Sony VAIO VGN-S550P/S
Small enough to tuck away comfortably inside your briefcase alongside your paperwork and so lightweight that it will never seem overly burdensome the Sony VAIO VGN-S550P/S is also equipped with amenities traditionally reserved for far bulkier units. Those amenities include a massive 80 GB hard drive, facilities for both DVD and double-layer DVD playing and writing, enough RAM memory to keep your applications running smoothly, and acceptable 3D gaming graphics. Wireless networking/Internet is also part of the package, as is Microsoft's beefy Windows XP Professional Edition operating system. Battery usage stats are only average when compared to other ultra efficient ultra lightweights, but the Sony VAIO VGN-S550P/S is otherwise a top-notch compact laptop and an ideal traveling companion.
Sony VAIO VGN-S550P/S Processor:
The Sony VAIO VGN-S550P/S is equipped with an Intel Pentium M processor 740 running at 1.73 GHz. This is one of three components comprising Intel's efficient Centrino system (the others being a specialized Intel chipset and integrated wireless support). Centrino-equipped laptops are generally smaller, easier on the batteries, and more versatile than their non-Centrino counterparts. This particular CPU is part of Intel's upgraded Pentium M lineup, featuring a whopping 2 MB of Level 2 cache for extremely fast access to your most utilized information and a quick 533 front side bus. Though it isn't as powerful as a high-end Intel Pentium 4 or AMD Athlon, this CPU will easily handle all common mobile tasks while at the same time keep you on the road longer between charges.
Sony VAIO VGN-S550P/S Memory:
The Sony VAIO VGN-S550P/S incorporates 512 MB of extremely fast PC2-4200 533 MHz RAM. This is more than enough for most any situation, though ultra demanding users have the option of expanding their RAM to a maximum of 2 GB.
Sony VAIO VGN-S550P/S Video:
Many laptops utilize shared memory controllers to keep the overall cost in check and because of obvious space restrictions. Such is the case with Sony VAIO S550P/S, which incorporates an Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900. The advantage of this comparatively new controller over other shared memory controllers is twofold--it utilizes more refined components, and it commandeers more of the system's memory (up to 128 MB). Still, though the system will effectively display 2D and the majority of 3D applications and games, it won't satisfy hardcore gamers or demanding 3D graphic artists who need powerful 3D performance.
Sony VAIO VGN-S550P/S Display:
The Sony VAIO VGN-S550P/S features a 13.3-inch widescreen display perfectly suited to watching the Hollywood blockbusters you'll play on the system's DVD-compatible optical drive. This surprisingly generous display also sports Sony's XBRITE Technology for a brighter, more compelling picture, and an impressive maximum resolution of 1280 by 800 for sharp, detailed imaging.
Sony VAIO VGN-S550P/S Hard Disk:
The VAIO VGN-S550P/S features a massive 80 GB hard disk. This level of data storage is not much less than you'll find in some of today's desktops, and is a welcome perk indeed for those who require a smaller laptop but need to operate a broad range of applications and also keep a library of space-gobbling music and/or multimedia files.
Sony VAIO VGN-S550P/S Optical Drive:
This system features a DVD+-R Double Layer/DVD+/-RW drive that'll handle standard blank media.
Sony VAIO VGN-S550P/S Audio:
The Sony VAIO S550P/S is equipped with two miniature stereo speakers, a mini microphone jack and a stereo mini headphone jack.
Sony VAIO VGN-S550P/S Keyboard and Controls:
You'll control your Sony VAIO S550P/S via an 82-key keyboard and standard electro-static touch pad.
Sony VAIO VGN-S550P/S Connectivity and Expansion:
The Sony VAIO VGN-S550P/S offers a wide variety of ways to keep in touch, including a 56K modem for low-speed dial-up Internet and email access, a 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX Ethernet port for high-speed wired network and Internet, and an integrated Intel PRO/Wireless 2200b/g Network Connection (802.11b/g) for fast cord-free e-communication at either of today's accepted standards, 802.11b and the much faster 802.11g. Other key amenities include two high-speed USB 2.0 ports for plug and play devices such as external drives and digital cameras, an IEEE 1394 FireWire port (commonly used for quick data uploads from digital camcorders), a Memory Stick media slot for reading Memory Stick memory cards, and provisions for a Port Replicator interface (3 USB 2.0, Ethernet, VGA, DVI-D, printer, DC in).
Sony VAIO VGN-S550P/S Operating System and Software:
Sony has equipped the unit with an operating system tailored for business users but great for everyone else too, Microsoft's powerful Windows XP Professional Edition. It will also supply a versatile application package that includes Microsoft's Works 8.0 productivity suite, Intuit Quicken 2005 New User Edition financial suite, and a variety of Sony's own top-notch photo, music and video software.
Sony VAIO VGN-S550P/S Dimensions and Weight:
The Sony VAIO VGN-S550P/S is very small and therefore very comfortable at just 4.3 lbs (with standard battery) and a mere 12.3 by 8.85 by 1.18-1.39 inches.
Sony VAIO VGN-S550P/S Power:
This laptop computer is equipped with a Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery that delivers 1.5 - 3.0 hours between charges.
