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Sony VAIO VGN-NR498E (white)

, updated on 11/06/2009

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CNET Editors' rating explained for Sony VAIO VGN-NR498E (white)

Updated on:: 11/06/09
Click here to see CNET editors' review for Sony VAIO VGN-NR498E (white)

Editors' rating: laptops
CNET editors rate laptops on a scale of 0.0 through 10.0 (see "What the numbers mean" below). The editors calculate the overall rating from a series of subratings, on a scale of 1 to 10, that gauge key aspects of the product. On the product review page and elsewhere on the Web site, the overall rating is displayed as a series of stars, based on a five-star scale with half stars (see conversion details below). The laptops we review generally fall into one of five classes: ultraportable, thin-and-light, midsize, desktop replacement, and tablet. Each subrating is weighted based on its relative importance within a specific product class. For example, the performance subrating is given greater importance when calculating the overall score of a desktop replacement than that of an ultraportable.

The rating criteria with the weightings by class are:

Design
This subrating corresponds to the quality of a laptop's physical design, with particular emphasis on size and weight. Keyboard and cursor controls are critical: Keys should be of sufficient size, offer decent travel, and be logically organized, and the touch pad and the pointing stick (or both) should be responsive and precise. We look for a sensible layout of drives and ports. Extra points are awarded for especially sturdy construction and the use of materials that make a laptop stronger. This subrating is given the greatest emphasis in categories where portability is paramount.

Ultraportable: 30 percent
Thin-and-light: 25 percent
Midsize: 20 percent
Desktop replacement: 10 percent
Tablet: 25 percent

Features
This subrating corresponds to the quantity and quality of a laptop's features, which can vary widely depending on category and price. Features include display size and resolution; hard drive and optical drive; networking components; multimedia components, such as speakers, instant-on media players, and memory card readers; included software and utilities; and ports. Though we give consideration to a laptop's intended audience--whether it be business, consumer, multimedia enthusiast, gamer, or other--generally, the larger the laptop, the more complete the feature set should be.

Ultraportable: 15 percent
Thin-and-light: 20 percent
Midsize: 35 percent
Desktop replacement: 40 percent
Tablet: 20 percent

Performance
This subrating corresponds to the strength of a laptop's computing performance as measured by a combination of independent, industry-standard benchmark tests and CNET's own proprietary benchmarks. Note that we rate battery life separately. For more detail on our benchmarking and test methodology, see the CNET Labs site.

Ultraportable: 15 percent
Thin-and-light: 20 percent
Midsize: 25 percent
Desktop replacement: 40 percent
Tablet: 20 percent

Battery life
This subrating corresponds to the length of a laptop's battery life measured with an independent, industry-standard benchmark test. Desktop-replacement laptops do not receive a battery life subrating (as they're not designed for mobile use), though we may include battery life data in desktop replacement reviews. For more detail on the benchmarks we use and our test methodology, see the CNET Labs site.

Ultraportable: 30 percent
Thin-and-light: 25 percent
Midsize: 10 percent
Tablet: 25 percent

Service and support
This subrating measures the competitiveness of a company's service and support policies, including the term of the warranty (parts and labor), the turnaround time for repairs, coverage for onsite service, and availability of technical support via phone (toll-free), e-mail, and the Web.

Ultraportable: 10 percent
Thin-and-light: 10 percent
Midsize: 10 percent
Desktop replacement: 10 percent
Tablet: 10 percent

What the numbers mean

9.6 to 10.0 = 5 stars (Spectacular):
This exceedingly rare score is reserved for a product that is as perfect as it could be.

9.0 to 9.5 = 4.5 stars (Outstanding):
A product that receives a rating in this range scores high on all of its rating criteria. It succeeds at meeting all of its intended users' needs and has no meaningful drawbacks.

8.0 to 8.9 = 4 stars (Excellent):
A product that receives a rating in this range is superior in so many ways that its relatively few drawbacks are not very important.

7.0 to 7.9 = 3.5 stars (Very good):
While the strengths of a product scoring in this range certainly outweigh its weaknesses, it has some minor faults that certain users should be aware of.

6.0 to 6.9 = 3 stars (Good):
This range represents a product that is above average. Its strengths slightly outweigh its weaknesses, making it good for most uses but not a standout.

5.0 to 5.9 = 2.5 stars (Average):
A product that scores in this range is functional but unremarkable.

4.0 to 4.9 = 2 stars (Mediocre):
Products in this range are below average. They fall in the middle of the pack for most features, but suffer from a few additional major flaws.

3.0 to 3.9 = 1.5 stars (Poor):
You probably should not consider a product in this range or lower. There may be one or two specialized circumstances, however, that could justify the purchase of this product for a very low price for a specific demand.

2.0 to 2.9 = 1 star (Terrible):
A product that receives a rating in this range scores low on all of its rating criteria. It does not satisfy any of its intended users' needs and has no meaningful strengths.

1.0 to 1.9 = 1/2 star (Abysmal):
A product in this range should never have been produced. This product has no redeeming qualities and worse, may actually harm you or your productivity.

0 - 0.9 = 0 stars

Product description from manufacturer

With a unique, fabric-like textured exterior, the slim, 15.4" VAIO NR notebook with XBRITE-ECO LCD technology exemplifies contemporary style in a mobile PC. Boasting an aesthetic yet functional design, it will turn heads with its unpretentious charm while delivering stellar everyday productivity and entertainment. Enjoy superior performance with its Intel Core 2 Duo processor and easily connect to wireless networks at home or at public hotspots like cafes and airports with wireless LAN technology. You can also build your own media library with the built-in CD/DVD burner. Combining attractive looks and the tools you need to stay ahead, VAIO NR is the perfect PC for your day-to-day computing endeavors.