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Review Sony Vaio VGN-CR31S/W Notebook

Urban-Lifestyle

Since the beginning, the CR series is designed for style and it is possible to choose your personal design. The Vaio VGN-CR31S/W is so do. Weighing only 2.5 kg and having an elegant case, it wants to raise special expectations on lifestyle and mobility. Fast core components and the 14.1 inch X-black LCD allow enjoying multimedia even on the move.

Review Sony Vaio VGN-CR31S/W Notebook

The Sony CR31 notebooks, which are successor models of the CR11 and the CR21 series, are also available in the well-known stylish designs, 'Blazing Red', 'Indigo Blue', 'Luxury Pink', 'Pure White', and 'Sparkling Sand'. But now also the Vaio CR31 series, Sony's colourful lifestyle series, is equipped with T8100 and T8300 Core 2 Duo processors by the mammoth chip enterprise Intel.

Except of this, the CR31 models do not differ much from the predecessor models. Besides an attractive design, it comes with the successful 14.1 inch X-black wide-screen display, which is driven by ATI's Mobility Radeon X2300. Furthermore, it is equipped with a built-in 1.3 MP MotionEye web cam and offers AV functionality. These notebooks, which can be customized to your personal style, also offer colour-coordinated accessories. These include besides design mice, slip covers, and mouse pads, also matched notebook bags.

Read on to find out how the Vaio VGN-CR31S/W in 'Pure White' performs compared to its predecessor model, the Sony Vaio VGN-CR21S.

Case

Sony designed the Vaio VGN-CR31S/W as portable multimedia notebook for young people of the urban lifestyle and Web-2.0 generation. Design and look shall deliberately stand out of the crowd. However, our test sample in 'Pure White' did not attract attention by striking colours. This 33.5 cm x 24.9 cm x 2.1 to 3.8 cm notebook actually looks rather elegant than eccentric with its pearly white sparkling lid. Also the weight of about 2.5 kg is unspectacular.

The VGN-CR31S/W appears to be solid regarding materials, surfaces, and workmanship. Also the inside looks due to rounded corners and chrome frames elegant and modern. Furthermore, it seems that the finish of the lid is more resistant against scratches than the silver bottom side. However, fingerprint and signs of use are as usual omnipresent on glossy designs. However, the many stickers on the palm rest area are really unattractive. These disfigure the neat look of the Vaio.

Self-closing hinges should securely keep the VGN-CR31S/W closed. To our opinion they should be tighter. So, take care if you transport your Vaio. The same is true for the outside of the lid, because the picture on the powered screen even changes, if only a little force is applied to the back side. Everything else is typical Sony: The battery wobbles and the display frame creaks (a fact which we already noticed during the review of the VGN-CR21S). Nice feature: Changing to energy saving mode is indicated by a blue blinking LED at the front edge of the base unit.

Interface Equipment

Regarding interface equipment the Sony Vaio VGN-CR31S/w provides the commonly used ones, e.g., three fast USB-2.0 ports, the usual headphones and microphone jacks, a FireWire and an S-Video-out port. The Sony CR31S/W also comes with an ExpressCard/34 slot and, so, supports modern PC expansion cards. Furthermore, it is equipped with a memory stick and an SD card slot. The built-in web cam with a resolution of 1.3 mega pixel suffices instant messaging services and video chats.

However, the Sony Vaio VGN CR31S/W does not offer all of today's standard connectivity regarding connection of external screens and data communication. While fast Bluetooth 2.0+EDR enables data transfers with mobile phones, rapid Internet access via HSDPA, fast 300 MBit WLAN (draft-n) and high-speed Gigabit-LAN are missing. Another disadvantage is that a high-quality interface for connecting an external flat screen, e.g., DVI or HDMI (High Definition Multimeida Interface), is also missing.

Also regarding accessories the Sony Vaio VGN-CR31S/W cannot keep up with many other competitors. Optical media for system recorvery are missing. the same is true for driver CD/DVDs or adapters for the modem. Sony shifts the responsibility of creating recovery media on to the user. Furthermore, the pre-installed system is overloaded by many preinstalled demo, trial and advertisement software and software by Google, the market-leading data collector. Of course such a bloated system needs more time to boot and the performance is clearly lower than of a slim system. If you want to get a clean system you need install it yourself.

Sony Vaio VGN-CR31S/W Front Side: Play, Pause, Stop, Previous, Next buttons, Indicator LEDs
Front Side: Play, Pause, Stop, Previous, Next buttons, Indicator LEDs
Sony Vaio VGN-CR31S/W Back Side: Power Connector, Battery, Vent holes, Modem
Back Side: Power Connector, Battery, Vent holes, Modem
Sony Vaio VGN-CR31S/W Left Side: Kensington Lock, Vent holes, VGA, S-Video-Out, 2x USB-2.0, i.LINK (IEEE1394, FireWire) S400 port, microphone, headphones, WLAN/Blutooth switch
Left Side: Kensington Lock, Vent holes, VGA, S-Video-Out, 2x USB-2.0, i.LINK (IEEE1394, FireWire) S400 port, microphone, headphones, WLAN/Blutooth switch
Sony Vaio VGN-CR31S/W Right Side: Memory stick slot, ExpressCard/34, SD card slot, DVD drive, 1x USB-2.0, 100-MBit-LAN
Right Side: Memory stick slot, ExpressCard/34, SD card slot, DVD drive, 1x USB-2.0, 100-MBit-LAN

Input Devices

The Sony Vaio VGN-CR31S/W offers a lot of hot keys for multimedia control. There are six keys in front of the keyboard: AV-mode, mute, two volume control buttons, a record button for the web cam and one for switching the display off. Four further buttons for media control are at the front edge in front of the touch pad. The AV function above the keyboard allows enjoying pictures, music, and movies at your fingertips without the need for booting Windows Vista before - a really nice feature!

The silver keyboard of the Vaio VGN-CR31S/W looks very similar to the input devices of the MacBook by Apple. The effective size of the key heads of the main keys is 1.4 cm x 1.4 cm. The key travel is very short. Because the 83 keys are seamlessly integrated into the keyboard area much less dust and dirt can penetrate in the gaps. If you want to clean the keyboard you simple need a cloth or a feather duster - very good. Another advantage is the standard keyboard layout. Those who do not type much will profit from it. However, we did not like the tapping of the big keys and that the keyboard area gives during typing.

The touch pad, which is 7.0 cm x 4.4 cm, is nearly flush with the palm rest areas. It allows a precise and user-friendly navigation. However, it does not come with visibly marked scroll areas. The two touch pad buttons are made of transparent plastics and look good, but, we did not like their loud clicking.

Sony Vaio VGN-CR31S/W keyboard
Keyboard
Sony Vaio VGN-CR31S/W touchpad
Touchpad

Display

Sony Vaio VGN-CR31S/W: colour diagram mains operation
Colour Diagram Mains Operation

The Sony Vaio VGN-CR31S/W comes with a 14.1 inch X-black display with a 16:10 aspect ratio. Pictures look natural on this screen and can be displayed with a maximum resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels (WXGA). Because this X-black LCD is a glare-type display, it reflects heavily. Despite clear reflections, its measured average brightness of 172.9 cd/m² is sufficient for work at home. On-the-move, the brightness is  at best sufficient for working in the shade.

The Sony Vaio VGN-CR31S/W has a very good illumination. 95% are really top. This conforms to our personal impression that none of the measured areas is clearly darker. On the contrary, the display appears to be very evenly illuminated - very good! However, we are not satisfied with the contrast ratio of this multimedia notebook. The measured possible minimum brightness (black value) is just 1.0 cd/m². So, the contrast is only 178:1 in mains operation.

175.1
cd/m²
171
cd/m²
169.4
cd/m²
174.1
cd/m²
178.4
cd/m²
171.3
cd/m²
172.9
cd/m²
171.5
cd/m²
172.3
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
Maximum: 178.4 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 172.9 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 95 %
Contrast: 178:1 (Black: 1 cd/m²)

Nevertheless, the Sony Vaio VGN-CR31S/W convinces in the subjective rating. Directly compared to our reference screen, the 20 inch MVA LCD Viewsonic VP2030b, the colours appear to be brilliant and portraits look rather natural. Nevertheless, also this Vaio follows the current trend to a too cold colour representation, i.e., the pictures have a slightly blue tint. Also regarding horizontal and vertical viewing angles it is not better than other TFT LCDs (Thin Film Transistor Liquid Crystal Display). Outside the ideal area of operation you'll quickly face a clear loss of contrast. Therewith, the viewing angles of this display are rather narrow.

Sony Vaio VGN-CR31S/W Viewing Angles
Sony Vaio VGN-CR31S/W Viewing Angles
Sony Vaio VGN-CR31S/W Viewing Angles
Sony Vaio VGN-CR31S/W Viewing Angles
Sony Vaio VGN-CR31S/W Viewing Angles
Sony Vaio VGN-CR31S/W Viewing Angles
Sony Vaio VGN-CR31S/W Viewing Angles
Sony Vaio VGN-CR31S/W Viewing Angles

Performance

Compared to the Sony Vaio VGN-CR21S the performance of the Sony Vaio VGN-CR31S/W is better, because the VGN31S/W is equipped with an up-to-date Core 2 Duo processor by Intel, the industry-leader, in detail a T8100. Although the T8100 is with a clock rate of 2.1 GHz and 3 MB L2-cache, the least powerful of the available 45nm technology Penryn processors for notebooks, the combinatioin of T8100 CPU, 2 GB fast RAM (2 times 1024 MB DDRII-667) and ATI Mobility Radeon X2300 graphics card is sufficient for multimedia under Windows Vista Home Premium.

CPU-Z Information of the Sony Vaio VGN-CR31S/W
CPU-Z Information of the Sony Vaio VGN-CR31S/W
CPU-Z Information of the Sony Vaio VGN-CR31S/W
CPU-Z Information of the Sony Vaio VGN-CR31S/W
CPU-Z Information of the Sony Vaio VGN-CR31S/W

CPU-Z Information of the Sony Vaio VGN-CR31S/W Notebook.

Nevertheless, the Sony Vaio VGN-CR31S/W is slowed down, because a lot of unnecessary trial  and advertisement software is pre-installed. Such an artificially bloated system is not beneficial for the total performance. So, the Sony is not top  in the performance tests. It achieves 2320 CB-CPUs in Maxon's Cinebench R10 'Rendering Single CPU' and 4332 CB-CPUs in 'Rendering Multiple CPUs'. Together with 4642 points in the PCMark05 benchmark this is finally an 'average' application performance.

Sony Vaio VGN-CR31S/W: GPU-Z
GPU-Z
Sony Vaio VGN-CR31S/W: Cinebench R10
Cinebench R10
Sony Vaio VGN-CR31S/W: Vista performance index
Vista Performance Index

A Mobility Radeon X2300 by ATI (M64-M 718A) is responsible for graphical output. This entry-level video adapter is only with limitations a good choice for a multimedia notebook, because the Mobility Radeon X2300 without HD does not provide hardware acceleration for HD movies, VC-1, H.264, and MPEG-2. Furthermore, the Mobility Radeon X2300 is also only sufficient for undemanding games or games in reduced resolution and with low detail level. 976 points in 3DMark06 and 1787 in the 'shading' test of Cinebench R10 (OpenGL) are only average.

Sony Vaio VGN-CR31S/W: Disk Management Console
Disk Management Console
Sony Vaio VGN-CR31S/W: HD Tune
HD Tune
Sony Vaio VGN-CR31S/W: DVD Info
DVD Info

The built-in mass storage device of the Sony Vaio VGN-CR31S/W is an SATA-II hard disk with a capacity of 160 GB, a MK1637GSX by Toshiba. It is equipped with 8 MB cache, which are standard in this category, and runs at a revolution speed of 5400 rpm. The average transfer rate of 36.5 MB/s, measured by HDTune, was lower than we expected. This gives a ranking in the lower third of current Penryn notebooks. The optical drive, a DVRKD08 by Pioneer, should be able to burn DVD-RAMs in 5x.

Cinebench R10
 SettingsValue
 Shading 32Bit1787 Points
 Rendering Multiple CPUs 32Bit4332 Points
 Rendering Single 32Bit2320 Points
Windows Vista Experience Index
 SettingsValue
 CPU5.1 Points
 RAM4.9 Points
 GPU3.8 Points
 GPU Games3.8 Points
 HDD4.8 Points
PCMark 05 Standard
4642 points
Help
Toshiba MK1237GSX
Transfer Rate Minimum: 24.3 MB/s
Transfer Rate Maximum: 43.7 MB/s
Transfer Rate Average: 36.5 MB/s
Access Time: 17.2 ms
Burst Rate: 64.5 MB/s
CPU Usage: 1.6 %

Gaming Performance

Because of being equipped with a Mobility Radean X2300, the Sony Vaio VGN-CR31S/W is definitely not ready for ambitious gaming. It only achieves about 29 frames per second with 'Doom3' in a resolution of 1024x768, with 'ultra' details, and deactivated anti-aliasing, and deactivated anisotropic filtering (0x AA, Ox AF). It is possible to spent you breaks with playing older non-demanding games. However, you should not consider running 'Crysis' or 'World in Confict' with higher resolution than 800x600 or more than lowest quality.

3DMark 2001SE Standard
9145 points
3DMark 03 Standard
4242 points
3DMark 05 Standard
2279 points
3DMark 06 1280x800 Score
976 points
Help
Doom 3
 ResolutionSettingsValue
 1024x768Ultra, 0xAA, 0xAF29.02 fps
 800x600High, 0xAA, 0xAF50.2 fps
 640x480Medium, 0xAA, 0xAF57.2 fps
 640x480Low, 0xAA, 0xAF82 fps
Crysis - CPU Benchmark
 ResolutionSettingsValue
 1280x800High, 0xAA, 0xAF2.1 fps
 1280x800Medium, 0xAA, 0xAF5.41 fps
 1280x800Low, 0xAA, 0xAF14.97 fps
 800x600High, 0xAA, 0xAF3.88 fps
 800x600Med, 0xAA, 0xAF9.35 fps
 800x600Low, 0xAA, 0xAF27.01 fps
Crysis - GPU Benchmark
 ResolutionSettingsValue
 1280x800High2.31 fps
 1280x800Medium, 0xAA, 0xAF16.5 fps
 1280x800Low, 0xAA, 0xAF22.3 fps
 800x600High4.14 fps
 800x600Med, 0xAA, 0xAF9.65 fps
 800x600Low, 0xAA, 0xAF29.23 fps
World in Conflict - Benchmark
 ResolutionSettingsValue
 1280x800High, 2xAA, 2xAF5 fps
 800x600High, 2xAA, 2xAF8 fps
 1280x800Medium, 0xAA, 0xAF9 fps
 800x600Medium, 0xAA, 0xAF15 fps

Emissions

System Noise

During measuring the noise level of our Sony Vaio VGN-CR31S/W we partly recognized  a high-frequency noise. However, this noise was only audible in idle mode and in quiet environments. The Sony Vaio VGN-CR31S/W already reached up to 35.2 dB(A) in idle mode. This is compared to other notebooks of this category  at best average. The Sony Vaio VGN-CR31S/W performs better in this aspect with moderate load: We measure only a noise level of up to 35.2 dB(A) under moderate load. Under full load we measure a maximum noise level of 37.5 dB(A).

Noise Level

Idle
32.5 / 34.7 / 35.2 dB(A)
HDD
32.5 dB(A)
DVD
37.5 / 47.1 dB(A)
Load
35.2 / 37.5 dB(A)
  red to green bar
 
 
30 dB
silent
40 dB(A)
audible
50 dB(A)
loud
 
min: dark, med: mid, max: light    (15 cm distance)

Temperature

The Sony Vaio VGN-CR31S/W convinces regarding temperature emissions.This 14.1 inch notebook proves to be a user-friendly notebook in this aspect. The average temperature at the top side of this design notebook is 32.3°C. The maximum temperature of 35.1°C is also alright. The same is true for the bottom side. The average temperature is nearly 35°C there. The absolut maximum measured is 37.8°C. To summarize, this is very good.

Max. Load
 35.1 °C
95 F
33.1 °C
92 F
32.6 °C
91 F
 
 31.5 °C
89 F
32 °C
90 F
32.1 °C
90 F
 
 31.7 °C
89 F
30.5 °C
87 F
31.7 °C
89 F
 
Maximum: 35.1 °C = 95 F
Average: 32.3 °C = 90 F
37.8 °C
100 F
37.1 °C
99 F
37.6 °C
100 F
34.6 °C
94 F
36.5 °C
98 F
33.1 °C
92 F
32 °C
90 F
33.7 °C
93 F
31.5 °C
89 F
Maximum: 37.8 °C = 100 F
Average: 34.9 °C = 95 F
Room Temperature 22 °C = 72 F
(±) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 32.3 °C / 90 F, compared to the average of 31.2 °C / 88 F for the devices in the class Multimedia.
(+) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 35.1 °C / 95 F, compared to the average of 36.9 °C / 98 F, ranging from 21.1 to 71 °C for the class Multimedia.
(+) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 37.8 °C / 100 F, compared to the average of 39.1 °C / 102 F
(+) The palmrests and touchpad are cooler than skin temperature with a maximum of 31.7 °C / 89.1 F and are therefore cool to the touch.
(-) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 28.8 °C / 83.8 F (-2.9 °C / -5.3 F).

Speakers

The two speakers are left and right of the keyboard. The sound of these very small speakers are compared to the system noise alright. Basses are missing, but, the middle tones are even at maximum volume alright without distortions. To summarize the quality of the built-in speakers is average. The analogue headphones port works well with our Bose In-Ear headphones reference and provides a good sound.

Battery Life

Sony Vaio VGN-CR31S/W: Battery Eater Reader's
Battery Eater Reader's
Sony Vaio VGN-CR31S/W: Battery Eater Classic
Battery Eater Classic

In idle mode the energy monitor displays an energy demand of 17.6 (energy saving mode) to 27.1 Watt (highest performance) in mains operation for the Sony Vaio VGN-CR31S/W. If you use a 3D-text screen saver the energy demand is 31.0 Watt while idling. With average load (Cinebench R10, one CPU core) this 14.1 inch multimedia notebook demands 41.4 Watt. In the test with Prime95 and the ATI tool the energy demand increases to 70 Watt. To summarize, the energy demand of the VGN-CR31S/W is average in comparison with other notebooks of its category in mains operation.

The battery runtime is about 4 hours with the 6 cells battery with 53 Wh (4800 mAh) in the Battery Eater Reader's test. This is passable for a 14.1 inch notebook. The battery life shrinks to 1 hour and 23 minutes in the Battery Eater Classic test. Overall the battery life of the Sony Vaio VGN-CR31S/W rates good. Nevertheless, Sony also offers two supplement batteries for the Vaio VGN-CR31S/W. The VGP-BPS9A/S with 5200 mAh costs 199.- Euro, and the VGP-BPL9 with 7800 mAh costs 299.- Euro at Sony Style.

Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 0 / 0 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 17.6 / 24 / 27.1 Watt
Load midlight 41.4 / 69.4 Watt
 color bar
Key: min: dark, med: mid, max: light        
Currently we use the Metrahit Energy, a professional single phase power quality and energy measurement digital multimeter, for our measurements. Find out more about it here. All of our test methods can be found here.
Battery Runtime
Idle (without WLAN, min brightness)
4h 07min
Load (maximum brightness)
1h 23min

Verdict

The Sony Vaio VGN-CR31S/W is an elegant 14.1 inch notebook with modern design and user-friendly input devices. Equipped with fast and up-to-date core components the VGN-CR31S/W has a good performance. You even do not need to boot the operating system if you want to enjoy music or multimedia, because of the VGN-CR31S/W's user-friendly AV mode.

Other advantages of the Sony Vaio VGN-CR31S/W are the very even illumination of its 14.1 inch X-black LCD and the low temperature emissions when run continuously. Therewith the total rating of this multimedia notebook is good.

Disadvantages are the pre-installed Windows installation, which is bloated by unnecessary trail and advertisement software. Furthermore, recovery CDs/DVDs are missing. A DVI or HDMI port would also be adequate for this lifestyle notebook. Especially business customers won't be pleased that HSDPA, draft-n WLAN, and Gigabit LAN are not available.

The Sony Vaio VGN-CR31S is at the time of writing available for about 1000 Euro. It is a general-purpose multimedia notebook for all those who like an interesting and colourful design.

Sony Vaio VGN-CR31S/W

Sony Vaio VGN-CR31S/W Notebook

Many thanks to Easynotebooks.de, who kindly provided us with the reviewed notebook. You can configure and also buy this notebook here.

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Under review: Sony Vaio VGN-CR31S/W Notebook
Under review: Sony Vaio VGN-CR31S/W Notebook - provided by:
Test Sony Vaio VGN-CR31S/W Notebook: Gesamtnote „Gut“

Specifications

Sony Vaio VGN-CR31S/W (Vaio VGN-CR Series)
Graphics adapter
ATI Mobility Radeon X2300 - 128 MB VRAM, Core: 480 MHz, Memory: 450 MHz, ATI Catalyst 7.8, 7.14.10.0517
Memory
2048 MB 
, Hynix HYMP512S64CP8-Y5, PC2-5300, (CL-RCD-RP-RAS) 5-5-5-15, 2x 1024 MB built-in, second RAM slot occupied
Display
14.10 inch 16:10, 1280 x 800 pixel, glossy: yes
Mainboard
Intel PM965
Storage
Toshiba MK1237GSX, 120 GB 
, 5400 rpm, MK1637GSX, SATA-II, 8 MB Cache
Soundcard
Realtek ALC262 HD Audio
Connections
1 Express Card 34mm, 3 USB 2.0, 1 Firewire, 1 VGA, 1 S-Video, 1 Modem, 1 Kensington Lock, Audio Connections: headphones, microphone, Card Reader: Slot for Memory Stick (Standard), Memory Stick Duo, Memory Stick PRO (Standard), Memory Stick PRO Duo | Slot for SD Card, Battery: 316 gramme
Networking
Realtek RTL8101 (10/100MBit/s), Intel PRO/Wireless 3945ABG (a/b/g/), Bluetooth Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR
Optical drive
Pioneer DVD-RW DVRKD08A ATA Device
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 38 x 335 x 249 ( = 1.5 x 13.19 x 9.8 in)
Battery
53 Wh Lithium-Ion, VGP-BPS9S, 11.1 Volt, 4800 mAh
Operating System
Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium 32 Bit
Additional features
-, many Sony-Tools, but also a lot of bloatware, 24 Months Warranty
Weight
2.5 kg ( = 88.19 oz / 5.51 pounds), Power Supply: 320 g ( = 11.29 oz / 0.71 pounds)
Price
1299 Euro

 

Sony saves on accessories: Power adapter, cable, notes are available - recovery media and other gimmicks are not.
Sony saves on accessories: Power adapter, cable, notes are available - recovery media and other gimmicks are not.
The keyboard of the VGN-CR31S/W reminds ...
The keyboard of the VGN-CR31S/W reminds ...
... on the MacBook's counterpart very much. The 'closed keys' are at least easy to clean.
... on the MacBook's counterpart very much. The 'closed keys' are at least easy to clean.
The key travel is short.
The key travel is short.
Sony should not put that much stickers on this laptop.
Sony should not put that much stickers on this laptop.
It is easy to access the core components from the bottom side.
It is easy to access the core components from the bottom side.
The fan can also be easily cleaned.
The fan can also be easily cleaned.
The HDD is not uncoupled by soft material or otherwise cushioned.
The HDD is not uncoupled by soft material or otherwise cushioned.
A short time after power-on the power adapter gets as hot as 57°C.
A short time after power-on the power adapter gets as hot as 57°C.
The Vaio logo is a recognizable distinctive mark of many Sony devices. A short time ago Sony celebrated 'Ten Years Vaio' in Europe.
The Vaio logo is a recognizable distinctive mark of many Sony devices. A short time ago Sony celebrated 'Ten Years Vaio' in Europe.
The indicator LEDs are hardly visible during typing or if you work in bright environments.
The indicator LEDs are hardly visible during typing or if you work in bright environments.
Vaio VGN-CR31: Glossy, pearly surfaces with small LED show.
Vaio VGN-CR31: Glossy, pearly surfaces with small LED show.
The design is still young. Due to rounded corners and edges it looks good.
The design is still young. Due to rounded corners and edges it looks good.
Pure white glossy surfaces combined with a metallic frame and a silver keyboard ...
Pure white glossy surfaces combined with a metallic frame and a silver keyboard ...
... look good regardless of the perspective.
... look good regardless of the perspective.
Video chat: Due to built-in microphone and 1.3 MP web cam no problem. The camera display is for checking the activity.
Video chat: Due to built-in microphone and 1.3 MP web cam no problem. The camera display is for checking the activity.
The pearly white touchpad, the touchpad keys made of transparent plastics and ...
The pearly white touchpad, the touchpad keys made of transparent plastics and ...
... the media control buttons harmonize well in terms of look and in terms of function.
... the media control buttons harmonize well in terms of look and in terms of function.
Digital video outs, like DVI or HDMI, are missing.
Digital video outs, like DVI or HDMI, are missing.
The 53,28 Wh battery allowed to work unplugged for up to 4 hours in our test.
The 53,28 Wh battery allowed to work unplugged for up to 4 hours in our test.

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Price Comparison

Pricerunner.de

Pros

+Elegant design
+User-friendly input devices
+Passable performance
+Low heating
+Usable battery life
+User-friendly AV mode
+Very even illumination
+Colour-coordinated accessories
 

Cons

-Lid sensitive to pressure
-Too many pre-installed software
-Unnecessary trial and advertisement software
-No recovery CD/DVD provided
-No DVI, HDMI, or Gigabit-LAN

Rating

Sony Vaio VGN-CR31S/W - 07/18/2008
Ronald Tiefenthäler

Chassis
86%
Keyboard
86%
Pointing Device
84%
Connectivity
86%
Weight
82%
Battery
77%
Display
86%
Games Performance
68%
Application Performance
84%
Temperature
88%
Noise
84%
Add Points
92%
Average
84%
84%
Multimedia - Weighted Average
Ronald Tiefenthäler, 2008-08-11 (Update: 2013-06- 6)