Sony Vaio VGN-BX197XP

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Reviews for the Sony Vaio VGN-BX197XP

Sony VAIO VGN-BX197XP
Source: Bios Magazine Archive.org version
Sony’s new BX-Series laptops offer the business user a complete package, from sophisticated features to a selection of warranty options, but it’s far too big and heavy (402x297x43mm, 4.1kg) to lug around all day and its battery life is pathetic - we managed to get just over 1 hour in our tests. And although the system is entirely designed for business users and offers a relatively wide range of configurations, we’re disappointed that there is no dual-core option. Sony’s BX series offer business-friendly qualities and performance that will be appreciated by any power user. However, the VGN-BX197XP is not exactly groundbreaking, and many ThinkPads have offered the same security features and shared peripherals for years (except for the built-in Web camera). Nevertheless it’s still great to see Sony finally making it easier for businesses to deploy a fleet of VAIO laptops, and the way all the models in the range share the same peripherals is a real cost saver. Hardly travel friendly, the VGN-BX197XP would make a decent deskbound workhorse.
eher kurz gehaltener Test; online abrufbar

Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 04/07/2006

Foreign Reviews

85% Was Großes fürs Geschäft
Source: Notebook / Organizer / Handy DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, , Length Unknown, Date: 04/01/2006
Rating: Total score: 85% price: 85%

50% Desktop Replacement mit wenigen Wermutstropfen - Business Klasse" aber nur im Werbeslogan
Source: Ciao.de DE→EN Archive.org version
User Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 02/28/2006
Rating: Total score: 50% mobility: 45% workmanship: 90% ergonomy: 50%

Comment

ATI Mobility Radeon X700: ATI Mobility Radeon X700 is the middle class graphic card for notebooks of the X000 series (the 1000 series). Its performance can be compared with NVIDIA Go 6600. Technically it is comparable with the desktop X700 graphic chip + energy saving functions.

Only some 3D games with very low demands are playable with these cards.

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

Intel Pentium M: With Intel chip set (855 or 915) and Intel WLAN also available with the name Centrino (name for the package).
In the comparison very fast per megahertz and very modest with weaknesses in floating point operations.
It is also available as a low voltage version with very small current consumption.

760: » Further information can be found in our Comparison of Mobile Processsors.

17.10": This display size is a standard format for desktop replacements (DTR). The DTR laptops are heavier to carry, need more power, but texts are easy to read and high resolutions are no problem. DTR are mainly intended for stationary desk use, where weight and energy hunger don't matter. In return, you enjoy the advantages of high resolutions (more details, better legibility).» To find out how fine a display is, see our DPI List.

4 kg:

Only a few laptops are in this weight class because the mobility is rather limited due to the high weight. 

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.

67.5%: 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.