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Sony Vaio VGN-NS Series

Sony VAIO VGN-NS230EProcessor: Intel Core 2 Duo P8600, Intel Core 2 Duo T5800, Intel Core 2 Duo T6400, Intel Pentium Dual Core T3200, Intel Pentium Dual Core T3400, Intel Pentium Dual Core T4200
Graphics Adapter: ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3430, Intel Graphics Media Accelerator (GMA) 4500M, Intel Graphics Media Accelerator (GMA) 4500MHD
Display: 15.40 inch
Weight: 2.7kg, 2.8kg, 2.9kg
Price: 600, 650, 700, 800, 900 euro
Average Score: 69.59% - average
Average of 17 scores (from 18 reviews)
price: 72%, performance: 60%, features: 65%, display: 75%, mobility: 62%, workmanship: 74%, ergonomy: 75%, emissions: 66%

 

Sony Vaio VGN-NS140E

Specifications

Sony Vaio VGN-NS140ENotebook: Sony Vaio VGN-NS140E
Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo T5800
Graphics Adapter: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator (GMA) 4500MHD
Display: 15.40 inch, 16:10, 1280 x 800 pixels
Weight: 2.9kg
Price: 700 euro
Links: Sony homepage
 Sony notebook section
 Vaio VGN-NS (Series)

Pricecompare

Average Score: 72% - average

Average of 1 scores (from 1 reviews)

 

Reviews

72% Sony Vaio NS140E/S
Source: CNet English Archive.org version
Thanks to its low-cost, solid construction, roomy and comfortable keyboard, and current Intel platform, the Sony Vaio VGN-NS140E is a 15-inch mainstream laptop worthy of your consideration.
(von 10): 7.2, Ausstattung 7, Leistung 7, Mobilität 7, Verarbeitung gut, Preis gut, Emissionen schlecht
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 10/27/2008
Rating: Total score: 72% price: 80% performance: 70% features: 70% mobility: 70% workmanship: 80% emissions: 40%

 

Sony Vaio VGN-NS160E/S

Specifications

Sony Vaio VGN-NS160E/SNotebook: Sony Vaio VGN-NS160E/S
Processor: Intel Pentium Dual Core T3200
Graphics Adapter: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator (GMA) 4500MHD
Display: 15.40 inch, 16:10, 1280 x 800 pixels
Weight: 2.9kg
Price: 600 euro
Links: Sony homepage
 Sony notebook section
 Vaio VGN-NS (Series)

Pricecompare

Average Score: 75% - good

Average of 1 scores (from 1 reviews)

 

Reviews

75% Sony VAIO VGN-NS160E/S
Source: Computer Shopper English Archive.org version
This budget-friendly VAIO may be missing a few features, but it does come with a Blu-ray drive and Sony’s popular multimedia software.
7.5 von 10, Display gut
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 11/15/2008
Rating: Total score: 75% display: 80%

 

Sony Vaio VGN-NS10L/S

Specifications

Sony Vaio VGN-NS10L/SNotebook: Sony Vaio VGN-NS10L/S
Processor: Intel Pentium Dual Core T3200
Graphics Adapter: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator (GMA) 4500MHD
Display: 15.40 inch, 16:10, 1280 x 800 pixels
Weight: 2.9kg
Price: 600 euro
Links: Sony homepage
 Sony notebook section
 Vaio VGN-NS (Series)
 Vaio VGN-NS10L/S (Model)

Pricecompare

Average Score: 80% - good

Average of 1 scores (from 1 reviews)

 

Reviews

80% Sony VAIO VGN-NS10L/S review
Source: Tech Advisor English Archive.org version
The Sony VAIO VGN-NS10L/S is a well featured and well built laptop for just £421 that's a pleasure to use. However, if you're looking for raw speed and longer battery life you'll be better served by the Medion or the Samsung.
von 5: 4, Ausstattung 3.5, Verarbeitung 4, Leistung mangelhaft, Mobilität mangelhaft
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 12/09/2008
Rating: Total score: 80% performance: 50% features: 70% mobility: 50% workmanship: 80%

 

Sony Vaio VGN-NS20Z/S

Specifications

Sony Vaio VGN-NS20Z/SNotebook: Sony Vaio VGN-NS20Z/S
Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo T6400
Graphics Adapter: ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3430
Display: 15.40 inch, 16:10, 1280 x 800 pixels
Weight: 2.9kg
Price: 700 euro
Links: Sony homepage
 Sony notebook section
 Vaio VGN-NS (Series)
 Vaio VGN-NS20Z/S (Model)

Pricecompare

Average Score: 70% - average

Average of 1 scores (from 1 reviews)

 

Reviews

70% Sony VAIO VGN-NS20Z/S review
Source: Techradar English Archive.org version
The Sony VAIO VGN-NS20Z/S is a reasonable entry-level laptop that will suit students or those with basic needs. The chassis is tough and, while the keyboard proved a little soft for regular use, the keys made it still more than usable.
3.5 von 5, Leistung gut, Ausstattung gut, Display schlecht, Verarbeitung schlecht
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 01/08/2009
Rating: Total score: 70% performance: 80% features: 80% display: 40% workmanship: 40%

 

Sony Vaio VGN-NS240E/W

Specifications

Sony Vaio VGN-NS240E/WNotebook: Sony Vaio VGN-NS240E/W
Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo T6400
Graphics Adapter: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator (GMA) 4500MHD
Display: 15.40 inch, 16:10, 1280 x 800 pixels
Weight: 2.9kg
Price: 600 euro
Links: Sony homepage
 Sony notebook section
 Vaio VGN-NS (Series)

Pricecompare

Average Score: 60% - poor

Average of 1 scores (from 1 reviews)

 

Reviews

60% Sony Vaio VGN-NS240E/W
Source: CNet English Archive.org version
The Vaio VGN-NS240E/W is a minor update to Sony's previous 15.4-inch NS model we tested, the NS140E/W. The most notable update to this fixed-configuration retail model is a new processor--the 2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T6400, as well as a $100 price drop. Everything we liked about the NS140E/W is still here, but so are all the cons, including a lack of dedicated media control keys, and less memory and storage than you can get from the comparably priced competition. The Sony Vaio VGN-NS240E is a respectable, attractive mainstream budget notebook, but it can't match what the competition is offering for the same price.
60, Leistung 80, Mobilität 40
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 02/02/2009
Rating: Total score: 60% performance: 80% mobility: 40%

 

Sony Vaio VGN-NS20E/S

Specifications

Sony Vaio VGN-NS20E/SNotebook: Sony Vaio VGN-NS20E/S
Processor: Intel Pentium Dual Core T3400
Graphics Adapter: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator (GMA) 4500M
Display: 15.40 inch, 16:10, 1280 x 800 pixels
Weight: 2.9kg
Price: 700 euro
Links: Sony homepage
 Sony notebook section
 Vaio VGN-NS (Series)
 Vaio VGN-NS20E/S (Model)

Pricecompare

Average Score: 77.5% - good

Average of 4 scores (from 4 reviews)

 

Reviews

70% Sony VAIO VGN-NS20E/S - 15.4in Laptop Review
Source: Trusted Reviews English Archive.org version
  This laptop does much to restore the VAIO name after the disappointing CS Series. Its durable, unique-looking chassis and excellent ergonomics will win it many friends, as will its outstanding battery life and affordable price. Only niggles like the lack of HDMI and the limited integrated graphics hold it back, but if these are of little concern to you then this is worth looking at.
70, Preis 80, Leistung 60, Ausstattung 60
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 06/17/2009
Rating: Total score: 70% price: 80% performance: 60% features: 60%
80% Sony VAIO VGN-NS20E/S
Source: Tech Advisor English Archive.org version
Sony's VAIO laptops are sometimes seen as offering something a little more than your average Windows notebook. And one of the additions, aside from more software bloat than just about any other vendor we test, is found in the bottom line. Sony has built a solid and decently specified 15in laptop for £479. It may lack the niceties of Bluetooth and digital video out, but the Sony VAIO VGN-NS20 is powerful enough to be used for more creative purposes than any low-cost netbook. It would be a sound choice for anyone looking for an affordable but comfortable-to-use laptop.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 05/13/2009
Rating: Total score: 80% price: 80% features: 70% workmanship: 80%
80% Sony VAIO VGN-NS20E/S review
Source: Techradar English Archive.org version
While some laptops are designed to meet a budget price, others are considerably more expensive and drop in price when budget components are added. The Sony VAIO VGN-NS20E/S (£480 inc. VAT) is a great example of this, with previous models starting off considerably more expensive. The NS20E/S remains an impressive laptop by virtue of its design and quality. It's just such a shame that it's hobbled by poor performance.
80, Leistung 40, Verarbeitung 80
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 03/27/2009
Rating: Total score: 80% performance: 40% workmanship: 80%
80% Sony VAIO VGN-NS20E/S review
Source: Techradar English Archive.org version
Budget price and components in a premium chassis make this a great laptop. While some laptops are designed to meet a budget price, others are considerably more expensive and drop in price when budget components are added. The Sony VAIO VGN-NS20E/S (£480 inc. VAT) is a great example of this, with previous models starting off considerably more expensive. As such, you'll find one of the best screens at this price point, although it's still bettered by the excellent Acer Aspire 5735-583G16Mn. The NS20E/S remains an impressive laptop by virtue of its design and quality. It's just such a shame that it's hobbled by poor performance.
80, Leistung 30, Verarbeitung 80
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 02/08/2009
Rating: Total score: 80% performance: 30% workmanship: 80%

 

Sony Vaio VGN-NS21S

Specifications

Sony Vaio VGN-NS21SNotebook: Sony Vaio VGN-NS21S
Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo T6400
Graphics Adapter: ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3430
Display: 15.40 inch, 16:10, 1280 x 800 pixels
Weight: 2.9kg
Price: 800 euro
Links: Sony homepage
 Sony notebook section
 Vaio VGN-NS (Series)
 Vaio VGN-NS21S (Model)

Pricecompare

Average Score: 69.5% - average

Average of 2 scores (from 2 reviews)

 

Foreign Reviews

83% Vergleichstest
Source: Computerbild - 6/09 German
Comparison, , Long, Date: 05/01/2009
Rating: Total score: 83% price: 80% performance: 80% features: 83% display: 88% ergonomy: 83% emissions: 92%
56% Sony VGN-NS21S
Source: PC Welt German DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 02/23/2009
Rating: Total score: 56% price: 80% performance: 46% features: 36% mobility: 71% ergonomy: 67%

 

Sony Vaio VGN-NS235J/S

Specifications

Sony Vaio VGN-NS235J/SNotebook: Sony Vaio VGN-NS235J/S
Processor: Intel Pentium Dual Core T3400
Graphics Adapter: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator (GMA) 4500MHD
Display: 15.40 inch, 16:10, 1280 x 800 pixels
Weight: 2.9kg
Price: 650 euro
Links: Sony homepage
 Sony notebook section
 Vaio VGN-NS (Series)

Pricecompare

Average Score: 60% - poor

Average of 1 scores (from 1 reviews)

 

Reviews

60% Sony VAIO VGN-NS235J/S 15.4-inch Budget Laptop PC
Source: Comp Reviews English Archive.org version
Sony's VAIO NS series of laptops may be their value line but they are still fairly expensive to similarly equipped laptops from other companies. So, why the extra cost? It really comes down to the style of the laptop. Sony definitely builds their laptops to look and feel better than the other companies, but performance wise it really isn't anything different from a laptop that can be found for over a hunder dollars less.
60, Preis 40, Leistung 40
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 04/17/2009
Rating: Total score: 60% price: 40% performance: 40%

 

Sony Vaio VGN-NS30E/S

Specifications

Sony Vaio VGN-NS30E/SNotebook: Sony Vaio VGN-NS30E/S
Processor: Intel Pentium Dual Core T4200
Graphics Adapter: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator (GMA) 4500M
Display: 15.40 inch, 16:10, 1280 x 800 pixels
Weight: 2.9kg
Price: 700 euro
Links: Sony homepage
 Sony notebook section
 Vaio VGN-NS (Series)
 Vaio VGN-NS30E/S (Model)

Pricecompare

Average Score: 59% - poor

Average of 3 scores (from 3 reviews)

 

Reviews

60% Sony VAIO VGN-NS30E/S review
Source: Techradar English Archive.org version

A good specification on offer for the money, but little here to excite. The VAIO VGN-NS30E/S is a comfortable, well-equipped and well-made laptop. Although the design is beginning to look a little old, it will still appeal to some users. If you need a good balance between battery life and performance, it's worth a look, but it's otherwise bettered by the Asus M51a and Acer Aspire 5410T.


Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 10/13/2009
Rating: Total score: 60%
67% Sony VAIO VGN-NS30E/S
Source: PC Pro English Archive.org version
Put the Sony side by side with the likes of HP's stylish dv-series laptops, and it looks its age. Finished in silver, the VGN-NS30E/S wants to look like an aluminium-framed beauty. Step closer, however, and it becomes clear that this is just another budget laptop, finished in cunningly textured plastic. A dependable budget laptop, but a bit of a porker - and it isn't the most stylish either
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 10/05/2009
Rating: Total score: 67% price: 83% performance: 67%
50% Sony VAIO VGN-NS30E/S - 15.4in Laptop Review
Source: Trusted Reviews English Archive.org version
Our primary impression when unpacking Sony's VGN-NS30E/S 15.4in Laptop was one of déjà vu: on the outside it's completely identical to the Sony VAIO VGN-NS20E/S we reviewed a few weeks ago. Sony's VAIO VGN-NS30E/S might have class-leading battery life for its form factor, but with the physically-identical NS20E not far behind there's little reason to spend the extra £100 it demands until it comes down in price to match. If battery life is not that important, meanwhile, there are many more feature-rich offerings available at this price point.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 07/15/2009
Rating: Total score: 50% price: 50% performance: 70% features: 50%

 

Sony Vaio VGN-NS31S

Specifications

Sony Vaio VGN-NS31SNotebook: Sony Vaio VGN-NS31S
Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo P8600
Graphics Adapter: ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3430
Display: 15.40 inch, 16:10, 1280 x 800 pixels
Weight: 2.8kg
Price: 900 euro
Links: Sony homepage
 Sony notebook section
 Vaio VGN-NS (Series)

Pricecompare

Average Score: 80% - good

Average of 1 scores (from 1 reviews)

 

Foreign Reviews

80% Sony Vaio NS31S/S
Source: PCM Dutch NL→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 08/20/2009
Rating: Total score: 80%

 

Sony Vaio VGN-NS30E/W

Specifications

Sony Vaio VGN-NS30E/WNotebook: Sony Vaio VGN-NS30E/W
Processor: Intel Pentium Dual Core T4200
Graphics Adapter: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator (GMA) 4500M
Display: 15.40 inch, 16:10, 1280 x 800 pixels
Weight: 2.7kg
Price: 650 euro
Links: Sony homepage
 Sony notebook section
 Vaio VGN-NS (Series)

Pricecompare

Average Score: 60% - poor

Average of 1 scores (from 1 reviews)

 

Reviews

60% Sony Vaio VGN-NS30E/W review
Source: Techradar English Archive.org version

Can Sony's budget laptop retain the gloss of its high-end offerings? Sony is well known for its ultraportables and high-end VAIO laptops, but the brand also features a range of cheaper machines. Although the Sony VAIO VGN-NS30E/W has the potential to be an excellent laptop, budget components hinder everyday performance and usability. It remains a comfortable and stylish option, but look elsewhere if gaming or multitasking is a requirement.


Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 08/24/2009
Rating: Total score: 60%

 

Sony VAIO VGN-NS230E

Specifications

Sony VAIO VGN-NS230ENotebook: Sony VAIO VGN-NS230E
Processor: Intel Pentium Dual Core T3400
Graphics Adapter: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator (GMA) 4500M
Display: 15.40 inch, 16:10, 1280 x 800 pixels
Weight: 2.9kg
Price: 600 euro
Links: Sony homepage
 Sony notebook section
 Vaio VGN-NS (Series)

Pricecompare

 

Reviews

Sony VAIO VGN-NS230E
Source: notebookforums.com English Archive.org version
Weighing at 6+lbs, this general-purpose notebook is a good buy at around 700USD. The 15.4" screen of 1280x800 is stocked with an Intel Pentium dual Core, a 250GB hard disk drive and 3 GB of RAM. Pentium Dual Core? What is Sony thinking about in this computing age? Good price system for a Sony notebook, with a gook looking design look. Another point to Sony for its low price line.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 09/25/2009
Rating: performance: 70% display: 90% mobility: 80% workmanship: 80%

 

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.


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

Intel Graphics Media Accelerator (GMA) 4500MHD: Onboard (shared Memory) GPU built in the GM45, GE45 and GS45 chipset (Montevina). Because of two more shaders and a higher core clock, much faster than the old GMA X3100. Still not advisable for gamers (DirectX 10 games not playable or only with very low settings). The integrated video processor is able to help decode HD videos (AVC/VC-2/MPEG2) , e.g., for a fluent Blu-Ray playback with slow CPUs.

ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3430: Entry level low end dedicated graphics adapter with slower clock rates than the HD 3450.

Intel Graphics Media Accelerator (GMA) 4500M: The graphics core of the Intel GL40 and GS40 chipset features a slower clocked GMA 4500MHD (400 versus 533 MHz). Because of the slower core speed, full Blu-Ray Logo support is not given and the gaming performance is a bit worse.

» 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.

T5800: Entry level dual core processor based on the Merom core without Virtualization support and a low maximum temperature.

T6400: Entry level dual core processor based on the Penryn core with only 2 MB level 2 cache and a low clock speed.

P8600:

Fast but still not overpriced dual core CPU. For most games and multimedia applications sufficient and due to the 25W TDP even for smaller notebooks useable.

Intel Pentium Dual Core: The return of the name Pentium, though it is a Yonah core. In fact, it is a double Core processor with a very good relation of performance to current consumption.

T3200: Entry-level dual core processor with a slow performance due to the old Merom core and a small level 2 cache.

T3400: Merom based entry-level Pentium Dual-Core processor with some reduced power saving functions compared to Core 2 Duo CPUs.

T4200:

Entry class dual core CPU with 1 MB level 2 cache and no virtualization technology. Compared to the Core 2 Duo line, some power saving mechanism are deactivated. 

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


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


2.7 kg:

With this weight, a laptop is rather heavier than average. Devices in this range shine more with screen size and performance than with mobility.

2.9 kg:


69.59%: 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.

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HP G61-410SA
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Toshiba Satellite Pro L450-13R
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HP Compaq Presario CQ61-402sa
Graphics Media Accelerator (GMA) 4500M, Celeron M 900
Toshiba Satellite L505-ES5018
Graphics Media Accelerator (GMA) 4500M, Pentium Dual Core T4400
Packard Bell EasyNote LJ65-AU-052UK
Graphics Media Accelerator (GMA) 4500M, Pentium Dual Core T4200
HP Compaq Presario CQ60-615DX
Graphics Media Accelerator (GMA) 4500M, Celeron M 900
Sony VAIO VGN-NW20EF/P
Graphics Media Accelerator (GMA) 4500M, Pentium Dual Core T4300
Samsung R530
Graphics Media Accelerator (GMA) 4500M, Pentium Dual Core T4400
Sony Vaio VGN-NS10L/S
Sony Vaio VGN-NS10L/S
Stefan Hinum, 2009-03-21 (Update: 2012-05-26)