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
CNET product brief
Description: The Sony VAIO P530H is a 1.5-pound, highly portable notebook computer.Compared to other highly portable netbooks on the market, it is midpriced at around $885.The 8 inch widescreen has a native resolution of 1600 x 768, which is outstanding compared to most notebooks.Built around the Intel Atom CPU.This unit comes with a 60GB hard disk drive and 2 GB of RAM.
Pros: Has only a 1.5-pound weight, which is considerably lighter than some similarly priced netbooks.By way of comparison, the average cost of a product with this light a weight is $1,970.Also, this netbook is only 4.7-inch deep, which is considerably shallower than some similarly priced netbooks.By way of comparison, the average cost of a product with this shallow a deep is $2,165.The built in Bluetooth connectivity will let you pair headphones or sync your mobile contacts.
Cons: Has a modest 1.33 GHz CPU speed.This is not out of line with the product's price, but is slower than the average netbook on the market today.Also, this netbook has only a 60GB hard drive, which is smaller than some similarly priced netbooks.For example, the HP 2133, a 2.6-pound netbook at around $975, has a 160GB hard drive.The poor battery performance of this laptop means it has to be recharged more often than other notebooks in its class.This notebook's Intel GMA 500 graphics chip uses system RAM, which sometimes results in slower performance.
Suitability: Suited for those who do little more than surf the internet and compose documents.If you have a wireless network at home, wirelessly browse the Internet from any room in your house with this Wi-Fi enabled laptop.
Value: Overall, this netbook has good features for the money.
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 notebook'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.
%20Laptop%20reviews%20-%20CNET%20Reviews&srcUrl=http://reviews.cnet.com/laptops/sony-vaio-p530h-emerald/4505-3121_7-33514636.html){kind=small}