Sony VAIO VGN-A290 17" Notebook PC (Intel Pentium M Processor 735 (Centrino), 1 GB RAM, 100 GB Hard Drive, DVD+/-RW Double Layer Drive)

Average customer rating: 5.0

Hard drive problem?
High Performance Machine and much more...
Excellent, but already at under $ 2,500 at Ebay..
Great Laptop
SCAM!?!?

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Sony VAIO VGN-A290 17" Notebook PC (Intel Pentium M Processor 735 (Centrino), 1 GB RAM, 100 GB Hard Drive, DVD+/-RW Double Layer Drive)

Manufacturer: Sony IT
Product Group: Personal Computer
Binding: Personal Computers
ASIN: B0002Y8F6K

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Product Description

The VAIO A290 is the desktop replacement notebook that can perform like an entertainment center. When connected to the AV dock, the A290 has the power of a TV tuner, video recorder and digital amplifier. Fully equipped with a DVD+R Double Layer with DVD+RW/CD-RW Drive, a 17" wide XBRITE LCD screen and powerful Intel Centrino Mobile Technology, this sleek and powerful tool will be all you need wherever you go.

Amazon Product Description

The Basics 
Sony takes mobile computing to new heights with its impressive VAIO VGN-A290 Notebook PC. Much like extra-bulky, battery-draining "desktop replacement" notebooks, the VAIO VGN-A290 offers such amenities as a massive 17-inch widescreen display, a huge 100 GB hard drive and both CD and DVD burning. Yet the unit is far more power efficient than most desktop replacements and comparatively compact at just 8.6 lbs. Though it may cost a bit more than a standard notebook, the VAIO VGN-A290 is perfect for those who crave the next generation of portable computing today.

Sony Series A Display Sizes

<img src="http://images.amazon.com/images/G/01/electronics/detail-page/190_image.gif" width="145" height="122" hspace="10">
The VGN-A290 features a 17" screen. </td> <td width="77%" rowspan="2" align="left" valign="top">

Processor
At the heart of any computer lies the CPU (or processor), a massive collection of miniature transistors that governs the speed and power of the entire unit. Some of today's notebooks are equipped with high-end CPU's on par with those found in top-of-the-line desktop PCs, while others are quick enough only for basic duties such as word processing, email and the like. The VAIO VGN-A250 is equipped with an Intel Pentium M 725 processor operating at 1.6 GHz. This is one of three components that comprise Intel's efficient Centrino system (the others being a specialized Intel chipset and integrated wireless support). Centrino-equipped notebooks are generally smaller, easier on the batteries, and more versatile than their non-Centrino counterparts. This particular CPU is part of Intel's upgraded Pentium M lineup, featuring an amazing 2 MB of Level 2 cache for extremely fast access to recently opened data and a fast 400 MHz front side bus to help reduce data streaming bottlenecks. Though its raw clock speed is not on par with that of a high-end Intel Pentium or AMD Athlon, this CPU will easily handle most every mobile task while at the same time improving battery life. Moreover, Sony has equipped the system with solid graphics support and adequate memory -- two components vital to overall performance.

Memory
Computers typically store information on their hard drive, but they keep frequently and recently accessed data in Random Access Memory (RAM) for faster retrieval. More RAM means more efficient computing, superior multitasking and less strain on your hard drive. The VAIO VGN-A290 incorporates a startling one GB of RAM. This is a massive allotment for a notebook and substantially more than that of most desktops as well. Thusly, users can expect superb multitasking and virtually no slowdowns during ultra-complex tasks.
</td> </tr> <tr> <td height="150" align="center" valign="top"><img src="http://images.amazon.com/images/G/01/electronics/detail-page/150_image.gif" width="145" height="112">
The VGN-A250 features a 15.4" screen.</td> </tr> </table>

Video
CPU's are usually so busy doing basic calculations that they need help translating visual output to the viewing screen. This is the duty of the graphics card (or graphics controller). This system's graphics controller is an ATI Mobility Radeon 9200 with 64 MB of dedicated video RAM. Dedicated video memory is far preferable to "shared" video memory (where the graphics controller appropriates a portion of the main system memory), and this 64 MB allotment is considered plenty for 3D graphics, midlevel 3D animation packages and many of the latest 3D games. <table width="100%" border="1" bordercolor="#FFFFFF" bgcolor="#FFFFFF"> <tr bordercolor="#FFFFFF"> <td width="58%" rowspan="2">

Display
The VAIO VGN-A290 sports a 17-inch WUXGA display. This is a comparatively enormous screen when compared to other notebook displays, and all the more spectacular given the unit's surprisingly compact size and lightweight mass. It's highly sophisticated too -- sporting Sony's new XBRITE Technology for better contrast and a brighter picture, and an exceedingly detailed 1920 by 1200 maximum resolution. Furthermore, the widescreen format is perfectly suited to watching the Hollywood blockbusters you'll play on the system's DVD-compatible optical drive.

Hard Disk
A 100 GB hard drive in a mobile computer many be a rarity, but that didn't stop Sony. This level of data storage is a welcome perk indeed for those who need to operate a broad range of applications and also keep a generous library of space-gobbling music and/or multimedia files.

Audio
The unit is equipped with integrated stereo speakers and audio amplifier. </td> <td colspan="2" align="center" valign="top">

Dimensions When Closed

<img src="http://images.amazon.com/images/G/01/electronics/detail-page/a-series-side.gif" width="300" height="85">Other Series A Computers

</td> </tr> <tr bordercolor="#000000"> <td width="17%" height="83" align="center" valign="top" bordercolor="#FFFFFF">Sony VAIO VGN-A290
1.70 GHz Pentium M
1 GB RAM
100 GB HD</td> <td width="25%" align="center" valign="top" bordercolor="#FFFFFF"> Sony VAIO VGN-A250
1.6 GHz Pentium M
512 MB RAM
80 GB HD
</td> </tr> </table>

Optical Drive
An optical drive is essential in today's computing environment. A "CD-ROM" drive allows you to install CD-based applications and play music CDs. A "CD-RW" drive adds CD "burning", so you can also backup your important files to long-lasting discs and create personalized music CDs. With a DVD-ROM drive you can watch DVD movies. And with a DVD-RW drive, you can "write" home movies to durable discs and archive files to DVD (DVDs boast more than seven times the storage capacity of a CD). Some drives allow you to do a combination of all of these tasks. This system features a DVD+R Double Layer/DVD±RW Drive, through which you can do all of the above. The drive also supports today's hot new double layer DVD format that effectively doubles the capacity of typical DVDs.

Keyboard and Controls
You'll control your notebook via an 82-key keyboard and a standard electro-static touch pad.

Connectivity and Expansion
The VAIO VGN-A290 features a bevy of connectivity facilities, including a 56K modem for low-speed dial-up Internet and email access, a 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX Ethernet port for high-speed wired network and Internet, and an integrated Intel PRO/Wireless 2200BG Network Connection (802.11b/g) for cord-free e-communication at home, at the office or on the road via a local public hotspot. Other key amenities include high-speed USB 2.0 ports for plug and play devices such as external drives and digital cameras, an IEEE 1394 FireWire port (commonly used for quick data uploads from digital camcorders), and an AV Entertainment Dock with high-end perks such as a TV Tuner and MPEG Encoder, VGA Monitor port, VHF/UHF TV port, S-Video in/out, DVI-D, Optical out, Line in (RCA Pin), Line out (RCA Pin) and more. Suffice to say that no matter what sort of connections you want to make, you can likely do it with the VAIO VGN-A290.

Operating System and Software
Sony will install Microsoft's Windows XP Home Edition operating system, a variety of productivity and business applications, and a broad range of digital photo, audio and video utilities.

Dimensions and Weight
Many of today's most powerful notebooks are also the largest, weighing ten or twelve lbs or more and therefore too big and cumbersome for extensive, continuous traveling. These are often referred to as "desktop replacements". On the other extreme are "thin and lights" or "ultra-portables", super-miniaturized units that are typically less powerful than their larger brethren but weigh as little as two lbs and will often fit comfortably inside a large purse. Despite its impressively spacious display and cutting-edge capabilities, the VAIO VGN-A290 is not excessively heavy at just 8.6 lbs. It is larger than average at 16 by 11 inches, though not nearly as bulky as most other similarly equipped portables.

Customer Reviews:

Hard drive problem?.......2006-07-17

I bought one of these on Ebay when it first came out. My first hard drive lasted about a month. My second one lasted about 2 months. My third hard drive lasted about 2 months also. The computer was always taken very good care of and always covered up when not being used, so I have no idea what went wrong. I will say that Sony customer service repaired it promptly and even after the warranty was expired. It now appears to be working fine. I thought about selling it before another hard drive goes out, but I like this way too much to get rid of it. The picture quality is extraordinary. I'm keeping it until I find something better and I haven't seen it yet.

High Performance Machine and much more..........2005-04-12

I bought this item from eBay for about $2300. I don't think I can find a better performance for this price. If you are planning to buy an expensive item from eBay, check if seller has sold same item before, and read the feedbacks.

Graphics Performance is outstanding: I was not expecting to be able to play a game like Need for Speed Underground 2. I assure you, the game is running like it is on fire. I increased graphic quality, there is no delay or lacking in the game. You can have all road+car reflections, glows, tints, motion blur, fog, incredibly high world details (even check the store shopwindows). The only problem is when you increase the anti allising a lot, screen goes to dark. Graphics card + Processor + RAM expose a great graphic performance.

MATLAB performance: I am working with MATLAB for my research. Matrix calculations are very fast in MATLAB. I am working on 15000x1000 dimension matrices. Process time for my classification program in this computer is: 2.5 seconds. I ran same program in my other Compaq laptop that has 1.4Ghz Intel Pentium IV Mobile processor (with 512K L2 cache memory) + 768mb RAM. Other laptop's process time was 17.5 seconds (7times slower than A290).

Internet performance: Internet speed is mostly based on your internet provider, however, a high performance computer allows you to surf internet a lot faster. Wireless capability is very efficient (it does not take a matter of time to search and connect to wireless networks).

Windows performance: It takes about 65 seconds to open and appear windows desktop (this can differ according to number of installed programs in your computer).Program windows are popping up without any delay. Windows did not freeze yet, and it seems the computer is good enough to handle memmory usage and allowance for Windows.

Long time performance: After hours of study (or after a Need for Speed game) processor heat increases,which cause a slight decrease in the performance. Its fan good enough to cool down the processor in a small amount of time (after I quit from 2-3 hour game, it takes 2 seconds to lower the fan speed). Even the highest fan speed does not make annoying noise (very quite).

Durability: Definetely a Sony high quality item.

Battery life: It is not good as other computers, because of 17inch screen. However, you almost have 2:30 hours of battery life.

Size: Size is almost optimum for a 17inch laptop. Dell 17inch laptop looks a lot like a dumb next to this Sony. Screen and image quality is also outstanding. Weight is unexpectadly low.

Negatives: There is no Bluetooth (you have to buy an additional USB bluetooth adapter). You can't upgrade the RAM memory randomly. You can only have a total memory of 256mb, 512mb, 1GB or 2GB. You just have 2 slots. You don't have the choice to plug 512mb on one slot and 1GB on the other (LAPTOP will not start if you do that).

Extra features: AV dock amplifier allows you to enjoy the sound with two SONY speakers (extremely pure sound quality but don't expect a lot of bass). AV dock also enables to connect your laptop with TV, DVD player, antenna. You can even connect your DV camera (old cassette camera) and convert the movie to a digital mpeg movie. You can also plug a Sony microdrive (even PRO Duo s) directly into the slot on laptop (that's a faster way of copying files instead of connecting your digital camera).

I definetely recommend this computer to a friend.

Excellent, but already at under $ 2,500 at Ebay.........2005-01-24

I bought this Vaio on Ebay for $ 2,425 New in Box, unopened. I use it for high-end 3D surfacing, for Photoshop and Premiere, and for Corel Painter. It is excellent. The ATi graphics had to be set to full screen 3D to work properly in 3D, but it beats much higher end notebooks hands down.

I bought an extra Logitech MX1000 wireless Laser mouse with it, for unprecedented precision in my work.

I am loving it.

When buying on Ebay, I always look for the amount of feedback (preferably high) and never under 98.9% positive. For these sort of higher priced items it gives an extra security.

Great Laptop.......2004-12-21

This Sony VAIO VGN-A290 Notebook PC is a great desktop replacing laptop. It has an Intel Inside Centrino Processor 1.7GHz. It might be a desktop replacement but you can still take it to the cafe and to the airport in a breeze. 1 GB RAM is very good to have since I do a lot of music and graphic software programs which take up a lot of RAM on the computer. 100GB is enough for me to download thousands of hours of music without making my computer even slow down. The wireless internet on this notebook PC is still vary fast. I usually get 11 Mbps at the airport which is pretty good. I can burn my DVDs on the DVD+/-RW Double Layer Drive easily without any mistakes. I used to have a Toshiba Satellite 1955-S803 notebook PC which costed around $2,500.00 with an Intel Inside Pentium 4 2.49GHz Processor, 512 DDR SDRAM, 60GB Hardrive, WiFi Technology, DVD-ROM/CD-RW Combo Drive, Wireless Keyboard that couldn't top this one. I love this machine and you should experience it yourself.

SCAM!?!?.......2004-12-05

Here is what I have received so far from:
I am glad I read these other experiences first.

From : SquareTrade Costumer Support <best_jkr@yahoo.com>
Sent : Saturday, December 4, 2004 7:26 PM
To : paul
Subject : Re: Sony

right sir,
and please e-mail the SquareTrade after you will made the payment with all the informations to : support@squaretrade-customer.com
Thanks!

paul wrote:

Hi,

I have alll information ready to send....just wanted to confirm everything
before sending it.
You are selling me this exact model notebook for .....$765.00 usd
right?....NEW with all accessories and O/S ....warranty?

Sony VAIO VGN-A290 17" Notebook PC (Intel Pentium M Processor 735
(Centrino), 1 GB RAM, 100 GB Hard Drive, DVD+/-RW Double Layer Drive)
Sony CE

What do you guarantee and for how long?

Paul

>From: SquareTrade Costumer Support
>To: paul
>Subject: Re: Sony
>Date: Thu, 2 Dec 2004 02:13:43 -0800 (PST)
>
>
>Hi
>
>I want to complete the deal trough Square Trade Service..
>
>How it works Square trade ??? 5 Easy Steps:
>
>Step1: The buyer and seller agree to the terms anddetails of the
>transaction.
>
>Step2: The buyer sends payment. Payment is verifiedand after that the
>Square trade inform the seller tomake the shipping to buyer.
>
>Step3: The seller ships the merchandise to the buyer,
>
>knowing that the buyer's payment is secured by squaretrade.
>
>Step4 : The buyer accepts the merchandise after havingthe opportunity to
>inspect it and after that contactthe square trade.
>
>Step5: The Square trade relase the paymentinformations to the seller after
>all conditions of thetransaction are met.
>
>And to complete the deal i will need your full name and address , city ,
>zipp code , country and your amazon id.After that i will contact Square
>Trade and they will contact you with everything you have to do to complete
>the payment.
>
>After you will complete the payment you have send the details to Square
>Trade.They will confirm the payment to me and i will deliver the machine to
>you.(The shipping will take 6 days with FEDEX).
>
>When you will get it you have 24 hours that you can inspect the machine.If
>you agree you have to notify Square Trade and they will relase the payment
>details to me so i can pick up the money.
>
>Thanks
>
>
>

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