Affordable Gaming Laptops
Review the best affordable gaming laptops on the market. Discuss pros and cons of gaming laptops in terms of costs, chips, memory, controls, screen displays, etc
Sony VAIO VGN-CS215J/Q 14.1-Inch Laptop - Black Reviews
Other products by Sony Ratting 3.5 Out of 5.0 Special Offer Total New 2 Total Use 1
Read More From Here Now
Amazon.com Product Description
Step out and be seen with the VAIO CS notebook, a gorgeous and sophisticated 14.1-Inch notebook adorned by fashionable high-gloss colors inside and out. This thin-and-light PC slips easily in and out of hand bags and features an array of entertainment extras, including light effects and an intuitive AV “slide” control that lets you control your media with the slide of a finger.Add a zesty style to your mobile computing with the stunning good looks of the Sony VAIO VGN-CS215J/Q notebook PC, which offers a high gloss black coloring and is tricked out with a pair of dynamic LED lights that glow from beneath the front to deliver an ultra-cool effect in a full spectrum of colors as your music plays. This VAIO CS is also a great multimedia companion, enabling you to go straight to your movies, music and photos via an intuitive AV slide control that lets you control your media with the slide of a finger. The touch-sensitive controls have 12 bright LED indicators that light up as you glide your finger to change tracks, scenes or adjust the volume.
 |
It's powered by the 2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T6400 processor, which boosts speed, reduces power requirements, and saves on battery life. It also offers a fast 800 MHz front-side bus speed and 2 MB L2 cache. It also includes Intel's 5100 AGN wireless LAN, which will connect to draft 802.11n routers and offers compatibility with 802.11a/b/g networks as well. And you can use wireless headsets for video chats and stream music to compatible speakers using the embedded Bluetooth 2.1 connectivity (featuring the A2DP music streaming profile).
Other features include a 250 GB hard drive, 4 GB of 800 MHz RAM (maximizing capacity), dual-layer DVD±RW drive (which also burns CDs), integrated Intel GMA 4500MHD graphics (with up to 1750 MB of total available video memory), ExpressCard 34 slot, and both Memory Stick and SD memory cart slots. It also comes pre-loaded with the 64-bit version of the Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium operating system.
This Sony notebook is Energy Star 4.0 certified, and has received a Silver EPEAT designation for meeting standards to help reduce its environmental impact. Additionally, it is RoHS-compliant, effectively reducing the environmental impact by restricting the use of lead, mercury and certain other hazardous substances. .caption { font-family: Verdana, Helvetica neue, Arial, serif; font-size: 10px; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; } ul.indent { list-style: inside disc; text-indent: 20px; } table.callout { font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, serif; margin: 10px; width: 250; } td.callout { height: 100 percent; background: #9DC4D8 url(http://images.amazon.com/images/G/01/electronics/detail-page/callout-bg.png) repeat-x; border-left: 1px solid #999999; border-right: 1px solid #999999; padding: 10px; width: 250px; } ul.callout { list-style: inside disc; text-indent: -12px; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.5em; } h5.callout { text-align: center; }
|
The Basics
- Processor: The Intel Core 2 Duo T6400 processor has a 2.0 GHz processor speed, fast 800 MHz front-side bus (FSB), and 2 MB L2 cache. (An L2, or secondary, cache temporarily stores data; and a larger L2 cache can help speed up your system's performance. The FSB carries data between the CPU and RAM, and a faster front-side bus will deliver better overall performance.)
With two computational execution cores in a single processor, it provides greater system response when running multi-threaded applications simultaneously with no significant increase in power consumption. It's optimized for multitasking and is ready to support the Microsoft Windows Vista operating system. It can simultaneously run multiple demanding applications--such as graphics-intensive games or serious number-crunching business productivity applications--while downloading music or running virus-scanning security programs in the background. Some of the advanced Intel innovations of the Core 2 Duo processor include:
- Smart Memory Access: Improves system performance by hiding memory latency, thus optimizing the use of available computer data bandwidth to provide data to the processor when and where it is needed.
- Advanced Digital Media Boost: Effectively doubles the execution speed for instructions used widely in multimedia and graphics applications.
- Dynamic Power Coordination: Coordinates Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology and idle power-management state (C-states) transitions independently per core to help save power.
- Deeper Sleep with Dynamic Cache Sizing: Saves power by flushing cache data to system memory during periods of inactivity to lower CPU voltage.
- Hard Drive: The generous 250 GB Serial ATA hard drive (5400 RPM) provides more than enough capacity for storing a large audio and video library, as well as extra space required for video editing. This SATA hard drive also quickens the pace with a higher speed transfer of data--akin to Firewire and USB 2.0.
- Memory: The 4 GB of installed RAM (PC6400, 2 x 2 GB) maximizes the capacity of this notebook, and it also offers an ultra-fast 800 MHz speed.
- DVD/CD Drive: The dual-layer DVD drive is compatible with a wide range of formats, including both DVD+RW and DVD-RW discs, CD-RW discs, and dual-layer (DL) DVD+/-R discs, which can hold up to 8.5 GB of data--great for backing up your MP3 collection or your most important documents. It features the following speeds: 4x for DVD+R DL, 4x for DVD-R DL, 8x for both single layer DVD±R, 8x for single layer DVD+RW, 6x for single layer DVD-RW, 5x for DVD-RAM, and 24x/16x for CD-R/RW. It reads DVD-ROM discs at 8x and CD-ROMs at 24x.
- Keyboard & Mouse: This notebook has a standard 82-key keyboard with a 2mm stroke and 18.05mm pitch as well as an electro-static touchpad. Control your music and movies with a slide of your finger using the touch sensor A/V slide control. You can control media playback as well as volume.
 The Sony VAIO CS in black. |
 |
You'll enjoy razor-sharp graphics and widescreen movies with the 14.1-inch WXGA high-definition screen, with its 1280 x 800-pixel resolution. The XBRITE-ECO technology (with LED backlighting) delivers brilliant colors and stunning clarity with efficient power usage, and it features an anti-reflective coating to minimize reflection and ensure a beautifully clear image from any viewing angle.
Video is powered by the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD, which uses shared video memory (up to 1750 MB allocated from the system memory). This graphics card is built with Intel Clear Video technology, which delivers clearer, more detailed images by eliminating many of the jagged edges and video artifacts seen when viewing interlaced content and features powerful color control to ensure videos are not too dark, overly bright, or washed out. It's compatible with external monitor resolutions up to 1920 x 1200.
Networking, Connectivity & Expansion
Be ready for the next platform in wireless connectivity with the integrated quad-mode Intel Wireless 5100AGN Wi-Fi chip. Based on the draft 802.11n Wi-Fi specification, it offers up to five times the performance and twice the wireless range as existing 802.11g wireless. It's also backward compatible with 802.11b/g networks (commonly found in home routers and wi-fi hotspots) as well as 802.11a networks (which has a higher throughput, but more limited range--great for closed office environments). With the Bluetooth 2.1 connectivity, you can communicate and synchronize with Bluetooth-enabled peripherals such as PDAs and cell phones as well as enjoy wireless stereo music streaming (thanks to its embedded A2DP profile).
This notebook also includes a next-generation ExpressCard 34 card slot (though no PCMCIA slot), which lets you take advantage of thinner, faster, and lighter expansion cards for even more advanced wireless, networking, storage, and security features. Here's the full list of connectivity options:
- 3 USB 2.0 ports for connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras to MP3 players
- 1 FireWire (also known as IEEE 1394 or i.Link) port for connecting digital video camcorders and other peripherals
- Analog video output: 1 VGA
- 1 ExpressCard/34 slot
- Memory Stick/Memory Stick PRO slot (Standard/Duo) with MagicGate functionality
- Secure Digital memory card slot (compatible with MMC cards)
- 1 headphone jack, 1 microphone jack
- 10/100 Fast Ethernet
- 56K modem (V.92/V.90)
 |
Operating System
The 64-bit version of Windows Vista Home Premium (with SP1) is the operating system for users with advanced computer needs, and it includes all of the Windows Media Center capabilities for turning your PC into an all-in-one home entertainment center for watching DVD movies and accessing your digital audio library. You can also use Windows Media Center to record and watch your favorite TV shows (even HDTV) and to access new kinds of online entertainment content. Computers that include Windows Vista Home Premium and an auxiliary Windows SideShow display will also allow you to access key data even when your computer is off. It is also easier than ever to share files between other PCs in your household and to manage your laptop computer settings to more securely connect via Wi-Fi.
Every edition of Windows Vista provides the essential tools and technologies to help protect you whether you are browsing the Internet, connecting to a wireless network, or just reading e-mail. All editions of Windows Vista include new tools that can warn you of impending hardware failures long before you have lost any important personal data. And, all Windows Vista editions include parental control features that allow you to manage and monitor your family's use of games, the Internet, instant messaging, and other activities.
Preloaded Software
Microsoft Windows Live OneCare anti-virus and recovery (trial version), Microsoft Works SE 9.0, Microsoft Office 2007 Home and Student (60-day trial), Sony Click to Disk Editor (CD and DVD burning), VAIO Movie Story (video editing), VAIO MusicBox
Dimensions & Weight
This notebook measures 13.2 x 9.6 x 1.57 inches (WxDxH) and weighs 5.7 pounds.
Power
It's powered by the VGP-BPS13A/R rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which has a battery life of between 1.5 and 4 hours (depending on usage). This laptop is compliant with Energy Star 4.0 specifications, meaning that it uses less power and reduces greenhouse gas emissions by meeting very strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy.
What's in the Box
This package contains the VGN-CS215J/Q notebook PC, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, and operating instructions. It is backed by a one-year limited hardware warranty, and Sony offers 1-year of toll-free telephone technical assistance.
Technical Details
- 2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T6400 Processor- 4 GB RAM (max)
- 250 GB Hard Drive, 8x multi-format/dual-layer DVD Drive
- Windows Vista Home Premium (SP1, 64-bit)
- 14.1-inch screen, Intel 4500MHD Graphics, 1750 MB of shared memory
See more technical details
By W. Zhang (Los Angeles)
I have the white version of this product(Vaio VGN-CS215J)
Pros: pretty to look at
Cons:
1. uneven or wobbly base. At first, I thought it was one of those rubber feet on the bottom that's sticking out too much, but upon careful inspection, I find that the entire plastic casing is warped. It's a flaw in their production process; it's cheaply made, so to speak, not of good build quality, although the pretty surface would give you an otherwise impression. I then went to my local Fry's and Best Buy's that carry this product and found that ALL of them have this wobbly base. In fact, not only the CS 215 series, but the entire CS series MIGHT have this wobbly base problem. Check your product to see if it has an uneven or wobbly base.
You'll have to check carefully to find this problem. I tried it on different table surfaces, even including a piece of thick glass. The result is the same, however: the base is uneven. To remedy the wobbly base, I am using a piece of paper, folded several times, and tucking it underneath one corner to make it even, when I type.
2. glossy display. I didn't discover this problem until about two days ago, when I started to use it heavily in a branch of Los Angeles Public Library. Under those bright florecent lights overhead in the library, it is very difficult--and uncomfortable--to see the text on the screen. Even in a not well-lit setting, like right now, in a Starbucks Coffee, during the day time, the objects behind me are being reflected on the screen, interfering with the text displayed on the screen! It's a very dissatisfying experience!!!
I bought the laptop this past February from Best Buy. I did not use it that much, because I was living in a house and was using my desktop mainly. I noticed the glossy display problem only about two or three days ago, when I started to use the laptop heavily, as my main comp. This is a huge problem for me, to be honest, because I have to do a lot of work in the library. Called Sony support; they said they could not do much; they advised me to send the unit to their service center to let them have a look see. I told them I do not believe their so-called service center, and I would be inconvenienced with the down time of sending the unit to them and waiting for the unit to be returned to me. And most importantly, the glossy display and the warped casing are not something that their service center could correct. They are design flaws. So to wrap it up, Sony has basically told me that I am screwed, because I bought their shoddy product!
Check your unit, seriously, see if it has a wobbly base, and if the glossy display interferes with your reading underneath a bright light. If you find these problems, call Sony support, let them know this problem. If they are rude to you, maybe we can start a class action suit against them. As consumers, we have certain rights, too, right?
By Orionmaker (Florida)
After researching the best pink laptop for a couple of months, I chose this Sony. This is my first laptop and I am a very basic computer user. It contains all but 1 of the best options I wanted. The color is beautiful and it operates great. I have purchased numerous items from the Internet and this is one of the top items I am very pleased with. I read numerous reviews like this to assist me in my decision and purchase.
By Guille Pinto
This is a very nice computer and it works perfectly. Very easy to use and keep updated and get support. I am very satisfied. It also looks great on the photos and once you have it in front of you, it does look great, not just on the photos.
By Henrique Wajnberg (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
I bought one Sony Vaio VGN-CS115D on OCT 2008 and after four months of use it started to make a noise that became worst and worst. Now I am having a problem with the cooler fan and I have to buy one new, because I am not on Canada and how is difficult to find the spare fan. I called Sony phone and lost a lot of time until I got the wright sector. Now I am waiting the new cooler fan as it is supposed to arrive just on 3 weeks.
After 1 week of waiting the coolerfan arrived, it was exactly the spare part I needed, so the problem was solved.
Bu I will keep my classification because it is a mechanical problem that happened in lass than 1 year.
By Gary Hendricks
Pros:
* Super stylish number with very nice LEDs and a sexy pink color
* Powerful specifications (Intel Core 2 Duo, 250 GB hard drive, DVD writer)
* Fast graphics and wireless connectivity
* Ample USB ports, Firewire
* Solid software because it has 64-bit Windows Vista Home Premium with SP1
Cons:
* Not all might like the pink color
* Typing on keyboard gives some noise (not very silent)
* A lot of bloatware - you might want to remove them
Images Product
Read more Sony VAIO VGN-CS215J/Q 14.1-Inch Laptop - Black
 |
Celebrities on the Phone
Cell phones are to celebrities like bats are to baseball: no one runs too far without them.
|
 |
Why every guy should buy their girlfriend Wii Fit.
Gratuitous...
|
 |
Hot Geeks -- The Sexiest Geeky Girls
These girls are gorgeous AND they'll play Warcraft with you. Doesn't get much better than that.
|
