Sony VAIO VGN CR407E/R 14.1" Laptop 1.73 GHz Intel Pentium Dual Core T2370 Processor, 2 GB RAM, 160 GB Hard Drive, DVD Drive, Vista Premium Red

Editorial Review
Add a zesty style to your mobile computing with the stunning good looks of the sangria red Sony VAIO VGN-CR407E/P notebook PC, which offers unique eye-catching features, impressive attention-to-detail, and an amazingly thin and light profile. It features a glossy finish with silver luminous trim and pulsing LED ground effects that emanate from beneath. Aside from its jaw-dropping good looks, it's also an entertainment powerhouse. The instant AV Mode enables you to start watching a DVD or listening to music with the push of a single button--without having to boot up the system--and the convenient, built-in multimedia control buttons also let you control all playback functions.

This notebook is powered by the 1.73 GHz Intel Pentium T2370 dual-core processor, which provides an optimized, multithreaded architecture for improved gaming and multitasking performance. It also includes Intel's 4965 AGN wireless LAN, which will connect to draft 802.11n routers and offers compatibility with 802.11a/b/g networks as well. A built-in 1.3 megapixel digital web camera lets you quickly snap photos and participate in live video chats. Other features include a 14.1-inch XBRITE-ECO screen, 160 GB hard drive, 2 GB of installed RAM (4 GB maximum capacity), dual-layer DVD±RW drive (which also burns CDs), ExpressCard 34 slot, Intel GMA X3100 graphics (with up to 358 MB of total available video memory), and both Memory Stick and SD memory cart slots.

Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium includes all of the Windows Media Center capabilities for turning your PC into an all-in-one home entertainment center. In addition to easily playing your DVD movies and managing your digital audio library, you'll be able to record and watch your favorite TV shows (even HDTV). Vista also integrates new search tools throughout the operating system, includes new parental control features, and offers new tools that can warn you of impending hardware failures.

The Basics

Processor: The 1.73 GHz Intel Pentium T2370 dual-core processor delivers additional computing resources and help expand the PCâ€™s capabilities by providing higher throughput and simultaneous computing. You'll be able to perform multiple tasks such as digital rendering and gaming all while running virus scan or other background tasks seamlessly. Each core shares 1 MB of L2 cache, and they have a 533 MHz front-side bus. (An L2, or secondary, cache temporarily stores data; and a larger L2 cache can help speed up your system's performance. The FSB carries data between the CPU and RAM, and a faster front-side bus will deliver better overall performance.)
Hard Drive: The 160 GB hard drive (5400 RPM) offers enough to room to hold a digital audio library of over 26,000 songs and still have room left over for movies, games, and a large collection of software. This Serial ATA (SATA) hard drive also quickens the pace with a higher speed transfer of data--akin to Firewire and USB 2.0.
Memory: The 2 GB of installed RAM (2 x 1024 MB DDR2) will satisfy many users, but this notebook's two DIMM slots have a maximum 4 GB RAM capacity--perfect for high-end video editing and 3D gaming. To receive the faster data transfer benefits of the dual-channel DDR2 RAM, any RAM additions require memory modules of same capacity and clockspeed.
DVD/CD Drive: The dual-layer DVD drive is compatible with a wide range of formats, including both DVD+RW and DVD-RW discs, CD-RW discs, and dual-layer (DL) DVD+/-R discs, which can hold up to 8.5 GB of data--great for backing up your MP3 collection or your most important documents. It features the following speeds: 4x for DVD+R DL, 4x for DVD-R DL, 8x for both single layer DVD±R, 8x for single layer DVD+RW, 6x for single layer DVD-RW, 5x for DVD-RAM, and 24x for CD-R/RW. It reads DVD-ROM discs at 8x and CD-ROMs at 24x.
Keyboard & Mouse: This notebook has a standard 82-key keyboard (2mm stroke and 19.05mm pitch) and electro-static two-button touchpad. Playback controls include play/pause, stop, forward, rewind, AV mode, mute, volume +/-, capture, and display off.

Screen, Video & Audio
You'll enjoy razor-sharp graphics and widescreen movies with the 14.1-inch WXGA high-definition screen, with its 1280 x 800-pixel resolution. The XBRITE-ECO technology delivers brilliant colors and stunning clarity with efficient power usage, and it features an anti-reflective coating to minimize reflection and ensure a beautifully clear image from any viewing angle.

Video is powered by the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100, which uses shared video memory (up to 358 MB allocated from the system memory) and provides Windows Vista Aero interface support and enhanced 3D graphics performance--delivering over 2x scores on 3DMark 06. Intel Clear Video Technology provides outstanding video playback with sharper image quality, increased clarity, and customizable color controls. It also enables enhanced visual quality of interlaced content on progressive displays.

Networking, Connectivity & Expansion
Be ready for the next platform in wireless connectivity with the integrated quad-mode Intel Wireless 4965AGN Wi-Fi chip. Based on the draft 802.11n Wi-Fi specification, it offers up to five times the performance and twice the wireless range as existing 802.11g wireless. It's also backward compatible with 802.11b/g networks (commonly found in home routers and wi-fi hotspots) as well as 802.11a networks (which has a higher throughput, but more limited range--great for closed office environments).

This notebook also includes a next-generation ExpressCard 34 card slot (though no PCMCIA slot), which lets you take advantage of thinner, faster, and lighter expansion cards for even more advanced wireless, networking, storage, and security features. Here's the full list of connectivity options:

3 USB 2.0 ports for connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras to MP3 players
1 FireWire (also known as IEEE 1394 or i.Link) port for connecting digital video camcorders and other peripherals
Video output: 1 VGA, 1 S-Video
1 ExpressCard/34 slot
Memory Stick/Memory Stick DUO slot (with MagicGate functionality)
Secure Digital memory card slot (compatible with MMC cards)
1 headphone jack, 1 microphone jack
10/100 Fast Ethernet
56K modem (V.90)

Operating System
Windows Vista Home Premium is the operating system for users with advanced computer needs, and it includes all of the Windows Media Center capabilities for turning your PC into an all-in-one home entertainment center for watching DVD movies and accessing your digital audio library. You can also use Windows Media Center to record and watch your favorite TV shows (even HDTV) and to access new kinds of online entertainment content. Computers that include Windows Vista Home Premium and an auxiliary Windows SideShow display will also allow you to access key data even when your computer is off. It is also easier than ever to share files between other PCs in your household and to manage your laptop computer settings to more securely connect via Wi-Fi.

Every edition of Windows Vista provides the essential tools and technologies to help protect you whether you are browsing the Internet, connecting to a wireless network, or just reading e-mail. All editions of Windows Vista include new tools that can warn you of impending hardware failures long before you have lost any important personal data. And, all Windows Vista editions include parental control features that allow you to manage and monitor your family's use of games, the Internet, instant messaging, and other activities.

Preloaded Software
Includes Sony Click to Disc (for easy DVD creation), Microsoft Works SE 9.0, Microsoft Office 2007 (60-day trial), Symantec Norton 360 All-In-One Security (with 60 days of Live Update).

Dimensions & Weight
This notebook measures 13.2 x 9.8 x 1.67 inches (WxDxH) and weighs 5.5 pounds.

Power
It's powered by the VGP-BPS9/S rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which has a battery life of between 2 and 4 hours (depending on usage).

What's in the Box
This package contains the VGN-CR407E/P notebook PC, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, and operating instructions. It is backed by a one-year limited hardware warranty, and Sony offers 1-year of toll-free telephone technical assistance.
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Customer Reviews

Sony customer service sucks but the pink color is HOT!

2008-05-05
I have the newer CR-490 version of this computer ( Intel® Core(tm) 2 Duo Processor T8300 ,2.4 GHz, 2 GB RAM, 250 GB Hardrive). I was on my way to the apple store when the pinkness of the laptop caught my eye. My ex has had Vaios for a few years and swears by them. After going to the Apple store & being overlooked by all the sales reps ( a class was about to start, so in all fairness maybe they didn't realize I was there to purchase), I decided on this cute little number instead. I had to wait a little over a week because they can't keep them in stock but I was able to buy one 10 days ago.

About 5 days after buying it, my network adapter stopped working and I had to call Sony support. The two gentleman that helped me were wonderful. The first tech couldn't get my adapter to start, so he transferred me to a senior tech who corrected my problem via remote access. I was pleased, until my adapter went out again last night. I called sony support again and this time the tech was RUDE! He asked if I remembered what the previous tech had done to fix the problem. When I replied he fixed it via remote access, he said remote access was too vague and that I had to have remembered some of the things that he did. I stated, again, that the tech used remote access to try several things and that I was unsure of what he did because none of it required my assistance. ( Anyway, if I could remember what the tech did, I wouldn't need tech support again now would I ?) He then went on to tell me to look in my tool bar for items that did not exist and no matter how many times I told him that there were no double arrows showing, he kept instructing me to look for them. I finally got fed up and requested to speak to someone else. He said there were no other techs available. I requested to speak to a supervisor and of course no supervisor was available either. He told me to call back the next day. I called back today and low and behold I got the same guy. I ask for a supervisor and he comes back, after leaving me on hold for several minutes, and states that no supervisor will be available until 9 am EST. I informed him that I was calling from the east coast and the time was currently 9:34 EST so therefore I would like to speak to a supervisor. He argued that it was 7 am EST and that a supervisor wouldn't be in for 2 more hours. I hung up. I called back at 2 pm EST and asked again for a supervisor. A young lady stated that she would see if a supervisor could accomodate me. She placed me on hold for several minutes, only to come back and state that the supervisor said he could not accomodate me at this time. I told her that as a repeat Sony customer (several tvs, video game systems and vaios) that my family would not be dealing with Sony anymore if this was the kind of service they offered. I called the store that I purchased the computer at to see how to make a complaint with Sony's Headquarters. I was told that unfortunately phone support isn't always the best but that they would be more than willing to help in the store. They are going to exchange my laptop for a new one and will allow me to deal with them in the store from now on. The only problem is the store is an hour away and it's the closest one.

That being said, the laptop is an eyecatcher. Several friends have been oohing & aahing over the "girlyness" of it. It's very lite and doesn't burn my leg like the old Averatec back up laptop that it is replacing. The battery power could be better. I get about 2 hours. Sony states 2-4 hrs. I noticed some reviews complained about the feel of the keys but I haven't noticed anything distracting about them. The touchpad is also easy to use as well. I am having difficulty getting used to Vista though. It is soooo much slower than XP. I was told that Vista takes about 1GB of memory to run and that if I increase my memory to 4GB, I should see an improvement. I hope so. Vista's layout is also a little annoying. I'm used to having everything in plan sight with XP and find myself having to frequently use the help menu to locate things. I guess I'll get used to it in time.

So if you're in the mood for an eyecatching design and have easy access to a Sony store, this might be the laptop for you. If you will have to deal exclusively with Sony phone support, I'd suggest getting an Apple or a Dell( comes in several colors as well). Also beware, if you purchase it from a Sony Store, there is a 15% restocking fee if you return it. OUCH!