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Sony VAIO VGN-FW550F/B 16.4-Inch Black Laptop (Windows 7 Home Premium)
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| Price: | $1,279.60 |
Availability: Usually ships in 3-4 business days
Ships from and sold by Techno Intelligence
Product Description
Sony VAIO VGN-FW550F/B Notebook Intel Core 2 Duo P8700 (2.53GHz) Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit 320 GB HDD 4 GB of RAM & Blu-ray Disc
Product Details
- Amazon Sales Rank: #408 in Personal Computers
- Color: Black
- Brand: Sony
- Model: VGN-FW550F/B
- Dimensions: 1.46" h x 15.10" w x 10.30" l, 6.90 pounds
- CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo 2.53 GHz
- Memory: 4GB SDRAM
- Hard Disk: 320GB
- Processors: 1
- Display size: 16.4
Features
- 2.53GHz Intel Core 2 Duo P8700 Processor
- 4GB DDR2 800MHz Memory
- 320GB Serial ATA 7200RPM Hard Drive, Blu-ray Drive
- 16.4¿ (1600x900) Widescreen LCD Display, ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4650
- Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit)
Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com Product Description
Inspired by theater screens, the Sony VAIO VGN-FW550F/B in black broadens your entertainment horizons with a brilliantly colorful 16.4-inch high-definition LCD, dedicated AV controls, HDMI output to your HDTV, and more. Great for watching widescreen movies or viewing two web sites side-by-side, the 16.4-inch screen also minimizes the annoying black bars you see when playing widescreen movies. The Blu-ray Disc optical drive (read-only) lets you play high-definition Blu-ray Disc movies in crystal-clear resolution. You'll also enjoy the Dolby Sound Room suite of audio technologies for immersive surround sound pumped through a home theater speaker system or just a pair of headphones. And with the HDMI A/V output, you can connect the VAIO FW to a compatible HDTV to display your creations to a larger audience.
 The Sony VAIO FW with 16.4-inch high-definition display in black. |
 Enjoy high-definition Blu-ray Disc playback as well as burn CDs and DVDs using the integrated DVD±RW drive. |
 Handy, built-in A/V control buttons also let you play, pause, rewind, stop, eject and control volume, all with one-touch ease (see larger image). |
It comes pre-installed with the Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium operating system (64-bit version), supporting office applications and all the software programs routinely found in full-size notebooks. Windows 7 is the easiest, fastest, and most engaging version of Windows yet. Better ways to find and manage files, like Jump Lists and improved taskbar previews, help you speed through everyday tasks. Windows 7 is designed for faster and more reliable performance, so your PC just works the way you want it to. (Learn more about Windows 7 Home Premium below.)
It's powered by the latest Intel Core 2 Duo processor--with Centrino 2 technology--which boosts speed, reduces power requirements, and saves on battery life. The 2.53 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo P8700 includes a quick 1066 MHz front-side bus and 3 MB of L2 cache, providing an optimized, multithreaded architecture for improved multimedia and multitasking performance. It also includes Intel's 5100AGN wireless LAN, which will connect to draft 802.11n routers and offers compatibility with 802.11a/b/g networks as well. And you can use wireless headsets for video chats and stream music to compatible speakers using the embedded Bluetooth 2.1 connectivity (featuring the A2DP music streaming profile).
You'll be able to tackle virtually any graphics requirement with the ATI Mobility Radeon HD4650 graphics card and 1 GB of dedicated video RAM (and up to 2799 MB of total available memory). Making your own movies is also easy with the dual-layer DVD±RW drive integrated into the Blu-ray Disc drive and the included Sony Movie Story software--just choose the supplied template and professional-looking cutaways, cross-fades and soundtrack syncing are automatically done for you.
A built-in 1.3-megapixel webcam (with integrated microphone) lets you join in on video conferences as well as make long-distance VoIP calls. Other features include a 320 GB hard drive (7200 RPM), 4 GB of installed RAM (8 GB maximum), ExpressCard 34 slot, Gigabit Ethernet, and both Memory Stick and SD card readers.
This Sony notebook is Energy Star 5.0 certified, and has received a Silver EPEAT designation for meeting standards to help reduce its environmental impact. Additionally, it is RoHS-compliant, effectively reducing the environmental impact by restricting the use of lead, mercury and certain other hazardous substances.
Key Features
- 16.4-inch XBRITE-ECO high-def display (1600 x 900-pixel resolution) with 16:9 aspect ratio ensures that you won't miss an inch of the original picture from your favorite movie while also providing valuable extra workspace. (Learn more)
- Windows 7 Home Premium makes it easy to create a home network and share all of your favorite photos, videos, and music. And you can watch shows for free when and where you want with Internet TV on Windows Media Center. Get the best entertainment experience with Windows 7 Home Premium. (Learn more)
- Get more features with Windows Anytime Upgrade. It's the best way to add features to Windows 7, takes as few as ten minutes, requires no software or downloads, and you'll keep your existing programs, files, and settings. Windows will walk you through the simple upgrade process.
- 2.53 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo P8700 processor with Centrino 2 technology, 3 MB L2 cache and 1066 MHz front side bus (FSB) (Learn more)
- 320 GB Serial ATA hard drive (7200 RPM)
- 4 GB of installed RAM (800 MHz; expandable to 8 GB)
- ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4650 with 1 GB of dedicated video memory (Learn more)
- Watch Blu-ray Disc movies in crystal clear resolution with the read-only Blu-ray drive; also supports reading/writing of CD-R/RW, DVD±R, DVD±RW, DVD±R DL, and DVD-RAM
- MOTION EYE webcam and microphone lets you quickly snap photos and video chat with friends and family.
- Draft-N Wi-Fi networking (802.11a/b/g/n) for greater speed and range
- Bluetooth 2.1 connectivity enables you to communicate and synchronize with Bluetooth-enabled peripherals such as PDAs and cell phones as well as enjoy wireless stereo music streaming (thanks to its embedded A2DP profile).
- Gigabit Ethernet
- HDMI output provides single-cable full 1080p connectivity and is complemented by an analog VGA output for standard monitors
- Stereo speakers with Dolby Sound Room suite of technologies delivers virtual surround sound from stereo speakers or any pair of headphones and is designed for environments where multiple surround speakers are neither practical nor possible.
- Dedicated AV controls makes navigating through your favorite multimedia quick and easy.
- Pre-loaded software includes Microsoft Works SE 9.0 for word processing and spreadsheet work. Enjoy a 60-day trial version of Microsoft Office Home and Student 2007.
- Up to 3 hours of battery life with included standard capacity battery
- Dimensions: 15.1 x 10.3 x 1.46 inches (WxDxH)
- Weight: 6.9 pounds
- Warranty: 1-year limited hardware warranty, and 1-year of toll-free telephone technical assistance (a 1-year international service plan is also available).
Networking, Connectivity & Expansion
Be ready for the next platform in wireless connectivity with the integrated quad-mode Intel Wireless 5100AGN 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).
It also includes a next-generation ExpressCard card slot (replacing the PCMCIA slot), which lets you take advantage of thinner, faster, and lighter expansion cards for even more advanced wireless, networking, storage, and security features. It comes with the following external connectors:
- 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 ExpressCard/34 slot
- Memory Stick/Memory Stick DUO slot (with MagicGate functionality)
- Secure Digital memory card slot (compatible with MMC cards)
- 1 headphone jack, 1 microphone jack
- 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet
- 56K modem (V.90)
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What's in the box
This package contains the Sony VAIO VGN-FW550F/B laptop, standard capacity rechargeable battery, AC adapter, power cord, printed user manual
It also comes with the following software: Norton Internet Security 2009 (30-day trial); Microsoft Works SE 9.0; Microsoft Office Home and Student 2007 (60-day trial); VAIO Multimedia Suite includes VAIO Care for system diagnostics and maintenance, VAIO Movie Story for video creation, and VAIO Media plus for multimedia streaming
Learn More
16.4-Inch High-Definition Display
This Sony VAIO has a 16.4-inch TFT display with a resolution of 1600 x 900 pixels (native 720p for high-definition viewing). The 16:9 aspect ratio ensures that you won't miss an inch of the original picture from your favorite movie while also providing valuable extra workspace. 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 ATI Radeon HD 4650 graphics card, which provides 1 GB dedicated graphics memory and up to 2799 MB as allocated by the Windows 7 operating system. ATI Radeon HD 4600 Series GPUs help redefine the way you play HD games and enjoy unprecedented levels of graphics realism powered by 320 stream processing units. It also offers support for Microsoft DirectX 10.1 games. The intelligent power management delivers the power needed to run the most intense applications while intuitively conserving energy at idle or when demand is low.
Windows 7 Home Premium makes it easy to create a home network and share all of your favorite photos, videos, and music. You can even watch, pause, rewind, and record TV. Get the best entertainment experience with Windows 7 Home Premium.
| Simplify everyday tasks | Work the way you want | Make new things possible |
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Jump Lists
New in Windows 7, Jump Lists take you right to the documents, pictures, songs, or websites you turn to each day. To open a Jump List, just right-click a program icon on the Windows 7 taskbar. (You'll also find them on the Start menu.) What you see in a Jump List depends entirely on the program. The Jump List for Internet Explorer 8 shows frequently-viewed websites. Windows Media Player 12 lists commonly-played tunes. Your Jump List missing a favorite? You can "pin" whatever files you like there. Jump Lists don't just show shortcuts to files. Sometimes they also provide quick access to commands for things like composing new e‑mail messages or playing music.
Improved Windows Taskbar
In Windows 7 you can "pin" favorite programs anywhere on the taskbar for easy access. Not crazy about the icon lineup? Now you can rearrange them any way you like by clicking and dragging. Finally, there are new ways to preview windows. Point to a taskbar icon to see a thumbnail preview of open files or programs. Then, move your mouse over a thumbnail to preview the window full-screen. You can even close windows from the thumbnail previews--a big time saver.
Snap
Ever need to cut through a cluttered desktop and quickly focus on a single window? Just click a pane and give your mouse a shake. Every open window except that one instantly disappears. Jiggle again--and your windows are back.
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Intel Core 2 Duo Processing Power with Centrino 2
Experience improved energy efficiency, expanded wireless connectivity, and amazing battery life with the 45nm Intel Core 2 Duo P8700 processor featuring Intel Centrino 2 technology--which also helps provide faster draft 802.11n wireless connectivity and new business-class manageability capabilities. This processor has a 2.53 GHz processor speed, super-sized 1066 MHz front-side bus (FSB), and a extra-large 3 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.)
Customer Reviews
Vaio FW + windows 7 = winner
personally I prefer windows to mac primarily because windows is better with home video and other networked applications based on my experience. However, one problem with windows based pcs from dell amd hp is their really poor design amd general ergonomics. I still believe when it comes to design and build nothimg touches an apple mac book pro.
However, after coming very close to getting a 17 inch mac book I decided to go with a windows 7 based vaio Fw. the one I got has slightly better specs than the one here. I have the full HD screen and a blu ray writer. Here is why i believe this is an exellent notebook;
1. simply the best looking large screen windows based notebook.
2. excellent build quality. way better than my dell latitude from work or my wife's hp from work. The construction is solid.
3. screen size is a perfect 16:9 aspect ratio. Perfect for movies.
4. blu ray looks fantastic and it is a breeze to connect it to my tv using the hdmi cable. One cable for audio and video.
5. It comes with 64 bit windows 7 and I upgraded the hardware to 8 GB Ram for blazing performance when combined with the 1 gb grapics card.
6. came clean with no crapware!
7. sony laptops in my opinion have the best key boards.
8. battery is OK. 3.5 hours on such a powerful machine is not bad.
all in all this a superb combination of performance, styling, features and software. do compare this with HP and Dell and decide which you prefer. I bet most will pick the vaio.
Great Laptop, Good Price, Cheap Keyboard
I preordered this laptop and Amazon was great to deliver exactly on 10/22/2009 when Windows 7 was released. Great Job Amazon!
A bit of background... I am a true Sony fan and over the years have collected several of their excellent products - LCD TV, DVD Player, Home Theater, Cell Phones etc (some of them from Amazon too). I am very impressed with Sony's design, quality, and performance. Obviously you have to pay a 10-25% premium for the "Sony" brand, but you get a good quality, long lasting, good looking, high performing product, which in my opinion justifies the price premium. Having said that, I am really disappointed with this laptop's keyboard. The keyboard looks good and keys are well spaced out, but the quality doesn't seem to be high. It might be because this particular laptop is "Made in CHINA" :). The keys on this laptop's keyboard look fragile. In my laptop, the '-' key (above letter 'P') came off on 10/25/2009 just 3 days after getting the laptop!
I have been using personal/business laptops (mostly Dells and HPs) for over ten years (some laptops are upto 5 yrs old) and this is the first time a key has came out of the keyboard. I have put the key in place and pressed it and it seems to work OK for a while, but after hitting it 5-6 times, it comes out again. Rest of the keys seem to hold (but I don't know what will happen after 2-3 years of use). Even though this particular issue could be because of a manufacturing defect, I am little disappointed with Sony.
I contacted Amazon's customer service and they apologized for the inconvenience, and were ready to replace it (but were out of stock on VGN-FW550B, my laptop's model). Since I want to use it for business, I couldn't afford to wait for 1-2 months (Amazon's fulfilment time) to get a replacement model. Moreover, my confidence in Sony's laptop, at this point, has shaken a lot. So I am just returning this back to Amazon and would probably go back to Dell or HP.
I would have given it a 1 * for quality (which obviously is Made in CHINA), but had to give them 3 * for their design, price, performance (see useful comments below), which probably is "Made in Japan or US".
Other thoughts: The screen is excellent (glossier than most business laptops), Windows 7 is different, but you get used to it in a day or two and customize it according to your preferences. The Intel Processor and 4 GB memory are enough for me (I don't use it for gaming), battery lasts for a few hours when fully charged, time to charge seemed slower (but it could be just me, didn't time it), the weight is comfortable to carry around (even for the 16.4" screen, which is great. The charger's power cord is little short (but is OK). The resolution (1600x900) is perfect for work - writing text files, word documents excels etc.), the price is Excellent and competitive to other models. Good Luck (I wish the one I got was good and hope the best for you)!
performance & looks
this machine is configured to run today's graphics intensive video applications. much to my relief, windows seven ain't bad. i run multiple intensive applications without problem. the design is sleek & ergonomic. construction quality is very good. it boots fast and loads websites very quickly. even the internal speakers are excellent.
if you want to watch blu ray videos, or want to do video & image editing (not blu ray), browse the web, play games or use productivity software, this model performs quickly, smoothly & beautifully.
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