3 Things We Like About the Sony VAIO W Series (And 3 Things We Don’t)

One of the things I have found endearing about Sony in the past is their refusal to label their netbook-like machines netbooks. Even though both the VAIO P and X have Intel Atom inside, the vendor hoped that their other attributes would launch them into the realm of high-end ultraportables. The price tags hurt my heart, though, especially because that VAIO X is definitely one slick notebook. Thankfully, Sony saw fit to release a netbook we can actually call a netbook with the VAIO W series. This sweet little number landed in our offices this week and we’ve been putting it through its paces. The full review is coming soon, but here are three things we like best:

1. The Display: HD resolutions on 10.1-inch screens don’t always work out, but we’re definitely not left squinting with the VAIO P. We’re enjoying the screen real estate as well as the ability to watch HD videos. Bright colors, true blacks, and good horizontal angles earn the display an A.
2. The Design: Our review model came with the “Sugar White” lid and a sea green deck — a combination that actually works. The silver metal keyboard and touchpad help bring the elegance. Because this particular scheme may be a bit too feminine for the guys, the VAIO W also comes in Navy Blue.
3. The Software: It’s not chock full of goodies like the HP Mini 5102, but this netbook comes with a nice range of free included software. The standout here is the ArcSoft Webcam Companion that will not only allow you to add fun filters, frames, and avatars to your video chats but also edit captured video. It’s really only for trimming, but that’s more than most vendors offer. (Check out the video I made with the webcam below.)

Of course no netbook is perfect, and we strive for balance. Here are three things we don’t like about the VAIO W:

1. The Keyboard: This one is a bit of a cheat because we don’t actually dislike the keyboard that much. It offers good feedback and has a nice design. We just don’t understand why Sony made it so small. There’s an extra half an inch left over on either side which should have been better utilized. Then Sony could have avoided smushing the keys on the edge of the keyboard, including the much messed-with Shift key on the right.



2. The Battery: With a battery that pokes out of the bottom this much, you’d expect some stellar battery life to go with it. Unfortunately, that’s not the case here. The Sony did well on our battery tests, but not as well as the Toshiba mini NB305 or the ASUS Eee PC 1005PE-P, both of which hold smaller batteries but manage longer life. How long did it last? You’ll have to wait for the full review. But we will say that it’s above the current 6-cell battery average at least.
3. The Price: $449 is a lot to pay for a netbook these days, especially with the competition often keeping it under $400 and the Acer Aspire 532h flaunting its $299 price tag around town. Consumers are willing to pay more for better performance or battery life or design, yes. Will the VAIO W inspire them to open their wallets? Again, you’ll have to wait for the full review to find out.