Sony VAIO portable computers aren't usually budgetary bargains, but Sony's new FS series starts out well under a grand. Of course, the portable computer is pretty bare bones at that price, but it's a great price to start at for a VAIO notebook.

The processor at that price point is a 1.5GHz Intel Celeron M, and Sony starts the FS systems with 256MB of 533MHz DDR2 memory. While the CPU is fine for running office applications and browsing the Web, you'll definitely want to upgrade the RAM inside this portable computer--you can step up to a better-performing 512MB for around $50. If you do want more core power, Pentium M processors running at 1.73GHz or higher will add at least another $100 to the price tag.

This portable computer's 15.4-inch widescreen display offers a bright and sharp image that's great for watching movies. Even with that display, the FS notebooks weigh in at only around six pounds, making them easy to port around.

The 40GB 4,200rpm hard drive provides a decent amount of storage space for a portable computer. But if you'll be storing lots of multimedia files or taking advantage of some of the configuration options that Sony offers (see below), you might want to bump up the storage capacity. Like the RAM, you can double the hard drive space for around $50.

Sony includes a combination CD-RW/DVD-ROM drive inside these portable computers, letting you watch DVD movies and burn audio and data CDs from the same drive. Users who want to create their own DVD movies can upgrade to a DVD writer for under $100 that lets you burn traditional DVDs and also supports Double Layer media that can store up to four hours of high-quality video on a single disk.

The graphics on these portable computers starts out as basic integrated Intel GMA 900. You can upgrade to NVIDIA's GeForce Go 6400 if you need better performance on 3D games or video editing. While these graphics still share video memory with the main system RAM--and you also have to upgrade to a Pentium M processor and 512MB of main memory--they're higher-tier graphics than the Intel option.

As usual, Sony includes a wide range of connectivity ports on the FS portable computers. There's a Firewire port and three USB 2.0 ports for hooking up high-speed peripherals. There are three ways to connect to the Internet: modem, network interface, and wireless. You'll be able to keep your VAIO online easily. And there's a Memory Stick media slot that lets you transfer photos and files from your Memory Stick devices onto your portable computer by just swapping out the flash memory card.

If you do beef up the power of this VAIO portable computer, you can consider the $300 Sony AV docking station to add additional functionality to your FS. By plugging the portable computer into this station, you're able to watch and record TV through the VAIO--letting you record your favorite TV shows and then take them on the road with you. Or you can watch them while they're in the dock, since it comes with speakers and a remote control making it a mini home-theater system.

Battery life lasts around two hours, not so great if you're away from a power supply for extended periods of time. Sony offers an upgrade to a longer lasting battery for around $100 that will come close to doubling the life of the portable computer before it needs recharged.

Sony also includes an excellent software bundle with these portable computers. The standard packages for Photo, Video, and Music editing come with the FS series and you can upgrade to the Plus versions of any of them, which usually adds an additional application. For example, the standard Photo package includes PictureGear Studio and Sony's own VAIO tools while the $20 Plus upgrade adds Adobe PhotoShop Elements LE to the mix.

Sony offers a one-year limited warranty on the FS series of portable computers which includes toll-free technical support available 24/7 as well. You can extend the length of the coverage or add on-site service to it for additional fees.

Sony's VAIO FS series of portable computers start out at an excellent price, however most users will need to make a few key upgrades. But you'll still be able to keep these portable computers within an affordable price range, giving you Sony style and functionality at an excellent sticker price.


Pro: Great starting price, PVR docking station available
Con: Some upgrades needed

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Sony Electronics
3300 Zanker Rd.
San Jose, CA 95134
877-865-SONY
http://www.sonystyle.com

Ratings:
Value: 5
Performance: 3
Ease of Use: 4
Features: 3
Overall: 4

Warranty
1-year limited