Product Description

The VAIO AR notebook has a spacious 17¿ widescreen display featuring XBRITE-ECO LCD technology and a built-in 1.3 megapixel camera and microphone for video chatting with family and friends. Backed by Intel Pentium Dual-Core processor technology, this notebook will be your ultimate desktop replacement.

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1382 in Personal Computers
• Color: Black
• Brand: Sony
• Model: VGN-AR710E/B
• Released on: 2008-01-18
• Dimensions: 1.32" h x 16.40" w x 11.80" l, 14.00 pounds
• CPU: Intel Core Duo 1.6 GHz
• Memory: 2000MB DDR2 SDRAM
• Hard Disk: 200GB
• Processors: 2
• Native resolution: 17
• Display size: 17

Features

• Multimedia studio notebook with 17-inch XBRITE-ECO LCD and 1.3-megapixel webcam
• 1.6 GHz Intel Pentium T2330 dual-core processor, 200 GB hard drive, 2 GB RAM (4 GB max), dual-layer DVD drive
• Quad-mode Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n); Gigabit Ethernet; Nvidia GeForce 8400M graphics (up to 1023 MB of available memory)
• Connectivity: 3 USB, 1 FireWire, 1 HDMI, 1 VGA, 1 S-Video, 1 ExpressCard 34/54, Memory Stick/SD memory card reader
• Pre-installed with Windows Vista Home Premium (with Media Center capabilities)

Amazon.com Product Description
The luxuriously designed Sony VAIO VGN-AR710E/B Digital Studio notebook PC provides a power multimedia computer platform for enhanced entertainment performance. But it can also be admired for its gorgeously appointed design, featuring a black exterior, sleek profile, and interfaces and ports that are easily accessible yet discreetly integrated. It features a 17-inch WUXGA widescreen XBRITE-ECO LCD screen with a 1440 x 900-pixel resolution, and video is powered by the Nvidia GeForce 8400M graphics card, with 256 MB of dedicated video memory. Whether you're watching downloaded content in HD or enjoying video captured from your compatible HDV camcorder, this VAIO AR-series notebook lets you output HD content to your compatible big screen HDTV via an HDMI connection (delivering audio and video over a single cable).

This notebook is powered by the 1.6 GHz Intel Pentium T2330 dual-core processor, which provides an optimized, multithreaded architecture for improved gaming and multitasking performance. It also includes Intel's 4965 AGN wireless LAN, which will connect to draft 802.11n routers and offers compatibility with 802.11a/b/g networks as well. Other features include a 200 GB hard drive, 2 GB of installed RAM (4 GB maximum capacity), dual-layer DVD±RW drive, Gigabit Ethernet, both PCMCIA and ExpressCard slots, and Memory Stick/SD memory cart slot. The integrated 1.3-megapixel WebCam (and integrated microphone) provides easy video conferencing via VoIP and video IM chats.

Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium includes all of the Windows Media Center capabilities for turning your PC into an all-in-one home entertainment center. In addition to easily playing your DVD movies and managing your digital audio library, you'll be able to record and watch your favorite TV shows (even HDTV). Vista also integrates new search tools throughout the operating system, includes new parental control features, and offers new tools that can warn you of impending hardware failures.

The Basics

• Processor: The 1.6 GHz Intel Pentium T2330 dual-core processor delivers additional computing resources and help expand the PC’s capabilities by providing higher throughput and simultaneous computing. You'll be able to perform multiple tasks such as digital rendering and gaming all while running virus scan or other background tasks seamlessly. Each core shares 1 MB of L2 cache, and they have a 533 MHz front-side bus. (An L2, or secondary, cache temporarily stores data; and a larger L2 cache can help speed up your system's performance. The FSB carries data between the CPU and RAM, and a faster front-side bus will deliver better overall performance.)

• Hard Drive: The 200 GB Serial ATA hard drive (5400 RPM) provides more than enough capacity for storing a large audio and video library, as well as extra space required for video editing. This SATA hard drive also quickens the pace with a higher speed transfer of data--akin to FireWire and USB 2.0.

• Memory: The 2 GB of installed RAM (2 x 1024 MB DDR2) will satisfy many users, but this notebook's two DIMM slots have a maximum 4 GB RAM capacity--perfect for high-end video editing and 3-D gaming. It also offers a top-of-class 667 MHz speed. To receive the faster data transfer benefits of the dual-channel DDR2 RAM, any RAM additions require memory modules of same capacity and clockspeed.

• DVD/CD Drive: The dual-layer DVD drive is compatible with a wide range of formats, including both DVD+RW and DVD-RW discs, CD-RW discs, and dual-layer (DL) DVD+/-R discs, which can hold up to 8.5 GB of data--great for backing up your MP3 collection or your most important documents. It features the following speeds: 4x for DVD+R DL, 4x for DVD-R DL, 8x for both single layer DVD+R/-R, 8x for single layer DVD+RW, 6x for single layer DVD-RW, 5x for DVD-RAM, and 24x for CD-R/RW. It reads DVD-ROM discs at 8x and CD-ROMs at 24x.

• Keyboard & Mouse: This notebook has a standard 86-key keyboard (2.5mm stroke and 19.05mm pitch) and electro-static two-button touchpad.

Screen, Video & Audio
This notebook offers a 17-inch screen with a widescreen 1440 x 900-pixel resolution. The XBRITE-ECO technology delivers brilliant colors and stunning clarity with efficient power usage, and it features an anti-reflective coating to minimize reflection and ensure a beautifully clear image from any viewing angle.

Video is powered by the Nvidia GeForce 8400M graphics card, which provides up to 1023 MB of available RAM/video memory (with 256 MB dedicated) for unmatched HD video performance on a notebook PC. With support for Microsoft DirectX 10 Shader Model 4.0 and High Dynamic-Range Lighting (HDR), the 8400M lets you rip through all of today's most advanced and cutting-edge games and applications. Experience real-time photo editing, or immerse yourself in the most complex, true-to-life gaming environments. The audio card includes Sony Sound Reality technology with DSD (Direct Stream Digital) support.

Networking, Connectivity & Expansion
Be ready for the next platform in wireless connectivity with the integrated quad-mode Intel Wireless 4965AGN Wi-Fi chip. Based on the draft 802.11n Wi-Fi specification, it offers up to five times the performance and twice the wireless range as existing 802.11g wireless. It's also backward compatible with 802.11b/g networks (commonly found in home routers and Wi-Fi hotspots) as well as 802.11a networks (which has a higher throughput, but more limited range--great for closed office environments). You also get super-fast wired connectivity, with a Gigabit Ethernet port (10/100/1000).

This notebook also includes a next-generation ExpressCard 54 card slot (as well as a PCMCIA slot), which lets you take advantage of thinner, faster, and lighter expansion cards for even more advanced wireless, networking, storage, and security features. Here's the full list of connectivity options:

• 3 USB 2.0 ports for connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras to MP3 players
• 1 FireWire (also known as IEEE 1394 or i.Link) port for connecting digital video camcorders and other peripherals
• 1 HDMI output (for connecting to a compatible HDTV or home theater receiver for uncompressed digital audio and video via a single cable)
• Analog video output: 1 VGA, 1 S-Video
• 1 ExpressCard/54 slot (also compatible with ExpressCard/34)
• 1 PCMCIA (or PC Card) slot (Type I/II, CardBus support)
• Memory card reader supports Memory Stick/Memory Stick DUO (with MagicGate functionality) and Secure Digital media
• 1 headphone jack, 1 microphone jack
• 1 S/PDIF digital audio out (for connecting to a home theater receiver for 5.1-channel surround sound)
• Integrated 56K modem (V.90)

Operating System
Windows Vista Home Premium is the operating system for users with advanced computer needs, and it includes all of the Windows Media Center capabilities for turning your PC into an all-in-one home entertainment center for watching DVD movies and accessing your digital audio library. You can also use Windows Media Center to record and watch your favorite TV shows (even HDTV) and to access new kinds of online entertainment content. Computers that include Windows Vista Home Premium and an auxiliary Windows SideShow display will also allow you to access key data even when your computer is off. It is also easier than ever to share files between other PCs in your household and to manage your laptop computer settings to more securely connect via Wi-Fi.

Every edition of Windows Vista provides the essential tools and technologies to help protect you whether you are browsing the Internet, connecting to a wireless network, or just reading e-mail. All editions of Windows Vista include new tools that can warn you of impending hardware failures long before you have lost any important personal data. And, all Windows Vista editions include parental control features that allow you to manage and monitor your family's use of games, the Internet, instant messaging, and other activities.

Preloaded Software
Includes Sony Click to Disc (for easy DVD creation), Microsoft Works SE 9.0, Microsoft Office 2007 (60-day trial), Symantec Norton 360 All-In-One Security (with 60 days of Live Update).

Dimensions & Weight
This notebook measures 16.4 x 11.8 x 1.32 inches (WxDxH) and weighs 8.3 pounds.

Power
It's powered by the VGP-BPS9/B rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which has a battery life of between 1.5 and 3.0 hours (depending on usage).

What's in the Box
This package contains the VGN-AR710E/B  notebook PC, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, and operating instructions. It is backed by a one-year limited hardware warranty, and Sony offers 1-year of toll-free telephone technical assistance.

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Customer Reviews

Very Fast Very Large laptop
[Review of "Sony VAIO VGN-AR750E/B 17" Digital Studio Laptop (Intel Core 2 Duo T8100 Processor, 4 GB RAM, 320 GB Hard Drive, Vista Premium)"]

This is my 6th laptop and my 2nd Sony VAIO. I've had zero problems with it other than learning VISTA's unique characteristics. It is capable of running graphics-intense PC games as well as a desktop (examples include City of Heroes and Neverwinter Nights 2) with most graphics features turned on, though a high-end desktop will probably be cheaper and have a larger screen than this. 320 MB is a ton of disk space (two 160 MB drives in a RAID array), and I've only managed to use up a third of that so far.

The LCD screen is large, high-quality and bright, and lacks that washed-out appearance that is common in others. Both Blu-Ray and normal DVDs look great, and of course the same applies to the games.

It's also more than capable of handling work-related tasks, including a full Visual Studio .NET development environment, and has more than enough memory to load and unload applications quickly. Yes, only 3 MB of the 4 MB of RAM is available to the 32-bit OS, but the other 1 MB is available to the NVidia video card - 512 MB on the card itself, with 1279 MB available system memory, for a total of 1791 MB.

Overall, I was looking for a notebook with a large, bright screen, plenty of horsepower and memory, that would be both a portable multimedia box and have the power of a desktop. This product fits those expectations.

As for flaws, there are but a few, and those flaws are perhaps better regarded as trade-offs than as flaws, per se. The primary trade-off is that this is a big, heavy machine, and runs moderately hot. A lighter machine that runs cooler would have a 13-14" screen and be significantly slower. You'll think twice before packing it to travel by air (doable, but most business travelers would choose a smaller, lighter, slower PC than this). Another trade-off is that if you're still on Windows XP, Windows VISTA will feel very different, and since VISTA is newer, there are more bugs to iron out. Personally, I've run into very few VISTA issues, mainly dealing with having to "Run as Administrator" to get things done. Finally, given the large amount of space available, the keyboard is of a normal, small laptop size - it would have been nice to have a larger keyboard, or perhaps a keypad given the extra space.

I'd recommend this machine to anyone else. I've owned it since 2/26/2008, and I'm using it to write this review.

[Note that Amazon groups reviews for products such as these. This review is for the model I specify at the beginning. Other reviews may be for slightly different models/configurations.]

Very good desktop replacement system
I decided to purchase a new laptop after my old laptop was taken over by the family for a variety of tasks. I was mostly happy with the system I had, a nice HP Pavilion system with a decent feature set, but considering that it is 2-3 years old and does not run everything I want to run anymore I wanted to make my upgrade to a new system worthwhile. In researching I found this particular system and I pounced on it, as I found it at a steal of a price. It is not perfect, but there is an awful lot in this notebook.

My very first notebook was a Sony Vaio, so I imagined that this would be familiar territory. I was greatly mistaken, as things have changed dramatically since then, mostly for the better.

First off, this is a fast system with lots of expansion room. This is very important to me because I do a little bit of everything - I do some gaming, I write software, I write short stories, I hang out online. I am not considered a power user in that regard so an AlienWare ultra-high-powered expensive gaming rig is not really what I need, but I don't need an entry-level system that is good for little more than checking email either. My needs are for a well-rounded machine that can do most things well. This notebook fits that need.

I am especially impressed with the bright, large screen. I do occasionally toss a movie DVD into the system and treat myself to a private showing of whatever movie I have chosen, and all of that screen real estate makes for an enjoyable experience.

As for DVDs... With Blu-ray built into this system, watching new media movies is not a concern. That's a very nice plus.

I like the fact that this system has two individual hard drives instead of one large one, as I want to create a dual-boot system and not wipe out the whole thing. I was unaware of this when I purchased the system, thinking I had a unified drive, though that was an oversight - the labeling and documentation are clear.

The system comes with 3 GB RAM, expandable to 4. Up to this point things seem to be comfortable in that amount of room.

My first task was to strip off the trial software I don't want or need, which includes MS Office 2007, Webroot SpySweeper and Norton 360. Some people will appreciate these applications but for me they are in the way and clutter the hard drive with unneeded stuff. If these applications were full-release apps with more than 30-90 days of use, I likely would keep them all but in my case I already have licensed software to use that meet the same needs.

The documentation states that there is a firewire port, a VGA port and an S-Video port, and it took searching the web for a manual with technical diagrams to reveal that these are hidden on the right side, under a cover. Nothing that came with the system says where to find those ports, and the cover that conceals these ports blends in well enough to truly hide them - I did not find them without help.

Even more concerning to me is the number and placement of the USB ports. There is one on the back, and two on the right side close to the front edge. I work with an external mouse but I use the built-in keyboard, and I am right-handed. So, if I plug anything at all into those two front edge USB ports, the cords interfere with my mouse use. The solution, then, is to plug a 4-port hub in the back and then plug everything in there.

The built-in speakers are all right, though nothing special. If you want better speakers plug them in and all is well. That said, the built-ins are quite acceptable for most use. You would not want to use them for listening to symphony music, of course, but they're just fine for gaming and general music.

I am very pleased with the graphics. My litmus test for gaming is Neverwinter Nights 1 & 2, and both of these play quite smoothly. I have not loaded up Unreal Tournament 3 yet - that's next - but it should have no difficulty at all with that game.

I did run into one problem that required a call to Sony technical support. Because Sony does not include recovery media with their systems, it is up to the owner to create them and Sony makes it easy with included utilities. There are two options for creating the media - 1 dual-layer DVD or 2 single-layer DVDs. I chose the single dual-layer and after an hour of writing and grinding, the DVD ejected and the system said the creation failed. Assuming it was the target medium, I tried again with the same result. I called Sony thinking I needed to request the recovery DVDs and the technician told me that the single-layer DVD creation would work but that a glitch with this specific model prevents the dual-layer media creation from working. When I used two single-layer DVDs, everything created without a hitch.

This brings up a good point. Some places provide horrible service with operators that no one can understand. I got through in a reasonable amount of time (it was 5am but I still had a brief wait) and I got a very pleasant fellow who was very easy to understand (he did have and accent, though I could not place it) and was very helpful.

This is my desktop replacement system. It does everything I need it to do, it works well and it has a good feature set. It is certainly not perfect, but even at full price it is a good deal for what you get. It is NOT a top-of-the-line gaming rig but it's not marketed as such. If you want a good well-rounded machine, give this one some consideration.

Display problmes and no software
This was my first Sony laptop purchase after buying from Toshiba and Dell in the past. My first impression was very positive but shortly after I noticed flickering in the display. After a couple of days the display got worse, with the flickering increasing in frequency. I then spent the better part of a day trying to work out the problems with Sony tech support. After trying everything they suggested I now have to send it for repairs.

This is also the first time I've purchased a computer and didn't receive software re-install CD/DVD's.