Ample proof that good things come in (very) small packages, Sony's new VAIO PCG-V505BX Notebook combines powerful Pentium 4 processing with an ultra-lightweight format and a surprisingly affordable price point. If you can do with a smaller display screen and average 3-D performance, this petite yet stunning laptop may be your perfect portable. Measuring a mere 1.3 by 10.9 by 9.5 inches, and tipping the scales at just 4.4 pounds, the VAIO PCG-V505BX fits comfortably in virtually any situation. Yet this level of convenience doesn't come at the expense of speed. Driven by a snappy 2.0 GHz Mobile Intel Pentium 4 Processor (with Enhanced SpeedStep Technology for added battery life), a generous 512 MB of DDR SDRAM memory (expandable to 1024 MB), and an ATI Mobility Radeon graphics chipset with 16 MB video DDR SDRAM memory, the unit will easily handle most any application you might normally reserve for your desktop. The one potential exception would be advanced 3-D packages such as games or CAD drawing, which may display some frame rate jumpiness.
Featuring a 40 GB hard disk and an internal CD-RW/DVD drive, the VAIO PCG-V505BX is ready to store your important data, archive your files to disc, burn audio CDs and play the latest Hollywood blockbusters. The unit's display screen is smaller than those found in regular-size notebooks, yet larger than you might think at 12.1 inches. Communication options include an integrated 56K modem for low-speed connectivity, an RJ-45 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX Ethernet interface, and IEEE 802.11b wireless LAN.
Other desirable amenities include a built-in Memory Stick media slot, two fast USB 2.0 ports, and a high-speed IEEE 1394 port for high-speed interaction with external peripherals such as digital camcorders. The impressive bundled software suite includes Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition, Microsoft Money 2003 Standard, Microsoft's real time strategy epic Age of Empires, and a broad array of multimedia utilities. Lithium-ion battery life is estimated at 1.5 to 3.5 hours.
