Internally, Sony offers a range of the latest Core 2 Duo processors and chipset tech, all part of Intel's Centrino 2 array. We looked at the top-end TT11WN, which has a 1.2GHz SU9300 CPU with 3MB of L2 cache and an 800MHz frontside bus over which it connects to 4GB of 800MHz DDR 3 memory.
Carbon-fibre construction
The TT comes with Windows Vista Business, the 32-bit version, so 1GB of the memory may as well not be there so far as the OS is concerned. The on-board graphics are handled by the Intel GS45 chipset's own, integrated GMA 4500MHD GPU - which is why the TT's Windows Vista Experience rating is only 3.2 - the lowest score of the set, for desktop graphics. Gaming graphics rate 3.3, the CPU 4.4 and the memory 4.8 - the same score the 160GB, 5400rpm SATA hard drive gets.
We ran our customary PCMark05 test, this time with 3DMark06 too. The latter confirms that the TT is limited to casual gaming, scoring a mere 617 points at 1024 x 768, rather less than other integrated-graphics Centrino 2-based laptops we've looked at.
PCMark05 Results
Longer bars are better
We've compared the TT's numbers to scores from a couple of recent machines and Lenovo's ThinkPad X300, which we reviewed back in February but has since been displaced at the top of the company's thin'n'light totem pole by the X301. Apart from the X300's astonishing HDD score - thanks to its top-spec solid-state drive - the TT has it beaten, but only just. It in turn is eclipsed by Dell's Centrino 2-based Latitude E6400.
COMMENTS
Muggins is as Muggins does..
A Laptop is a Laptop IS a Laptop!!!
I should know I trade hardware day in and out and I can assure you all there's no special technology here that couldnt be achieved by many laptops with similar spec
Looks good, but you can buy x3pcs of DELL inspiron or similar with this functionality (better functionality)!!
What a complete rip-off.
If you buy this other than for the need of the battery life...then your middle name is MUGGINS... and you should drop out of school if your in it or go back if your out of it...
"But it looks very pretty" get over it.. it will collect dust and marks in 3 months!!
Move along folks.. theres nothing to see here...
I won't buy a Vaio again
I bought a Vaio a couple of years ago and in two years I had to replace the CD drive twice and the motherboard once. I also bought a PS2 and had to replace it because the disk drive died. My experience with Sony products does not suggest that they are worth any premium at all.
I would far rather have a new MacBook Pro and would not cost two grand.
As one of my friends would say "Two grand? They're 'aving a larff".
It's a keeper!
I've got one of these little puppies and I have to say I'm very impressed with it. I normally change laptops at least once a year as I just like new toys so I've had a few to compare it with and this is far and above the best laptop I've ever owned.
The fact is that yes, whilst its a bit pricey, it's well and truly worth it. When my clients see it, they're impressed with it too. The battery life and general speed is a breath of fresh air, its actually a usable machine for all my mobile tasks. As Mark mentioned, The first thing I did when buying was to format the drive and clear the installed crud and start a fresh, so theres a few hours of my life I can never get back - Sony, you really need to listen to your customers who don't want yours or your friends crapware! (I have the technet direct subs, so the OS purchase is a mute point nowadays)
For the churlish posters who think I'm an idiot for buying, you really need to get a life. My purchase choice was driven by me evaluatiing my needs, finding a machine that met them and then buying it - can't really see how that makes me an idiot. Money isn't always a factor in a purchase descision. I'll certainly get my moneys worth out of this machine though and so that makes it a bargain for me!
Nice laptop
But... They've got to be joking with that price. You can get that weird Lamborghini laptop for just a bit more money! I'd rather have THAT in the office.
Vaio TT
Sony used to have a good name for reliability and quality, that was a long time ago however. These days I avoid all Sony products as everthing I've bought from them over the years falls apart sooner rather than later.
This looks like another excercise in style over substance, under powered and overpriced.
