Sony Vaio VGN NS30E/S Notebook Review
It is really difficult these days to find a notebook of Sony without the brand name VAIO! VAIO has become very popular since the main work of this software is to make the entertainment field like the audio and video more interesting. Sony’s new re-entry in 1996 with the surname VAIO for many of its notebooks, desktops and sub notebooks seems to have acquired people’s hearts.
The Sony Vaio VGN NS30E/S is a 15.4″ notebook that has succeeded its predecessor VGN NS20E/S. This product has all the features similar to its kin the NS20E/S. In fact, if placed side by side, many or even most of the people would not be able to differentiate which is which. The only difference between the twins is the rate. So probably the price tag would be their mark of difference. The NS30E/S, that claims to be the higher version of the NS20E/S, is a high range product than the latter. The Sony VGN NS30E/S 15.4 inch notebook is quite expensive. Let us explore this notebook to excavate the hidden features.
Design:
Display:
Opening up the box of the comparatively expensive product, the users would find themselves staring at the beautiful and exquisite twin VGN NS30E/S. As said earlier, there might be people who might doubt whether they have been sent the NS20E/S version because of their alikeness. The package includes the notebook itself, AC adapter, Power cord and a Battery. Now it is time to go deep into the route and analyze the features.
Big news for the big screen supporters is that this product offers its users a comfortable 15.4” screen. The resolution is 1280 x 800 pixels with an aspect ratio of 16:9. The size of the display is quite exciting and improves the quality of the on-screen object. The display has the X-Black LCD that is highly glossy and it helps the pictures to be seen as they were supposed to be in real. The bigger size of the screen is even more enhanced by the TruBrite wide screen technology. The presence of this technology actually means that the users get the maximum clarity in their pictures and adequate brightness is provided. The glossiness would also be removed by it since it has an anti-glare coating. This rectangular model has slightly tapered ends so that it can be easily carried to the required place. The combo of the silver and black in its silhouette gives a look of elegance, though it is a matter-of-fact for its price. The black color is for the keyboard while the remaining part has the silver attire. The brand name VAIO is printed at the back of the notebook.
Keyboard:
If there is an area where the users would not find any flaw, it would be the keyboard. The keyboard is so designed that it gives the user comfort and ease. The keys are designed with the ergonomics in mind and they are very soft and easy to use. All the keys in Sony Vaio VGN NS30E/S Laptop Computer are positioned rightly and are of the right size. Typing would no longer be troublesome for those who did not know typing. Above the keyboard, on the left hand side, are two buttons, one for muting the volume of the audio and the other for bringing out the interface of this product.
Touch Pad:
The smooth surface below the keyboard is the touch pad. Though this notebook does not support the touch screen technology the touch pad, which is naturally present in the laptops and all the other notebooks has been included. The touch pad’s response is really good and would find it very easy to work. The left and right mouse buttons are present at the bottom of the touch pad. But then the scroll button is absent and this might be slightly disappointing. The touch pad is basically very smooth and this smoothness separates it from the rest of the surface.
The Interface:
The interface of the Sony Vaio VGN NS30E/S is very user friendly. The required application can be opened by simply clicking on their icon if they are on the desktop using the touch pad or if they are under the start menu the touch pad and its buttons can be once again used to open those applications. On the other hand, for people who want a different kind of interface, there is one. If you are used to the interface of the PS3 then you are in favor because the interface of this notebook is similar to it, that is, the XMB interface. The XMB interface has a nice alignment of the icons. The main menus are represented in a horizontal manner clicking on which reveals the vertical sub menu icons. This interface is very interesting and it can be availed by clicking at the second button above the keyboard on the left hand side as said earlier.
LED:
LEDs are of great use when it comes to the job of reducing the opening and closing of the notebooks. For certain important checking, Sony has facilitated LEDs at the front side of the notebook. There are four LEDs that are visible even when the laptop is closed. Beginning from the left corner, there is an LED for indicating the use of wireless connectivity and then, at the center, there are three LEDs that are used to indicate the status of their power, battery and hard disk respectively.
Ports:
The NS30E/S Notebook Computer comes with a good number of ports and they are very similar to the ones in its lower version NS20E/S. On the left hand side of the body the ports that are on display in order are, one for fan vent, another one is a 15 pin plug that represents the VGA port for connecting to an external monitor that is duly followed by a plug for using the microphone. Next to this are two USB ports. It has been good of Sony to place these two ports one beside the other because the restriction of the size of the drive has been removed. The Firewire port seconds the USB port and is used for transferring data easily. The Express card slot of 34 mm size takes its place finally at the corner. The slot is guarded by a cover which has to be flipped for the card to be inserted.
The right side has 2 USB ports and a DVD-Rewriter. At the front, apart from the LEDs mentioned above, there is a SD Card Reader next to the LED for indicating wireless connectivity. Following the three LEDs there is a memory stick card. At the back there are the ports for connecting the modem, for availing wired ethernet connection and finally the one for power input. Thus when one counts the number of USB ports, it is an incredible 4!
Speaker and Camera:
The speakers are integrated and they produce a sufficiently good volume. The web camera at the top has the resolution of 1.3MP and is good enough for doing video chatting.
Memory and processor:
The processor embedded in the design of the NS30E/S model is the Intel Pentium Dual Core T4200 2GHz. The processor speed is comparatively higher than its lower end NS20 version. 3GB of RAM storage is available and it supports the 32 bit version of the Windows Vista. The Hard Disk Drive capacity is nearly 250 GB which is excellent though nothing out of the box for a notebook at this price.
VAIO Music Box and Movie Story:
If there is something very interesting about the VAIO it is the Music Box and Movie story software. The Music Box software contains 24 channels. The big advantage of this model is that the songs from the notebook’s library can be categorized into different folders according to the mood and the environment.
The VAIO Movie story software is really interesting. The videos and photos can actually be visualized on the screen with perfection that only a movie director can give. The role of a director is taken up by this software. The final output can be seen on the screen and it is awesome. There is the 12 tone analysis that gives all the special effects.
Connectivity:
The essentials of getting connected to the internet are a plug for ethernet, modem and for wireless access. All these three ports are present in this notebook. So internet access has naturally been made easy and swift. The protocol for wireless connectivity is WLAN 802.11 BGN. Wi-Fi makes using internet an effortless matter. For the Blue tooth lovers sad news awaits. There is no blue tooth facility in this notebook of Sony.
Noise and Heat:
As mentioned previously, the fan vent is located at the left side of the notebook. The fan noise might be a trouble at times when the load is more and at times considerable amount of heat can also be experienced, though the hotness is not menacing.
Battery:
The battery used is a 6 cell 4400mAh and its performance is pretty good. When the notebook is not under much work, it was stable for nearly 5 hours while it reduced to 4 hours when it was put to hard work. The battery performance is something that suits the expensive price for a notebook of these specifications.
Performance:
When it comes to the performance, it would come under the category “Good” as long as you don’t start comparing it with the rate. The battery performance is really good. This notebook lacks in 3D performance though. The graphics is not well stabilized. Overall, it could have been better.
Warranty:
The warranty covered for this product is a standard 1 year.
Verdict:
The NS30E/S version has so many features and so many ports. It provides security with the help of a kensington lock system. There are 4 USB ports and many other ports too. But all these positives are hidden by one single factor, the cost. The Sony Vaio VGN NS30E/S has little to offer (features) but more to gain (Price obviously). The features are good but not excellent or best for a notebook at this price. When its twin can give all these features at a less rate, then there is practically no necessity for this product having a great demand. If you are some one who always buys expensive products, unmindful of the features and do not compare the notebook with any other model then this might be yours. But then, if price and features are the main criteria, then this technological world has many other products to offer. The choice is the users’ and naturally the ball is in the users’ court.
Sony Vaio VGN NS30E/S Notebook – Technical Specification Table
| Manufacturer | Sony |
| Model Name | Sony Vaio VGN NS30E/S |
| Dimensions: (W x D x H) | 360 x 269 x 31.5-38 mm |
| Weight | 2.76 Kg |
| Type | Notebook |
| Display | |
| Screen Size | 15.4 inch |
| Screen Type | X-Black LCD |
| Screen Resolution | 1280 x 800 |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
| Internal Components | |
| Processor | Intel Pentium Dual Core T4200 2GHz |
| RAM | 2GB DDR2 (Extendable up to 8 GB) |
| Hard drive | 250GB |
| Keypad | Easy to use ergonomic keyboard with good response keys |
| Touchpad | Yes with Multi touch facilities |
| Multimedia | |
| Graphics | Intel Integrated GMA 4500MHD |
| Speakers | Built-in 2 stereo speakers |
| Communication Setup | |
| Wireless support | WLAN 802.11 BGN |
| Memory card slot | SD card reader |
| Connectivity | 4 USB 2.0 ports, Audio line in(Microphone), Audio line out(Headset), 34mm Express Card slot, SD Card slot, 1 VGA video output, 1 mini Firewire input, Kensington Lock |
| Other Detail | |
| Warranty | 1 Year warranty |
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