Sony has introduced its new netbook Vaio Eco VPC-W212AX which is offered in a opalescent chassis made of 20 percent recycled CD and DVD cases and looks awfully attractive with its nearly iridescent finish.
The carrying case it comes with is made with recycled soda bottles containing PET plastic. The paper instruction book has been digitized, leaving only a small quick-start pamphlet tucked into the attractive and useful case.
The Sony Vaio Eco VPC-W212AX doesn’t even come packaged in a box: it comes inside the shrink-wrapped netbook case itself. This decision of Sony is really brilliant and from an ecological standpoint, the Sony Vaio Eco Series has to be appreciated.
The netbook is powered by the new 1.6 GHz Intel Atom N450 processor which makes the device ultra-portable. Though other netbooks offer the same configuration at lower prices, Sony offers a 10.1” of screen with a native resolution of 1,366×768, far better in comparison with 1,024×600 family. The crisp and bright screen looks great. Even smaller icons and text looks good on screen. It has other advantages as well; it lives up to it’s expectation.
While the Vaio Eco VPC-W212AX does have Bluetooth 2.1 and 802.11n Wi-Fi connectivity, it lacks HDMI-out, eliminating any easy video playback on an HDTV. Sony’s media software does offer HDNA streaming to PlayStation 3 and Location-Free TV devices, but that’s hardly as universal a solution as a simple HDMI port. This being Sony, memory card support extends to both SD cards and Memory Sticks with dual card slots.
The keyboard has been little raised. Though keys in keyboard are broadly spaced, but they appear small for typing. Right Shift, Function and Tab appear too small.
The included OS is Windows 7 Starter, not Home Premium. While Starter can do most of what you’d require for basic computing, its level of customization and flexibility is limited compared to full-blown Windows 7.
This build of the netbook is robust and sturdy with well constructed chassis.
Sony Vaio Eco VPC-W212AX Key Features
- Ultra compact size so you can take it anywhere you go.
- Eco friendly and made from recycled plastic materials.
- 1366 x 768 resolution LED backlit display for crisp, clear images.
- Built-in stereo A2DP Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR (Enhanced Data Rate) interface to easily link with other Bluetooth-enabled devices, such as mobile phones or MP3 players.
- Stream video, music and pictures to your compatible primary PC or PLAYSTATION 3 and enjoy your content anywhere in the home including on your big-screen TV.
- Built-in 10Base-T/100Base-TX/1000Base-T Ethernet LAN for fast and easy wired Internet connection.
- Built-in webcam and microphone to stay in touch with friends and family
- MagicGate functionality and 1 Secure Digital media slot for accessing and transferring data stored on media cards
- An outstanding 8 hours of battery life per charge lets you work or play for hours
- Windows 7 Starter Edition provides a stable platform for word processing, Web navigation, gaming, media storage and more.
- ENERGY STAR qualified use less energy and meets strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy.
Sony Vaio Eco VPC-W212AX Specification
- Operating System : Microsoft Windows 7 Starter (32-bit)
- Processor : Intel Atom Processor N450, 1.66Ghz
- Display : 10.1-inch LED Display (Native Resolution:1366×768)
- Graphics : Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3150
- Memory: 1GB DDR2 667MHz RAM (easily self upgrade RAM to 2GB)
- Storage : 250GB SATA Hard Drive (5400RPM)
- Wireless Data Network : WLAN: 802.11b/g/n (draft 2.4GHz n) & A2DP Bluetooth technology
- Input/Output : 1 x VGA connector, 2 x USB 2.0 ports, 1 x LAN RJ-45, 2 x audio jacks(Headphone & Mic-in)
- Camera : Integrated MOTION EYE
- Audio : Integrated Stereo Speakers
- Flash Media Slot : Memory Stick Duo media slot, Secure Digital
- Optical Drive : No Optical Drive (optional external optical drive can be connected via one of the USB ports)
- Battery : 5200 mAh Up to 8 Hours of Battery Life (may vary based on settings, usage patterns and environmental conditions
- Dimensions : 7.1 x 10.5 x 2 inches
- Weight : 2.9 pounds
- Packaging : Special ECO model including carrying case (No Packing Box)
- Service & Support: 1 year warranty
Upgrading Sony Vaio Eco VPC-W212AX Memory from 1GB to 2GB
Take note of the following;
- The netbook comes with only 1 slot and it is populated by a 1GB memory module
- That means you have to remove the 1GB RAM module to insert the new 2GB RAM module
- Make sure you purchase the right memory module – a 200 pin DDR2 SODIMM notebook memory module (667MHz or 800MHz)
- Installing the memory is a snap. You just need a tiny Philips screwdriver to remove one screw from back cover. Once unscrewed slide the door towards the screw and lift up gently. Pop out the old, pop in the new, replace the cover and boot it back up (Follow the steps outlined in easily self upgrade RAM)
Color Options
The Sony Vaio Eco VPC-W212AX have pearly white shiny exterior looks with silvery green pale interiors around the screen and the keyboard. This color combination is bit bizarre but it is very attractive.
Software Included with Sony Vaio Eco VPC-W212AX
Sony has included generous software tools to make it easy to use the machine. Included are;
- Microsoft Works SE 9.0
- Microsoft Office 2007 Home and Student Edition (60 days trial)
- VAIO Care system diagnostics and maintenance
- VAIO Multimedia Suite which allows interaction with other DLNA-enabled devices includes VAIO Startup Assistant, Click to Disc Editor, VAIO Movie Story, VAIO MusicBox and VAIO Media plus
- Norton Internet Security 2010 (30 days subscription)
User Reviews
Sony has made new leap into the netbook market by launching Eco-friendly netbook and offers a great example to manufacturers looking to make their netbooks greener. As a netbook, however, its features are pretty much industry standard with the exception of a higher-resolution 10.1-inch screen. You’ll have to decide for yourself whether a premium-priced netbook is for you, ecological considerations notwithstanding.
Pros
- Fast processor
- Typical high-quality Sony construction and design
- Higher screen resolution for crisp images
- Comes with its own bag
Cons
- Pricer than most other netbooks on the market
- Cramped keyboard
Where to Buy Sony VAIO VPC-W211AX Netbook
We found Amazon.com to have the best prices on all netbook computers including the Sony VAIO VPC-W211AX. Click on the links below to visit the product website for additional information and special offers. You can also compare prices from the numerous retailers by clicking on the More Prices link.
Sony VAIO VPC-W212AX/WI 10-Inch White Netbook
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Optional Upgrades
Crucial CT25664AC667 2GB 667MHz 200-pin SODIMM DDR2 Memory Module
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Microsoft Windows 7 Anytime Upgrade [Starter to Home Premium]
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Microsoft Office Home & Student 2010 [Disc Version]
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Sony VAIO VPC-W212AX Video Review
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