This specific Sony Vaio VPCS11X9E/B laptop is the first notebook computer we've noticed to use Intel's unique Core i3 mobile processor, and thus we couldn't wait to benchmark it. A good overall score of 77 might not really appear significantly, nevertheless considering that it is equivalent towards the fastest notebook in our recent £700 laptop computer group test, we were duly impressed.
Intel has went with a 32nm production process for the new cpus,
utilizing more compact transistor dimensions, enabling the chips to become more energy efficient, using a TDP of merely 35W. Intel has also included a new graphics processor within the chip, that eliminates the requirement for a devoted graphics chip plus reduces electricity consumption. Sony, though, has opted to make use of a devoted graphics chip here alternatively – the ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5470 – as the built-in chip is not strong enough for performing advanced 3D video games.
The devoted ATI graphics card helped the VPCS11X9E/B laptop achieve virtually 20fps within our Call of Duty 4 benchmark. This isn't fast sufficient for gaming, however less action-oriented games, for example Dragon Age: Origins or Mass Effect 2 will probably run smoothly at reduced resolutions and with more advanced graphics settings switched off.
High definition movie defintely won't be a issue, and there is an HDMI port for delivering to a house entertainment system. The inner sound system are relatively loud, but tinny at high frequencies and lack bass, therefore if you ever want to maximum benefit from movies you would be suggested to connect a decent sound system.
The screen is also not as extraordinary as we would wished. It carries a glossy surface which will reflect overhead lighting, and vertical watching angles are restricted. Colours are usually organic and energetic, however without LED backlighting, contrast isn't as great as some screens we have seen recently. The backlight isn't as vivid as some, though it is mostly even, with only several darker patches along the bottom side.
Sony's brand new VPC Range is a attractive laptop, having a subtle two-tone design. The lid and also the area over the keyboard are a light silver colour, whilst on our model, the keyboard panel and also wrist rest were finished in white. The wrist rest itself carries a sleek surface having a subtle sparkle, and it is made of a higher quality plastic material that is comfortable to work with and also feels solidly built.
Provided all this, its power supply score of three hours fifteen mins has been slightly disappointing. However, the electric battery itself is not really large and also the dedicated graphics chipset negates any possible gain from the processor's onboard GPU. We have seen this like a issue with the Sony Vaio VPCS11X9E/B, instead of Core i3 notebooks normally. That mentioned, at above three hrs, it's even now sufficient for infrequent mobile usage.
A lot more amazing, is that its 2.13GHz Core i3-330M may be the least pricey in the brand new selection of cpus; a selection which also includes mobile Core i5 and Core i7 chips with base clock speeds around 2.66GHz. Every one of the new chips are dual-core and possess Hyper-Threading to enhance overall performance while multitasking. The majority of cpus within the selection likewise make use of Intel's overclocking Turbo Boost technology, that increases clock speeds when the computer chip isn't working around its maximum heat range. Regrettably, the entry-level Core i3 used in Sony Vaio VPCS11X9E/B laptop does not contain this.
This kind of quality finish and option of intriguing materials extends across the entire chassis, along with attention to details as we'd expect from a Vaio. For instance, the energy button includes a little LED indicator where it meets the edge of the chassis, so it's still noticeable when the lid closed. Our mainly problem had been the DVD drive tray, which is flimsy as well as loose when open; a slot drive could have been a lot more in standing using the rest of the case.
Sony used to contain a good software program bundle such as Adobe Photoshop Elements, but that's absent from this model. You still obtain lots of Sony utility software, although its effectiveness is in question, and also you acquire Sony's media centre replacement, accessible via a dedicated switch above the laptop keyboard, which is slick yet doesn't truly add anything that Windows' own Media Center can't offer. Another button launches the Vaio Care help software program, that gives you entry to troubleshooting, backup and recovery resources.
