Sony's VAIO N230 laptop computers ship with Vista Business edition, delivering business-centric operating system, and Sony builds them ready to perform. At the heart is an Intel Core Duo T2250 processor which features twin 1.73GHz processing cores on a single chip. It's not a cutting-edge CPU, but it still gives you dual core speed which will boost your multitasking performance. Sony matches that with a respectable 1GB of 533MHz DDR2 memory, so you'll have plenty of RAM to handle Vista and any applications this side of heavy video editing.

The 100GB 5,400rpm hard drive provides fast access to a decent amount of storage space, so you'll have room for application installs and multimedia file storage. Speaking of multimedia, there are several ways to load it onto this laptop computer, including an i.Link port for compatible digital camcorders, two USB ports, and a Memory Stick slot for other Sony devices.

There's a dual-layer DVD writer on board for creating your own DVDs (as well as CDs), including dual-layer burns that store up to four hours of video or 8.5GB of data. For Internet connectivity, there's a modem, a network interface, and 802.11b/g wireless so you can hook up in almost any environment. Unfortunately, the Ethernet port is only a 10/100--gigabit Ethernet is more helpful on business laptops so they can connect to high-speed corporate networks without bottlenecking.

The 15.4-inch widescreen display offers sharp resolution depth and a large view for watching DVD movies, making presentations or just having plenty of room to work. Integrated graphics share video memory with the main system RAM, so these laptop computers won't be the best for gaming or CAD.

The software bundle is fairly typical of a mid-range laptop computer: You get Microsoft Works 8.5, a basic set of office software, and a 60 day trial of Microsoft Office 2007 (you'll have to pay if you want to keep it).

Weighing in at 6.5 pounds, the N230 family isn't as thin-and-light as a lot of other VAIO laptop computers, but it's still fairly easy to port around. There isn't much in the way of extra keys or buttons around the keyboard, but that matches Sony's sense of style. The sleek and glossy appearance of this laptop is definitely sharper than most other portables out there.

If you're looking for a mainstream VAIO with excellent core power and a distinct sense of style, the Sony N230 family of laptop computers is available in both home and business editions to match your portable computing needs.


Pro: Well-designed, good core power, business or home versions
Con: No gigabit Ethernet, no Bluetooth

Warranty
1-year limited