I'm in love with this
Written: Apr 30 '01
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Pros: Tiny and lightweight -- like a slim hardback book. Fast processor, vibrant screen.
Cons: External CD and floppy drives (but this keeps it small). 2 hr. battery.
The Bottom Line: The Sony Vaio PCG-Z505LS is a flashy, tiny, and fast laptop whose power I haven't even come close to testing.
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| musidorus's Full Review: Sony VAIO Z505LS PC Notebook |
Not only was this my first Sony computer purchase, but I was also making a switch from ten years of the Mac OS to Windows. As a writer who travels, I needed a speedy and small laptop to take on trips, as well as to, say, a nearby restaurant or diner when my home office got too cramped.
The Sony PCG-Z505LS is outrageously small, and beckoned me from the computer store at first sight. The CD/DVD rom was not included in the package, and for an extra $450 I got that as well. It connects externally, via PC card. The floppy is also external.
The computer has plenty of USB connections, as well as one for a mouse, so I don't mind using the external peripherals. When I take my computer away I never need them (and they're plenty small if I need to pack them). Plus, because they're not inside the computer itself, this thing is TINY and LIGHTWEIGHT. I'm still startled, when taking it somewhere, how small it is -- especially for all the power you get.
And power you get -- an 850 mhz Pentium III processor. I can only attest to its swiftness and ease of use because, for the first time in my computer life, I don't think about the speed of my computer. Generally, I need a program or something, and it's right there. I was instantly spoiled.
The hard drive holds 20 gigabytes, which makes me realize I'm becoming out of touch with current technology -- in this tiny rectangle, I wonder where they find the room to put it.
The screen is 12.1 inches, which may be a limitation for some. I did find myself looking nostalgically at the new Macintosh powerbook with its enormous screen. But after years of Mac, I'm glad I took the plunge into Windows, for the most part. And for my needs, the screen is fine.
My one complaint is the rather limited battery life -- only about two hours on the battery which comes with the computer. With a larger battery, which is available but pricey, I could get more hours of use -- but I wish they'd upped the power capacity a bit on the included battery.
This is a lovely piece of hardware, though -- really nice to look at and just flashy enough to make me vain.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 2500.00
Operating System: Windows
Processor: Intel Pentium III
Processor speed: 801-900
RAM: 128
Internal Storage: CD-ROM
Hard Drive (GB): 41-50
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musidorus
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