3. Features Galore, Continued

The Sony VGN-T350P is based on Intel's Centrino technology, and includes a 1.2 GHz Pentium M 753 CPU. Graphics are supported by the serviceable but limited Intel 855GME controller, which does not allow for fancy graphics with such features as pixel and vertex shading. However, the 855GME is well suited to a computer designed to run home and office applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and a Web browser.

The computer comes with 512 MB of PC2700 333 MHz DDR DRAM permanently built-in, and can be expanded to 1 GB by installing a 512 MB module. Those who want the option to go above 1 GB will find this limiting, but for typical users, 1 GB should be adequate.

The VGN-T350P's 60 GB hard disk drive runs at 4200 RPM. Some might argue that this is too slow, but we found the speed more than adequate for the kinds of applications the computer was made for.

The Sony double layer DVD/CD read/write drive is fantastic. We tested it for both playing and recording CDs and DVDs. The first thing we did was to use Sony's software to create a restorable backup of the system to a bootable CD and a DVD. All went well and fast enough for this very important task. Commercial CD's and DVDs also played without a flaw.

The computer's 10.6" 1280x768 extra bright, high contrast 16:10 size-ratio display nicely compliments the DVD/CD drive. Speaking of DVDs, the VGN-T350P has a set of buttons that can be used to play, pause, stop, fast forward and fast reverse a DVD movie without messing with DVD playing software.

The Sony VAIO VGN-T350P's DVD buttons are circled in red. The WAN radio antenna is on the right side of the display.

The Sony laptop's plastic case feels substantial; its fit and finish are very good, and the upper part of the case suffers from little of the torsion stress that can distort the image on a display. Like the Toshiba Portege R200 lightweight laptop we tested recently, the Sony has no lock to hold the two halves of the case together when the unit is shut. The computer stays shut and is easier to open without the lock. We really like this feature, and urge all mobile computer manufacturers to consider this design.

Speaking of the VAIO's case, the style conscious will be glad to hear that it comes in three colors: midnight blue, burgundy and silver. At this writing, the midnight blue version is available everywhere; the burgundy and silver models must be purchased directly from the Sony Style online store.

The Sony VAIO VGN-T350P in burgundy.

Some might find the diminutive Sony laptop's keyboard a bit small. Our somewhat larger than normal hands quickly got used to the slightly smaller than normal keyboard, and were quickly touch typing at an acceptable speed. The keys have a good feel, move up and down smartly, and there is no distracting mechanical sound associated with their use.

The VGN-T350P includes all the connectors, slots and switches anyone could ask for. Connectors include two USB 2.0, one iLink (IEEE1394), one RJ-11 (modem), one RJ-45 (10/100 Ethernet), a VGA output, and microphone input and headphone output. There are slots for a PC Card and Sony Memory Stick media. It is nothing short of amazing that Sony was able to stuff a PC Card slot into the laptop's ¾" high case bottom.

Before we move on to the Sony's wireless WAN functionality, we should mention that in addition to wireless WAN and wired and wireless LAN functionality, the VAIO includes a Bluetooth radio. The WWAN and WLAN adapters cannot operate simultaneously, though; when you select one of these the other is turned off. The only problem we had with this is that Windows pops up one of those bubbles reporting that the WLAN couldn't connect. Closing the bubble is all you have to do, but it is too bad Sony's SmartWi utility isn't able to get enough into the operating system to prevent this minor annoyance.