Sony Vaio T150 review

We're suckers for Sony's sleek, light Vaio laptops, so we were pleased to see that PC Magazine gave the Vaio VGN-T150 high marks for its style and entertainment features. Weighing in at just over 3 pounds, the T150 isn't Sony's lightest Vaio, but considering that those pounds include an internal DVD burner, we're willing to deal with the extra couple of ounces. Other standard specs include built-in WiFi, Bluetooth, a 5-hour battery and a 10.6-inch widescreen display (and, of course, a Memory Stick slot). The only thing we don't like is the slightly skimpy 40GB hard drive; Sony could've easily upped it to 80.

[Izzy @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

I will never buy a Sony laptop again.

In 1998-99, I bought a Vaio 630 for about $2,500. After about a year, the number 6 key stopped working. I found a key remapper and continued. Then, the screen died.

In 200-2001 I bought another Sony laptop. The 6 key also died on that (no, I don't tap dance on keys, so this is very puzzling). and the screen? After about an hour or so, it dies, leaving a faint ghost. I thought it was a heat-related component problem, but fan-blowing didn't work.

My current Averatec works like a charm.

[M Bean @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

I've a long-time user of Sony 10.6" Viao laptops. I'm typing on my fourth 10.6" Viao right now. Great for working in coach on airplanes.

Nice design for travel and I've had no trouble with them. Excellent quality. The keyboard is sized smaller than standard, but you get used to it quickly.

I'm glad they've eliminated the webcam on this latest generation.

[Danny Lewis @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

The stickers on it are that added touch that really makes it a beauty.

I just love PC laptops (and desktops too) with their arrays of stickers on them.

One doesn't see Apple doing the same...

[nathan @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

I wondered how long it would take before a member of the Mac cult pitched in with an inane criticism. For the record: third post.

And it was about STICKERS.

[Michael @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

Replaced a Viao SR-17K subnotebook with the Viao T170. The T170 fits in EVERYTHING including major items such as an optical drive that others in this class lack. The T170 has a DVD-R drive. The IBM has NO optical drive. After lugging an external drive for my SR-17K, an internal drive is worth every cent. Pricey but worth it.

[Ventivent @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

I recently purchased a P7010D 1.1GHz Dothan 733 from newegg for $1500...basically same specs minus the DVD burner. (which is also an option if you order from Fujitsu or PortableOne) Added an additional 512MB RAM for $100, added a 7200RPM 60GB HD for $140, and you have yourself a pretty fast ultraportable. Comes standard with 802.11b/g, 2 USB, 1 firewire, CF slot, SD/MMC/Memory stick slot, PCMCIA slot, Crystalview WXGA screen. About the only thing missing is an s-video out.

IMO dollar for dollar, a much better price/performance ratio.

[Jason H @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

"The only thing we don�t like is the slightly skimpy 40GB hard drive; Sony could�ve easily upped it to 80."

Not really. It uses a 1.8" drive, and Toshiba only recently announced 80GB 1.8" drives would be released in Q3 of 2005.

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2004/12/14/toshiba_80gb_1-8in_hdd/

[Andy @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

I like Sony's subnotebooks, but I have to ask -

Does it weigh less than three pounds when the stickers are removed?

[Danny Lewis @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

nathan, I never said I didn't like the laptop, I don't like the stickers. It would look a hell of a lot better with out them. Quick-start guides are way better and don't stick. Apple does not do this and they're the only ones I know who don't do this. Prove me wrong.

[dejena @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

I'm halfway kicking myself about buying the Dell 700m now. Oh well, I wouldn't have had the money if I waited.

But regarding the stickers - you know, it's not -that- horrible to peel 'em off! I always have done this within the first few days of a shiny new laptop.

[nathan @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

Danny: get a life.

[Inspector Gadget @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

Nice, but not nearly as beautiful as the TR1A/TR2A series of ultra-portables. When I was checking this newer model out, I thought they were going for a retro look. It's very easy to confuse for a predecessor to the TR1A if it wasn't for the specs. The dvd burner is a nice bonus though.

[Donelle @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

I LOVE this computer!!! I have multiple larger Sony Vaio computers all of which have worked well for some time but this little baby is AMAZING for travel. I am an underwater photographer and download my digital stuff onto this computer for quick checks of my photos as I go. The screen is brilliant and clear, the battery life is better than any laptop I currently have ( I have 8 including 2 power macs) and is great for watching DVDs on a plane or on a dive boat. My only complaint- the air/car travel power adaptors available so far are too heavy and bulky- the ones for the power macs just weigh a few ounces and can be easily put into a purse or carry on.