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Sony VAIO Signature Collection P Series VGN-P699E/Q: Review

Posted to Notebooks 2009-08-18


Sony VAIO Signature Collection P Series VGN-P699E/Q: Review
Sony VAIO Signature Collection P Series VGN-P699E/Q: Review

If you are constantly on the go and need something powerful but small, then consider the Sony VAIO Signature Collection P Series VGN-P699E/Q. It is especially great for travelers because it is so compact and lightweight. This netbook features an Intel Atom Processor (1.86GHz) and 2GB RAM, which is suitable for basic tasks and internet browsing. With built-in GPS and maps, now you can navigate even without an internet connection. Although the price equals that of more powerful and more capable laptops, the Sony VGN-P699E/Q comes away impressing us with its small size and big functionality.

At approximately 9.7" x 0.8" x 4.8" in dimensions, this model is small enough to fit in your hand. It weighs a mere 1.4 pounds, so you don't have to worry about lugging around a bulky computer. You might not expect such a compact device to have all the features of a full-sized notebook, but this netbook does. In fact, with the exception of the 8-inch display, the only other noticeable deficiencies are the amount of RAM and processing power. Overall, this is a very impressive computer, which it should be, for such an expensive price tag.


Rating:  4.2 out of 5

Features

Naturally, the Sony VAIO P Series Lifestyle PC has a small display with its small size. The 8-inch LED ultra-wide XBRITE display is 1600 x 768 in resolution and features a built-in MOTION EYE camera and microphone for those internet video and chat sessions. For graphics, the integrated Mobile Intel Graphics Media Accelerator uses up to 760MB shared memory out of the available 2GB RAM onboard. For storage space, a 256GB solid-state hard drive has been included. The QWERTY keyboard is rearranged to 82 keys for a more comfortable experience, and the inputs have been limited to two USB ports, one multimedia memory card slot, one headphone jack, and one I/O port. While this netbook lacks the power offered by larger, similarly-priced laptops, it does included popular features such as built-in GPS, wireless Verizon broadband internet (separate contract required), wireless LAN 802.11b/g/n, and Bluetooth 2.1 with EDR and A2DP technology. Overall, the features are great when compared to the compact size of this model.

Ergonomics

When the "netbook" originally arrived to the ultraportable market, usually models came with very few noticeable features and lacked the punch and storage space of similarly-priced laptops. Now miniaturization technology has come far enough that netbooks are manufactured with the same features and storage of laptops from yesteryear. The only downside to these new models is the expensive price tag, but if you are looking for something extremely compact and lightweight then this is the model for you. It is small yet sleek and superb in both ergonomics and user-friendliness.

Summary

If you are always on the go, and you want a computer that is ultraportable but well-built, then consider the new age of netbooks, specifically the Sony VAIO P Series Lifestyle PC. Newcomers to the netbook market may find the price intimidating, but if you are a big fan of Sony or you require something small and capable, then this model is right for you. Putting the price tag aside, this is an extraordinary ultraportable that makes the mobility experience a pleasure.

Pros

  • Compact and lightweight- fits right in your hand
  • Sleek power-features Intel Atom processor, 2GB DDR2 RAM, and 256GB SSD
  • Great features-advanced Bluetooth, wireless LAN 802.11b/g/n, Verizon Mobile Broadband
  • Intimidating- small and innocent as it seems, this ultraportable is expensive
  • Questionable- lack of suitable price, power, and features may steer buyers elsewhere

Cons

  • There are no cons for this product

Related Links

Sony VAIO P Series Lifestyle PC VGN-P610/Q:
Intel processor 1.33GHz/ 1GB/ 80GB HDD/ 8-inch screen/ Onyx Black

Sony VAIO P Series Lifestyle PC VGN-P688E/G:
Intel processor 1.33GHz/ 2GB/ 64GB SSD/ 8-inch screen/ Emerald Green

Sony VAIO P Series Lifestyle PC VGN-P688E/Q:
Intel processor 1.33GHz/ 2GB/ 64GB SSD/ 8-inch screen/ Onyx Black

Sony VAIO P Series Lifestyle PC VGN-P688E/R:
Intel processor 1.33GHz/ 2GB/ 64GB SSD/ 8-inch screen/ Garnet Red

Sony VAIO P Series Lifestyle PC VGN-P688E/W:
Intel processor 1.33GHz/ 2GB/ 64GB SSD/ 8-inch Screen/ Crystal White

Sony VAIO P Series Lifestyle PC VGN-P698E/Q:
Intel processor 1.60GHz/ 2GB/ 128GB SSD/ 8-inch screen/ Onyx Black

Sony VAIO P Series Lifestyle PC VGN-P698E/R:
Intel processor 1.60GHz/ 2GB/ 128GB SSD/ 8-inch screen/ Garnet Red

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