Hubby and Wifey's Blog

The Sony VAIO VGN A790 is a worthy desktop replacement with top end features and value for money.CPU: The notebook includes a 1.8Ghz Intel 750 CPU on a Intel 915PM Express chipset with a bus speed of 533Mhz. RAM: 1GB of RAM is included and can be expanded to 2GB by replacing the existing memory, when required. Video: A 128MB ATI Radeon X600 card running on a PCI Express x 16 slot powers the display. VGA and DVI connectors are included for connecting external monitors or a projector. Display: The display is a WUXGA 1920x1200 resolution XBRITE display from Sony. It is more than capable of doing justice to movies, television programs and most 3D games (not to mention your normal office type applications). The display supports ErgoBright for automatic brightness adjustment based on the ambient lighting (normally disabled by most users after the novelty wears out).Networking: This notebook offers exceptional connectivity with 10/100/1000Mbps wired ethernet and 802.11a/b/g wireless support. A 56K Winmodem is also available for those who are stuck with dial-up connections.Inputs/Outputs: 4 USB 2.0 ports, 1 Firewire, 1 TV Antenna, 1 S-VHS input and output, 2 Audio In/Out, Memory Card Reader, 1 PCMCIA Type II/1 slot with cardbus support are available. DVD / CD: A dual layer +R burner is included and supports DVD+-RW (Single Layer and DVD+R Dual Layer) media for backups and burning videos. CD/RW support is also available. Two speakers are built in for stereo support. Software: Sony includes a number of multi-media packages for burning DVDs, recording TV programs. Microsoft Works 8.0, Quicken New User Edition, Adobe Photoshop Elements and PhotoShop Album are thrown in for good value along with trialware versions of Microsoft Office 2003 and Norton Internet Security (90 days).Weight: The weight is on the highend at around 15lbs with the AC adaptor, which makes this a difficult choice for someone who needs to travel or commute on a daily basis with this notebook. We have taken it on trips and yes, our backs hurt after going through 2 airports a day. Overall, a highly recommended piece of hardware for someone looking at a "portable" desktop replacement system.