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Sony VAIO VGN-T150/L 10.6" Laptop (U/L/V Intel Pentium M Processor 733 (Centrino), 512 MB RAM, 40 GB Hard Drive, DVD+/-RW/CD-RW Drive) |  | Brand: Sony
This item is no longer available
Rating:  5 reviews
Hardware Type: Notebook Computer
Platform: Windows XP Home Edition
Media: Personal Computers
Operating System: Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
CPU Manufacturer: Intel
CPU Speed: 1.1
CPU Type: Intel Pentium M
Processors: 1
System Bus Speed: 400
System Memory: 512
Memory Type: DDR SDRAM
Max Memory: 1
Secondary Cache Size: 2
Keyboard: QWERTY, 86 keys with 2.7mm stroke and 19.19mm pitch
Notebook Pointing Device: Electro-Static touch pad
Speakers: Dual full-range 4" stereo speakers powered by 15 watts/channel
Battery Type: Lithium Ion
Hard Drives: 1
Hard Drive Size: 40
CDRW: 24x (read), 24x (write), 24x (rewrite)
DVDRW: (DVD+RW)
Floppy Disk Drive: None
Graphics Card: Intel 855GME Chipset
Graphics RAM: 64
Graphics Card Interface: Integrated
Monitor Size: 1060
Monitor Viewable Diagonal Size: 10.6
Native Resolution: 1280-by-800
Modem: 56 Kbps
Network Interface: 10-/100-Mbps Ethernet, Intel PRO/Wireless 2200BG Network Connection (802.11b/g)
PC Card Slots: 1
Free Memory Slots: 1
Firewire Ports: 1
USB2 Ports: 2
VGA Out Ports: 1
Line Voltage: 100-240 VAC 50-60 Hz
Display Size: 10.6
Shipping Weight (lbs): 3.1
Dimensions (in): 10.1 x 8.1 x 1.3
Warranty: 1 year warranty
Manufacturer Labor Warranty: 1 Year
Manufacturer Parts Warranty: 1 Year
MPN: VGN-T150/L
Model: VGN-T150/L
UPC: 027242659377
EAN: 0027242659377
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| Features:
| • | Intel Pentium M Processor Ultra Low Voltage 733 (1.10 GHz), 512 MB RAM, 40 GB hard drive | | • | 10.6-inch WXGA widescreen LCD display with 1280 x 800 resolution | | • | DVD+RW/CD-RW optical drive | | • | 10-/100-Mbps Ethernet, Intel PRO/Wireless 2200BG Network Connection (802.11b/g) | | • | Weighs 3.1 pounds |
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| Editorial Reviews:
Amazon Product Description
The Basics
It was just a few years ago that true micro-notebooks were little more than glorified calculators. But times change and Sony's innovative VAIO VGN-T150/L proves that a three lb. notebook no larger than a traditional pad of paper can indeed deliver adequate power for the majority of typical mobile tasks. Granted, this is not an ideal unit for demanding business and power users or sophisticated 3D gamers. It is, however, perfect for anyone who frequently hauls their notebook with them to remote un-plugged environments and engages in comparatively basic tasks such as word processing, data gathering, finances, contact management and email/Internet sessions. Stunningly portable, extremely battery efficient and more potent than the vast majority of past or present micro-notebooks, the not inexpensive VAIO VGN-T150/L is a miniature dynamo. 
The VAIO VGN-T150/L features a widescreen display, that is perfect for watching panoramic DVD movies. | Processor
At the heart of any computer lies the CPU (or processor), a massive collection of miniature transistors that governs the speed and power of the entire unit. Some of today's notebooks are equipped with high-end CPU's on par with those found in top-of-the-line desktop PCs, while others are quick enough only for basic duties such as word processing, email and the like. The VAIO VGN-T150/L is equipped with an Intel Pentium M processor, one of three components that comprise Intel's efficient Centrino system (the others being a specialized Intel chipset and integrated wireless support). Centrino-equipped notebooks are generally smaller, easier on the batteries, and more versatile than their non-Centrino counterparts. Rated at 1.1 GHz, this is an entry-level Pentium M and therefore one of the least powerful in the Pentium M roster, though it's quick enough for most typical notebook applications and features an amazing 2 MB of Level 2 cache for extremely fast recovery of recently accessed information. Memory
Computers typically store information on their hard drive, but they keep frequently and recently accessed data in Random Access Memory (RAM) for faster retrieval. More RAM means more efficient computing, superior multitasking and less strain on your hard drive. The VAIO VGN-T150/L incorporates 512 MB of RAM, more than enough for most situations. |
Video
CPU's are usually so busy doing basic calculations that they need help translating visual output to the viewing screen. This is the duty of the graphics card (or graphics controller). When shopping for a computer, it's good to remember that a video controller with "dedicated" built-in video memory is preferable to one with "shared" video memory wherein the graphics controller borrows a portion of the all-important main system memory. This system's graphics controller is an Intel 855GME with 64 MB of shared video memory. Thusly, the unit shouldn't be counted upon for high-end 3D games or complex 3D animations and graphics, though it will efficiently display 2D and many midlevel 3D applications. Display
Being a subcompact computer, the VAIO VGN-T150/L features a smallish 10.6-inch WXGA display. But if size is not its strong suit, visual quality is. Being a widescreen display, it's perfect for watching panoramic DVD movies. Furthermore, it takes advantage of Sony's new XBRITE technology and an impressive 1280 by 768 maximum resolution to deliver detailed, bright, high-contrast images. | 
XBRITE LCD technology creates a new standard of picture quality inspired by high-definition television. | Hard Disk
The system features a 40 GB hard disk. In a time when some notebooks offer hard drives of 100 GB and more, 40 GB may not seem overly generous. However, in the rarified, miniscule world of ultra-compact notebooks, 40 GB of storage space is indeed a sizable amount. Though you likely won't have enough room for a library of space-gobbling video files, the unit will store a typical number of mobile apps and user-created files and a few tunes too. Optical Drive
An optical drive is essential in today's computing environment. A "CD-ROM" drive allows you to install CD-based applications and play music CDs. A "CD-RW" drive adds CD "burning", so you can also backup your important files to long-lasting discs and create personalized music CDs. With a DVD-ROM drive you can watch DVD movies. And with a DVD-RW drive, you can "write" home movies to durable discs and archive files to DVD (DVDs boast more than seven times the storage capacity of a CD). Some drives allow you to do a combination of all of these tasks. This system features a DVD+RW/-RW drive through which you can do all of the above. Audio
The unit is equipped with two miniature stereo speakers, a mini microphone jack and a stereo mini headphone jack. Keyboard and Controls
You'll control your notebook via an 83-key keyboard and standard electro-static touch pad. Connectivity and Expansion
The VAIO VGN-T150/L offers an assortment 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 2200BG Network Connection (802.11b/g) for cord-free e-communication at home, at the office or on the road via a local public hotspot. 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), and a PC Card Slot for one type I or type II card with CardBus support.. Operating System and Software
Sony will preinstall today's most accepted operating system, Microsoft's Windows XP Home Edition. Other applications include productivity and word processing software and Sony's typically ample array of music, video and digital photo utilities and editing packages.  | Dimensions and Weight
Many of today's most powerful notebooks are also the largest, weighing ten or twelve lbs or more and therefore too big and cumbersome for extensive, continuous traveling. These are often referred to as "desktop replacements". On the other extreme are "thin and lights" or "ultra-portables", super-miniaturized units that typically aren't as powerful as their larger brethren but weigh as little as two or three lbs. and will often fit comfortably inside a large purse. The VAIO VGN-T150/L is exceptionally small and comfortable at a mere 3.1 lbs and just 10.1 by 8.1 by 1.0 - 1.3 inches (depending on configuration). | Power
The unit is equipped with a Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery that delivers up to 5.5 hours (with standard battery) and 6.0 to 11.0 hours (with a large capacity battery). These are exceptional figures in today's notebook world.
Product Description
The Basics It was just a few years ago that true micro-notebooks were little more than glorified calculators. But times change and Sony's innovative VAIO VGN-T150/L proves that a three lb. notebook no larger than a traditional pad of paper can indeed deliver adequate power for the majority of typical mobile tasks. Granted, this is not an ideal unit for demanding business and power users or sophisticated 3D gamers. It is, however, perfect for anyone who frequently hauls their notebook with them to remote un-plugged environments and engages in comparatively basic tasks such as word processing, data gathering, finances, contact management and email/Internet sessions. Stunningly portable, extremely battery efficient and more potent than the vast majority of past or present micro-notebooks, the not inexpensive VAIO VGN-T150/L is a miniature dynamo. The VAIO VGN-T150/L features a widescreen display, that is perfect for watching panoramic DVD movies.
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| Customer Reviews:
 runs much faster than others with more power May 31, 2006
jnolle (St Louis, MO)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
ive owned mine for over a year now, and i have owned other laptops in the meantime as well. this baby runs much faster than other budget-branded (rhymes with 'smell') machines with faster processors and twice the memory. also, i often get 6 or 8 hours out of a single charge on my battery, when the others ive mentioned were getting 2. although all of my other computers have over a gig of ram, this one has gotten by with only 512mb.
while its true that this model costs quite a bit, its proven its worth to me many times over. (i even dropped it in a stairwell at work, but it survived.) in short, its the best piece of stylish hardware that ive ever owned. if you just want a computer there are many out there; this is for the fashionable and discerning crowd.
 eh laptop December 20, 2005
Jon Charters (California)
this is really, really expensive...
and theres prolly other laptops that you could pick up..
for far less cash...
but its tiny, light, and attractive..
it runs somewhat quickly even with only 512MB of ram...
i picked mine up used and ive had it for some time now...
theres nothing terribly wrong with it,
and im very satisfied..
but i cant imagine shelling out that much cash for it.
it just doesnt make much sense...
if youre going to invest that much money in a laptop,
pick up a different model, with more harddrive space..
and more bigger/better options.
id give it a 7/10
it looks great. works great.
but the pricing is soo step youll be eating ramen noodles
for months trying to pay it off.
 Worst laptop I have ever owned! May 15, 2005
Compulsive Shopper (Bronx, NY)
This has been the most unreliable computer I have ever seen, and I have the joy of owning it. At six months old, there's something wrong with the hard drive connector, and it's newest trick involves randomly shutting off, sometimes to reboot, sometimes to do nothing but power on, but not even start to boot up or turn the screen on. Hard not to feel had after shelling out over 2 grand on it.
Read Below April 7, 2005
KennyD (Union, NJ United States)
7 out of 13 found this review helpful
Want a sony? Please, please for your own good take the time to read these following links. Thank you. My goal is to protect consumers from the problems that I and others have faced.
http://www.hardwareanalysis.com/content/topic/5449/?o=0
http://www.petitiononline.com/mod_perl/signed.cgi?sonymem1
Stylish and media-savvy, but not perfect January 28, 2005
Gadgester (Mother Earth)
56 out of 57 found this review helpful
Sony's new T-series VAIO ultraportable laptops replace the camera-included TR series, which has been discontinued. There are currently four models in the T-series: T140, T150, T160, and T170. All sport the same casing (no surprise), same weight (3.1 lb. incl. piggy-back battery but excl. AC adapter), same processor (the new Intel ultra-low-voltage Pentium M 733 (based on the Centrino, not Pentium IV, running at 1.1Ghz but with an amazing 2MB level-2 cache!), same screen, and same hard drive (slow-ish 4800rpm 40GB shock resistant drive).
The differences among the models are as follows:
- The 140 and 160 come with a DVD-ROM/CD-RW drive, so you can't burn DVDs.
- The 150 and 170 come with dual-format DVD burner/CD-RW drive, so you can burn both the plus and minus formats of DVDs.
- The 140 and 150 come with 512MB of RAM.
- The 160 and 170 come with 1GB of RAM (max the T-series can take).
- If there's a "P" after the model number (e.g., VGN-T150P/L), it means the computer comes with WinXP Professional installed. The absence of "P" means you get WinXP Home.
- The "L" after the model number signifies the color scheme. Most of the T's come in what Sony calls "midnight blue," a stylish color that gives an understated emphasis to the exterior. On Sony's website (sonystyle.com) you can special-order a T150P/T that has a burgundy exterior, which looks really "hot."
All the T-series VAIOs are designed with two primary goals in mind: ultra portability, reflected mainly in the travel weight; and multimedia capabilities. In fact, VAIO buffs will recall that VAIO stands for Video Audio Integrated Operation, which (I presume) in Japanese means a multimedia-centric computer.
All the T models are equipped with an optical drive. Only a year ago, the only ultraportable with a built-in optical drive was the 2.8lb. Panasonic ToughBook W2 (which, as you'll see, is still my favorite ultraportable, for lighter weight and bigger screen). I personally recommend a 150 or 170 with the dual-format (not dual-layer) DVD burner. These days, whether you burn personal videos or backup files, a DVD burner really comes in handy. Of course, if you plan to use the VAIO T as a secondary computer for Starbucks or Barnes & Noble or flying, you can save yourself $150 by skipping the DVD burner. (You still get a CD burner with the 140 and 160.)
The VAIO T's are very stylish. Except for the protruding battery which seems like an afterthought, the notebook is well designed and well built. You get both 802.11b+g wi-fi and Bluetooth built-in, as well as an i.Link port and a MemoryStick slot. (Too bad Sony still refuses to support the much more popular Secure Digital format in their laptops.)
The T's screen is amazing. Well, it's both amazingly small (only 10.6" vs. the Panasonic W2's 12.1") and amazingly bright, easily viewable outdoors. The widescreen resolution is 1280x768, great for watching DVDs but a pain in the eye for doing your everyday work. (You may want to turn on Windows' built-in font-magnification function, via the Accessibility control panel. Also turn off font smoothing.) I get eye strains from reading e-mails and surfing the Internet. Panasonic W2's 12.1" screen seems so much bigger. Like most ultraportables, the T uses shared memory for video, so don't expect to play Doom 3 on this.
The keyboard on the T is shrunk to accommodate the small footprint of the ultraportable. I had the 2.7lb. VAIO N505VE before so I got used to the small keyboard quickly. If you are a touch typist who's never used a 90%-sized keyboard, you might be unhappy with the size, at least in the beginning.
Performance is snappy on this laptop despite the many plug-ins it comes with; the new processor with its enormous L2 cache and the generous amount of RAM surely help. When you get the 1GB versions, the performance is simply great for a laptop this size.
Sony should be lauded for getting some amazing battery life on this machine, but spanked for making the battery stick out in the T's rear. I watched a 3-hour DVD movie (with wi-fi intentionally left on) as I sat in a B&N cafe. After the boring movie ended, the T still had plenty of juice left. Just amazing.
So, in short, for about two thousand big ones, you get a multimedia road warrior that will turn heads in cafes and on the Amtrak (and might even invite a mugging or two if you are in the wrong neighborhood). The small screen is amazingly bright, and the stick of a battery powers this laptop for good hours. If you want an ultraportable, I still recommend you look at the Panasonic W-2, which is even more stylish (I just love its circular, under-the-keyboard DVD loading), has a bigger screen and weighs less. But if you want an ultraportable with a built-in DVD burner, the T is probably the best you can get right now.
(I also like Fujitsu laptops, so you might want to consider the Fujitsu Lifebook P7010 ultraportable as well: cheaper, 80GB hard drive, fingerprint sensor, SD/CF/MemoryStick slot, up to 10.5 hours of battery life!)
I hope my quick review helps you. Feel free to e-mail me at hotmail with your questions.
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