Sony VAIO TR1A Review

[dang]

Checkout our latest review of the Sony VAIO TR1A (http://reviews.designtechnica.com/review310.html)The Sony VAIO TR1A is one of the smallest notebook computers we have ever had the privilege to lay our hands on, but packed in this cute system is a beast ready to be unleashed.

[Ioman]

Like I mentioned a million times in the review, the TR1A is the perfect notebook computer for any traveler. I really wish that Sony had included Bluetooth capabilities in the TR1A system, it would have rounded out an otherwise perfect machine. The battery life is nothing short of amazing. I can only imagine the life you can get out of the system with minimal programs running.

[Porsche911]

Good review, I have been waiting for you to finallyp post it. The TR1A looks very exciting, but I am worried about its size. I will probably hit the local Best Buy to play with it to see what I think.

[Spectre219]

I saw this model at the local Fry's Electronics here is Sacramento. Although I am a mac guy, this is very impressive. I would definately consider this if you are in need of a compact notebook with multimedia features. I really wish Apple would innovate the way Sony does sometimes. The camera is a great feature and the display model was not nearly as hot as the 12" powerbook. Great design!

[nedlyj]

Originally posted by Ioman
Like I mentioned a million times in the review, the TR1A is the perfect notebook computer for any traveler. I really wish that Sony had included Bluetooth capabilities in the TR1A system, it would have rounded out an otherwise perfect machine.
Sony has made an excellent system here. While it appears to be a perfect personal travel companion, the lack of an s-video out limits its appeal to business travelers who may need presentation capabilities. The small screen makes using the laptop itself a poor option in a business setting, and with no s-video you are restricted to using an external vga-compatible device, which is not always available.

Granted, this is a specific circumstance, but s-video out would have completed the package and made it a killer laptop for all scenarios.

-n

[Porsche911]

Originally posted by nedlyj
Sony has made an excellent system here. While it appears to be a perfect personal travel companion, the lack of an s-video out limits its appeal to business travelers who may need presentation capabilities. The small screen makes using the laptop itself a poor option in a business setting, and with no s-video you are restricted to using an external vga-compatible device, which is not always available.

Granted, this is a specific circumstance, but s-video out would have completed the package and made it a killer laptop for all scenarios.

-n

I find that having VGA out is more important than S-Video for presentations. I typically use a projector with a VGA connector for my presentations, versus plugging my laptop into a television directly using S-Video. Just me .02 cents

[dang]

Good point porsche911. Also, must projectors now a days have both s-video and vga. Plasma's typically have a vga input as well.

[Ioman]

Originally posted by Porsche911
I find that having VGA out is more important than S-Video for presentations. I typically use a projector with a VGA connector for my presentations, versus plugging my laptop into a television directly using S-Video. Just me .02 cents

While working for Intel or the Ostler Group, we always used an inFocus projector with a VGA input for presentations, we never used a television set. But I can see why s-video could be important in that regard as well. I guess it just depends on how your meeting room is setup.

I agree that this laptop might not be the best for business travelers. There is no docking station, no swappable parts I.E. hard drives etc. and the screen is too small. But for journalists or those that travel A LOT this would be the perfect companion. The bettery life is incredible and its size makes carrying it a breeze.

[nedlyj]

Originally posted by Porsche911
I find that having VGA out is more important than S-Video for presentations. I typically use a projector with a VGA connector for my presentations, versus plugging my laptop into a television directly using S-Video. Just me .02 cents
On the specs page for the TR1 it lists the vga out as a "mini-vga" connector. What does that mean? Does it require a special cable/adaptor to connect to std vga devices?

-n

[Ioman]

Originally posted by nedlyj
On the specs page for the TR1 it lists the vga out as a "mini-vga" connector. What does that mean? Does it require a special cable/adaptor to connect to std vga devices?

-n

The VGA connector is the same, but there are no screw in brackets on the side. The VGA connector "snaps" or "slides" in.

I took a picture, sorry its so blurry.

[Unregistered]

Nice review Ioman, I just wanted to know if the ram was 1x512mb or 2x256mb and is it 200 pin sodimm at PC2700?
Want to know so i can add some more ram :) when i get my machine.
Also if you really needed s-video you can get one of these:
http://www.ecost.com/ecost/shop/detail.asp?dpno=330672

--Cryo

[Ioman]

It is a single 512mb stick with room for another one. I am not sure if its 200pin or not. I would call Sony just to make sure.

Glad you liked the review, I really like this laptop. You should be happy with it.

[neuroking]

Hey, Just thought I'd let everyone know there is a new TR1 yahoo group located here:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sony_tr1/

I've found teh U1 group to be very helpful, and i think the same ppl are hanging out there, too.

Brandon

[Unregistered]

Here is a link to the new TR1 forum on Yahoo

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sony_tr1/

[Unregistered]

I might just get for the panasonic W2. 12.1 screen with CD-RW/DVD Builtin and it's only 2.8 lbs!!! Oh yeah same Centrino 900 processor and bult in wireless as the Sony. I have no idea how they got a bigger screen and lesser weight.

[Aku]

Originally posted by Unregistered
I might just get for the panasonic W2. 12.1 screen with CD-RW/DVD Builtin and it's only 2.8 lbs!!! Oh yeah same Centrino 900 processor and bult in wireless as the Sony. I have no idea how they got a bigger screen and lesser weight.

Are they going to start selling it in America?

[Unregistered]

Originally posted by Aku
Are they going to start selling it in America?

Yes the US Panasonic website has it and according to http://www.laptopsinc.com/ they are expecting them with in 1-2 weeks. They have it for $2200 with 512MB memory (256mb more than default) . Don't forget Panasonics have 3 year warranty as opposed to 1 year by Sony or the Fujitsu P5000.

Now if onlly Compusa carries these guys I can get the $150 rebate.....

[Cloud]

I wonder if Apple is going to release a computer this small? That would be dope. Like an iPod/Powerbook combo or something.