Sony Vaio FW139E/H Review
The notebook computer range which runs from desktop replacement to ultra portables just got bigger. Sony’s Vaio FW139E/H is a big screen notebook with the performance and specs to put it into the semi-desktop class. Weighing in at 6.4lbs, its not light. But the performance based on an Intel Core 2 Duo P8400 @ 2.26GHz, 3 DB of DDR2 RAM, 250 GB of hard disk space and a dedicated ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3470 graphics card means that this notebook can take just about any normal load or application.
Looks wise the FW is on the traditional Vaio lines, but the magnesium alloy body gives it a tough look. The overall feel is of a very sturdy notebook. The rubber feet keep in firmly in place and the hinge feels firm and strong with no noticeable screen wobble when the unit is carried around with the top up. The power button is placed at the end of the hinge on the right side of the notebook and provides an easy to see green glow when on and an orange light when in hibernation / standby.
The built in speakers at the top of the key board are just about average. But then notebooks speakers rarely provide exceptional sound quality – size does make a difference in this case. Adequate for general use, you will need headphones or external speakers when you want to listen to music or play movies. It will be a shame to allow sound to compromise on the movie experience which the screen makes so good.
The FW comes with an XBRITE-ECO LCD with a 1600 x 900 pixel resolution. The unusual screen size and an aspect ratio of 16:9 provide HDTV standard viewing. Not only are movies great to watch, but the wide screen offers the ability to have 4 (or 5 if you want to push it) applications on at the same time with all of them being clear and easy to see. The mirror finish screen may look a bit too glossy for some tastes, but is reflection free under normal circumstances. Brightness is more than adequate for outdoor use.
The keyboard has well spaced keys and typing is fairly easy with no major hand placement issues. The keys themselves move smoothly and offer a satisfying click. This is a standard notebook keyboard and more than adequate for normal use, but not for gaming. But then, notebooks are not meant for that.
The touch pad also average but that is to be expected since most modern notebooks use the same touchpad technology. The touchpad properties and button functions are easy to customize to individual requirements.
Heat and noise are not a problem as the notebook doesn’t get hot, even under the hardest of use and the fan, even when it is on, is so silent that you sometimes wonder if it ever works!
As for the performance itself, it is what you would expect from a notebook with these up to date specs. All Vista operations run not only smoothly with no hold ups, but also load fast. The normal business user will not find any causes for complaints in this regard.
All in all this is a machine that will meet the needs of the road warrior and the desk bound executive who travels rarely but needs to take his office with him when he does.