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Review Sony Vaio VPC-EB4X1E/BQ (FHD) Notebook

FullHD Update. In November 2010, an elegant notebook with plastic looks and a strong sRGB color screen with FullHD resolution surprised us. Now, it's undergone a CPU upgrade and we wonder: Is the screen still as good as it was? All answers in this test update.
Sony Vaio VPC-EB4X1E/BQ: FullHD consumer with strong hardware for not even 850 euros. Is there a catch?
Sony Vaio VPC-EB4X1E/BQ: FullHD consumer with strong hardware for not even 850 euros. Is there a catch?

Although the predecessor, Vaio VPC-EB3Z1E/BQ, didn't accomplish a total score of very good last November, the FullHD display convinced the testers with a good contrast (551:1), an almost full sRGB color spectrum coverage and stable horizontal viewing angles. The WXGA screen didn't achieve pro qualities, but it created a kind of shining beacon in the sea of inferior, run of the mill screens found in modest consumer laptops.

In view of the attractive starting price of 840 euros, the Vaio EB range's FullHD model remained under close observation. Our readers were just as interested, considering the numerous comments and inquiries. This could be surprising since the Vaio EB looks everything but prestigious with its plain, partly uncoated plastic appearance. If you're looking for a laptop apt for showing off, this Vaio is the wrong choice.

We've opted for a review update on the latest alternative, VPC-EB4X1E/BQ. Although no Sandy Bridge shooting star processor has been employed, an Intel Core i5-480M (2x2.66 GHz) from the 2010 Arrandale architecture is nevertheless inside. Performance leaps in comparison to the i5-460M (2x2.66 GHz) shouldn't be expected. Nothing has changed in terms of graphics. The ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5650, which has been relieved by the AMD Radeon HD 6550M in the meantime, is used. But, at least, the hard disk has grown from 500 to 640 GB (Samsung -> Toshiba).

The most important question in this review: Has the TFT remained to be just as good or is it perhaps even better? We would like to refer to the 100% identically built predecessor, Vaio VPC-EB3Z1E/BQ, for matters of case (looks, material, stability), connectivity (interfaces, wireless modules, software) and the input devices.

Display

The Vaio VPC-EB4's FullHD screen isn't in any way inferior to that of the EB3. As before, we couldn't readout the display model, but the color, brightness and contrast (black value) assessment show an almost identical picture.

Thus, the screen will still be a heavy purchase argument. The VPC EB4 is configured with 1920x1080 pixels (WUXGA). Consequently, the 15.5 incher is especially suitable for HD movie fans (BluRay drive). The high resolution is just as attractive for display screen workers due to its clearly arranged desktop and good contrasts. However, these users might be deterred by the glare type screen – a characteristic that "beginners in HD entertainment" haven't yet been cured of.

Be that as it may, the good contrast of 518:1 will be a delight for everyone's eyes (black value 0.45 cd/m2). The glare type intensifies the color effects, but isn't the reason for the good contrast. Colors always appear brilliant and saturated.

The color spectrum coverage is identical to that of the predecessor, VPC-EB3. The sRGB color spectrum (t) can almost be covered (extended color gamut). The Vaio F13L8E/H's (t) color space, in review at the same time, is almost appallingly narrow. This 16.4 incher plays in a higher league in terms of looks. It is the lowest priced F range model (also FullHD) and has received a matching low cost TFT.

Vaio VPC-EB4X1E/BQ vs. sRGB (t)
Vaio VPC-EB4X1E/BQ vs. sRGB (t)
Vaio VPC-EB4X1E/BQ vs. AdobeRGB (t)
Vaio VPC-EB4X1E/BQ vs. AdobeRGB (t)
Vaio VPC-EB4X1E/BQ vs. Vaio EB3Z1E (t)
Vaio VPC-EB4X1E/BQ vs. Vaio EB3Z1E (t)
Vaio VPC-VPC-EB4X1E/BQ vs. Vaio F13L8E/H (t)
Vaio VPC-VPC-EB4X1E/BQ vs. Vaio F13L8E/H (t)

The backlight illuminates the display with an average of 220 cd/m2. Nothing has been changed in comparison to the predecessor model here. There are deviations toward the top. The brightest area is found in the lower center with 236 cd/m2. This brightness divergence isn't visible to the naked eye, though (87% homogeneity).

205
cd/m²
213
cd/m²
216
cd/m²
207
cd/m²
233
cd/m²
228
cd/m²
211
cd/m²
236
cd/m²
230
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
nicht auslesbar tested with Gossen Mavo-Monitor
Maximum: 236 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 219.9 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 87 %
Center on Battery: 233 cd/m²
Contrast: 518:1 (Black: 0.45 cd/m²)62% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
88% sRGB (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
60.4% Display P3 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)

The glare type characteristic causes difficulties in viewing the screen in sunlight and unfavorable ambient light in the office due to reflections. If you don't want to be without FullHD entertainment on the go, you'll have to look for a shady place. However, the glare type doesn't cause problems in overcast conditions, as the following pictures show.

Frontal view, sunlight from the side
Frontal view, sunlight from the side
Lateral view, sunlight from the side
Lateral view, sunlight from the side
Lateral view, sunlight from the side
Lateral view, sunlight from the side
Lateral view, sunlight from the back
Lateral view, sunlight from the back

The horizontal viewing angles meet our optimistic expectations. Ghosting doesn't develop (inverting colors) even at a left or right deviation of 80 degrees (far right/left). However an evident yellow cast turns up at about 45 degrees depending on the color. This was also the case in the EB3 screen. For example, this casting colors a blue sky light green. To illustrate this, we've made a video of viewing angles changes.

The colors aren't as stable vertically and the viewing angles are narrower. Colors start to invert at a deviation of about 30 degrees looking up. We experience blurring of dark areas starting at a deviation of 10 degrees when looking down.

Nevertheless, the FullHD screen is better than most consumer displays. Even the 16.4 inch Vaio F13, in review at the same time, with FullHD doesn't stand a chance in terms of viewing angles and colors against the EB4X1E/BQ or EB3Z1E. However, the Vaio screen doesn't achieve the stability of a desktop TFT (colors stable from all positions).

Viewing angles: Sony Vaio VPC-EB4X1E/BQ
Viewing angles: Sony Vaio VPC-EB4X1E/BQ

Performance

The 15.5 incher has received a small update from a Core i5-460M  (2x2.53 GHz, 3 MB L3 cache) to a Core i5-480M  (2x2.66 GHz, 3 MB L2 cache). The core with a TDP of 35 watts clocks between 2.66 (default) and 2.93 GHz with Turbo Boost. Four threads can also be processed at the same time with Hyper Threading, which is beneficial for multitasking. Every core is supported by a virtual one for this.

The 480M is usually found in non-professional notebooks because it lacks AES, VT-d and Trusted Execution support. These qualities (faster coding, etc.) are reserved for pro laptops with an i5-5xxM. The memory controller incorporated in the CPU can address up to eight gigabyte of DDR3-RAM. 4096 MB of DDR3 main memory are installed in the test device (two RAM modules).

The Intel Graphics Media Accelerator HD in the processor isn't enabled. The dedicated ATI HD 5650 graphics (1024 MB DDR3) can thus not be disabled for energy saving reasons.

System info CPUZ CPU
System info CPUZ Cache
System info CPUZ Mainboard
System info CPUZ RAM
System info CPUZ RAM SPD
System info GPUZ HD 5650
DPC Latency Checker: Idle, OK
DPC Latency Checker: WLAN on/off short latencies
System information: Sony Vaio VPC-EB4X1E/BQ

Are users at the very forefront with the i5-480M? The EB4X achieves 2.34 points in the multi processor test, Cinebench R11.5 (64 bit). That is only marginally more than i5-460M systems accomplish: 2.27 points (-3%). This performance difference in a per mil range shouldn't play a role in the buying decision. The reason is the slight clock rate difference: 2.53 vs. 2.66 GHz. In comparison, an i3-330M only achieves 1.75 points. In view of this, an upgrade would be worthwhile.

The i5-480M beats the lower clocked i5-460M with 3952 points (+5%) in single core load (Cinebench R10 Single 64 bit). However, it follows very close with 3790 points. If you are taking a closer look at Sandy Bridge processors, you can gain 14% more single core power with an i7-2630QM, for example.

5.9
Windows 7 Experience Index
Processor
Calculations per second
6.9
Memory (RAM)
Memory operations per second
5.9
Graphics
Desktop performance for Windows Aero
6.7
Gaming graphics
3D business and gaming graphics
6.7
Primary hard disk
Disk data transfer rate
5.9
Cinebench R10 Rendering Single 32Bit
3191
Cinebench R10 Rendering Multiple CPUs 32Bit
7287
Cinebench R10 Shading 32Bit
5210
Cinebench R10 Rendering Single CPUs 64Bit
3852 Points
Cinebench R10 Rendering Multiple CPUs 64Bit
8646 Points
Cinebench R10 Shading 64Bit
5207 Points
Cinebench R11.5 OpenGL 64Bit
21.16 fps
Cinebench R11.5 CPU Multi 64Bit
2.34 Points
Help
PCMark Vantage Result
6082 points
Help

One thing that PCMark Vantage shows us is that the total system supplies synthetic computing performance. The result of 6082 points can slightly excel its predecessor (EB3Z1E 5.603 points). This score is impressive since laptops with a quad core i7-740QM (4x1.7 GHz) often don't even achieve as many points, depending on the hard disk and graphics card. We would name the Medion Erazer X6811-MD97624 (5826 points) and the Vaio VPC-F13Z1E/B (5997 points), for example.

The 480M's faster twin cores can keep up with the i7 quad core because its clock rate of 1.73 GHz is quite low. Expressed differently – PCMark Vantage doesn't acknowledge four cores (eight threads) sufficiently. Such systems are apt for multi core applications where a high clock rate isn't important.

The HD 5650 graphics contributes to the high PCMark Vantages score (gaming score: 5232 points). The GPU's impact on PCMark Vantage shouldn't be overrated, though. Even notebooks with chipset graphics can achieve higher total scores (Sony Vaio VPC-B11V9EB: 6180 points).

3DMark 03 Standard
18994 points
3DMark 05 Standard
12402 points
3DMark 06 Standard Score
6269 points
3DMark Vantage P Result
2818 points
3DMark 11 Performance
886 points
Help
Seagate Momentus 5400.6 ST9500325AS
Transfer Rate Minimum: 31.3 MB/s
Transfer Rate Maximum: 78.8 MB/s
Transfer Rate Average: 61.8 MB/s
Access Time: 19.4 ms
Burst Rate: 49.3 MB/s
CPU Usage: 1 %
HDTune 62 MB/s read
HDTune 62 MB/s read
CrystalDiskMark 74/72 MB/s read/write
CrystalDiskMark 74/72 MB/s read/write
Comparison: CDM 88 MB/s Samsung HM500JI @EB3Z1E
Comparison: CDM 88 MB/s Samsung HM500JI @EB3Z1E

HDTune (62 MB/s read) and CrystalDiskMark 3.0 (74 MB/s read) confirm that the present Seagate ST9500325AS (640 GB) has an identical read and write rate as the Samsung (HM500JI) in the EB3Z1E. It is a HDD rotating with 5400 rpm. CrystalDiskMark 3.0 is clearly higher with 74 MB/s, which, however, can be explained with a varying test routine (a difference of 10 MB/s always exists).

PCMark Vantage's HDD score is still at a slow 2945 points (sub score: 3094 @EB3Z1E). Only a fast rotating 7200 rpm HDD accomplishes higher throughput rates. This can lead to a HDD score of 4077 points (HP G62-130EG). The determined data throughput rates are average for 2.5 inch HDDs with 5400 rpm. The burst rate of 64 MB7s is low, which indicates a slow HDD cache.

Gaming Performance

Wie wir testen - Leistung

As before, Sony relies on a dedicated ATI Radeon HD 5650 (1024 MB GDDR3) and it hasn't changed in any way. According to GPU-Z, the chip clocks with 450 and the DDR3 memory with 790 MHz. Thus, Sony continues to downclock the GPU cores. Other manufacturers, like Acer, Toshiba, Dell or HP, always clock the HD 5650's core with 550 MHz (exceptions: 600 MHz).

The HD 5650 belongs to the ATI midrange. It has been replaced by the successor, HD 6550M, in the meantime. However, it doesn't supply a real performance increase. 3DMark2006 finishes with 6269 points (EB3Z1E: 6237). This is an unusually low score for a HD 5650, but it's the logical result for a core rate of 450 MHz. The same GPU can achieve 6754 points in the Aspire Timeline X 3820TG (i5-460M).

Since the GPU has previously been comprehensively tested, merely a random test with two hardware intensive games will follow here.

Risen

The fantasy role game from the end of 2009 is still a big piece to chew for non-high-end laptops. Consequently, merely a stuttering 22 fps can be supplied in high details (1280x1024). Our test data base's standard resolution of 1366x768 couldn't be set (thus no record). The aforementioned was the next best resolution. If you'd like to have a smooth game play, you will definitely have to reduce to medium details, respectively 1024x768. The dream of an adventure in FullHD (max details) is therefore shattered (15 fps). The low clocking Radeon looses about 5 fps (high) or 2 fps (max) in comparison with the best possible fps of a HD 5650 (25 in high, 17 in max).

Risen
 ResolutionSettingsValue
 1920x1080high/all on, 0xAA, 4xAF14.9 fps
 1024x768all on/med, 2xAF28.8 fps
  Your browser does not support the canvas element!

Battlefield: Bad Company 2

Until now, the shooter could be played adequately up to good with a midrange HD 5650 or Geforce GT 435M in high details (1366x768, -30fps). It wasn't possible to play the HD 5650M at hand with our database calibrated resolution of 1366x768. Instead, we had to select the next best resolution of 1280x1024. The Vaio only achieved 22 fps here. The game first achieved the best playability with medium details in 1280x720 pixels (42 fps). The bandwidth on the narrow level is illustrated by the following chart, which is limited by low details at the top (green). Once again, gaming with FullHD shouldn't be considered.

Battlefield: Bad Company 2
 ResolutionSettingsValue
 1920x1080high, HBAO on, 4xAA, 8xAF12.8 fps
 1024x768low, HBAO off, 1xAA, 1xAF50 fps
  Your browser does not support the canvas element!

Gaming Verdict

Even the average gamer will quickly find the Vaio VPC-EB4X1E/BQ's performance limits. It's very tempting to set the next possible resolution. However, the weak HD 5650 hasn't been conceived for this purpose. The low clock rate of 450 MHz (core) hardly plays a role here. Demanding tracks, like Battlefield: Bad Company, Crysis, Dirt 2, StarCraft 2 or Risen (see HD 5650 spec sheet) are unplayable in the maximum resolution.

The HD 5650's 450 MHz force the user to reduce to medium details, instead of high details in HD Ready (1366x768 or similar), in a few games. At least a Geforce GTX 460M with a GDDR5 video memory is required for games in FullHD.

low med. high ultra
Risen (2009) 28.8 14.9
Battlefield: Bad Company 2 (2010) 50 12.8

Emissions

Air outlet
Air outlet

System Noise

The cooling system turns up to 49.6 dB(A) in the stress test (Furmark & Prime95 run simultaneous / 15 centimeters in front of the case edge). Although this is very loud, there is a haphazard drop in intensity. Without a change of load, the noise level suddenly sinks to 38 dB(A), stays there for about 60 seconds and howls up to 49.6 dB(A) again (maximum level). After a stress phase of several hours, the temperature inside the case apparently has problems to cool down. The fan sporadically increases from 33 to 47 dB(A) and then drops again even 10 minutes after the stress is finished (idle). This ONLY happens after previous maximum load.

The fluctuations shouldn't be deterring since they only appear at this level in the unrealistic stress test. The user has to provide a long period of permanent stress until this level is achieved in computer games. A point of reference for 3D games is 40 dB(A), even if Furmark alone droned with 49 dB(A).

The VPC-EB4 is always audible in office mode with 32.7 dB(A). The fan is never disabled, however it rotates consistently. The hard disk attracts attention during intense activity with 32.6 dB(A), which sounds like a quiet crackling (read/write heads).

Noise Level

Idle
32.7 / 32.7 / 32.7 dB(A)
HDD
32.6 dB(A)
DVD
37.8 / dB(A)
Load
49.2 / 49.6 dB(A)
  red to green bar
 
 
30 dB
silent
40 dB(A)
audible
50 dB(A)
loud
 
min: dark, med: mid, max: light   Voltcraft sl-320 (15 cm distance)
Idle: CPU 30 degrees maximum
Idle: CPU 30 degrees maximum
Stress test: CPU 76 degrees maximum
Stress test: CPU 76 degrees maximum

Temperature

The consistently rotating fan provides for a pleasantly cool case in every operating mode. The base unit stays cool in idle. It only heats up to 23 degrees (top), respectively 22 degrees (bottom) on average. These are lower rates than in the predecessor EB3Z1E with an i5-460M.

The surface temperatures only increase slowly in the processor and graphics stress test. The average only rises by four to five degrees. The processor didn't have any problems with the temperature during the stress test. The maximum core temperature of 76 degrees Celsius (GPU: 60 degrees) makes a perfectly cooled impression.

Max. Load
 27.1 °C
81 F
27.5 °C
82 F
20.8 °C
69 F
 
 29.3 °C
85 F
30 °C
86 F
21.3 °C
70 F
 
 22.2 °C
72 F
28.5 °C
83 F
24.3 °C
76 F
 
Maximum: 30 °C = 86 F
Average: 25.7 °C = 78 F
19.8 °C
68 F
20.4 °C
69 F
33.3 °C
92 F
21.1 °C
70 F
32.2 °C
90 F
31.1 °C
88 F
24.7 °C
76 F
25.6 °C
78 F
24.7 °C
76 F
Maximum: 33.3 °C = 92 F
Average: 25.9 °C = 79 F
Power Supply (max.)  52.2 °C = 126 F | Room Temperature 17 °C = 63 F | Voltcraft IR-360
(+) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 25.7 °C / 78 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 30 °C / 86 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 33.3 °C / 92 F, compared to the average of 39.1 °C / 102 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 22.8 °C / 73 F, compared to the device average of 31.2 °C / 88 F.
(+) The palmrests and touchpad are cooler than skin temperature with a maximum of 28.5 °C / 83.3 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 (+0.3 °C / 0.5 F).

Battery Life

The short battery life limits mobile movie entertainment to a minimum. But at least the tight 39 watt hour battery (3500 mAh) is sufficient for good two hours. A DVD movie comes to an end after 2:17 hours (DVD playback: 137 minutes). If you reach for a BluRay, you might not be able to watch your movie to its end with 1:40 hours (100 minutes). The movie runtimes are identical to the Vaio EB3Z1E.

Surfing on the internet (WLAN test) is possible for a bit longer. However, it finishes after not quite two and a half hours (145 minutes). The 15.5 incher's maximum idle runtime remains unchanged at 225 minutes. 184 minutes pass until the battery is fully recharged (3:04 hours).

Charge: 184 min.
Charge: 184 min.
DVD: 137 min.
DVD: 137 min.
BluRay: 100 min.
BluRay: 100 min.
WLAN: 145 min.
WLAN: 145 min.
Idle: 225 min.
Idle: 225 min.
Load: 51 min.
Load: 51 min.
Battery Runtime
Idle (without WLAN, min brightness)
3h 45min
WiFi Surfing
2h 25min
DVD
2h 17min
Blu-ray
1h 40min
Load (maximum brightness)
0h 51min

The Vaio EB4X needs a minimum of 16.1 watts during use (idle, maximum energy saving). When the setting is on "high performance" in idle (wireless on, maximum brightness), the CPU doesn't downclock and allows the system's power consumption to climb to 24.2 watts.

When the Core i5-480M and the HD 5650 mutually take the stress test, the effective power climbs to 61.8 watts. If the CPU calculates on its own, the measurement increases to 68 watts. Something's gone wrong here. The guilty party is quickly found in the 75 watt adapter (ADP-75UB E). It doesn't have enough power for the maximum power consumption, which is why the processor doesn't use the full clock rate under extreme load. The second screen shows one of the CPU cores at 1197 MHz. This is practically the parking position.

We don't believe that this throttling is critical for computer use since it only turns up during extreme load of CPU & GPU. 3DMark2006 compresses the power consumption to 49.4 watts. 3D games will also be in this range.

Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 0.3 / 1 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 16.1 / 22 / 24.2 Watt
Load midlight 42.8 / 61.8 Watt
 color bar
Key: min: dark, med: mid, max: light        Voltcraft VC 960
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.

Verdict

Sony Vaio VPC-EB4X1E/BQ: Color rich FullHD display
Sony Vaio VPC-EB4X1E/BQ: Color rich FullHD display

The 15.5 incher, Sony Vaio VPC-EB4X1E/BQ has inherited its predecessor's good qualities and still represents a lucrative offer with a starting price of 840 euros (predecessor: Vaio VPC-EB3Z1E/BQ). Especially when the customer is aiming for a high definition FullHD screen and BluRay player, there's not much competition at this price.

The plain plastic notebook is remote from being perfect, even if we highly praise the screen. However, the VPC-EB4X1E/BQ focuses on the vital issues and disregards glamorous looks. Work is pleasant on the resistant surfaces and with the well responding keys. The temperatures remain down to earth and there are abundant interfaces.

Entertainment fans will be well served with the Intel Core i5-480M's (2x2.66 GHz) and ATI HD 5650's (450 MHz) performance. However, gamers will be more annoyed about the HD 5650's weakness than about the low clock rate. Gaming in maximum FullHD is far from possible.

The cursor's frequently unsmooth conduct on the knobbed touchpad is a point of criticism. The knobs' haptics are pleasant, but the motion detection is a bit rough in our opinion, especially when accuracy and speed are called for. The fan can't settle for a constant speed under high load, but keeps the case cool in every state.

If you're looking for FullHD for less than 1000 euros, you'll find the MSI GX660R-i5847LW7P (starting at 890 euros) or the Vaio VPC-F13L8E/H Titanium gray (starting at 929 euros). The MSI has the advantage of a much stronger graphics card and superior sound. The display's workmanship and quality are however considerably inferior (color spectrum, contrast, viewing angles). The Sony Vaio VPC-F13 Titanium includes a better case quality, but it has lower contrasts, narrower viewing angles and a tighter color spectrum. Considering all this, the Vaio VPC-EB4X1E/BQ is all alone in terms of great colors.

Sony Vaio VPC-EB4X1E/BQ: The same color rich FullHD display as its predecessor Vaio -EB3Z1E/BQ
Sony Vaio VPC-EB4X1E/BQ: The same color rich FullHD display as its predecessor Vaio -EB3Z1E/BQ
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In Review: Sony Vaio VPC-EB4X1E/BQ
In Review: Sony Vaio VPC-EB4X1E/BQ

Specifications

Sony Vaio VPC-EB4X1E/BQ (Vaio VPC-EB Series)
Processor
Intel Core i5-480M 2 x 2.7 - 2.9 GHz, Arrandale
Graphics adapter
ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5650 - 1024 MB VRAM, Core: 450 MHz, Memory: 790 MHz, low clock rate according to AMD specifications, 8.672.1.300
Memory
4 GB 
, PC3-10600 667MHz 2x2048MB
Display
15.60 inch 16:9, 1920 x 1080 pixel, nicht auslesbar, almost sRGB color gamut, glossy: yes
Mainboard
Intel HM55
Storage
Seagate Momentus 5400.6 ST9500325AS, 500 GB 
, 5400 rpm
Soundcard
Realtek ALC269 @ Intel Ibex Peak PCH
Connections
1 Express Card 34mm, 3 USB 2.0, 1 VGA, 1 HDMI, 1 Kensington Lock, 1 eSata, Audio Connections: line-out, mic, Card Reader: memory stick (Duo/Pro-HG Duo) slot & SD card (SDHC-/SDXC compatible)
Networking
Marvell Yukon 88E8059 PCI-E Gigabit Ethernet Controller (10/100/1000MBit/s), Atheros AR9285 Wireless Network Adapter (b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/), Bluetooth 2.1+EDR
Optical drive
Pioneer BD-ROM BDC-TD03
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 31.1 x 369.8 x 248.2 ( = 1.22 x 14.56 x 9.77 in)
Battery
39 Wh Lithium-Ion, 11.1V 3500mAh
Operating System
Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64 Bit
Camera
Webcam: 0.3MP 640×480
Additional features
Media Gallery, PMB VAIO Edition, VAIO Media Plus, Microsoft Office Starter 2010, Norton Online Backup, 24 Months Warranty
Weight
2.536 kg ( = 89.45 oz / 5.59 pounds), Power Supply: 300 g ( = 10.58 oz / 0.66 pounds)

 

The plain 15.5 incher from Vaio awakes yearnings.
The plain 15.5 incher from Vaio awakes yearnings.
The cooling system gets very loud in stress situations.
The cooling system gets very loud in stress situations.
Restrained details, like the webcam
Restrained details, like the webcam
or the perforated area above the keys
or the perforated area above the keys
make the Vaio EB4 to a plain laptop (power key).
make the Vaio EB4 to a plain laptop (power key).
The bottom allows battery access.
The bottom allows battery access.
It's rolled out.
It's rolled out.
The cells already look very small.
The cells already look very small.
The low capacity of 3500 mAh confirms this.
The low capacity of 3500 mAh confirms this.
When the 39 watt hours are drained after two and a half hours,
When the 39 watt hours are drained after two and a half hours,
the weak 75 watt adapter has to be called upon.
the weak 75 watt adapter has to be called upon.
Hard disk and RAM
Hard disk and RAM
can be replaced with a few steps.
can be replaced with a few steps.
The DDR3 RAM is placed on two bays.
The DDR3 RAM is placed on two bays.
Even two cardreaders are onboard (HG Duo & SD).
Even two cardreaders are onboard (HG Duo & SD).
Users receive a multitude of interfaces (eSATA, HDMI, ExpressCard34).
Users receive a multitude of interfaces (eSATA, HDMI, ExpressCard34).
The touchpad has scroll bars (vertical, horizontal).
The touchpad has scroll bars (vertical, horizontal).
In the simple, plastic case,
In the simple, plastic case,
you'll find a high definition FullHD display.
you'll find a high definition FullHD display.
In combination with a BluRay player, Core i5 and HD 5650,
In combination with a BluRay player, Core i5 and HD 5650,
it could almost make a perfect entertainment machine.
it could almost make a perfect entertainment machine.
The model VPC-EB4X1E/BQ is already available for starting at 840 euros.
The model VPC-EB4X1E/BQ is already available for starting at 840 euros.
The base unit is fairly stable,
The base unit is fairly stable,
the hinges have a secure hold on the heavy lid.
the hinges have a secure hold on the heavy lid.
The wrist-rest is made of simple, uncoated plastic.
The wrist-rest is made of simple, uncoated plastic.
The WUXGA display hasn't been AR treated. This causes
The WUXGA display hasn't been AR treated. This causes
annoying reflections outdoors. Not so under clouds, though.
annoying reflections outdoors. Not so under clouds, though.
The keys have a generous layout –
The keys have a generous layout –
thus, accurate typing is an ease.
thus, accurate typing is an ease.
Hot keys for maintenance and mini operating screen (splashtop) are above the keys.
Hot keys for maintenance and mini operating screen (splashtop) are above the keys.
The only supplies in the box is paperwork (warranty card, quick guide, recovery instructions).
The only supplies in the box is paperwork (warranty card, quick guide, recovery instructions).

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Links

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Pros

+FullHD resolution
+Stable horizontal viewing angles
+BluRay player
+Good contrasts & sRGB
+Good keyboard
+Matt work environment
+Many interfaces
+Low waste heat
 

Cons

-Interface positioning
-Touchpad imprecise
-Short battery life
-Limited 3D performance
-TFT not AR treated
-Loud under extreme load

Shortcut

What we like

A display that let you forget the device's drawbacks. Stable viewing angles, good contrasts and sRGB are very rare in a consumer laptop.

What we'd like to see

A fan that isn't a sporadic under constant load. A touchpad with a simple and smooth surface.

What surprises us

The courage to leave the wrist-rest uncoated, unpolished and without aluminum applications. This doesn't emit a sense of luxury, but has a certain amount of retro-charm.

The competition

FullHD option for less than 1000 euros: MSI GX660R-i5847LW7P and Vaio VPC-F13L8E/H Titanium grau

Rating

Sony Vaio VPC-EB4X1E/BQ - 03/04/2011 v2(old)
Sebastian Jentsch

Chassis
84%
Keyboard
87%
Pointing Device
76%
Connectivity
76%
Weight
80%
Battery
70%
Display
85%
Games Performance
77%
Application Performance
89%
Temperature
94%
Noise
72%
Add Points
90%
Average
82%
82%
Multimedia - Weighted Average
Sebastian Jentsch, 2011-03- 7 (Update: 2013-06- 6)