Sony Vaio VPC-SE Series

Sony Vaio luxury-business class VPC-SE series is Sony’s latest addition to its S range thin-and-light notebook was first introduced in Q4 2011. Thanks to its light weight, matt full HD IPS screen, fingerprint scanner, TPM chip, UMTS, battery slice and docking port, this notebook attract many business users who travel a lot. Average consumer should also love this laptop due to the dedicate mid-range graphic card, above-average brightness and contrast, high viewing angle Blu-ray reader and reasonable price; it’s also a very good choice for average consumers. Last not least, office users who have to work with spreadsheet a lot will also find this laptop suitable for their needs because of its big screen estate, full size keyboard plus numeric key and back-lit keyboard with good typing feedback.

However, every laptop out there always has some kind of weakness, and the Sony VPC-SE is not an exception. Its high noise, high waste heat during load due to bad position heat sink, short battery life without its optional battery slice and most important of all, inaccurate color reproduction due to the IPS screen from LG keeps it from earning a “very good” rating from Notebookcheck’s comprehensive review.

From business man who travels a lot to multimedia users who do occasional gaming or office users, this jack-of-all-trade solution from Sony should be a very attractive choice for them. If Sony can eliminate the VPC-SE series’s biggest weakness, namely the color reproduction and heat sink in the next refresh, the VPC-SE series should give other 15-inches laptop like the Macbook Pro a run for their money.

Processor: Intel Core i5 2430M, Intel Core i5 2450M, Intel Core i7 2640M
Graphics Adapter: AMD Radeon HD 6330M, AMD Radeon HD 6470M, AMD Radeon HD 6630M
Display: 15.50 inch, 15.60 inch
Weight: 1.9kg, 2kg, 2.033kg, 2.04kg
Price: 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1599, 1600 euro

Average Score: 83.09% - good
Average of 22 scores (from 36 reviews)

price: 87%, performance: 84%, features: 76%, display: 90%, mobility: 77%, workmanship: 77%, ergonomy: 85%, emissions: 79%

Sony Vaio VPC-SE

Specifications

Notebook: Sony Vaio VPC-SE
Processor: Intel Core i5 2430M
Graphics Adapter: AMD Radeon HD 6470M
Display: 15.60 inch, 16:9, 1366 x 768 pixels
Weight: 1.9kg
Price: 1200 euro
Links: Sony homepage
Sony notebook section

Price comparison

Average Score: 81% - good

Average of 3 scores (from 4 reviews)

Reviews

Sony Vaio S Review
Source: Ubergizmo English English

Archive.org version
If you want a pretty laptop that looks great in Internet cafes, the Sony Vaio S may not be for you. It’s not ugly, but there are clearly better-looking computers. However, if you want a great 15” 1080p laptop that weighs as much as many 13.3” computers, the Sony Vaio S is definitely worth considering.
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 02/24/2012

80% Sony Vaio SE (15.5 inch) Review
Source: Digital Trends English

Archive.org version
When we reviewed the Sony Vaio S 13.3 inch, we said it was classic Sony. The same goes for its big brother. This is one of the most attractive PC laptops available today, it offers a display is among the best we’ve ever used, and a user interface that’s much better than average. However, the Vaio isn’t a great value. Make no mistake — this is a quick laptop.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 12/24/2011
Rating: Total score: 80%

83% Sony VAIO SE Series review
Source: PC Pro English

Archive.org version
There’s some tough competition out there, not least the gorgeous Samsung 700Z Chronos, but Sony’s VAIO SE Series has an unusual array of talents. That stunning Full HD display is the centrepiece of a superbly flexible all-rounder, and whether you plump for a low-end specification, or pack it with the latest and greatest components, it’s a top-notch package.
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 11/10/2011
Rating: Total score: 83% price: 83% performance: 83% features: 83% ergonomy: 83%

80% Sony Vaio SE
Source: CNet English

Archive.org version
If Sony knows how to do something well, it's creating slick-looking laptops. Recent examples include the very high-end 13-inch Vaio Z and the more modest Vaio E series, which still manages to have plenty of flair despite the midrange price. Sony knocks out another stylish system with the 15-inch Vaio SE, with some extra appeal for business users.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 09/08/2011
Rating: Total score: 80% performance: 80% mobility: 70%

Sony Vaio VPCSE16FX/B

Specifications

Notebook: Sony Vaio VPCSE16FX/B
Processor: Intel Core i5 2430M
Graphics Adapter: AMD Radeon HD 6630M
Display: 15.50 inch, 16:9, 1920 x 1080 pixels
Weight: 2kg
Price: 1100 euro
Links: Sony homepage
Sony notebook section

Price comparison

Average Score: 70% - average

Average of 1 scores (from 1 reviews)

Reviews

70% Sony VAIO S 15-inch (VPCSE16FX/B) Review
Source: Laptop Mag English

Archive.org version
Those looking for an affordable 15-inch MacBook Pro alternative will find a lot to like in the Sony VAIO S. It offers a bright 1080p display, Blu-ray playback, and good overall performance in a package that's a full pound lighter than Apple's notebook. We also like Sony's entertainment-centric software bundle. In this price range, we give the edge to the Dell XPS 15z. Although the Dell is heavier, it has better audio, beefier Nvidia graphics, and longer battery life without the need for a slice. But if you want to travel light and get the full HD experience, the 15-inch VAIO S is it.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 08/31/2011
Rating: Total score: 70%

Sony Vaio VPC-SE1Z9E/B

Specifications

Notebook: Sony Vaio VPC-SE1Z9E/B
Processor: Intel Core i7 2640M
Graphics Adapter: AMD Radeon HD 6630M 1024 MB
Display: 15.50 inch, 16:9, 1920 x 1080 pixels
Weight: 2.033kg
Price: 1600 euro
Links: Sony homepage
Sony notebook section
Vaio VPC-SE1Z9E/B (Model)

Price comparison

Average Score: 89% - very good

Average of 6 scores (from 8 reviews)

Reviews

83% Review Sony Vaio VPC-SE1Z9E/B Notebook | Notebookcheck
Business deluxe. Sony focuses on its strengths and installs a first rate (matt) Full HD screen. There is also a gaming capable graphics and pro features, such as docking port, UMTS and battery slice. The perfect fusion of work and entertainment?

Foreign Reviews

92% Sony VAIO VPC-SE1Z9E/B
Source: Notebookinfo German

DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 01/03/2012
Rating: Total score: 92% performance: 90% display: 95% mobility: 80% ergonomy: 100% emissions: 80%

92% Sony VAIO VPC-SE1Z9E/B
Source: Notebookinfo German

DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 01/03/2012
Rating: Total score: 92% performance: 90% display: 95% mobility: 80% ergonomy: 100% emissions: 80%

83% Test Sony Vaio VPC-SE1Z9E/B Notebook
Source: Notebookcheck German

DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 11/07/2011
Rating: Total score: 83% performance: 87% display: 94% mobility: 82% workmanship: 84% ergonomy: 84% emissions: 78%

83% Test Sony Vaio VPC-SE1Z9E/B Notebook
Source: Notebookcheck German

92% Sony VAIO VPC-SE1Z9E/B
Source: Notebookinfo German

DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 09/21/2011
Rating: Total score: 92% performance: 90% display: 95% mobility: 80% ergonomy: 100% emissions: 80%

92% Sony VAIO VPC-SE1Z9E/B
Source: Notebookinfo German

DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 09/21/2011
Rating: Total score: 92% performance: 90% display: 95% mobility: 80% ergonomy: 100% emissions: 80%

3D-isierbar
Source: c't - 9/12 German

hardly suited for games but good battery runtime
Single Review, , Long, Date: 04/01/2012

3D-isierbar
Source: c't - 9/12 German

hardly suited for games but good battery runtime
Single Review, , Long, Date: 04/01/2012

Sony Vaio VPC-SE17

Specifications

Notebook: Sony Vaio VPC-SE17
Processor: Intel Core i7 2640M
Graphics Adapter: AMD Radeon HD 6630M
Display: 15.50 inch, 16:9, 1920 x 1080 pixels
Weight: 2kg
Links: Sony homepage
Sony notebook section

Price comparison

Average Score: 92% - very good

Average of 1 scores (from 3 reviews)

Foreign Reviews

索尼VAIO SE17轻薄登场抢先评测分享
Source: enet.com.cn

zh-CN→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 10/14/2011

92% 1인치, 2kg 언더의 휴대 가능한 15.5인치 고성능 노트북 - 소니 바이오 SE17GK/B (성능편)
Source: Notegear

KO→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 10/11/2011
Rating: Total score: 92%

1인치, 2kg 언더의 휴대 가능한 15.5인치 고성능 노트북 - 소니 바이오 SE17GK/B (외형편)
Source: Notegear

KO→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 10/03/2011

Sony Vaio VPC-SE1E1E/S

Specifications

Notebook: Sony Vaio VPC-SE1E1E/S
Processor: Intel Core i5 2430M
Graphics Adapter: AMD Radeon HD 6330M
Display: 15.60 inch, 16:9, 1920 x 1080 pixels
Weight: 1.9kg
Price: 1000 euro
Links: Sony homepage
Sony notebook section
Vaio VPC-SE1E1E/S (Model)

Price comparison

Average Score: 91% - very good

Average of 1 scores (from 3 reviews)

Foreign Reviews

91% Sony VAIO VPC-SE1E1E/S
Source: Notebookinfo German

DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 01/10/2012
Rating: Total score: 91% performance: 85% display: 95% mobility: 85% ergonomy: 100% emissions: 80%

Sony Vaio VPC-SE1E1E/S
Source: Notebookjournal German

DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 10/30/2011
Rating: performance: 60% features: 50% display: 70% mobility: 70% workmanship: 70% ergonomy: 50%

轻薄高性能 15.5英寸索尼VAIO S笔记本评测
Source: IT.com.cn

zh-CN→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 09/06/2011

Sony VAIO VPC-SE1M1E

Specifications

Notebook: Sony VAIO VPC-SE1M1E
Processor: Intel Core i5 2430M
Graphics Adapter: AMD Radeon HD 6470M
Display: 15.60 inch, 16:9, 1920 x 1080 pixels
Weight: 2kg
Links: Sony homepage
Sony notebook section

Price comparison

Foreign Reviews

Sony VAIO VPC-SE1M1E - na grafiku a design za rozumné peníze
Source: Notebook.cz

CZ→EN Archive.org version
Positive: weight, workmanship, display viewing angles; negative: connection ergonomy
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 10/25/2011

Sony Vaio VPC-SE16FX/S

Specifications

Notebook: Sony Vaio VPC-SE16FX/S
Processor: Intel Core i5 2430M
Graphics Adapter: AMD Radeon HD 6630M
Display: 15.50 inch, 16:9, 1920 x 1080 pixels
Weight: 2kg
Price: 1200 euro
Links: Sony homepage
Sony notebook section

Price comparison

Foreign Reviews

15.5寸超高分辨率索尼VAIO SE16评测
Source: enet.com.cn

zh-CN→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 11/15/2011

Sony Vaio VPC-SE13FX/S

Specifications

Notebook: Sony Vaio VPC-SE13FX/S
Processor: Intel Core i5 2430M
Graphics Adapter: AMD Radeon HD 6470M
Display: 15.50 inch, 16:9, 1366 x 768 pixels
Weight: 1.9kg
Price: 1000 euro
Links: Sony homepage
Sony notebook section

Price comparison

Average Score: 76.67% - good

Average of 3 scores (from 3 reviews)

Reviews

90% Sony VAIO VPCSE13FX
Source: Techreview Source English

Archive.org version
With the included battery, expect to get about 4:45-hours of battery life, which is right on par with other similar notebooks. However, if you add the slice battery you'll get about 10-hours of life, which is about twice the category average. The slice battery does come at a cost of $150 and about an extra pound of weight.
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 03/13/2012
Rating: Total score: 90%

70% Sony VAIO S Series (VPCSE13FX/S)
Source: Techreview Source English

Archive.org version
The Sony VAIO S Series (VPCSE13FX/S) has an attractive and portable design that will please most users. While it may not have the best performance out there, it does offer good performance for the money. The 15.5-inch display has excellent quality that makes this laptop one to consider.
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 12/19/2011
Rating: Total score: 70%

70% Sony VAIO S Series (VPCSE13FX/S)
Source: PC World English

Archive.org version
The Sony VAIO S Series may seem like a mediocre all-purpose laptop, and it is one. But it's also thin, light, and quite portable, and it sports Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Intel Wireless Display technology, and optional embedded mobile broadband. In other words, if you're looking for an all-purpose laptop that's stylish and easy to tote, the VAIO S Series might be the system for you.
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 12/14/2011
Rating: Total score: 70%

Sony Vaio VPC-SE1V9R

Specifications

Notebook: Sony Vaio VPC-SE1V9R
Processor: Intel Core i7 2640M
Graphics Adapter: AMD Radeon HD 6630M
Display: 15.50 inch, 16:9, 1920 x 1080 pixels
Weight: 2kg
Links: Sony homepage
Sony notebook section

Price comparison

Foreign Reviews

Sony VAIO SE1V9R — пятнадцатидюймовый ультрабук
Source: 3DNews.ru

RU→EN Archive.org version
light, compact, loud with high load, big evenly illuminated display, good sound, strong performance, very expensive
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 12/07/2011

Sony Vaio VPC-SE190X

Specifications

Notebook: Sony Vaio VPC-SE190X
Processor: Intel Core i7 2640M
Graphics Adapter: AMD Radeon HD 6630M
Display: 15.50 inch, 16:9, 1920 x 1080 pixels
Weight: 2kg
Price: 1100 euro
Links: Sony homepage
Sony notebook section
Vaio VPC-SE190X (Model)

Price comparison

Reviews

Sony VAIO SE Review – Multimedia Notebook Balances Power, Productivity, Portability
Source: Notebooks.com English

Archive.org version
For $999 the Sony VAIO SE is a good value, especially given its features and design. The low battery life is a big mark against it, though it doesn’t completely detract from the notebook’s merits. Still, if you have to carry a power brick or an extra battery to ensure you won’t run out of juice while you’re out, it counts against the SE’s portability wins. Which is higher on your priority list, performance or portability? If the former, then this VAIO is worth your time.
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 01/25/2012

Sony Vaio VPC-SE290X

Specifications

Notebook: Sony Vaio VPC-SE290X
Processor: Intel Core i5 2450M
Graphics Adapter: AMD Radeon HD 6470M
Display: 15.50 inch, 16:9, 1920 x 1080 pixels
Weight: 2kg
Price: 900 euro
Links: Sony homepage
Sony notebook section

Price comparison

Average Score: 80% - good

Average of 1 scores (from 2 reviews)

Reviews

Sony VAIO SE: An IPS Laptop for Under a Grand
Source: AnandTech English

Archive.org version
When all is said and done, there’s really one item that sets the VAIO SE apart from other laptops in its price range: the 1080p IPS display. You can find laptops with decent 1080p TN panels for about the same price (e.g. the Dell XPS 15z with 1080p upgrade), and you can certainly find a lot of faster laptops and notebooks, particularly if gaming is what you’re after.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 04/03/2012

80% Sony VAIO SE Review
Source: Laptop Mag English

Archive.org version
There's a lot to like in the $999 Sony VAIO SE. This 15.6-inch notebook offers a full HD display, good performance and a compelling suite of multimedia software in a surprisingly lightweight frame. Users who are willing to deal with some added weight and cost can attach the sheet battery for over 10 hours of endurance. Some multimedia mavens may prefer the Dell XPS 15z, which for around the same price, offers better graphics and audio. Nevertheless, he Sony VAIO SE is a very good choice for those looking for a lightweight multimedia machine that can go the distance.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 03/07/2012
Rating: Total score: 80%

Sony Vaio VPC-SE23FX/S

Specifications

Notebook: Sony Vaio VPC-SE23FX/S
Processor: Intel Core i5 2450M
Graphics Adapter: AMD Radeon HD 6470M
Display: 15.50 inch, 16:9, 1920 x 1080 pixels
Weight: 2kg
Price: 1000 euro
Links: Sony homepage
Sony notebook section
Vaio VPC-SE23FX/S (Model)

Price comparison

Average Score: 80% - good

Average of 1 scores (from 1 reviews)

Reviews

80% Sony VAIO VPC-SE23FX/S
Source: PC Mag English

Archive.org version
The Sony VAIO VPC-SE23FX/S targets the buyer who wants the slim build and speedy performance offered by leading laptops, like the Editors' Choice Dell XPS 15z, and wants to keep their expenses under $1000. While the VPC-SE23FX/S doesn't have the performance to topple those top performers, it's definitely worth looking at, with its long-lasting battery, decent Core i5 processing, and extra features like WiDi 2.0, TPM and VIP security, and a good looking design.
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 02/29/2012
Rating: Total score: 80%

Sony Vaio VPC-SE2V9E

Specifications

Notebook: Sony Vaio VPC-SE2V9E
Processor: Intel Core i7 2640M
Graphics Adapter: AMD Radeon HD 6630M
Display: 15.60 inch, 16:9, 1920 x 1080 pixels
Weight: 2kg
Links: Sony homepage
Sony notebook section

Price comparison

Foreign Reviews

Sony VAIO VPC-SE2V9E - bezpečnější a výkonnější
Source: Notebook.cz

CZ→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 03/20/2012

Sony Vaio VPC-SE2S1E/S

Specifications

Notebook: Sony Vaio VPC-SE2S1E/S
Processor: Intel Core i5 2450M
Graphics Adapter: AMD Radeon HD 6630M
Display: 15.50 inch, 16:9, 1920 x 1080 pixels
Weight: 2kg
Price: 1000 euro
Links: Sony homepage
Sony notebook section
Vaio VPC-SE2S1E/S (Model)

Price comparison

Average Score: 91% - very good

Average of 1 scores (from 3 reviews)

Foreign Reviews

Sony Vaio VPCSE2S1E/S
Source: Notebookjournal German

DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 04/02/2012
Rating: performance: 70% features: 70% display: 70% mobility: 50% workmanship: 50% ergonomy: 50%

91% 15.5인치 노트북의 틀을 깨다 - 소니 바이오 SE26FK/S (성능편)
Source: Notegear

KO→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 03/25/2012
Rating: Total score: 91%

15.5인치 노트북의 틀을 깨다 - 소니 바이오 SE26FK/S (외형편)
Source: Notegear

KO→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 03/15/2012

Sony Vaio VPC-SE27FX/S

Specifications

Notebook: Sony Vaio VPC-SE27FX/S
Processor: Intel Core i7 2640M
Graphics Adapter: AMD Radeon HD 6630M
Display: 15.50 inch, 16:9, 1920 x 1080 pixels
Weight: 2kg
Price: 1400 euro
Links: Sony homepage
Sony notebook section
Vaio VPC-SE27FX/S (Model)

Price comparison

Average Score: 60% - poor

Average of 1 scores (from 1 reviews)

Reviews

60% Sony Laptop Swings Big, but Doesn’t Deliver
Source: Wired Magazine English

Archive.org version
At $1,430 as configured, the S Series is expensive, but not grotesquely so. Still, those performance and reliability concerns are nagging. But resolve the problems under the hood and this could be one of the most compelling notebooks on the market at any price.
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 04/02/2012
Rating: Total score: 60%

Sony Vaio VPC-SE2M9E/B

Specifications

Notebook: Sony Vaio VPC-SE2M9E/B
Processor: Intel Core i7 2640M
Graphics Adapter: AMD Radeon HD 6630M 1024 MB
Display: 15.50 inch, 16:9, 1920 x 1080 pixels
Weight: 2.04kg
Price: 1599 euro
Links: Sony homepage
Sony notebook section

Price comparison

Reviews

84% Review Sony Vaio VPC-SE2M9E/B Notebook | Notebookcheck
Black Beauty. Sony's Vaio S range currently encompasses over 24 models. In this review, we have the balanced Vaio VPC-SE2M9E model under the microscope. The 15.5-inch unit definitely delivers in looks, but what about performance?

Sony Vaio VPCSE1V9E

Specifications

Notebook: Sony Vaio VPCSE1V9E
Processor: Intel Core i7 2640M
Graphics Adapter: AMD Radeon HD 6630M
Display: 15.50 inch, 16:9, 1920 x 1080 pixels
Weight: 2kg
Price: 1300 euro
Links: Sony homepage
Sony notebook section

Price comparison

Average Score: 90% - very good

Average of 1 scores (from 1 reviews)

Foreign Reviews

90% Sony Vaio VPCSE1V9E
Source: PC Self Italian

IT→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 04/23/2012
Rating: Total score: 90% price: 90% performance: 90% features: 90%

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 6470M: Entry to middle class graphics card based on the Seymore XT codename featuring the UVD3 video processor.

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+.

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

AMD Radeon HD 6330M: Should be based on the old HD 4330 with 80 shader processors and DirectX10.1 support (altough the AMD webpage points to a HD 5430).

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

Intel Core i5:

2430M: 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 2.4 GHz (Turbo Boost 2.7-3 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).

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.

2640M: Very fast dual-core processor based on the Sandy Bridge architecture with an integrated graphics card and dual-channel DDR3 memory controller.

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

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

No weight comment found (one expected)!

83.09%: This rating is slightly above average, there are somewhat more devices with worse ratings. However, clear purchase recommendations look different.

» Further information can be found in our Notebook Purchase Guide.