CNET editors' buying advice
We have not reviewed this product but here is CNET's buying advice on Laptops. This content was chosen based on the features included with this model of laptop.
Laptop computer memory size
To maximize battery life, notebook computer processors are often designed to save more energy and run cooler than desktop processors. The drawback is slower performance, but more memory can help, which it won't consume energy or radiate heat. Even better, up to 4GB of RAM can now be found in budget configurations. If you want more memory later, expansion is often a simple procedure.
See more Notebook computer RAM products
Notebook computer processors
The central processor (CPU) is the heart of any computer system and an excellent litmus test as to whether a desktop computer or notebook fits your needs. The trouble is, processor names like Athlon and Celeron are as cryptic as system names like Latitude and Pavilion. Here's a quick guide to see which chip is a fit:
| Manufacturer | Processor name | Processing power | Designed use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intel | Core 2 Extreme Quad | Very high | Gaming and graphics |
| Intel | Core 2 Quad | Very high | Gaming and graphics |
| AMD | Turion | High | Mainstream |
| AMD | Athlon | High | Mainstream |
| Intel | Core 2 Duo | High | Mainstream |
| AMD | Sempron | Medium | Entry level |
| Intel | Celeron | Medium | Entry level |
| Intel | Pentium Dual Core | Medium | Entry level |
| AMD | Athlon Neo | Low | Netbook |
| Intel | Atom | Low | Netbook |
| Via | C7-M | Low | Netbook |
| Via | Nano | Low | Netbook |
| Intel | Pentium | Low | Budget |
See more Notebook processor products
Notebook computer dedicated graphic cards
If you want a new gaming system then you probably want one of the newest video cards installed. Or maybe you only need enough graphics power to run your favorite game published three years ago. Series numbers get confusing so try comparing graphics adapters by the DirectX version supported in the firmware.
If you only need a multi-display solution then look into a workstation adapter.
| Manufacturer | Series | DirectX version | Launch | Designed use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ATi | Radeon HD 4000 series | 10.1 | 2009 | Graphics and video decoding |
| ATi | Radeon HD 3000 series | 10.1 | 2008 | Graphics and video decoding |
| ATi | Radeon HD 2000 series | 10 | 2007 | Graphics and video decoding |
| ATi | Radeon 9000 series | 9 | 2002 | Graphics and video decoding |
| ATi | Radeon 8000 series | 8.1 | 2001 | Graphics and video decoding |
| nVidia | GeForce 9 series | 10.1 | 2008 | Graphics and video decoding |
| nVidia | GeForce 8 series | 10 | 2006 | Graphics and video decoding |
| nVidia | GeForce 7 series | 9 | 2005 | Graphics and video decoding |
| ATi | FireGL | varies | Workstations | |
| nVidia | Quadro | varies | Workstations | |
See more Notebook computer dedicated graphic cards products
CNET product brief
Description: The Sony Vaio AW170Y/Q is an 8.8-pound, mainstream consumer notebook computer.Compared to other general-purpose notebooks on the market, it is expensive at around $2,815.The 18.4 inch widescreen has a native resolution of 1920 x 1080, which is outstanding compared to most laptops.Runs on the Intel Core 2 Duo CPU.This configuration has a 500GB hard disk and 4 GB of memory.Features nVidia GeForce 9 series graphics with 512MB of video RAM.
Pros: Has a 2.53 GHz CPU speed, which is considerably faster than some similarly priced notebooks.Also, this notebook has a 500GB hard drive, which is considerably larger than some similarly priced notebooks.The built in Bluetooth connectivity will let you pair headphones or sync your mobile contacts.Includes an HDMI port so you can easily output the notebook's audio and video to a compatible TV or monitor.The built-in fingerprint reader will speed up the log in process while adding a strong layer of data protection.This is one of the few notebooks featuring a superior sound system, even including an integrated sub-woofer.
Cons: Has only 2.5-hour estimated battery life, which is somewhat shorter than some similarly priced notebooks.For example, the HP Compaq 8710p, a 7.5-pound notebook at around $2, 800, has 4.3-hour estimated battery life.
Suitability: A mainstream consumer notebook, suited for general mobile computing.If you have a wireless network at home, wirelessly browse the Web from any room in your house with this Wi-Fi enabled notebook.The excellent battery performance will keep your system running longer without plugging in.Play HD movies on this notebook with the Blu-ray optical drive.With 512MB of dedicated video RAM, this machine will do very well compared to most other notebooks, when it comes to multimedia applications and games.
Value: In general, this notebook's price seems hard to justify, with respect to its features.For example, when it comes to screen size, the average price of general-purpose products with a similar screen size is quite a bit less -- in fact around $1,514.
Suggestions: (1) Given this device's Wi-Fi capability, you may want to get a wireless access point for your home, so that you can browse the Web more conveniently from any room.(2) To get the most out of this laptop's Bluetooth capability, you could have a Bluetooth-enabled headset, smartphone or other device, and be able to link it wirelessly to your computer within a range of 20-or-so feet inside the same room.
CNET's Product Briefs are generated by a software tool that combines product specifications with knowledge of our editorial experts. They do not reflect hands-on assessment or labs testing. For more information about how we create Product Briefs, contact us.
