't be expecting much from an on-board video card (also I stress that laptop video card upgrades typically are impossible)

The Machine does have a Blu Ray drive and I'm sure Sony is more than interested in you watching their new format on it, and to be honest despite the max resolution of 1280x800 the Blu Rays really shine, they look gorgeous and clean ... the problem is there is no DVI ouput just VGA which means you will be watching them on the laptop and nothing else if you want to enjoy your Blu Ray. I have a PS3 though, for home use. Still, it's nice when you go on a trip and need to take your favorite high def movie along. Despite the weaker card the computer still makes Blu Ray look good, an earlier review speculated it wouldn't be possible but it is. It looks fine.

The design of the computer is really nice, the body of the computer is textured almost like cloth giving it a comfortable feel. I have one friend who bizarrely enough will rub my computer when he sees it I have to admit it is rather nice feeling. Sony has always had a nice design aesthetic and it shows here, with a nice looking, well laid out keyboard, and solid feeling construction. The shape and feel of the laptop really has that sleek minimalist feel that many companies today seem to be going for. Which is simply because it makes the machine look good, I dunno what else to say there.

The computer isn't without its flaws, however. For starters Sony includes an incredibly large amount of software with the computer. Some programs are useful, but largely they waste your space with some very insulting programs, like a wireless setup wizard that takes you to the default windows one, no one needs to waste space on such asinine programs. Vaio update, alternately, seems useless until you discover their drivers are edited for the laptop so you have to go through them. Another bizarre decision on Sony's part.

In conclusion if you're a person who wants a computer that isn't embarassingly ugly with a sleek classy minimalist design, and wants good performance in a mid-priced laptop, this very well could be for you. If you're looking to do heavy high-end gaming or need your first Blu Ray player there are better ways to spend your money for both of those.

Hope this helps and answers any questions anyone has.

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sony VAIO VGN-NS290J, April 19, 2009

By	Joshua D. Martinez - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Sony VAIO VGN-NS290J/S 15.4-Inch Laptop (2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T6400 Processor, 4 GB RAM, 250 GB Hard Drive, Vista Premium) Silver (Personal Computers)

I ordered this laptop as a replacement/upgrade to my old one. I haven't found anything either wrong with it or not as described. I actually shortly after, bought a similar laptop (VGN-NS150J) for my mom as a present. Amazon had the best price I could find and free shipping was decently fast. No complaints. I am very satisfied with my purchase.

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