Deutsch
Español
Français
Italiano
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Русский
Türkçe
Svenska
Chinese
MagyarSony Vaio VPC-SA Series
Sony Vaio’s VPC-SA series, which was introduced in Q2 2011, is the second addition to Sony’s S range thin-and-light notebook and the brother to the more popular business all-rounders SB series. The SA series was positioned at the middle-high price sector, between the high end Z series and the more affordable SB series. The SA series’ built quality and spec is at a higher level than the SB Series, which justifies its price, even though looks, form factor and weight are almost the same. The SA series comes with two choices of color: black and silver, though so many SA laptops on display come with black that some people didn’t even know there’s also a silver version.
At the time of its introduction, it’s one of the best subnotebooks on the market, beaten only by Sony’s high end Z Series with its thin and light size, powerful Sandy Bridge i5 or i7 CPU and dedicate middle class ATI 6630M graphic card, 1600x900 screen as well as optional blu-ray optical disk and a battery life of up to 14 hours. Other strength of the SA series includes fast SSD, matte display, docking port, TPM chips. Touch typist and office users would also love this laptop for the full size back-lit keyboard with good typing feedback. Its weaknesses include iits high noise and heat during load due to smaller case, somewhat short battery life without the $150 optional battery-slice compare to newer Ultrabook and most important of all, a narrow color spectrum, contrasts and weak viewing angles separate the SA series from premium-class notebook such as the Z series.
Even though Intel introduced many Ultrabook in 2012 as a direct competitor to Macbook Air series with focus on weight and battery life, not many of them can beat the SA series in their own game.
Processor: Intel Core i5 2410M, Intel Core i5 2450M, Intel Core i7 2620M, Intel Core i7 2640MGraphics Adapter: AMD Radeon HD 6630M
Display: 13.00 inch, 13.30 inch
Weight: 1.6kg, 1.652kg, 1.7kg, 1.8kg
Price: 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1600, 1800, 2399, 2400 euro
Average of 14 scores (from 19 reviews)
Sony Vaio VPC-SA2CFX/SI
Specifications
Notebook: Sony Vaio VPC-SA2CFX/SIProcessor: Intel Core i7 2620M
Graphics Adapter: AMD Radeon HD 6630M
Display: 13.30 inch, 16:9, 1600 x 900 pixels
Weight: 1.7kg
Price: 1600 euro
Links: Sony homepage Sony notebook section Vaio VPC-SA2CFX/SI (Model)
Pricecompare
Average Score:
Reviews
Source: Comp Reviews
Archive.org versionThe Sony VAIO S Series VPCSA2CFX/SI is an ultraportable notebook that can be used for casual gaming thanks to a dedicated video card. With a 13.3-inch 1600x900 display and an included Blu-ray player, the Sony VAIO S Series VPCSA2CFX/SI is a versatile laptop that is thin and light for users on the go.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 06/11/2011
Rating: Total score: 80%
Sony Vaio VPC-SA2Z9E/B
Specifications
Notebook: Sony Vaio VPC-SA2Z9E/BProcessor: Intel Core i7 2620M
Graphics Adapter: AMD Radeon HD 6630M 1024 MB
Display: 13.30 inch, 16:09, 1600 x 900 pixels
Weight: 1.652kg
Price: 2399 euro
Links: Sony homepage Sony notebook section
Pricecompare
Average Score:
Reviews
Multi-talent. Work, play and even a mobile light weight. Is the 13.3 incher overestimating itself? The specs are awesome: strong Radeon graphics, Core i7 and turbo SSD. But the price is too: just under 2400 euros.
Foreign Reviews
Source: Notebookjournal
DE→EN Archive.org versionSingle Review, online available, Medium, Date: 09/07/2011
Rating: performance: 80% features: 70% display: 50% mobility: 70% workmanship: 70% ergonomy: 50%
Source: Notebookjournal
DE→EN Archive.org versionSingle Review, online available, Medium, Date: 09/07/2011
Rating: performance: 80% features: 70% display: 50% mobility: 70% workmanship: 70% ergonomy: 50%
Source: Notebookcheck
DE→EN Archive.org versionSingle Review, online available, Long, Date: 07/25/2011
Rating: Total score: 86% performance: 88% display: 75% mobility: 86% workmanship: 90% ergonomy: 88% emissions: 81%
Source: Notebookcheck
DE→EN Archive.org versionSingle Review, online available, Long, Date: 07/25/2011
Rating: Total score: 86% performance: 88% display: 75% mobility: 86% workmanship: 90% ergonomy: 88% emissions: 81%
Sony Vaio VPC-SA21GX/BI
Specifications
Notebook: Sony Vaio VPC-SA21GX/BIProcessor: Intel Core i5 2410M
Graphics Adapter: AMD Radeon HD 6630M
Display: 13.30 inch, 16:9, 1600 x 900 pixels
Weight: 1.6kg
Price: 1100 euro
Links: Sony homepage Sony notebook section Vaio VPC-SA21GX/BI (Model)
Pricecompare
Average Score:
Reviews
Source: PC Authority
Archive.org versionGiven the flashes of brilliance elsewhere, it’s difficult to be too hard on Sony’s latest laptop. With the ability to configure your ideal model on Sony’s website, the VAIO S Series is capable of masquerading as anything from a basic business model to a Blu-ray-equipped wunderkind. Our review sample sits between the two, but regardless of what specification you choose, the VAIO S is a light, powerful, feature-packed laptop that will appeal to businesses and consumers alike.
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 07/21/2011
Rating: Total score: 83% price: 83% performance: 83% features: 83% ergonomy: 83%
Source: Techreview Source
Archive.org versionIn terms of battery life, you can expect to get about 3.5 hours of life with the included battery while using the discrete graphics (about 5 hours without). If you want more life, you can purchase a "Slice" battery pack that will add about 2 hours onto each time.
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 07/12/2011
Rating: Total score: 70%
Source: CNet
Archive.org versionSony's Vaio laptops have long been considered the high-end benchmark for Windows laptops, at least in terms of their media-playing excellence, hardware design, and higher-than-average prices. Sony's revamped Vaio S series laptops have slimmed down, but still offer plenty of high-end features, creating an affordable alternative to the attractive-but-expensive Vaio Z.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 07/08/2011
Rating: Total score: 70% performance: 80% mobility: 70%
Foreign Reviews
Source: HardwareLuxx
DE→EN Archive.org versionSingle Review, online available, Short, Date: 09/30/2011
Rating: Total score: 60%
Sony Vaio VPC-SA290X
Specifications
Notebook: Sony Vaio VPC-SA290XProcessor: Intel Core i5 2410M
Graphics Adapter: AMD Radeon HD 6630M
Display: 13.30 inch, 16:9, 1366 x 768 pixels
Weight: 1.6kg
Price: 1300 euro
Links: Sony homepage Sony notebook section
Pricecompare
Average Score:
Reviews
Source: Laptop Mag
Archive.org versionIs the Sony VAIO S a MacBook Pro killer? Not quite, but it's certainly a very strong alternative. Our $1,399 configuration bests the 13-inch MacBook Pro in terms of performance, graphics, and portability. It also beats Apple's 13-incher on display real estate. However, we prefer the sturdier build and larger, smoother trackpad on the MacBook Pro. Plus, the MacBook Pro lasts three hours longer on a charge in exchange for its heavier weight. The tinny speakers on the VAIO S are also disappointing. The bottom line is that the VAIO S provides much more graphics punch than the MacBook Pro--and most other ultraportables--in a very lightweight package, but you have to make a couple trade-offs.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 07/05/2011
Rating: Total score: 70%
Sony VAIO VPC-SA28GW/T
Specifications
Notebook: Sony VAIO VPC-SA28GW/TProcessor: Intel Core i7 2620M
Graphics Adapter: AMD Radeon HD 6630M
Display: 13.30 inch, 16:9, 1600 x 900 pixels
Weight: 1.7kg
Links: Sony homepage Sony notebook section
Pricecompare
Foreign Reviews
Source: enet.com.cn
zh-CN→EN Archive.org versionSingle Review, online available, Long, Date: 07/07/2011
Sony Vaio VPC-SA255GG
Specifications
Notebook: Sony Vaio VPC-SA255GGProcessor: Intel Core i7 2620M
Graphics Adapter: AMD Radeon HD 6630M
Display: 13.30 inch, 16:9, 1366 x 768 pixels
Weight: 1.7kg
Price: 2400 euro
Links: Sony homepage Sony notebook section
Pricecompare
Average Score:
Reviews
Source: Good Gear Guide
Archive.org versionThe thin-and-light nature of this laptop, coupled with good features and speed, makes it an attractive proposition for business users who want something a little different to the norm. It's price-competitive against other lightweight 13.3in business laptops we've seen, such as the Toshiba Portege R830, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 and the Fujitsu S761, and in some respects it's a better unit because it has a higher resolution screen and faster graphics performance.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 08/08/2011
Rating: Total score: 80%
Sony Vaio VPC-SA2FGX/BI
Specifications
Notebook: Sony Vaio VPC-SA2FGX/BIProcessor: Intel Core i5 2410M
Graphics Adapter: AMD Radeon HD 6630M
Display: 13.30 inch, 16:9, 1366 x 768 pixels
Weight: 1.6kg
Price: 1200 euro
Links: Sony homepage Sony notebook section
Pricecompare
Average Score:
Reviews
Source: Gadgetmix
Archive.org versionPricewise the Sony Vaio S is expected to start from $1000, with various processor options ranging from i3 to i7. Storage options will also include a 1TB option and SSD. The Blu-Ray reader can be upgraded to a Blu-Ray writer. Costwise the Sony Vaio S Series starts at a $100 premium on the Vaio SB, and for us, well worth the extra cash.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 09/07/2011
Source: PC Mag
Archive.org versionThe Sony VAIO VPC-SA2FGX/BI is a fully loaded ultraportable in terms of processing components and features. It's equipped to handle the toughest tasks you may face, but you should note its caveats: Fan noise and heat do come into play if this machine is pushed too hard, and the standard battery alone might not survive a long trip. This is a fine ultraportable regardless, but your money would be better spent on the Acer Aspire AS3830TG-6431 or Toshiba Portege R835-P50X.
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 08/08/2011
Rating: Total score: 70%
Sony Vaio VPC-SA41FX/BL
Specifications
Notebook: Sony Vaio VPC-SA41FX/BLProcessor: Intel Core i5 2450M
Graphics Adapter: AMD Radeon HD 6630M
Display: 13.30 inch, 16:9, 1600 x 900 pixels
Weight: 1.6kg
Price: 1000 euro
Links: Sony homepage Sony notebook section
Pricecompare
Average Score:
Reviews
Source: Slashgear
Archive.org versionThis ultraportable notebook is ready to be your general work machine all day long. Once again I must mention that it’s unassumingly styled, certainly not made to make anybody turn their heads in massive appreciation for the aesthetics of the casing itself, but it is ready to get the job done. There are so many lights flashing and notifying you of the functions of the beast within that you’ll know instantaniously that Sony didn’t waste any time trying to buff any shortcomings of the hardware out – it is what it is, and what it is is worth the cash you’re going to pay for it. This machine is ready to be your 2012 summer season school driver, everyday Windows-based work driver, and web browser for any and all occasions. Grab the unit with any and all modifications you like from Sony’s online store for $779.99 at its least expensive. Shipping now!
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 03/14/2012
Source: CNet
Archive.org versionlaptop, but it falls a bit short on battery life and price to be a must-have product. The Sony Vaio S comes really, really close to being a great laptop. The size is right; the keyboard, excellent; it's a clean design, and it's reasonably lightweight. So, what's wrong?
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 02/29/2012
Rating: Total score: 70% performance: 90% mobility: 70%
Sony Vaio VPC-SA4W9E/XI
Specifications
Notebook: Sony Vaio VPC-SA4W9E/XIProcessor: Intel Core i7 2640M
Graphics Adapter: AMD Radeon HD 6630M
Display: 13.30 inch, 16:9, 1366 x 768 pixels
Weight: 1.8kg
Price: 1400 euro
Links: Sony homepage Sony notebook section Vaio VPC-SA4W9E/XI (Model)
Pricecompare
Average Score:
Foreign Reviews
Source: Notebookjournal
DE→EN Archive.org versionSingle Review, online available, Long, Date: 04/22/2012
Rating: performance: 70% features: 70% display: 50% mobility: 70% workmanship: 90% ergonomy: 30%
Source: Notebookinfo
DE→EN Archive.org versionSingle Review, online available, Medium, Date: 03/14/2012
Rating: Total score: 87% performance: 90% display: 85% mobility: 80% ergonomy: 95% emissions: 82%
Sony Vaio VPC-SA3X9E/XI
Specifications
Notebook: Sony Vaio VPC-SA3X9E/XIProcessor: Intel Core i7 2640M
Graphics Adapter: AMD Radeon HD 6630M 1024 MB
Display: 13.00 inch, 16:9, 1600 x 900 pixels
Weight: 1.6kg
Price: 1800 euro
Links: Sony homepage Sony notebook section
Pricecompare
Reviews
A lean and mean performer. The latest Intel Core i7, a middle-class AMD graphics card and an SSD in an top quality upper-class subnotebook. Can the Sony VAIO attract the target group?Does the Sony Vaio appeal to you?
Comment
Sony: Sony Corporation is one of the largest Japanese electronics companies. The company was founded in 1946 under a different name and initially produced rice stoves. The company launched the first transistor radio. In 1958, the company was renamed Sony. Sony is a combination of the Latin word sonus (sound) and the English word sonny (little boy). Today, its core business is consumer electronics. The company is engaged in the development, design, manufacture and sale of electronic equipment, instruments, devices, game consoles and software. Sony operates in the following segments: Gaming and Network Services, Music, Images, Home Entertainment and Sound, Imaging Products and Solutions, Mobile Communications, Semiconductors, Financial Services and Others.
Non demanding games should be playable with these graphics cards.
AMD Radeon HD 6630M: Successor of the slow clocked (low power) versions of the Mobility Radeon HD 5650 with more cores, UVD3 processor and Eyefinity+.
» Further information can be found in our Comparison of Mobile Graphics Cards and the corresponding Benchmark List.
Intel Core i7: The Intel Core i7 for laptops is based on the LG1156 Core i5/i7 CPU for desktops. The base clock speed of the CPUs is relatively low, but because of a huge Turbo mode, the cores can dynamically overclock to up to 3.2 GHz (920XM). Therefore, the CPU can be as fast as high clocked dual-core CPUs (using single threaded applications) but still offer the advantage of 4 cores. Because of the large TDP of 45 W / 55 W, the CPU is only intended for large laptops.
2620M: Very fast Dual-core processor based on the Sandy Bridge architecture with an integrated graphics card and dual-channel DDR3 memory controller.
2640M: Very fast dual-core processor based on the Sandy Bridge architecture with an integrated graphics card and dual-channel DDR3 memory controller.
Intel Core i5:
2410M:
Dual-core processor based on the Sandy Bridge architecture with an integrated graphics card and dual-channel DDR3 memory controller. The CPU is clocked at 2.3 GHz (Turbo Boost 2.6-2.9 GHz) and the GPU at 650 (1200 MHz Turbo).
2450M: Dual-core processor based on the Sandy Bridge architecture with an integrated graphics card and dual-channel DDR3 memory controller. The CPU is clocked at 2.5 GHz (Turbo Boost 2.8-3.1 GHz) and the GPU at 650 (1300 MHz Turbo).
» Further information can be found in our Comparison of Mobile Processsors.
13.00:
There are hardly any tablets in this display size range anymore. For subnotebooks, on the other hand, it is the standard format.
The advantage of subnotebooks is that the entire laptop can be small and therefore easily portable. The smaller display also has the advantage of requiring less power, which further improves battery life and thus mobility. The disadvantage is that reading texts is more strenuous on the eyes. High resolutions are more likely to be found in standard laptops.
» To find out how fine a display is, see our DPI List.
No weight comment found (one expected)!
77.36%: This rating is not earth-shattering. This rating must actually be seen as average, since there are about as many devices with worse ratings as better ones. A purchase recommendation can only be seen with a lot of goodwill, unless it is about websites that generally rate strictly.
» Further information can be found in our Notebook Purchase Guide.
