subject: Extension Of The Classic: Sony Vaio S46c Notebook Review [print this page] SONY has always been a leader in electronic entertainment industry, while the VAIO: Video Audio Integrated Operation (audio-visual integration of operations), which is Sony when entering the personal computer industry set to target their products, but also became its VAIO personal Computer products (including notebooks) brand. SONY VAIO notebooks in many products, the VAIO S series since its inception in 2004 by virtue of the fashion looks, strong performance, relatively light in body and in the end price by many consumers. And S series of the most special is the use of very rare 13.3-inch WXGA LCD screen.
So far, VAIO S Series has introduced four generations, from early development to S1X now using the latest second-generation Intel Centrino mobile platform (codenamed: Sonoma) the S4X series. VAIO S series in appearance and in fact has not changed much different from the configuration of the major upgrade, or even just increase the CPU frequency, but the S series market response has been really good, a SONY VAIO notebooks in the end product the main force. But this is not surprising, because both products work fine from the degree of, or the concept of fashion products from Sony, expression, or from Sony's own design philosophy stresses, S Series is no reason not noticeable.
Here we look at the latest generation S4X Series VAIO performance of it, the new VAIO S4 series by the level of the configuration can be divided into high-end S49, the high-end S48, and S46 in the low end of the S45. The following table can be configured through several of these products have a general understanding.
VAIO S series can be seen after the fourth generation of two more significant changes, first, using the latest Intel Sonoma platform, followed the trend of advanced mobile computing technology, and the second is the S series with the three generations of ATI cards away, switched to NV sects, we see that in addition to the S4X S45C low-end models with integrated graphics, the other models are using the Nvidia GeForceGo 6200 mobile graphics chip.
We bear the evaluation room Shanghai Online is to receive a SONY VAIO S46C, used with a 2MB cache Intel Pentium M processor 740 (1.73GHz), 512MB DDR2 memory, 40GB 5400RPM SATA hard drive, standard 915PM chipset, Combo Recorder drive, Geforce Go6200 128MB graphics card, built-in wireless card and Bluetooth module with WIN XP Home Edition.
VAIO S46C black and silver two, this time we received a black appearance, the overall streamlined design, it looks softer, aluminum-magnesium alloy shell after the grinding treatment, solid feel better, compared to The first three-generation S-series, series like S4X dirty and easy to solve the housing problems to leave fingerprints, at least not very easy to see out.
Cover parts of the stunning polished metal VAIO logo is unique to Sony products, but the logo can be revealing the quality of Sony products, while giving Sony fans and left a unique user experience.
From the graph you can see the curvature of the host closed the back side with a large design, the same one hand, reflects the beauty of the body, on the other edge of the effect of thinning, the most important is the height of the center of the LCD in a vertical shaftplaced on the lower position after many, rather than on top of the shaft erected on the host side, this design idea is to host the back-end S series not too thick, a very bold move the center of the shaft, bringing The aesthetic effect is a great machine, which is the S series features the essence of style.
S46C features a non-clamshell design mount, without the outer lock, closed naturally by gravity, allowing users to use more convenient, but also reduces the lock damaged the chances of long-term use. But for such as S46C thin models, the screens do not have to worry about loose cover problem.
Fuselage on the left is the MODEM port, LAN port, MIC port, headphone port, VGA port and PCMCIA expansion card slot. In the MODEM port and LAN port on the S series is still used very intimate "cover" design, the external port hidden. So that these ports when not in use, both to maintain the appearance of unity and concord, but also to prevent dust or other debris to enter to cause unnecessary trouble, a little bit careful and considerate see SONY's place.
The right is the DC-in, security keyhole, USB and IEEE1394 (4Pin) interfaces, but hidden in the protection cover of the USB interface seems to be too close, with the design itself is embedded, so that larger USB interface device slightly stiff.
The CPU cooling air outlet design in the right side of the fuselage, as books are usually the right to operate the mouse of the control area, so basically just blowing hot air hand grip the mouse, if it is winter, so good, right when the heating ( This design is also really good, really very warm), but if it is the same as now is the summer, then .........:(
As a result of rear-mounted battery interpolation, a port on the rear fuselage and no design, the idea is very simple.
Drive front-end design of the fuselage and MS card reader, but the CD-ROM drive on the laptop when using the front when the drive is difficult to open, and easy to drive on the wrong front opening.
SONY will not forget their own books to design a natural MS Memory Stick card reader, although not as many vendors are now set on notebook 6 in 1 card reader is more versatile, but this has always been conservative when SONY style, to make He went to something more compatible with other people difficult. MS Reader is not designed to protect the shell, which allows the dust by the machine.
In addition, VAIO S46C also built a common high-end notebook Bluetooth module, to facilitate those often by cell phone or PDA, Bluetooth data transmission friends. However, on the whole, VAIO S46C in the design of the port is still quite conservative, only the design of several commonly used ports and omit the S-Video interface / infrared interface, parallel port, etc., but also in the proliferation of USB devices today, two USB portsinevitably stretched in use. While some ports are no longer used (such as printer's parallel port, and now printer are basically USB interface), but I think, more than one port is better than none. In fact, S Series design is not without room for the port, left in the body, there are large gaps.
Li single tube screen of your VAIO S series has always been a big selling point, S46C same is true, 13.3 wide-screen reflective mirror has a strong effect, can make the display more clear and transparent, has a good variety of environments the display. With 16:10 widescreen and Nvidia GoForceGo6200 card, to enjoy movies with S46C is a good experience.
S1 and S2 for the process quick start button, power button to the far right, middle, compared with keyboard light
This machine can only use the speaker is definitely weak to describe, there is no treble to speak of, but not enough volume to maximum, when loud and clear, but there is no noise very well the situation. If you are a seeker of pure sound quality, I suggest you choose HP or Toshiba machines with karman hardon speaker. Having said that, we can not for the 13-inch speaker with a small machine to ask too much it, it has asked to buy a pair of small speakers it (the way to do some advertising, I move M2 Edifier Speakers upcoming evaluation).
S46C of the keyboard is still the appearance of black, the keyboard key width of 18mm, the deep bond of about 2mm, are generally more standard A4 notebook PC standard keyboard, the keys back to the elastic tenacity and strong, noise control is also very good, keystrokes there is no friction between the bracket noise, but, 2mm key than 3mm deep universal model for a little light, little accustomed to the beginning.
Touchpad buttons are only two, did not provide the vertical scrolling control button in the browse file or Web page will be some longer inconvenient, but perhaps because too much emphasis on the advantages of the above shape, so some two buttons set too narrow, more suitable for hand small number of MM use, but feel good.
Slope near the palm rest of the laptop set up on the power supply, hard drive, Bluetooth, wireless LAN and other indicators. It also follows the VAIO tradition, a separate set of wireless LAN switch, do not turn off fast and convenient, lower battery consumption.
The back of the fuselage is more concise, but S46C only memory upgrade and replace the wireless card slot, if you want to replace the hard drive, then it seems that some inconvenient. In addition, the author notes in particular VAIO S46C uses SO-DIMM memory, and abandoned the previous S3x series of Micro-DIMM memory, this could make it easier for users to upgrade, after all, Micro-DIMM is not only expensive and we aredifficult to buy in the retail market.
VAIO S46C has a very bright spot is marked with a 40GB 5400RPM SATA hard drive (model Hitachi HT541040G9SA00), we really enjoy Sonoma's complete configuration, we know that the real Intel Sonoma platform is not only a 533MHz FSB, DDRII, more should have SATA hard drive, but now we rarely see on the market in Sonoma notebook manufacturers with SATA hard drive, SONY VAIO S46C gave us a surprise.
VAIO S46C 8-cell 4800mAh Sony VGP-BPS2 battery capacity, allegedly with the Sony's power management software, vgp-Bps2b battery life up to 6 hours or so.
VAIO S series to today's fourth generation, into the Sonoma platform, CPU front side bus upgrade, memory upgrade for the DDRII, natural cooling of the machine with the higher requirements. In addition, we mentioned, S4 series with the Nvidia graphics, this change will affect display performance, battery life, but also affect a laptop's cooling. After all, Nvidia's desktop graphics although in the field of performance and the market would like to have a clear advantage over ATI, but in the notebook field, the position of the two is just the opposite, so this change with the S4 series Nvidia graphics card, the problem is the heatthe primary consideration.
I try this S46C for a few hours of operation, found that S46C care in the right wrist, the temperature control of the keyboard area is still quite good, obviously feel the heat, but in the right wrist CPU and memory care placement may be more obvious at the heat , coupled with the right side of the fuselage just to have a hot air has led to the right of the author feels this S46C relatively hot.
Noise, S46C-ROM and hard drives are relatively quiet, but the fan noise, objectively speaking, it is quite obvious, especially in the case of a hot body, a clear fan noise, but still endure within the .
Sony as a consumer electronics leader, although opposed to Apple, IBM, such as the old plant is the time to enter the laptop industry, and not really very long, but as the entertainment industry leader, its software can be said to be very random rich . And mostly concentrated in the graphic image processing, to meet consumer demand for digital products in today's data processing requirements, so that a SONY laptop
Veritable VAIO.
VAIO Launcher
Power, we can see the right side of the screen automatically VAIO launched VAIO Launcher, it integrates the VAIO Zone in the upper part of each shortcut to the program; the lower part is reserved for the empty column, we can usually quickly used way into them, the whole interface is very beautiful, similar to the MAC OS in the shortcut menu bar interface.
VAIO Zone
VAIO Zone entertainment content browser it through the same interface can be quickly and easily stored in a VAIO notebook to appreciate the entertainment. Viewing and playback of video and audio content simply move the mouse arrow. When you select "Music", all the music stored in the file directory on the VAIO through sophisticated search menu or display personalized pictures for registration. You can enlarge a small picture and play photo slide show. Handycam * or from captured video can be downloaded in the "video" in the playback. In music, pictures and videos with each other as long as you move the mouse arrow to switch can be achieved. You can also share other VAIO computers on the LAN file. All media files and CD / DVD can not open other applications.
VAIO Media
VAIO Media enables you and your home network to other VAIO notebook or PC to share AV content. So that we can easily manipulate the VAIO's music, photos and video files.This software seems to make our Windows XP into a Windows MediaCenter.
The software features can be divided into: music, photos and video entertainment in four areas.
In the "Music" mode, managed by the SonicStage music can be very easy to play. Can display the playlist title and registration of album covers, images, quickly and easily find and play. You can also search by artist or genre. Can also be stored in a VAIO laptop play other positions in the song. * Only one room designated folder on your VAIO notebook, the songs within the folder can be in other rooms within the home network to play on the VAIO notebook.
"Photo" mode allows you to browse through the network of VAIO notebooks stored on your VAIO notebook in the main digital photos. Individual photos can be registered in thumbnail view, just click the image you want to see it can be enlarged. In addition, the top of the screen click the play button to start automatically pictures show. Stored in SonicStage's favorite songs can be set to show in the background.
In the "Video" mode, stored in a VAIO notebook's audio and video files can be connected to any room in the home network viewing VAIO notebook. Audio and video files downloaded through the Internet, edit video and original audio data recorded Handycam can enjoy, meet different viewing demands.
SonicStage
I believe this software is for use SONY NET MD is no stranger to it's friends, he can easily put CD into MP3 or ATRAC3 format, or converted to MP3 format ATRAC3 format, burn to regular CD into ATRAC3 CD or directly on the copy on the MD. VAIO
S46C this with the latest 3.0 version, this version is said to support the largest correction is a direct copy to your MP3 SONY Network Walkman (Netwalkman), the noble MP3 SONY finally had to yield, but , the shortcomings of the burning process is slow in this version of the upgrade a few still not been resolved, either burn ATRAC CD or MD disc must spend a lot of time.
SonicStage Mastering Studio
SonicStage Mastering Studio allows you to digitally record a variety of sources, edit and burn your own music, optimization of the CD. Is simply a collection edited audio recording software.
Many people are now estimated to have left before it left the old cassette, the use of this software can easily be converted prior to the cassette or CD music on the computer, and this software supports high-quality 24bit/96KHz sampling mode records far far more than CD quality. It also has features Super Bit Mapping - This is Sony's renowned digital sound processing technology. This software is designed to focus on ensuring quality, while providing a number of intelligent features, such as noise reduction and auto-detection recording terminals to distinguish between music pieces. These advanced features will provide you with professional editing and CD production requirements.
PictureGear Studio
PictureGear Studio is developed by Sony for a digital photo processing software, similar to ACDSee.
PictureGear Studio in image editing tool that allows you the freedom to play to their creativity. Through a set of flexible image capture options, you can use a digital camera or traditional camera, the pictures produce an original page. You can also create a up album, then you can design a variety of templates and can add titles and picture comments.Toolbar provides a variety of drawing tools, as well as writing and painting in the photo.Flash output can be you can show your album pages. Calendar feature your photos in chronological order to save, you can create screen savers with background music and slide shows.
DVgate Plus
Sony's original DVgate Plus software is a very convenient video capture and editing software. Can accurately complete digital video import, edit the output of various movie formats.
DVgate Plus only need to connect and click, you can be on the DV or MICROMV Handycam movie import. It can automatically divide the movie, to generate lists and structure reconstruction. In the input, you can use the batch capture feature of artificial selection crawl and you need video clips. Extract still images as convenient. The scene can be re-imported clips. Finally, you can export your movie to a DV or MICROMV Handycam machine equipment (MPEG1 and MPEG2 format files can be exported).DVgate Plus now supports multi-channel, such as 4ch DV-AVI capture & 4ch/5.1ch DV-AVI output for dynamic loop mirror. However, only DV (AVI), MICROMV (mmv), MPEG1, MPEG2 and JPEG / BMP (still image) file formats can be imported and exported.
VAIO Recovery Utility
VAIO Recovery Utility is an installation of the VAIO computer software to restore the state to purchase the application of tools, we can through his quick recovery system when the system crashes.
VAIO Power Management
Power management is also very important, VAIO Power Management VAIO is such a unique power management software, this software allows you to minimize the battery power to bring you maximum performance.
In fact, in addition to the software outside, S46C also comes as Norton Antivirus2005, Adobe PhotoShop Elements 2.0, Sonic RecordNow!, InterVideo and other large software, enough to make our VAIO a real entertainment center.
But so much software is installed, the VAIO S46C also brought us a question, share resources system that
