Still a significant object of desire (Sony Vaio N505SN)

Name: geoffcampos

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Product:	Sony Vaio N505SN
Date:	24/01/01 (726 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Extremely light

Disadvantages: no modem/ethernet

I've had this notebook for about 6 months and it's given me perfect service. The priority for me was as light as possible, XGA (1024x768 pixel display), 128MB RAM and ethernet. The Sony is incredibly light - so much so that I cannot feel it in my bag and frequently check that I didn't forget in in a meeting. It is tiny, yet the display is more than adequate as I always sit with my hands on the keyboard when looking at it i.e. I do not use it for on-screen presentations. The fit and finish is outstanding. I've owned many laptops and they have all been plasticy and shoddy in some way (except the Apple powerbook admittedly) and have skimped somewhere along the line. Not so with the Sony. The attention to detail is excellent; the Sony Discman-like silver clasp, miniaturized silver power adaptor and embossed Magnesium coated bonnet are particular highlights. The keyboard is excellent. I got used to the size almost immediately and I have quite large hands. The only criticisms I can offer are the left shift button being the same size as the letter keys and the double size caps lock key - what is Caps lock for? Surely pressing the shift key twice would suffice?
Other perceivable downsides to the machine include external devices and a port replicator. Personally, I never use the port replicator, as I print via usb, sync my Palm via IR and have a PCMCIA modem/ethernet.
The software is probably the only real let down. it ships with Microsoft Windows 98, which I consider to be a substandard platform - certainly one not compatible with business. Sony also include much proprietary software aimed at video editing and image file manipulation. Other bits and bobs include software controls for connecting two VAIO's via firewire (or iLink as Sony call it, the same thing but with the power pins removed presumably to prevent the PC from blowing up DV cameras or vice versa), programmable power key - a button on the side of the unit capable of opening up d
ifferent applications with key combinations and a battery monitoring program. I perused the offerings then binned the lot of it - although I kept the power button as I open Lotus notes with it. By doing so, I created an amazing amount of free space. I then Binned Windows 98 in preference to Windows 2000. I had to install another 64MB module taking it to 128MB, which is unfortunately it's expansion limit. It was very straightforward, just remove the keyboard and it's under a metal divider. It pushed in vertically. Windows installed without a problem, The Sony helpdesk were superb - proper people. I now have a slim notebook that is very light and runs a rock-solid OS. After 6 months, there still isn't anything to upgrade to. That's unheard of in the PC market.

Summary: