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Sony VAIO TXN27N/T (Core Solo 1.33GHz, 1GB RAM, 100GB HDD, Vista Business)

Sony VAIO TXN27N/T (Core Solo 1.33GHz, 1GB RAM, 100GB HDD, Vista Business)

Product summary

The Sony VAIO TXN27N/T is a 2.9-pound, ultra light notebook computer.Compared to other ultra light notebooks on the market, it is inexpensive at around $1,400.Has Wi-Fi (wireless connectivity) built-in.

Specifications: Processor: Intel Core Solo (1.33 GHz); RAM installed: 1 GB DDR2 SDRAM; Weight: 2.9 lbs; See full specs

Price range: $1,499.95

CNET product brief

Description: The Sony VAIO TXN27N/T is a 2.9-pound, ultra light notebook computer.Compared to other ultra light notebooks on the market, it is inexpensive at around $1,400.Has Wi-Fi (wireless connectivity) built-in.

Pros: Has only a 2.9-pound weight, which is considerably lighter than some similarly priced notebooks.In fact, the average cost of a product with this light a weight is $2,035.Also, this notebook comes with Microsoft Windows Vista business and Microsoft Windows Vista OS, which is somewhat more favorable than some similarly priced notebooks.

Cons: Only has a Core Solo processor, which is considerably less efficient than some similarly priced notebooks.For example, the Lenovo ThinkPad X60, a 3.2-pound notebook at around $1, 395, has a Core 2 Duo processor.Also, this notebook has only 1 GB RAM, which is less than some similarly priced notebooks.For example, the Dell D430, a 3.1-pound notebook at around $1, 290, has 2 GB RAM.Shared video memory has an adverse effect on system performance which may be okay for users with more modest graphics needs.Users with more demanding needs should look to a graphics solution that brings its own muscle.

Suitability: Suitable for those who consider weight the most important feature.Preserve special occasions for future generations by saving them onto DVD with this notebook's DVD writer.Comes with advanced word processing software; it comes with well-rounded features for most writers.Use the bundled video software to direct movies uploaded from a digital videocam.If you have a wireless network at home, wirelessly browse the Web from any room in your house with this Wi-Fi enabled laptop.

Value: In view of its inexpensive price, this notebook has great features for the money.For example, when it comes to screen size, the average price of ultra compact products with a similar screen size is considerably more -- in fact around $2,052.

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 Internet more conveniently from any room.(2) To get the most out of this computer's Bluetooth capability, you could have a Bluetooth-enabled headset, PDA 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.

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.

Ultraportable laptops

The smallest, most lightweight laptops are called ultraportables. Their compact form factor is crucial for people who need to have their PC with them all the time, especially frequent business travelers. What you gain in portability, however, you usually give up in terms of weaker performance, smaller keyboards and displays, and fewer features. And what's more, ultraportable laptops almost always carry a premium price tag. Still, a compact, lightweight profile can make all the difference if you spend a lot of time on the road.

Read more in the Laptop Buying Guide

See more Ultraportable products

The Frequent Flier

If you spend a lot of time on the road, size and weight are the two most critical factors in choosing a new notebook--even if it means sacrificing a little on performance and features. The smallest and lightest notebooks, ultraportables, weigh less than four pounds and are no thicker than a spiral-bound notebook.

Read more in the Laptop Buying Guide

Making sense of Vista variations

In addition to the core functionality of the Vista operating system, Microsoft portioned out extra features into different editions of Vista, aimed at different market segments and at differing price points.

Feature

Home Basic

Home Premium

Business

Ultimate

CPU support

one physical CPU, but with multiple cores

one physical CPU, but with multiple cores

up to two physical CPUs

up to two physical CPUs

Maximum supported RAM

8 GB

16 GB

128 GB

128 GB

Windows defender & firewall

Scheduled backup

 

Aero desktop experience

 

Mobility center (centralized access to controls often used on portables)

 

Tablet PC support

 

Windows SideShow (display support for a variety of secondary devices)

 

Extended media and entertainment capabilities (Media Center, games, HD movie- and DVD maker)

 

 

Remote desktop connection

 

 

Windows Fax and Scan

 

 

DreamScene (video desktop "wallpaper")

Sound Schemes

 

 

 

 

BitLocker drive encryption

 

 

 

See more Microsoft Windows Vista Business products

Making sense of Vista variations

In addition to the core functionality of the Vista operating system, Microsoft portioned out extra features into different editions of Vista, aimed at different market segments and at differing price points.

Feature

Home Basic

Home Premium

Business

Ultimate

CPU support

one physical CPU, but with multiple cores

one physical CPU, but with multiple cores

up to two physical CPUs

up to two physical CPUs

Maximum supported RAM

8 GB

16 GB

128 GB

128 GB

Windows defender & firewall

Scheduled backup

 

Aero desktop experience

 

Mobility center (centralized access to controls often used on portables)

 

Tablet PC support

 

Windows SideShow (display support for a variety of secondary devices)

 

Extended media and entertainment capabilities (Media Center, games, HD movie- and DVD maker)

 

 

Remote desktop connection

 

 

Windows Fax and Scan