Sony Vaio VGN-FW140E/H
Manufacturer: Sony Part number: VGN-FW140E/H
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Accessories
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- Sony's smart design, long battery life, and a big 16-inch screen, make the Vaio FW140--the first Centrino 2 laptop we've seen--an excellent, but still portable, media hub.
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CNET editors' review
Sony Vaio VGN-FW140E/H price range: $1,149.99
- Reviewed by: Dan Ackerman
- Edited by: Matthew Elliott
- Reviewed on: 07/14/2008
- Released on: 07/14/2008
The good: If this 16-inch laptop is any indication, the Centrino 2 platform offers excellent battery life; 16:9 screen perfect for HD movies; excellent keyboard; attractive, simple design.
The bad: No immediate performance gains seen here from Centrino 2; screen not really true 1080p, despite the sticker on the system that says so; clicky media buttons seem old-fashioned; still some advertising clutter, but less than previous Vaio models.
The bottom line: Sony's smart design, long battery life, and a big 16-inch screen, make the Vaio FW140--the first Centrino 2 laptop we've seen--an excellent, but still portable, media hub.
Sony's new Vaio FW140 covers a few firsts for us. It's the first 16-inch laptop we've gotten our hands on--and the display's movie-friendly 16:9 aspect ratio will become more popular in the next year or two (we've already seen it in the excellent 18-inch Acer Aspire 8920). It's also the first laptop we've tested that's built on Intel's new Centrino 2 platform and features the new 2.26GHz Core 2 Duo P8400 processor. While the new Centrino 2 CPU here didn't show much of a boost in raw processing power in CNET Labs, we were pleased with the battery life, thanks to a more power-efficient CPU design. At $1,750 for a fully decked-out model with Blu-ray (basic versions start at $1,000; our Blu-ray-less review unit costs $1,150), you'll pay a slight premium for the new screen size and sharp design, but Vaio buyers have always been willing to spend a little more to stake their claim as the coolest kid in the coffee shop.
| Price as reviewed / Starting price | $1,150 / $1,000 |
| Processor | 2.26GHz Intel Core 2 Duo P8400 |
| Memory | 3GB DDR2 |
| Hard drive | 250GB, 5400rpm |
| Chipset | Intel GM45 Express |
| Graphics | Intel GMA 4700MHD (integrated) |
| Operating system | Windows Vista Premium |
| Dimensions (WDH) | 15.1 x 10.4 x 1.1 inches |
| Screen size (diagonal) | 16.4 inches |
| System weight / Weight with AC adapter | 6.2/7.0 pounds |
| Category | Mainstream |
Sony's Vaio laptops are known for their eye-catching designs, and the FW140 is no exception. Its silver chassis and flat-key keyboard fit the Sony mold while giving the laptop a MacBook-like feel. The flat, widely spaced keys are a hallmark of both Sony and Apple laptops. They're an acquired taste, but one we like.
The keyboard tray has a Spartan look and feel, with only a large 3.5-inch touchpad below the keyboard and a few media control buttons above. Unlike the recent trend of touch-sensitive media control buttons, these are of the old-fashioned click variety, which is a shame. One of them, labeled AV Mode, launches a Sony onscreen toolbar that sits at the top of the screen and provides quick access to Sony's proprietary media playing software (we have yet to find custom media-playing software that is less clunky than Windows Media Center or iTunes, so we generally suggest avoiding these apps).
The large, round hinge (and hinge-side power button) is similar to recent designs from Dell and Asus, and might be called a current laptop design trend--but we've seen it in select Vaio laptops at least as far back as the TZ150.
As laptop makers (spurred by the companies that make displays for both laptops and HDTVs) move to new 16:9 models, we'll see a lot more 16- and 18-inch laptops. Fortunately, the handful of models we've seen have only marginally larger footprints than most 15- and 17-inch laptops, and we generally like the increased screen real estate for a minimal increase in mass. The FW140 is wider but otherwise virtually the same size and weight as Sony's 15-inch Vaio FZ180.
We were pleased to see less of the usual adware and bloatware that we've come to associate with Sony laptops. This time, we got only a handful of AOL desktop links, although the Web browser had its home page set to AOL, included the AOL toolbar, and Internet Explorer's search box was set to use AOL Search, which you'll probably use accidentally once before switching it to Google.
The 16.4-inch wide-screen LCD display offers a 1,600x900 native resolution, which makes the "Full HD 1080p" sticker on the wrist rest a bit misleading, to say the least. While the 16:9 display is perfect for playing HD content, it's not truly 1080p. You'll need an 18-inch screen as found on the Acer Aspire 8920 to hit that resolution. Sony explains the 1080p sticker by saying the system offers "full 1080 HD content when connected to a compatible HDTV." Quite a qualification.
| Sony Vaio VGN-FW140 E/H | Average for category [thin-and-light] | |
| Video | VGA, HDMI | VGA, S-Video |
| Audio | Stereo speakers, headphone/microphone jacks | Stereo speakers, headphone/microphone jacks |
| Data | 3 USB 2.0, Memory Stick slot, SD card slot | 3 USB 2.0, mini-FireWire, SD card reader |
| Expansion | ExpressCard/54 | ExpressCard/54 |
| Networking | modem, Ethernet, 802.11 a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | modem, Ethernet, 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, optional WWAN |
| Optical drive | DVD burner | DVD burner |
The first Centrino 2 laptop we've tested, the Sony Vaio FW140 uses Intel's new 2.26GHz Intel Core 2 Duo P8400 CPU. The P, as opposed to the current T designation, means this is part of a new Intel laptop chip series that has a thermal envelope of 25 watts, unlike the previous 35-watt models. For practical purposes, that means that we can (hopefully) expect better battery life from Centrino 2 systems in general (we seemed to get it in this specific model). We found it to be comparable or slightly slower than some recent Core 2 Duo T9300 and T8300 laptops in our benchmark tests, but the difference would be negligible in everyday usage. The P8400 is the slowest of the new crop of Intel Centrino 2 processors, a line that also includes the Core 2 Duo P8600, P9500, and T9400.
One big advantage of the new Centrino 2 chipset is that the integrated graphics chip (Intel GMA 4700MHD) is DirectX 10 compatible and also plays back full-definition Blu-ray or HD content without a hitch--although it's still not going to do much in terms of gaming.
The Vaio FW140 ran for 3 hours and 14 minutes on our video playback battery drain test, which is between 40 and 80 minutes longer than most of the recent 17-inch laptops we've looked at. We'll need to test more Centrino 2 systems before we speak in general terms, but the lower thermal envelope of the new Centrino 2 chips certainly seems to be paying off with the Vaio FW140.
Sony includes an industry-standard one-year parts-and-labor warranty with the system, while upgrading to a three-year mail-in plan is $299 (or $359 for a three-year on-site plan). Support is accessible through a 24-7 toll-free phone line, an online knowledge base, and driver downloads.
(Shorter bars indicate better performance)
(Shorter bars indicate better performance)
(Shorter bars indicate better performance)
(Longer bars indicate better performance)
Find out more about how we test laptops.
System configurations:
Sony Vaio FW140
Windows Vista Home Premium SP1; 2.26GHz Intel Core 2 Duo P8400; 3072MB DDR2 SDRAM 667MHz; 128MB Intel GMA 4700MHD; 250GB Fujitsu 5,400rpm
Asus M70
Windows Vista Home Premium; 2.5GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T9300; 4096MB DDR2 SDRAM 667MHz; 1GB ATI Mobility Radeon HD3650; 500GB Hitachi 5,400rpm (x2)
Gateway P-172X FX
Windows Vista Home Premium; 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T8300; 4096MB DDR2 SDRAM 667MHz; 512MB Nvidia GeForce 8800M GTS; 160GB Seagate 7,200rpm (x2)
HP Pavilion dv9700t
Windows Vista Home Premium; 2.5GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T9300; 3072MB DDR2 SDRAM 667MHz; 512MB Nvidia GeForce 8600M GS; 250GB Hitachi 5,400rpm
User reviews
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Ordering tomorrow
by Composer_1777 on September 15, 2008
Pros: Sony, lasts forever, casing, build quality, the most advanced intel chips, highest quality laptop display on the market.
Cons: none except that i prefer my laptops to be super portable and l wish the FW were a little lighter but its a media laptop not ultra portable. I already got one of those just need this baby for my 42 inch sony hd
Summary: I'm cusotm building mine and ordering it tomorrow. I got 2 sony laptops at the moment, an old FS and a newer SZ , both run beautifully. My SZ runs ...
Summary: I'm cusotm building mine and ordering it tomorrow. I got 2 sony laptops at the moment, an old FS and a newer SZ , both run beautifully. My SZ runs vista like nothing and its already a year old. The 3 year old FS runs perfectly; it is still very functional as well. These bad reviews don;t even belong on this product and should be deleted.
3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Fast, Beautiful Simplistic Layout; All Around Great
by AppGrad on September 6, 2008
Pros: The screen on this is amazing. The 16:9 format takes a little getting used to, but provides great extra work space. Keyboard is great, and built in webcam is very smooth. Very quick, have not experienced any lag running applications or gaming.
Cons: Speakers could be louder, but are more than enough for anything other than watching a movie 15 feet away.
Summary: This computer was an excellent investment. After researching for months with a budget that allowed almost every laptop, I found this one to be the best value. It is very ...
Summary: This computer was an excellent investment. After researching for months with a budget that allowed almost every laptop, I found this one to be the best value. It is very quick, the display is gorgeous (if you opt for Hi-Color as I did), and is beautiful. Originally I was worried about portability, but it is very light especially considering the screen size that you get. It even fits into my top-loading laptop book bag that specifically says 15.4 inch is the maximum no problem. Very happy with the choice I made!
3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great Laptop for Multimedia
by StarionX on October 24, 2008
Pros: Clear screen visibility, very fast loading (when plugged), spacing of the keys, HDMI output, tons of built-in features, price.
Cons: Battery life not what was expected, some movies flicker (with basic entry level graphics), still pretty heavy, usual bloatware VAIOs come with.
Summary: I was looking for a basic laptop, with the latest possible goodies, so I can do some internet work and minor gaming on the go. This is a pretty good ...
Summary: I was looking for a basic laptop, with the latest possible goodies, so I can do some internet work and minor gaming on the go. This is a pretty good choice for the price, especially with the Sony name on it. Also, with the new Centrino 2 technology, and a faster ram than the usual models, this was definately a great choice so I could get faster load times.
I love the clarity of the screen so I can watch movies with great detail, the programs that come with it to watch movies on are very user friendly, despite all the bloatware surrounding it. I also have found on occaision, while watching a movie, my screen flickers a bit. Not too much a big deal, I hardly notice it.
The notebook itself is very comfortable to hold and with the spacing of the keys, it makes it easier to type. It's still a bit heavy so carrying it for long periods of time could put a strain on you (I carry mine using a backpack).
One other great positive is that since Centrino 2 runs with less power needed, it runs cooler than most laptops of this class. one complaint I hear about notebooks is that they tend to overheat.
The only major negative I had was that the battery life was a lot less than everyone said it was. It was supposed to be rated to go about5.5 hours without recharge. Mine only goes 2.5 at most. I'm hoping it's just a faulty battery I have, but I can't afford another one to test that theory out. One other negitive is the sound quality of the speakers. It's no big deal to me. I use headphones anyway and that sounds MUCH better on this laptop.
Overall, I think this is a great computer for those who would like something to last you a good couple of years longer than the average lifespan on a computer/notebook, and not have to spend an arm and a leg to get the best. This is also good for those who don't need to buy a new computer/notebook every other year. The sleek design will also help you get noticed. My friends at first thought the 16:9 ratio was wierd, but loved how unique it is. This is not a gaming computer at all (I actually have the same model/specs that was tested here). If you want something more, but enjoy the new technology, have yours custom built from Sony. I think this is a pretty good choice for the average movie watcher and internet enthusiast. I say give this one a shot.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Excellent Laptop for an Amazing Price
by PLmike on September 2, 2008
Pros: High Resolution Screen, Clean Design, Nice Button and Keyboard Layout, Everything runs extremely well
Cons: The only thing I would classify as a con would be the CD/DVD drive, its louder than most CD/DVD's drives.
Summary: I payed $999.99 for this laptop...and I think I have gotten more than I've payed for. The screen size is just perfect, and the laptop is at ...
Summary: I payed $999.99 for this laptop...and I think I have gotten more than I've payed for. The screen size is just perfect, and the laptop is at a nice weight. It seems thin for its size as well. The FW140 also runs a variety of applications with ease, I was able to run Gears of War on a lower resolution. It's processor is also able to handle a huge amount of applications at once. I haven't found much negative to say about this laptop and I really enjoy using it. Highly recommended to anyone looking for a nice media laptop for a great price.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Highly Unstable Vista/Sony combination
by twistedtory on December 10, 2008
Pros: Design, screen
Cons: Constant crashes, instability, inability to resolve conflicts between Vista and VAOI OS
Summary: Sony doesn't offer this product with Windows XP, however, it's not clear to me or the tech pros who have tried to fix this thing that Vista is ...
Summary: Sony doesn't offer this product with Windows XP, however, it's not clear to me or the tech pros who have tried to fix this thing that Vista is the sole issue. Until Sony and Vista are compatible, Sony should not sell products loaded with Vista. As a non-tech layperson, I need my technology to be solid, stable and reliable. Thanks to this Sony, I'm looking at MACs!
1 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great Design
by kevinfish1217 on May 10, 2009
Pros: Design and performance
Cons: Slow at wireless performance
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good design n very stylish..
by rajeevkalva on April 20, 2009
Pros: great for watching movies..
Cons: charging point is very delicate... I totally dissatisfied with this.
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Great Intermediate laptop[
by GreyGeek77 on April 12, 2009
Pros: Gorgeous display gives fantastic videos, lots of disk space, dual core, medium speed graphics that displays Stellarium and Google Earth very well. While VISTA was a constant problem Kubuntu 9.04 Jaunty slips on like a silk glove and runs perfectly.
Cons: No latch for the display. Not a CON but understand that this is NOT a gamer laptop. It will, however, give excellent results with DVD videos, most hires graphics programs, etc...
Summary: After 9 months of use I can say that it is a well made, high quality laptop.
Summary: After 9 months of use I can say that it is a well made, high quality laptop.
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Great Laptop,Always wanted a Sony
by mm32x on December 24, 2008
Pros: Its fast,slim,great looking built in webcam and I got a great price on it.
Cons: Not really a big deal but would rather have had usb ports closer to rear of side,
not front corner.Summary: The best thing is I got it for $620.00 @ BestBuy
Summary: The best thing is I got it for $620.00 @ BestBuy
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Good laptop for a great price!!
by meech80 on December 23, 2008
Pros: speed, battery life, great 16:9 screen
Cons: sound can be better
Summary: I bought this laptop in the middle of november for $700 and even though i don't know too much about computers, I know that I got a pretty good ...
Summary: I bought this laptop in the middle of november for $700 and even though i don't know too much about computers, I know that I got a pretty good deal for my money. The only thing I can say that can be better, especially for being a sony, is the sound is a little softer than I expected. Beside the sound I am very happy with my purchase
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Sony
- Part number: VGN-FW140E/H
- Description: VAIO FW series radically enhances your multimedia entertainment with a revolutionary 16.4" real wide display. With X-black screen technology, FW series delivers pictures that are sharp, bright and natural looking. Images are true-to-life with vibrant color, deep contrast and enhanced depth. Some models feature a double lamp for exceptional brightness and pin sharp detail. There are millions of colors in the world and these displays are capable or reproducing all of them. Super realistic 100% color fidelity allows you to enjoy the best pictures ever with deeper blacks, brighter whites and an infinite range of colors. It also plays and records all your favorite CDs and DVDs. For a thrilling big screen experience, connect your laptop to an HD-Ready TV using HDMI output and watch favorite films in glorious Full HD 1080p picture quality. For a laptop with a large 16.4" screen, FW series is remarkably compact and transportable. An ultra thin bezel has been used to fit the screen onto a compact chassis with the screen closer than ever to the edge of the bezel for a slim and streamlined appearance.
General
- Platform Technology Intel Centrino 2
- Built-in Devices Bluetooth antenna, Wireless LAN antenna
- Width 15.1 in
- Depth 10.3 in
- Height 1.5 in
- Weight 6.4 lbs
- Color Titanium gray
- Notebook type Mid-size laptops (6-7.5 lbs.)
- Wireless capabilities IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11 n (draft), Bluetooth
Processor
- Processor Intel Core 2 Duo P8400 / 2.26 GHz
- Multi-Core processor technology Dual-Core
- 64-bit processor Yes
- Data bus speed 1066 MHz
- Chipset type Mobile Intel GM45 Express
Cache Memory
- Type L2 cache
- Cache size 3 MB
RAM
- Installed Size 3 GB / 4 GB (max)
- Technology DDR2 SDRAM - 800 MHz
- Memory specification compliance PC2-6400
- RAM configuration features 1 x 1 GB + 1 x 2 GB
Environmental Parameters
- Environmental standards RoHS, EPA Energy Star
Storage Controller
- Storage controller type Serial ATA
- Storage Controller / Serial ATA Interface Serial ATA-150
Storage
- Floppy Drive None
- Hard Drive 250 GB - Serial ATA-150 - 5400 rpm
- Storage Removable None
- Hard drive type Portable
Optical Storage
- Type DVD±RW (+R DL) / DVD-RAM - Integrated
- CD / DVD read speed 24x (CD) / 8x (DVD)
- CD / DVD write speed 24x (CD) / 8x (DVD±R) / 6x (DVD±R DL)
- CD / DVD rewrite speed 24x (CD) / 6x (DVD-RW) / 8x (DVD+RW) / 5x (DVD-RAM)
Optical Storage (2nd)
- 2nd optical storage type None
Card Reader
- Card reader type Card reader
- Supported flash memory cards SD Memory Card, Memory Stick Duo
Display
- Display Type 16.4 in TFT active matrix
- Max Resolution 1600 x 900 ( WXGA++ )
- Widescreen Display Yes
- Features X BRITE-ECO
- Screen type Widescreen
Video
- Graphics Processor / Vendor Intel GMA 4500MHD Dynamic Video Memory Technology 5.0
- Total Available Graphics Memory 1340 MB
Audio
- Audio output type Sound card
- Audio output compliant standards Dolby Sound Room
- Audio Input Microphone
Notebook Camera
- Camera Type Integrated
- Sensor Resolution 1.3 Megapixel
Input Device(s)
- Input device type Keyboard, Touchpad
- Keyboard localization and layout QWERTY
Telecom
- Modem Fax / modem
- Max transfer rate 56 Kbps
- Protocols & Specifications ITU V.90, ITU V.92
Networking
- Networking Network adapter
- Networking / Wireless LAN Supported Yes
- Wireless NIC Intel WiFi Link 5100
- Data link protocol Ethernet, Bluetooth, IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, IEEE 802.11n (draft)
- Networking standards IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11n (draft)
Expansion / Connectivity
- Expansion Slots Total (Free) 2 ( 0 ) x Memory, 1 ( 1 ) x ExpressCard/34
- Interfaces 1 x Headphones - Output - Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, 1 x IEEE 1394 (FireWire) - 4 pin FireWire, 3 x Hi-Speed USB - 4 pin USB Type A, 1 x Display / video - VGA - 15 pin HD D-Sub (HD-15), 1 x Network - Ethernet 10Base-T/100Base-TX/1000Base-T - RJ-45, 1 x Modem - Phone line - RJ-11, 1 x Microphone - Input - Mini-phone 3.5 mm, 1 x Audio / video - HDMI - 19 pin HDMI Type A
Miscellaneous
- Features 802.11a/b/g/n Wireless LAN, Camera, Bluetooth
- Compliant Standards RoHS
Power
- Power device form factor External
Battery
- Technology Lithium ion
- Installed Qty 1
Operating System / Software
- OS Provided Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium
- Software VAIO Music Box, VAIO Media Plus, VAIO Movie Story, Microsoft Works 9 SE, AOL Online (90 days trial), Sony Click to Disc Editor 1.0, Microsoft Windows Live OneCare (Trial), Microsoft Office 2007 Home and Student Edition (60 days trial)
Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & Support 1 year warranty
- Service & Support Details Limited warranty - 1 year, Technical support - Phone consulting - 1 year
Sustainability
- EPA Energy Star Compliant Yes
- Greenpeace policy rating (Sept 2009) 5.1
Accessories
- Sony VGP-AC19V30 - power adapter (33387831)24.53 - 101.99
- Sony VAIO VGP-AMB10/L Classic Messenger Bag - notebook carrying case (33310293)34.99 - 49.99
- Sony VGP-BPS13A/B - notebook battery - Li-Ion - 4800 mAh (33198416)104.99 - 199.00
- Kingston memory - 4 GB - SO DIMM 200-pin - DDR2 (33302846)47.00 - 580.72
- Sony VAIO Bluetooth Laser Mouse VGP-BMS33 - mouse (33537306)59.74 - 72.99
- Sony VAIO VGP-AMC7 Neoprene Case - notebook carrying case (33282419)24.99 - 28.49
- Sony VAIO VGP-AMB11/L Deluxe Messenger Bag - notebook carrying case (33310258)56.05 - 59.99
- SanDisk Cruzer USB flash drive - 32 GB (33544914)52.95 - 149.99
- SanDisk Cruzer Micro - USB flash drive - 8 GB (32631690)14.99 - 44.99
- SanDisk Cruzer Micro - USB flash drive - 16 GB (33032681)28.01 - 79.99
- Sony VAIO Bluetooth Laser Mouse VGP-BMS33 - mouse (33403426)34.99 - 72.99
- Sony VAIO Bluetooth Laser Mouse VGP-BMS77 - mouse (33403360)99.99
- Logitech Anywhere Mouse MX (33767206)59.99 - 79.99
- Sony VGP-WKB5 VAIO Wireless Keyboard (32774426)145.57
- Logitech Wireless Desktop MK300 - keyboard , mouse (33687687)32.88 - 43.65
Manufacturer info
- Sony
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Sony products on Shopper.com
-
- Website: http://www.sonystyle.com
- Address:
16765 W. Bernardo Dr., San Diego, CA 92127 - Phone: 1-877-865-SONY
- Email: contact@sel.sony.com
- Fax: 941-768-7790
