Product Description

Get powerful entertainment and computing performance that reflects your personal style. The VAIO FE notebook will take you through your workday with power and speed, then dazzle and entertain you at home with impressive multimedia performance, all while keeping you connected. It's slim and lightweight, yet provides an impressive widescreen display. Your movies and photos will come to life with brilliant colors and stunning clarity.

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1519 in Personal Computers
• Brand: Sony
• Model: VGN-FE880E/H
• Original language: English
• Dimensions: 1.39" h x 14.41" w x 10.81" l, 6.17 pounds
• CPU: Intel Core Duo 1.66 GHz
• Memory: 2000MB DDR2 SDRAM
• Hard Disk: 160GB
• Processors: 2
• Display size: 15.4

Features

• Stylish, powerful multimedia notebook with 15.4-inch screen and 1.66 GHz T5500 Core 2 Duo processor
• 160 GB Serial ATA hard drive, 2 GB of installed RAM (2 GB max), multi-format/dual-layer DVD burner
• Three USB 2.0, one FireWire, ExpressCard/34 slot, memory card reader (SD, XD, Memory Stick)
• Tri-mode Wi-Fi LAN (802.11a/b/g), 10/100 Ethernet, Intel GMA 950 video card with up to 224 MB shared video memory
• Pre-installed with Windows Vista Home Premium (with Media Center capabilities)

Amazon.com Product Description
Elegantly styled, the Sony VAIO VGN-FE880E/H notebook PC is more than just a pretty face. It offers cutting-edge processing power from Intel's new Core 2 Duo line for outstanding multi-tasking performance as well as a tri-mode wireless LAN, enabling you to connect to a full assortment of 802.11a/b/g networks. A 4200rpm Serial ATA hard drive and advanced DDR2 memory enable high-speed computing, resulting in sizzling performance for work and multimedia activities. It also features a bright widescreen 15.4-inch XBRITE-ECO LCD screen that offers excellent color purity even in the brightest daylight. And communicate with pals all around with world via VoIP calling and video conferencing using the built-in microphone and camera (with zoom function).

It's powered by the 1.66 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T5500 processor, which offers a 20 percent performance boost over its predecessor while using 28 percent less power--so you get the benefit of a powerful dual-core PC plus all the benefits of mobility. It also features a 160 GB hard drive, 2 GB of installed RAM (maximum capacity), multi-format, dual-layer DVD burner, Intel Graphic Media Accelerator graphics card with up to 224 MB of shared video RAM, multi-format memory card reader, and ExpressCard/34 slot as well as a PCMCIA slot.

This laptop also comes preinstalled with Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium, which 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 Intel Core 2 Duo T5500 processor has a 1.66 GHz processor speed, super-fast 667 MHz front-side bus (FSB), and large 2 MB L2 cache. (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.)

  The Intel Core 2 Duo processor has two computational execution cores in a single processor, providing greater system response when running multi-threaded applications simultaneously with no significant increase in power consumption. It's optimized for multitasking and is ready to support the Microsoft Windows Vista operating system. It can simultaneously run multiple demanding applications--such as graphics-intensive games or serious number-crunching business productivity applications--while downloading music or running virus-scanning security programs in the background. Some of the advanced Intel innovations of the Core 2 Duo processor include:

  • Smart Memory Access: Improves system performance by hiding memory latency, thus optimizing the use of available computer data bandwidth to provide data to the processor when and where it is needed.
  • Advanced Digital Media Boost: Effectively doubles the execution speed for instructions used widely in multimedia and graphics applications.
  • Dynamic Power Coordination: Coordinates Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology and idle power-management state (C-states) transitions independently per core to help save power.
  • Deeper Sleep with Dynamic Cache Sizing: Saves power by flushing cache data to system memory during periods of inactivity to lower CPU voltage.
• Hard Drive: The 160 GB hard drive (5400 RPM) offers enough to room to hold a digital audio library of over 26,000 songs and still have room left over for movies, games, and a large collection of software. This Serial ATA (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 built-in memory (PC5300, DDR2 SDRAM, 2 x 1 GB) maximizes the capacity for this machine, enabling you to effortlessly handle a wide variety of multimedia tasks right out of the box. It also offers a top-of-class 667 MHz speed.
  
• DVD/CD Drive: The double-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, and 24x/16x 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
The 15.4-inch WXGA LCD offers Sony's XBRITE-ECO display technology and has a resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels. The widescreen display gives increases the width of the notebook's display while giving the computer the form factor of a smaller computer, so it takes up less space on your desk or in your briefcase. Video is powered by the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950, which uses Intel Dynamic Video Memory Technology (DVMT) and provides up to 224 MB of total graphics memory from the system memory. Audio is powered by Sony's Sound Reality audio enhancer.

Networking, Connectivity & Expansion
This notebook features an integrated PRO/Wireless 3915ABG wireless LAN that's 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). It also includes a next-generation ExpressCard/34 card slot (in addition to a traditional PCMCIA card 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 connection 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 PCMCIA (or PC Card) slot (one Type II/Type I card)
• 1 ExpressCard/34 slot
• 1 VGA monitor out
• 1 S-Video out
• Stereo headphones/speakers/line-out
• Microphone/line-in
• 5-in-1 memory card adapter (Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, Secure Digital, MultiMedia, XD)

It also has an integrated 56K modem (V.90) and an RJ-45 LAN network port (for a 10/100 Ethernet connection to networks and DSL/cable modems).

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 to your favorite WiFi hotspot.

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 DVD (for easy DVD creation), Microsoft Works, Microsoft Office 2007 Student and Teacher Edition (60-day trial), Symantec Norton Internet Security 2007 (with 60 days of Live Update).

Dimensions & Weight
This notebook measures 14.4 x 10.8 x 1.4 inches (WxDxH) and weighs 6.2 pounds.

Power
It's powered by the VGP-BPS2B rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which has a battery life of between 2.5 and 4 hours (depending on usage).

What's in the Box
This package contains the VGN-FE880E/H notebook PC, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, memory card adapter (VGP-MCA20), 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

Great machine, but you're paying a premium for it
I've had this computer for a week, and have overall been very happy with my purchase. I was debating between the Sony and a similarly-spec'ed Toshiba that's also available on Amazon. I paid extra for the Sony because of their reputation for quality. After doing some extensive research, it seemed that Sony had the least amount of consumer complaints out there on their laptops compared to Dell, Toshiba, HP, and Gateway. And Sony's service seems to be highly regarded. I was willing to pay extra for the peace of mind. I was also considering a MacBook from Apple, but the bottom line is that you get much more computer for the money when you go the PC route.

Windows Vista is very slick, and actually imitates all of the things that I liked about the MacBook. It's always scary getting on board with a new OS when it's still in its infant stages, but for the most part, Vista has been solid. It's definitely an upgrade over 2000 or XP. There are times where it doesn't run as fast as I'd like, but any slow-downs in processing are few and far between.

A word of advice if you're shopping for a new computer: if you're going with a Windows Vista machine, I would not suggest getting less than 2GB of RAM. I know Microsoft recommends 1GB, but to me, that doesn't cut it. Out of the box, Windows Vista was already using well over 600K of RAM, and that's with the bare minimum running (Norton, Wireless Internet, sidebar gadgets, etc).

Pros:
-Core 2 Duo processor runs like a dream
-Camera and microphone built in (like a MacBook)
-Best screen of all laptops in this category
-Windows Vista Home Premium is a major upgrade over XP
-Sony has decent consumer ratings on their laptops
-Boots-up quickly, initial setup was very easy

Neutral:
-Battery life is around 2 hours
-Weight is over 6 lbs, so not ideal for frequent travel
-Average speakers

Cons:
-More expensive than other manufacturer's machines
-RAM not expandable past 2GB
-Hard drive capped at 160 GB
-Vista Home Premium CDs not included

I'm giving the product 4 stars because of the cost compared to similar models from other companies. Otherwise, I'm very satisfied with my purchase, and I don't think you can go wrong with the Sony. If I can get over five years out of it with no hardware problems, I'll be a Sony customer for a long time.

Great Value But Few Minor Imperfections
Overall the Sony FE880EH is a great value for the futures being offered.
There are a few minor imperfections about this laptop, but I highly
recommend. The features that you get with this laptop is of good value.

PROS:

1. The monitor is excellent and even bright enough when I am in the
office or outside. By far, Sony's screens are the best.

2. Hard drive and RAM are large enoughto run several programs and to run
Windows Vista.

3. The design and look is simple and elegant.

4. Price is great especially with the value you're getting.

NEUTRAL:

1. Sound is not the best, but it works fine.



CONS:

1. There are no bootable CD's and detailed manuals that came with
the notebook. All can be found on the internet.

2. Windows Vista tends to slow down when you click the Start Button >
All Programs. There is a delay when you scroll through all of the
applications. I would notice that the hard drive would be intensively
working minutes after the computer was booted up.

3. Windows Media Player has about 3-4 second delay before playing any
.mp3 music with this notebook.

4. The battery's life is very short. It lasts about 1.5 - 2 hours under normal usage.

5. The power supply is short.

6. The positioning of the USB should be on the back not all on the sides.

Another Great Sony product
UPDATE December 17, 2009***
Well, I would not recommend this nor any Sony laptop. I am sad to say that I have found out that the motherboard is a typical failure for Sony laptops and now I have a giant paperweight. Imagine my surprise to have a computer technician tell me that. Oh well, back to IBM/Lenovo

Strengths: Quality product as expected from Sony; accepts a multitude of discs - DVD-+R; DVD -+RW; DVD -+DL and of course CD versions. Quickly started the very first time (10 minutes); quick boot up daily (less than 2 minutes). The 15.4" screen size is perfect for easy viewing as well as for travel. The touchpad is very easy to use; I don't feel the need to use my Wireless Laser 6000 mouse. Freebies and trials are neatly tucked away until you want to select them.

Neutral: The battery is just standard, I get 2 hours max off the charge. The disc drive is on the left side of the computer. All 3 USB ports are on the right side (could cause a problem for a left-handed person wanting to use a wireless mouse). The Intel Centrino T5500 Duo processor seems to perform effectively. I would have preferred to go with a higher processor speed (T7200) but then you get less hard drive space. I suppose this is to offset paying higher prices. I have not used the built-in camera & microphone yet.

Weaknesses: The 15.4" model only has 160G hard drive; speakers are not very powerful; no Lightscribe technology available; Only LE version of Roxio is included (HP provided a Basic version which includes more dvd burning features for free) Of course, every manufacturer bundles advertisements on their product to boost sales.

You can buy another series of Vaio and get Blu Ray disc capability for more $$. Lightscribe uses special discs that allow you to create a cd/dvd label and burn it directly on the disc. Very nice - but, HP's Notebooks are having trouble with Vista. The Sony FE880E/H has operated flawlessly for me the 3 days I have owned it.

Overall: Every Sony product I have purchased has been of high quality. I love the compatibility to my digital camera, digital music player, HDD Camcorder; and my DVDirect to the Vaio Notebook.

I have experienced the HP dv9233cl (I actually purchased twice and returned it twice) with Windows Vista Home Premium since its release January 30th. That is why I went with Sony Vaio. I applaud Sony for not bundling unstable hardware on their products (like Lightscribe). There are a multitude of conflicts with MS Vista and HP, none found so far with MS Vista and Sony.

If you are shopping around, check the MS Vista computer rating for the Notebook you intend to purchase. It is an indicator of how you can expect your computer to perform in the future. It gives you a score for your computer based on how it would work with different software. The FE 880E/H is rated 3.1; the HP 9233cl I had is rated 4.5 on a 5.0 scale. If Sony and HP got together ... boy oh boy.

If you are into gadgets like I am, this is definitely worth the money. I would suggest that you invest in the Lojack for computers. What a great invention (I should have thought of it!)

UPDATE March 1, 2007
Sad to say but, I found an incompatibility with my Vaio. My SE W710i can not be synchronized with the Vaio because of Windows Vista. I can synch with my IBM T41 via Bluetooth and USB.