Sony VAIO VPC-EA3AFX/BJ 14-Inch Laptop (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I rate this 5 stars not because its some spectacular deal, or amazing product. Simply because the description is 100% accurate, and it is what they say it is:
IT IS:
- A good budget laptop.
- Well constructed, as far as PC laptops go anyways (certainly no Mac Unibody).
IT ISNT:
- New. Most of the specs suggest its the early 2010 model, since the newer version has an Intel Core i3 processor.
This was obvious to me before I purchased it, so that doesn't effect my rating of the item. Just pointing it out because it might not be entirely evident to everyone. Also note that the newer version costs $150 more for marginal performance upgrades; The quad core intel processor being the only notable difference in the two. The device has the amount of battery life you'd expect. It widely varies by use, and power settings; I'd estimate around 90 minutes of battery life at full brightness, full processor speed, while running a 3D game like World of Warcraft or Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2. However, I've stretched it to over 3 hours on medium brightness on a Balanced power setting.
The computer comes loaded with Windows 7 x64 Home Premium, and also with a staggering amount of bloatware. This is obviously a problem with all PC laptops, but thankfully, Windows 7 only takes about 30minutes to reinstall (another hour probably to find all the drivers on sony's lackluster support site). Out of the 30 or so programs that come preinstalled, I think Adobe Flash player was the only third party application I'd consider keeping. Most of the Sony branded software is useless for most people, but if you're not a power user, you'd probably use it due to the convenience of it already being installed.
As far as hardware goes, the screen looks great, its an LED Backlit display. It gets really bright, and is still readable on dim settings. The raised keyboard is great, similar to the ones on Macbook Pros. The textured touchpad is probably the best feature. Its extremely accurate, especially when using the side to scroll through webpages and text documents; It can be extremely frustrating working on laptops with subpar touchpads. It also supports multitouch, but most software doesn't seem to be compatible with it, aside from the Sony branded applications.
Overall, if you're looking for a laptop that looks good, performs well, isn't too pricey, is portable, and doesn't feel flimsy. The Sony EA series is probably for you. You get what you pay for, a couple hundred dollars either way would get you just what you'd expect. Spend less, you'd get a mobile processor, less ram, less HD, worse hardware. Spend more and get a bigger screen, blu-ray drive, and quad core processor. Its a middle of the road laptop, and is everything you think it is, nothing more, nothing less.


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Sony VAIO EA Series: Affordable, Stylish and Lightweight Mobile Computing
Portability, performance and multimedia entertainment are combined with a contemporary design in this Sony VAIO EA laptop in matte black (model VPC-EA33FX/B) for an excellent mobile computing experience in one affordable package. And with the power of an Intel Pentium processor and the new Microsoft Office Starter 2010, you have everything you need within reach to power through daily tasks and enjoy your media wherever you are.
The 14-inch Sony VAIO EA laptop is designed with inviting finishes and subtle patterns (see larger image).

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