Sony Laptops

The Bottom Line: The Sony Vaio VGN-NW240F is a well designed mainstream notebook with respectable performance and features for the money.

Specs: Intel Core 2 Duo (2.2 GHz), 4 GB DDR II SDRAM, 320 GB, Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium, 6.0 lbs, 15.5 in TFT active matrix

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, EPA Energy Star, RoHS

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, EPA Energy Star, RoHS

The Bottom Line: The Sony Vaio VGN-NS240E is a respectable, attractive mainstream budget notebook, but it can't match what the competition is offering for the same price.

Specs: Intel Core 2 Duo (2 GHz), 3 GB DDR2 SDRAM, 250 GB, Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium, 6.4 lbs, 15.4 in TFT active matrix, EPA Energy Star, RoHS

The Bottom Line: Sony's upscale Atom-powered Lifestyle PC has the components of a cheaper machine but the design of a more expensive one. The end result will be a useful travel PC for some and a conversation piece for others.

Specs: Intel (1.33 GHz), 2 GB DDR2 SDRAM, 64 GB, Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium, 1.4 lbs, 8 in TFT active matrix, EPEAT Silver, RoHS, EPA Energy Star

The Bottom Line: Thanks to its low-cost, solid construction, roomy and comfortable keyboard, and current Intel platform, the Sony Vaio VGN-NS140E is a 15-inch mainstream laptop worthy of your consideration.

Specs: Intel Core 2 Duo (2 GHz), 3 GB DDR2 SDRAM, 250 GB, Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium, 6.6 lbs, 15.4 in TFT active matrix, EPA Energy Star, RoHS, EPEAT Silver

The Bottom Line: Sony's smart design, long battery life, and a big 16-inch screen, make the Vaio FW140--the first Centrino 2 laptop we've seen--an excellent, but still portable, media hub.

Specs: Intel Core 2 Duo (2.26 GHz), 3 GB DDR2 SDRAM, 250 GB, Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium, 6.4 lbs, 16.4 in TFT active matrix, EPA Energy Star, 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