Sony just launched its new VAIO S-series laptop (available for purchase starting June 19) and its something that is already being considered as one of the top laptops for back to school.
We just got our hands on a Sony VAIO VPC-SB11FX/W notebook for review and will be using it on a daily basis over the next few weeks and reporting on its performance over the long haul.
At first glance, the VAIO S-series does seem to be a solid choice for students looking for a laptop for the upcoming school year. The notebook is built from magnesium and aluminum making it super lightweight and durable and perfectly portable at just 3.8 lbs. with a thin 1 profile. The backlit keyboard allows work to be done in dim/dark environments which can prove useful in classrooms and dorm-type environments.
Perhaps the greatest feature of this device is the mobility that can be obtained thanks to the notebook design and battery technology. The standard battery of the S Series is integrated into the laptop and can provide up to 7.5 hours of battery life. When coupled with the all new large capacity sheet battery (see pic below) battery life is doubled. The 15-hour battery makes this an ideal notebook for college and graduate students and others who need all-day mobility.
As far as cost, the new VAIO S-series starts at $899, which is a bargain for a high-end laptop. Check them out at sonystyle.com/sseries.
Features
- 2nd generation Intel® Core i5 technology
- Dedicated AMD graphics - AMD Radeon HD 6470M dedicated graphics card with 512MB of VRAM
- Intel® Wireless Display
- Processor Speed: 2.30GHz with Intel® Turbo Boost Technology up to 2.90GHz
- 4GB memory
- Storage Capacity: 500GB
- Windows® 7 Home Premium 64-bit
- Software: Microsoft® Office Starter, Adobe® Creative Software: Adobe Acrobat® Standard 9.0, Adobe Photoshop® Elements 8.0, Adobe Premiere® Elements 8.0
- Backlit keyboard
- Durable magnesium alloy casing
- 13.3 (1366 x 768) widescreen display w/ LED backlight to ensure a bright display while conserving battery power.
- Dimensions: 13.04" (W) x 0.95" (H) x 8.84" (D)
- Weight: 3.80 lbs. (with Standard Battery)
The new VAIO S-series seems very comparable to the MacBook Pro, with the VAIO being thinner, lighter, more affordable, and available in multiple colors. Ordering through the Sony education store (with .edu email account) can get you 10% off the price of the laptop and service plan. The current Charged and Ready deal at the Sony education store provides you with a free extended sheet battery (to give you up to 15 hours battery life) with the purchase of a new VAIO® S Series laptop. The Sony Charged and Ready program lasts until July 17th.
For more info visit sony.com/batteryoffer.
Note: This post is part of program called "Charged and Ready" by Sony Electronics and Microsoft, where a group of college bloggers have been given a Sony VAIO S-series laptop to test and review.