Sony Vaio Flip 15 SV-F15N190X
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Average of 3 scores (from 4 reviews)
Reviews for the Sony Vaio Flip 15 SV-F15N190X
Source: Computer Shopper Archive.org version
The Sony VAIO Flip 15 ($1,199 as tested) raises two questions: How much extra would you pay to shift from a touch-screen laptop to a laptop/tablet convertible, and why would you want a relatively big and heavy 15.5-inch tablet?Sony outdoes its own Duo slider with perhaps the best laptop/tablet hybrid design we've seen, but the smaller and lighter Flip 13 and 14 are probably better examples than this 15.5-inch, 5.1-pound configuration.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 11/04/2013
Rating: Total score: 70%
Source: PC Mag Archive.org version
On the whole, we are bullish on the way Sony handles the convertible laptop conundrum with the Sony VAIO Flip 15. The mid-lid hinge solves a lot of the problems that the Yoga-style flip introduces, and is much more modern than the old swing and pivot hinge on older convertible tablet/laptops. The overall weight and bulkiness of the unit needs to improve if this method is to become the form factor that users accept.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 10/15/2013
Rating: Total score: 70%
Source: CNet Archive.org version
There are few bigger-screen hybrids right now, likely because the mechanics of flipping or folding a 15-inch or larger screen is complicated compared with a smaller 11-inch or 13-inch one. Sony does an excellent job of making its fold-over Flip 15 screen mechanism feel smooth and secure, but the odd decision to not have the tablet mode lie completely flat makes the system's tablet mode awkward to hold or carry.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 10/15/2013
Rating: Total score: 76% performance: 70% mobility: 60%
Source: Engadget Archive.org version
The Flip series has an innovative design that does indeed improve on some of its competitors' shortcomings. We're just not sure it makes sense for a 15-inch notebook. While the smaller Flip 13 and Flip 14 look promising, the 15 is bulky for a convertible, and is awkward to use in tablet mode, even when it's resting in your lap.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 10/15/2013
Comment
Intel HD Graphics 4400:
ULV integrated GPU (GT2) with 20 EUs found on certain Haswell CPU models.
Non demanding games should be playable with these graphics cards.
» 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.
4500U:
Haswell-based ULV dual-core processor clocked at 1.8 GHz with Turbo Boost support up to 3.0 GHz. Offers an integrated HD Graphics 4400 and a dual-channel DDR3 memory controller.
» Further information can be found in our Comparison of Mobile Processsors.15.60":
15-inch display variants are the standard and are used for more than half of all laptops.
The reason for the popularity of mid-sized displays is that this size is reasonably easy on the eyes, often allows high resolutions and thus offers rich details on the screen, yet does not consume too much power and the devices can still be reasonably compact - simply the standard compromise.
» To find out how fine a display is, see our DPI List.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.
72%: This rating is poor. More than three quarters of the models are rated better. That is rather not a purchase recommendation. Even if verbal ratings in this area do not sound that bad ("sufficient" or "satisfactory"), they are usually euphemisms that disguise a classification as a below-average laptop.
» Further information can be found in our Notebook Purchase Guide.