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Sony VAIO TZ170N/B

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Description: The Sony VAIO TZ170N/B is a 2.6-pound, ultra light notebook computer. Compared to other ultra light notebooks on the market, it is relatively expensive at around $2,600. Has Wi-Fi (wireless connectivity) built-in.

Pros: Has only a 2.6-pound weight, which is considerably lighter than some similarly priced notebooks. Also, this notebook comes with Microsoft Windows Vista and Microsoft Windows Vista business OS, which is somewhat more favorable than some similarly priced notebooks.

Cons: Graphics-intensive applications (such as texture-rich games, DVD playback, and video editing) will hinder performance on a system that relies on shared video RAM.

Suitability: A ultra compact notebook, suited for traveling light. Store massive amounts of data on DVD using the DVD writer included in this computer. Includes office-grade word processing software -- fine for most serious business or academic document authors. Improve your vacation videos by editing them with this notebook’s bundled video software. 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: Despite its relatively expensive price, this notebook has good features for the money. However, if you were to judge strictly by how large the screen is, the average price of ultra compact products with a similar screen size is quite a bit less -- 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 notebook's Bluetooth capability, you could have a Bluetooth-enabled headset, handheld 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.

Basic Specs

Product Specifications:
Product Description: Sony VAIO TZ170N/B - Core 2 Duo U7500 1.06 GHz - 11.1 in TFT active matrix
Dimensions (WxDxH): 10.9 in x 7.8 in x 1.2 in
Weight: 2.6 lbs
Platform Technology: Intel Centrino Duo
System Type: Notebook
Built-in Devices: Stereo speakers , Bluetooth antenna , Wireless LAN antenna
Embedded Security: Trusted Platform Module (TPM 1.2) Security Chip , Fingerprint reader
Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo U7500 / 1.06 GHz Ultra Low Voltage (ULV) ( Dual-Core )
Cache Memory: 2 MB - L2 cache
RAM: 2 GB (installed) / 2 GB (max) - DDR2 SDRAM - 533 MHz ( 2 x 1 GB )
Card Reader: Card reader
Floppy Drive: None
Hard Drive: 100 GB - 4200 rpm
Optical Storage: DVD±RW (±R DL) / DVD-RAM - Integrated
Optical Storage (2nd): None
Storage Removable: None
Display: 11.1 in TFT active matrix 1366 x 768 ( WXGA )
Graphics Controller: Intel GMA 950
Audio Output: Sound card
Telecom: Fax / modem - 56 Kbps
Wireless Broadband (WWAN): Sprint Nextel
Networking: Network adapter - Ethernet , - Bluetooth , - IEEE 802.11a , - IEEE 802.11b , - IEEE 802.11g , - Fast Ethernet , - Gigabit Ethernet , - IEEE 802.11n (draft)
Wireless NIC: Intel Wireless WiFi Link 4965AGN
Notebook Camera: Integrated
Input Device: Keyboard , Touchpad
Battery: Lithium ion
Run Time (Up To): 7.5 hour(s)
OS Provided: Microsoft Windows Vista , Microsoft Windows Vista Business
Manufacturer Warranty: 1 year warranty


Buying choices

for Sony VAIO TZ170N/B from online stores:
$1,609.95

See prices from 1 authorized store


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