July to September has traditionally been a good time to go shopping for a new computer. For a few months I had been looking for a new mobile computer to replace my underpowered netbook, and although tempted I decided against getting a tablet as I required functionality that tablet just didn’t offer or couldn’t do well enough. After weeks of research, I decided to get an ultrabook from the new Sony Vaio T Series line and after almost a month of using it I thought I’d provide this write-up of my experience with my shiny new gadget.
I bought this new mobile computer primarily for school (notes, browsing, research) and blogging (writing, light photo and video editing). It replaces a Netbook I have used for just over a year and my primary reason for upgrading was that I needed more processing power. The specs are just about average what you’ll expect for a laptop in the $700 – $900 price range but I was attracted to the stylish look of the Vaio brand and the metal housing on the this ultrabook as when it comes to gadgets I despise too much plastic. I have been a longtime admirer of the Vaoi brand of laptops but they have always been far outside my price-range… until now.
Specs
- 13.3-inch LED backlit display
- 1.7 GHz Intel Core i5-3317U dual-core
- 500 GB hard disk drive + 32 GB solid state drive
- 4 GB installed RAM
- Intel HD Graphics 4000
- Wireless-N Wi-Fi + Bluetooth 4.0
- HDMI output
- Up to 7.5 hours of use
I have nothing but praises for the Sony Vaoi T series after a couple of weeks of use. It has more than enough power for the tasks I usually use it for, I usually get around 6 – 7 hours of use before needed to charge, the rapidwake technology makes the computer ready within 3 seconds of popping the lid and the multitouch touchpad is the best I have ever used on a mobile computer. It has attracted the odd Macbook reference every now and again but alas it is half the price. I’d recommend the Sony Vaio T Series for students and business types looking for a slim, powerful and attractive mobile computer.
Pros
- Stylish and attractive
- “Assist”, “web” and “vaoi” buttons are unique and useful
- Perfect size of screen and overall package (less than 13 too small, bigger than 14 too big)
- Durable metal housing
- Very responsive and runs well
- Above average speakers and webcam
Cons
- Poor keyboard that is shallow and not back-lit
- Metal housing makes it a tad heavy
- Sound of cooling fan very noticeable
- Pre-installed bloatware
The model I have is the SVT13112FXS which I picked up on Amazon for around $750, Sony was promoting a rebate which I registered for so hopefully I should be getting $100 back in a couple of weeks. I also picked up nice laptop sleeve by Case Login to protect my investment while lugging it around at work and on campus.
Sony VAIO T Series Ultrabook laptop (model SVT13112FXS)
Case Logic LAPS-113 13.3-Inch Laptop Sleeve
