Sony VAIO VGN-AR520E Desktop Replacement Notebook

The Bottom Line

Sony's VAIO VGN-AR520E is certainly their most affordable desktop replacement notebook and that's also its best selling feature. It makes for a good general purpose computer, but doesn't really excel in any particular area of performance or features compared to other desktop replacements available on the market.

Pros

• Large Capacity Hard Drive
• Relatively Low Cost
• Dedicated Direct X 10 Graphics

Cons

• 3D Graphics Not Really Up To Gaming
• Slower Hard Drive
• Could Use Faster Memory

Description

• Intel Core 2 Duo T7100 Dual Core Mobile Processor
• 2GB PC2-5300 DDR2 Memory
• 200GB 4200rpm SATA Hard Drive
• 8x DVD+/-RW Dual Layer Burner
• 17" WXGA+ (1440x900) Wide Screen Display With 1.3MP Webcam
• NVIDIA GeForce Go 8400M GT Graphics With HDMI Connector
• v.92 56Kbps Modem, Fast Ethernet and Draft 802.11n Wireless
• Three USB 2.0, FireWire (iLink), ExpressCard/54, Type II PC Card and 4-in-1 Card Reader
• 16.4" x 11.8" x 1.3" @ 8.4 lbs.
• Vista Home Premium, MS Works 8, Sony VAIO Suite, Norton internet Security

Guide Review - Sony VAIO VGN-AR520E Desktop Replacement Notebook

7/24/07 – Sony's VAIO AR520E desktop replacement notebook uses the new Centrino Duo chipset. Powering the system is a new Core 2 Duo T7100 mobile processor with faster 800MHz bus speed. The downside to this is that Sony chose to use slower 667MHz memory with the system rather than more expensive 800MHz. At least they included a full 2GB of memory to let the system run smoothly with multiple applications.

One area that Sony's notebooks are really strong is with storage. The VAIO AR520E comes with a sizable 200GB hard drive that provides plenty of storage space. This provides a good 25% more space than the 160GB drives offered in most desktop replacements. The drawback is that Sony decided to use a slower 4200rpm spinning drive that reduces performance somewhat. A standard dual layer DVD burner handles optical storage.

Graphics are a major part of desktop replacement notebooks. Sony provides a very bright and clear LCD screen on the VAIO AR520E. They have even included a dedicated Direct X 10 graphics processor with the NVIDIA GeForce Go 8400M. This is definitely a step up from the integrated graphics, but it still lacks 3D performance for any serious PC gaming. It can handle casual PC gaming though. One unique feature to the notebook is the inclusion of an HDMI connector that can be used to connect the PC to high definition TVs.

Of course, the big thing going for the Sony VAIO AR520E is its price. It provides a relatively good bargain for those looking at a general purpose desktop replacement, just one without any outstanding features.