The Bottom Line
- Lots of Hard Drive Space
- Dedicated Graphics Processor
- Expensive
Description
- Intel Core Duo T2400 Mobile Processor
- 1GB PC2-5300 DDR2 Memory
- 200GB 5400rpm SATA Hard Drives
- 8x DVD+/-RW Dual Layer Burner
- 17" WUXGA+ (1920x1200) Wide Screen LCD
- NVIDIA GeForce Go 7600 GT with 256MB Memory and HDMI Out
- v.92 56Kbps Modem, 10/100 Ethernet, 802.11a/b/g Wireless and Bluetooth
- Three USB 2.0, FireWire, Memory Stick, Type II PC Card and ExpressCard/54
- 16.4" x 11.8" x 1.3" @ 8.4 lbs.
- Windows XP MCE 2005, MS Works, VAIO Suite, WinDVD, Quicken, Norton Internet Security
Guide Review - Sony VAIO VGN-AR170
7/26/06 – Like many other desktop replacement notebooks, The VAIO VGN-AR170 is powered by the Intel Core Duo T2400 mobile processor. This dual core processor is a good balance between performance and power consumption and is excellent for multitasking. Matched up with the processor is a full gigabyte of PC2-5300 DDR2 memory that lets it run most applications without any problems.
There is plenty of storage space available on the VGN-AR170 notebook. A total of 200GB of storage comes with the system. The drives spin at a slower 5400rpm rate that slightly degrade performance but also cause a lower power drain. An 8x DVD+/-RW dual layer burner is included for recording and reading CDs and DVDs.
One of the strongest features for Sony notebooks have been their XBRITE LCD panels. The AR170 uses a high resolution (1920x1200) 17” display, but the brightness and color quality are not as good as Sony's lower resolution 17” XBRITE displays. The panel is driven by the GeForce Go 7600 GT graphics processor that provides a good amount of 3D performance even for PC gaming. One unique feature on the AR170 is the inclusion of an HDMI output allowing the notebook to be connected to newer HDTV monitors.
All of these features make the VAIO AR170 a very capable desktop replacement system. The drawback to all of this is the price that may be more than what the average consumer is willing to pay.
