Sony Vaio P-Series Netbook

Sony Vaio P-Series—a high-end netbook with a svelte design and a few added capabilities

After the release of the Asus Eee PC in 2007, these mini computers seemed to take the market by storm. Soon many other manufacturers were releasing their own versions of these mini computers, which cater perfectly to the traveling businessman, flashpackers or even those who like to stay connected while on the go. Sony soon followed suit, releasing their Vaio version of the netbook, which is aimed at the mid-to-high-end buyers (much like Apple products). While some of the other netbooks on the market are targets the budget end of the market, the Sony Vaio eschews this end and markets itself as a slightly more expensive, higher-end product.

When it comes to the main specs, however, the Sony Vaio P-Series is very similar to many of the other netbooks out on the market—making it up to the buyer if the bigger price tag is worth the functions on the Vaio. The Sony Vaio P-Series is powered by an Intel-Atom processor and an 8-inch screen with a reasonable usable 95% sized keyboard. The computer is also just 1 inch thick, which is probably one of its best attributes. However, while this little notebook shares many of the same specs as other, less expensive netbooks (like the MSI Wind or Asus Eee PC), Sony is clearly trying to distinguish this computer from other netbooks (they don’t even call the P-Series a netbook). However, it’s exceptionally svelte design, lightweight and sleek look make this little computer super appealing.

The quick & dirty:
Where you can get one:
Sony Vaio P-Series

>>Want to learn more about netbooks? Check out the Best Netbooks for Traveling

Why it Rocks:

Processor: 1.3GHz Intel Atom Intel Z520
Memory: 2GB, 533MHz DDR2
Hard drive: 64GB SSD
Chipset Mobile Intel 945GSE Graphics Intel GMA 500 (integrated)
Operating System: Windows Vista
Dimensions 9.6 inches wide by 4.8 inches high
Height: 0.8 inches
Screen size: (diagonal) 8.0 inches
System weight / Weight with AC adapter: 1.4/1.7 pounds
Video: VGA-out (via dongle)
Audio: Stereo speakers, headphone jack
Data: 2 USB 2.0, SD card reader
Memory Stick reader
802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, WWAN, GPS

Seat-of-the-pants rating: 8 out of 10

While this netbook may or may not be worth the much larger price tag, the Sony Vaio does stand out from its competition in a few different (and very important) ways. The Vaio not only has a super sleek, svelte design, but it also offers up an array of extra features—including mobile broadband (though to use Verizon’s mobile broadband you will have to pay a monthly fee), GPS atenna and integrated Bluetooth, and a faster 802.11n Wi-Fi. While these extra features may not be essential to the traveler who simply wants a compact and portable computer for basic web browsing, the Vaio could be a much better tool for the business traveler who needs more capabilities (and who gets to write off this bad boy on their taxes)

Looking to Buy? Check out these sites:
Sony Vaio P-Series