Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)This is my first VAIO, after owning a 18.4" ACER with Blu-ray (2008 model). Sony computers are always more expensive than the competition, but at $599 for a 15.6" and i3-380M, wireless connection, dual-layer drive, and HDMI, this was a good deal. The graphic card is very basic and integrated, but the laptop performs beautifully for everyday tasks (Microsoft Office 2010, DVD/CD copy) and Internet browsing, as well as for video streaming (Netflix) and DVD watching. I uninstalled some of the VAIO bloatware, like the useless program bar floating on top of the screen and a couple of other minor things in order to get the most of the modest, but very decent i3-380M chip. Performance, as shown in the Windows experience benchmarks (I checked all the laptops at Best Buy!) is on par with all other 15.6"-i3 laptops of other brands in the $499-$650 range, and even a couple of i5 laptops. When I connect my computer to a 21.5" full-HD monitor with 2 additional and separate speakers, my movie-watching experience is outstanding, especially after installing an affordable sound-quality-boosting software. Watching a DVD on the laptop itself with its limited max resolution (1366x768) is fine and smooth; picture size and quality is better through HDMI and the clever VAIO resolution interface which allows you to change the output resolution to 720p, 768p, 1080p, depending on the stream/DVD quality and external TV/monitor displaying the video (it even switches automatically to the best resolution). So you're actually not tied to 1366x768! I wish the webcam was not so weak (0.3 mp). The image is small and grainy, and clearly detracts from the high quality and performance of the rest of the hardware. The screen is good and very bright, but the viewing angles are not great (you have to face the screen, which has to stay inclined a certain way for optimal quality; a person sitting next to you will not have a very good view of the screen). That's a minor inconvenience and it just struck me because my old ACER HD display was so beautiful. I am the most impressed with the workmanship and finish of this laptop. The keyboard is sturdy and doesn't feel cheap like most of the competition (pressing the central H key makes a lot of the keyboards of other brands cave in). Even though it's made out of plastic, the VAIO looks beautiful and everything is sealed tight with no sharp angles. I also love the way the screen swivels smoothly and securely (a big general improvement in today's laptops compared to 2-3 years ago). So far this laptop has been very quiet and doesn't seem to overheat. The wireless connection is excellent. The touchpad seemed fickle and very sensitive at first, but you just have to adjust the settings in the touchpad interface and disable the silly "pinch zoom" options (like on an iPhone or iPad) which don't work very well and are responsible for unwanted zooming some reviews complained about. Overall I am very pleased with this machine and would have happily given it a 5-star rating if it had not been for the poor webcam and somewhat disappointing viewing angles..
Click Here to see more reviews about: Sony VAIO VPC-EB42FX/BJ 15.5-Inch Widescreen Entertainment Laptop (Black)
Sony VAIO EB Series: Affordable and Stylish On-the-Go Computing Power
A perfect mix of performance and style, the slim, lightweight Sony VAIO EB laptop in black (model EB42FX/BJ) combines a contemporary design with excellent mobile computing power in one affordable package. You'll also be able to enjoy your PC's content on the big screen thanks to this EB's compatibility with Intel Wireless Display technology. And with the smart performance of the Intel Core i3 processor and Microsoft Office Starter 2010, you have everything you need within reach to power through daily tasks and enjoy your media wherever you are.
The 15.5-inch Sony VAIO EB laptop is designed with inviting finishes and subtle patterns (see larger image).
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