Sony VAIO VGN-NR32M/S

Intel Pentium dual-core processor (T2370 - 1.73 GHz)
2 GB RAM (2 x 1GB DDR2 533MHz)
200 GB hard disk (SATA 5400 rpm)
15.4" WXGA (1280 x 800) widescreen
DVD±RW Dual Layer and RAM drive
4 x USB2  ports
i.LINK (FireWire 400) port

WiFi (802.11b / g)

Network (100 BASE-TX / 10 BASE-T)

Modem (V.92 / V.90)
Windows Vista Home Premium 

Weight: 2.9 kg

Taking this silvery Sony out of the box for the first time is guaranteed to please. This laptop looks immaculate and feels as solid and dependable as you would expect a Sony to be. The impact-resistant, plastic case feels rigid and does not 'creak', as many other makes can do. The hinges are solid and hold the lid closed with a gentle spring action. There is no need for a lid-catch with this stylish and economical design.

As can be seen from the photo above, the striking look of the embossed VAIO logo is very impressive. No one should be disappointed by the appearance of this laptop. An eyebrow or two may even be raised. Although it's at the low end of the product range, this thing is still every bit a 'Sony'.

The 15.4" widescreen display has a clear, sharp picture. The brightness of the screen is generally very good, but if necessary, it can be adjusted via a couple of function keys. As with most laptops, the video signal can be sent out to an external monitor, through the VGA connector on the side of the case. The display can be selected to internal or external, with a function key.

 

The keyboard has quite a flat look and feel to it. Key travel is fairly short, as it is on most laptops. After a little bit of getting used to, the keyboard is quite usable though. The keys are well laid out and the flat, clean look actually adds something to the overall design. The palm-rest is large and comfortable. The touchpad is very responsive, although adding a mini-mouse is probably a good idea, if you are going to use this laptop all day.

 

 

 

 

 

On the JSTUF test bench, the following results were obtained using SiSoftware SANDRA 2008:

CPU Arithmetic:  11148 MFLOPS    /    14745 MIPS

CPU Multi-media:  51959 MFLOPS   /   95858 MIPS

Multi-core Efficiency:  3.73 GB/s    Latency: 53 ns

File System:  44.41 MB/s     - with an average access time of 12ms

Memory Bandwidth:  2.81GB/s (float)   /   2.86 GB/s (int)

A quick glance along the right-hand side of the Sony reveals the external VGA port, microphone and headphone / speaker mini-jacks, firewire 400 port, two USB2 ports and a 34mm Express Card slot. The left flank has a dual-layer DVD re-writer drive with DVD RAM capability, and a further two USB2 ports. To the rear there's a network port, analogue modem port and the essential power input. The front edge of the laptop, has a handy memory-card reader, status LEDs, and a useful WiFi 'ON / OFF' switch. With this array of ports, Sony have really got everyday connectivity covered. Common uses of the laptop (Internet, digital photos, music, playing or writing DVDs etc.) are well provided for.

Tip: If you are going to plug an external mini-mouse into this laptop, it's a good idea to plug the mouse in at the opposite side of the laptop from the side you intend to use it on, otherwise the protruding USB plug can get in the way of the mouse a bit. Sony have thoughtfully positioned two USB2 ports on either side of the laptop.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Battery life during JSTUF tests was a little over 2 hours, although to be fair, benchmark testing stresses components and is bound to drain the battery significantly faster than normal. In typical use, the laptop should give much better results. SonyStyle quote a minimum figure of 3 hours.

The laptop comes out of  'sleep' mode very quickly. After closing the lid and re-opening it, pressing the power button will wake the system up in around 5 seconds! This is very good news for anyone wanting to travel with this laptop.

 

 

 

 

With a 12-month guarantee, online VAIO support and Club VAIO membership included, there are plenty of ways to solve any potential issues which may arise with a Sony VAIO laptop. Clicking on a pre-installed icon on the desktop takes you to the Club VAIO website, where you can register your VAIO and become a member, or sign in. On the Sony support site, you can download manuals, drivers, troubleshoot the problem yourself, or find support numbers where you can contact Sony experts, who will help you with more involved issues.

The Sony VAIO NR series is probably the first laptop you should be looking at, when considering a purchase for general home use. Without breaking the bank, you get something which is really worth having. This combination of quality, style, value and solid function is very hard to find elsewhere. Highly recommended.