SonyVaio C-Series VPC-CB2M0E review
The Vaio CB2 has a decent processor, Blu-ray drive and a reasonably quick graphics chip, but the display is disappointing and it's terribly over-priced
Specifications
15.5 in 1,366×768 display, 2.9kg, 2.3GHz Intel Core i5-2410M, 6.00GB RAM, 640GB disk, Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
If the CB2 has some redeeming features, it’s the keyboard, touchpad and expansion ports. The keyboard has large keys with a light, crisp action, and there’s room enough for a four-column numberpad to the right without making any compromises in key layout. A bonus is the backlight which automatically turns on in the dark thanks to an ambient light sensor.
The touchpad is large and responsive, and its two buttons are light and well-situated at the edge of the case where your thumb naturally rests. Meanwhile, there’s a sensible collection of ports, including one fast USB3 port.
If you’re spending nearly £1,000 on a laptop, you want something special, but the CB2 under-delivers. In all areas, it’s bested by cheaper competitors, and the display is poor. If you want to watch Blu-ray films, the HP dv7-6051ea has a 17.3in screen with a 1,600×900 resolution and costs over £100 less.
Basic Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Rating | ** |
| Processor | Intel Core i5-2410M |
| Processor clock speed | 2.3GHz |
| Memory | 6.00GB |
| Memory slots | 2 |
| Memory slots free | 0 |
| Maximum memory | 8GB |
| Size | 44x375x251mm |
| Weight | 2.9kg |
| Sound | Realtek HD Audio |
| Pointing device | touchpad |
Display | |
| Viewable size | 15.5 in |
| Native resolution | 1,366×768 |
| Graphics Processor | AMD Radeon HD 6470M |
| Graphics/video ports | VGA, HDMI |
| Graphics Memory | 512MB |
Storage | |
| Total storage capacity | 640GB |
| Optical drive type | DVD+/-RW +/-DL BD-ROM |
Ports and Expansion | |
| USB ports | 4 |
| Bluetooth | yes |
| Wired network ports | 1x 10/100/1000 |
| Wireless networking support | 802.11b/g/n |
| PC Card slots | none |
| Supported memory cards | SDHC, Memory Stick HG Duo |
| Other ports | minijack audio output, minijack microphone input, 1x USB3 |
Miscellaneous | |
| Carrying case | No |
| Operating system | Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit |
| Operating system restore option | restore partition |
| Software included | Microsoft Office 2010 Starter |
| Optional extras | £99; |
Buying Information | |
| Warranty | one year RTB |
| Price | £926 |
| Details | www.sony.co.uk |
| Supplier | http://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk |