Sony Goes Green with VAIO W, Still Costs Lots of Green

When the VAIO W first launched, we scratched our heads and wondered why anyone would pay $500 for a netbook with the same specs as every other model. Now Sony is giving it another go by making its system more eco-friendly and kid-friendly, while adding an Atom N450 CPU. This model is also slightly more affordable than its predecessor, starting at $480. But given that you can snag an Aspire One A0532h for $299, is being kinder to the Earth worth the premium?

What makes this relatively hefty 2.9-pound netbook green is that its plastic chassis is comprised of about 23 percent of recycled CDs. Plus, carrying case is made from recycled PET bottles. To give Moms and Dads peace of mind, Sony bundles Kidzui and Online Family Norton software, which includes parental controls for keeping kids safe when they surf the Web. Unlike most 10-inch netbooks, this one comes standard with an HD display (1366 x 768). Other noteworthy specs include a 250GB hard drive and up to 7 hours of battery life.

Feast your eyes on the gallery below, and stay tuned for more hands-on impressions and a full review.