Sony Laptops

The Bottom Line: With Blu-ray playback, a large screen and decent discrete graphics, the Sony Vaio FW560F/T is a very compelling sub-$1,000 multimedia notebook.

Specs: Intel Core 2 Duo (2.13 GHz), 6 GB DDR2 SDRAM, 500 GB, Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium, 6.8 lbs, 16.4 in TFT active matrix, RoHS, EPA Energy Star

The Bottom Line: The Sony Vaio VGN-NW270F/S is a low-cost, Blu-ray-equipped laptop that makes a great choice for home use and, should you be willing to tote around a 15-inch machine, a decent choice as your everyday, take-it-with-you laptop.

Specs: Intel Core 2 Duo (2.2 GHz), 4 GB DDR2 SDRAM, 320 GB, Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium, 6 lbs, 15.5 in TFT active matrix, EPA Energy Star, RoHS

The Bottom Line: Sony's bold experiment--a high-end luxury system with essentially Netbook components--makes an enviable coffee shop conversation piece, but one that includes some serious sticker shock.

Specs: Intel Atom (2 GHz), 2 GB DDR2 SDRAM, 128 GB, Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium, 1.6 lbs, 11.1 in TFT active matrix, RoHS, EPA Energy Star

The Bottom Line: Attempting to create a premium-priced version of a Netbook, Sony has added an HD display to the Vaio W. It's an attractive step-up package, but the internal components are the same as are in cheaper models.

Specs: Intel Atom (1.66 GHz), 1 GB DDR2 SDRAM, 160 GB, Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition, 2.6 lbs, 10.1 in TFT active matrix, RoHS, EPA Energy Star

The Bottom Line: Sony makes a handful of even cheaper laptops, but the CS215J/W hits good compromise between design, features, and price among sub-$900 systems.

Specs: Intel Core 2 Duo (2 GHz), 4 GB DDR2 SDRAM, 250 GB, Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit Edition, 5.7 lbs, 14.1 in TFT active matrix, RoHS, EPA Energy Star

The Bottom Line: With a sleek design, HD-friendly display, and a Blu-ray drive, the 16-inch Sony Vaio FW270 is a near-ideal portable entertainment center.

Specs: Intel Core 2 Duo (2.26 GHz), 4 GB DDR2 SDRAM, 320 GB, Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit Edition, 6.4 lbs, 16.4 in TFT active matrix, EPA Energy Star, RoHS

The Bottom Line: It lacks some standard mainstream laptop features, including an integrated Webcam and multimedia control buttons, but the Sony Vaio VGN-NR498 holds some appeal thanks to its decent performance, good battery life, and excellent keyboard. Still, there's a cheaper version of this Vaio laptop we like better.

Specs: Intel Core 2 Duo (2 GHz), 3 GB DDR2 SDRAM, 250 GB, Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium, 6.2 lbs, 15.4 in TFT active matrix, RoHS

Specs: Intel Core 2 Duo (1.5 GHz), 1 GB DDR2 SDRAM, 200 GB, Microsoft Windows Vista, Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium, 6.2 lbs, 15.4 in TFT active matrix

The Bottom Line: Kudos to Sony for releasing the sub-$1,000 VAIO NR160. It's a perfectly functional, budget 15-inch laptop--we just wish it didn't stray so far from the excellent industrial design of the company's more expensive systems.

Specs: Intel Core 2 Duo (1.5 GHz), 1 GB DDR2 SDRAM, 160 GB, Microsoft Windows Vista, Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium, 6.2 lbs, 15.4 in TFT active matrix

The Bottom Line: The carbon-fiber TX series is Sony's thinnest and lightest laptop line, perhaps the most lightweight ultraportable on the market, but it still includes features such as instant-on technology, Bluetooth, and a double-layer DVD burner.

Specs: Intel Core Solo (1.2 GHz), 1 GB DDR2 SDRAM, 80 GB, Microsoft Windows XP Professional, 2.6 lbs, 11.1 in TFT active matrix