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Sony Vaio VGN-CR Series

Sony Vaio VGN-CR31Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo T7100, Intel Core 2 Duo T7250, Intel Core 2 Duo T7500, Intel Core 2 Duo T8100
Graphics Adapter: ATI Mobility Radeon HD 2300, ATI Mobility Radeon X2300, Intel Graphics Media Accelerator (GMA) X3100
Display: 14.1 inch
Weight: 2.3kg, 2.4kg, 2.5kg
300, 1100, 1200
Average Score: 78.82% - good
Average of 11 scores (from 15 reviews)price: 70%, performance: 67%, features: 70%, display: 76%
mobility: 67%, workmanship: 79%, ergonomy: 77%, emissions: 85%

 

Sony Vaio VGN-CR11S

Notebook Specifications

Sony Vaio VGN-CR11SNotebook: Sony Vaio VGN-CR11S
Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo T7100
Graphics Adapter: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator (GMA) X3100 128 MB
Display: 14.1 inch, 16:10, 1280x800 pixels
Weight: 2.5kg
Links: Sony homepage
 Sony notebook section

Average Score: 72% - average
Average of 1 scores (from 2 reviews)

 

Kräftige Fliegengewichte
Source: c't - 20/07 German
, Long, Date: 10/01/2007
Rating: display: 50% mobility: 60% emissions: 80%

72% Sony Vaio VGN-CR11S/W
Source: Chip.de German
online available, Very Short, Date: 08/15/2007
Rating: Total score: 72% price: 70% performance: 40% features: 81% display: 74% mobility: 89% ergonomy: 84%

 

Sony Vaio VGN-CR

Notebook Specifications

Sony Vaio VGN-CRNotebook: Sony Vaio VGN-CR
Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo T7100
Graphics Adapter: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator (GMA) X3100 128 MB
Display: 14.1 inch, 16:10, 1280x800 pixels
Weight: 2.5kg
Links: Sony homepage
 Sony notebook section
 Vaio VGN-CR (Model)

 

Sony VAIO CR Review
Source: Notebookreview.com English
The Sony VAIO CR is the latest family of stylish, colorful, consumer friendly notebooks from Sony. Available in colors with names like “sangria” and “cosmopolitan,” the CR series is clearly aimed at college students looking for a fun and functional notebook. You can configure a VAIO CR online at SonyStyle.com in a variety of colors or buy a stock configuration from various retailers. The Sony VAIO CR is nice looking notebook with a solid set of features that are sure to be appealing to college students. It features an impressive multimedia AV Mode that can be launched without the need for Windows. However, the CR is cheaper and not quite as powerful as some other notebooks in the $1,000+ range due to the integrated graphics. The CR clearly stacks up well against the MacBook both in terms of features and appearance. Still, given the price point, the lack of dedicated graphics, and what can only be called a “design flaw” regarding the battery, college students might consider purchasing the Sony VAIO N series notebook.
Leistung sehr gut, Display mäßig, Verarbeitung gut, Emissionen sehr gut
User Review, online available, Long, Date: 07/04/2007
Rating: performance: 90% display: 60% workmanship: 80% emissions: 90%

 

Sony Vaio VGN-CR190E

Notebook Specifications

Sony Vaio VGN-CR190ENotebook: Sony Vaio VGN-CR190E
Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo T7100
Graphics Adapter: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator (GMA) X3100 128 MB
Display: 14.1 inch, 16:10, 1280x800 pixels
Weight: 2.5kg
Links: Sony homepage
 Sony notebook section

Average Score: 70% - average
Average of 1 scores (from 2 reviews)

 

Sony VAIO VGN-CR190E Review
Source: Crunchgear English
So, would I plop down $1,369+ for this snazzy-looking VAIO? Absolutely not. I’d rather spend my money on a Mac or another PC laptop. It packs all the bells and whistles, but the materials are chintzy and you could get a whole lot more from somewhere else. But if you’re superficial and just looking for something that grabs people’s attention without it being a white or black Mac, then the CR series is the right choice for you with four other colors (red, blue, white and pink) to choose from.
Preis/Leistung sehr schlecht
User Review, online available, Medium, Date: 08/09/2007
Rating: price: 30%

70% Sony VAIO VGN-CR190E/L
Source: Laptop Mag English
A stylish, full-featured notebook that's reasonably priced.
Sony's new CR Series notebooks are designed to attract attention. And they certainly got ours. The notebooks come in five fashionable colors and feature bright 14-inch LED-backlit displays. Sony even experimented with the keyboard font, making it easier on the eyes (view photo gallery). We got our hands on the luscious red VGN-CR190E/L, and we loved the design and built-in webcam. And with Intel's Core 2 Duo processor under the hood, this notebook offers plenty of pep for running Vista, even though it could use more battery life.  It's a safe bet that Sony is targeting the younger crowd, based on the color choices alone: Sangria (berry red with chrome-like trim), Cosmopolitan (light pink with silver trim), Dove (white), Indigo, and Black. Our test unit's smooth red glossy cover was soft to the touch but picked up fingerprints fairly easily.
3.5 von 5, Display gut, Mobilität mangelhaft
Review Type Unknown, , Length Unknown, Date: 07/24/2007
Rating: Total score: 70% display: 80% mobility: 50%

 

Sony Vaio VGN-CR11Z

Notebook Specifications

Sony Vaio VGN-CR11ZNotebook: Sony Vaio VGN-CR11Z
Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo T7100
Graphics Adapter: ATI Mobility Radeon HD 2300
Display: 14.1 inch, 16:10, 1280x800 pixels
Weight: 2.5kg
Links: Sony homepage
 Sony notebook section
 Vaio VGN-CR11Z (Model)

Average Score: 83% - good
Average of 1 scores (from 1 reviews)

 

83% Sony VAIO VGN-CR11Z/R
Source: PC Pro English
If you like your technology to match your outfit, Sony has designed the CR range for you in a choice of red, blue, pink or white. The vibrant tones are strictly confined to the lid, however, with the inside a more conservative black, edged with metallic trim, and the underside a matte silver. But, despite the lavish appearance, the CR11 collection is one of Sony's more modestly priced ranges, with prices starting at just £765 exc VAT. In addition to its good looks, the CR11 exhibits the build quality we've come to expect from Sony. It feels solid, with no obvious weak points in the chassis. The shiny finish on the lid feels as though it should prevent the odd scratch, although you'll still need to look after it to keep it looking its best. Complementing its good looks and sturdy construction, the CR11Z/R (the 'R' denotes the fiery red finish) on review is well specified.
5 von 6, Preis/Leistung gut, Leistung gut
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 10/07/2007
Rating: Total score: 83% price: 80% performance: 80%

 

Sony Vaio VGN-CR21Z

Notebook Specifications

Sony Vaio VGN-CR21ZNotebook: Sony Vaio VGN-CR21Z
Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo T7250
Graphics Adapter: ATI Mobility Radeon HD 2300
Display: 14.1 inch, 16:10, 1280x800 pixels
Weight: 2.5kg
Links: Sony homepage
 Sony notebook section
 Vaio VGN-CR21Z (Model)

Average Score: 82.5% - good
Average of 2 scores (from 2 reviews)

 

70% Sony VAIO VGN-CR21Z laptop Review
Source: Pocket Lint English
The popular perception of Sony notebooks is that they’re the best on the market. So much so, whenever we asked to recommend a notebook, the first question as is often ‘should I get a Sony’ or ‘is it as good as a Sony’? This is because Sony has always produced cutting-edge machines that you pay a premium for but the quality is always spot on. In recent times, though, we’ve seen a number of budget machines appear aimed directly at the home user and the CR Series is the latest. Available in a range of different colours, you can choose from pink straight through to a blood red and at first glance they look great. Weighing in at 2.5kg, it’s a reasonably light machine but this is due in part to the use of a 14.1-inch Super-TFT display. Images look sharp and bright and when we watched a couple of movies on it, we were impressed. You'll also find media buttons on the front of the chassis, making it easy to control your films at the touch of a button.
7 von 10, Display sehr gut, Leistung mangelhaft, Mobilität mangelhaft
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 10/22/2007
Rating: Total score: 70% performance: 50% display: 90% mobility: 50%

95% Sony Vaio VGN-CR21Z/N
Source: SFT - 8/08 German
, Length Unknown, Date: 08/01/2008
Rating: Total score: 95% performance: 80% display: 95% mobility: 80%

 

Sony Vaio VGN-CR21S

Notebook Specifications

Sony Vaio VGN-CR21SNotebook: Sony Vaio VGN-CR21S
Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo T7250
Graphics Adapter: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator (GMA) X3100
Display: 14.1 inch, 16:10, 1280x800 pixels
Weight: 2.5kg
Price: 1100 euro
Links: Sony homepage
 Sony notebook section
 Vaio VGN-CR21S (Model)

Average Score: 85.67% - good
Average of 3 scores (from 3 reviews)

 

80% The pink version of the Sony CR21S/P laptop may not be to everyone’s taste
Source: PC Advisor English
The Asus Eee PC 701 is no power system. You won't want to do video editing, or even image editing, on the device, and it's not going to serve as the multimedia centre for your home. However, the Eee PC provides a high level of functionality at a highly affordable price. Furthermore, it does so while opening the concept of the ultraportable PC to the masses. The small keyboard and screen and the modest internal specs might be a deterrent for some, but for students and those of us who lust after lightweight portables for life on the go, the Eee PC can easily fill that niche. And then some.
(von 5): 4, Preis/Leistung 4, Verarbeitung 3.5, Ausstattung 4
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 11/02/2007
Rating: Total score: 80% price: 80% features: 80% workmanship: 70%

92% Büro to go
Source: TV Movie Multimedia - 3/08 German
, Length Unknown, Date: 02/01/2008
Rating: Total score: 92% price: 80% mobility: 50%

85% Test Sony Vaio VGN-CR21S Notebook
Source: Notebookcheck German
online available, Long, Date: 11/12/2007
Rating: Total score: 85% performance: 77% display: 82% mobility: 78% workmanship: 86% ergonomy: 85% emissions: 88%

 

Sony Vaio VGN-CR120

Notebook Specifications

Sony Vaio VGN-CR120Notebook: Sony Vaio VGN-CR120
Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo T7100
Graphics Adapter: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator (GMA) X3100
Display: 14.1 inch, 16:10, 1280x800 pixels
Weight: 2.5kg
Price: 1100 euro
Links: Sony homepage
 Sony notebook section

Average Score: 70% - average
Average of 1 scores (from 1 reviews)

 

70% Sony VAIO CR120 (Core 2 Duo T7100 1.8GHz, 1GB RAM, 120GB HDD, Vista Home Premium)
Source: CNet English
At first, we didn't expect to find a Sony system that would qualify for our roundup of laptops with a price tag of $1,000 or less. After all, Sony's reputation for beautiful, expensive laptops is probably outranked only by Apple's. Yet the VAIO CR120, which comes in at exactly $1,000 and is available at retail outlets, was full of surprises. Its shiny finish, with touches of chrome and decorative LEDs, certainly looks more expensive than its actual price. And the 14.1-inch laptop is slightly more portable than similarly priced laptops, most of which feature 15.4-inch screens. That's not to say the VAIO CR120's upscale appearance is not without cost: The $1,000 configuration includes just 1GB of RAM, and you'll pay for the VAIO CR120 in time spent removing bloatware from the laptop.
(von 10): 7, Leistung 6, Ausstattung 7, Mobilität 6, Preis/Leistung gut
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 11/16/2007
Rating: Total score: 70% price: 80% performance: 60% features: 70% mobility: 60%

 

Sony Vaio VGN-CR290EAP

Notebook Specifications

Sony Vaio VGN-CR290EAPNotebook: Sony Vaio VGN-CR290EAP
Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo T7500
Graphics Adapter: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator (GMA) X3100
Display: 14.1 inch, 16:10, pixels
Weight: 2.3kg
Price: 300 euro
Links: Sony homepage
 Sony notebook section

 

Sony VGN-CR290EAP Review
Source: notebookforums.com German
, Medium, Date: 01/21/2008
Rating: performance: 70% display: 100% mobility: 80% workmanship: 90%

 

Sony Vaio VGN-CR31

Notebook Specifications

Sony Vaio VGN-CR31Notebook: Sony Vaio VGN-CR31
Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo T8100
Graphics Adapter: ATI Mobility Radeon X2300
Display: 14.1 inch, 16:10, 1280x800 pixels
Weight: 2.4kg
Price: 1200 euro
Links: Sony homepage
 Sony notebook section
 Vaio VGN-CR31 (Model)

Average Score: 75% - good
Average of 2 scores (from 2 reviews)

 

70% Für Individualisten - oder jene die es gerne wären
Source: PC Professionell - 5/08 German
online available, Medium, Date: 04/01/2008
Rating: Total score: 70% performance: 70% features: 70% mobility: 70% ergonomy: 70%

80% Sony Vaio VGN-CR31
Source: Notebookjournal German
online available, Long, Date: 01/31/2008
Rating: Total score: 80% performance: 50% features: 50% display: 50% mobility: 70% workmanship: 70% ergonomy: 70% emissions: 80%

 

Comment

Sony: Sony is a notebook manufacturer of medium size according international market shares. There exist a lot of reviews about Sony notebooks. The total ratings and price/value ratings are good above average.

Sony reviews


Only older games can be played fluently with these graphics chips (if they were not too demanding). Shared memory graphic cores in this category got the advantage of less heat production and longer battery runtimes. For office, internet, image processing, and video editing tasks these graphics chips are still useable without any restrictions.

Intel Graphics Media Accelerator (GMA) X3100: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator (GMA) X3100 is an integrated (onboard) graphic chip on a Mobile Intel 965GM chipset. It is the successor of GMA 950 and features a fully programmable pipeline (supports Aero Glass fully and DirectX 10 with newest drivers). The peformance of the X3100 is clearly better than the GMA 950, still demanding modern games won't run fluently.

Lower end of Graphics Cards for users who want to play games. New games should run on these cards, but only with decreased details and mediocre resolution.

ATI Mobility Radeon HD 2300: X2300 (renamed X1300 / X1350, only DirectX 9 support) with amplified video functions (HD).

ATI Mobility Radeon X2300: Renamed X1350 graphics chip and, therefore, only DirectX 9 capable.


>> Further information can be found in our Comparison of Mobile Graphics Cards and the corresponding Benchmark List.


Intel Core 2 Duo: This is the Core Duo and Core Solo successor with a longer pipeline and 5-20% more speed without more power consumption. As an addition to the Core Duo design there exists a fourth decoder, an amplified SSE-unit and an additional arithmetical logical unit (ALU).

The Core 2 Duo for laptops is identical to the desktop Core 2 Duo processors but the notebook-processors work with lower voltages (0.95 to 1188 Volt) and a lower Frontside bus clock (1066 vs 667 MHz). The performance of equally clocked notebooks is 20-25% lower than Desktop PCs because of the lower Frontside bus clock and the slower hard disks.


14.1: 14 inch display size is a mixture between the small formats of subnotebooks and the 15 inch standard display.
The reason why so many people like displays with medium size is, that this size is not exhausting for the eyes, does not need too much current and the laptops can be kept quite compact.


>> To find out how fine a display is, see our DPI List.


2.3 kg:

These sub-notebooks weight less than the average of all notebooks, but represent a heavier class of weight among the sub-notebooks. 13 inch displays are normal for this class of weight.

2.5 kg:

This notebook is lighter than the average of all notebooks. It is too heavy for sub-notebooks. 14 inch displays are normal for this class of weight.


78.82%: This rating is not convincing. It must be considered, that there exist hardly any laptops, which receive a rating below 60%. This notebook is evaluated below average, this is not really a recommendation for purchase.

>> Further information can be found in our Notebook Purchase Guide.


 

Author: Stefan Hinum, 2008-08-12 (Update: 2008-10-28)