Digital Trends

Sony VAIO VGN-A160

August 18th, 2004 | by Ian Bell

Introduction

When we were first told about the Sony VAIO A Series notebook computers, we were curious to see how Sony designers approached the desktop replacement idea. If you've been shopping for a desktop replacement notebook, you probably know that manufacturers have tried several concepts to distinguish their large notebooks from real desktop computers. Some companies have installed Microsoft's Media Center OS on their notebooks, while others have tried to integrate huge 16:9 widescreen displays and large subwoofers. As the name suggests, desktop replacement notebook computers are not designed to be ultra portable. Let's face it, at over 10 pounds and no matter how large the battery in the notebook might be, most people will have these systems plugged into the wall. So why not give the system a media dock and external speakers to use while it on your desk at home or work? Sony's engineers may have come to that same conclusion when they designed the VAIO A series notebooks.

There are three versions of Sony's VAIO A Series product line. The A150, priced at $2,099.99 is their lowest priced system and features an Intel Pentium M 715 (1.5GHz) processor, a 15.4-inch display, and 512MB of memory. The subject of this review, the $2,399.99 A160 adds an AV Entertainment Dock and speakers, and the top-of-the-line, $2,699.99 A90 comes with a Pentium M 735 (1.7GHz) processor, a 17-inch wide LCD display and the AV Entertainment Dock.