So many laptops to choose from this year. It can be very hard when trying to buy a laptop for someone because the word ‘laptop’ is so general now.

What once where laptops get called notebooks plus the netbook and now the hybrids. Who knows what names they will come up with next.

My pick is the Sony Vaio NS30E. It still gives you portability with it’s, once standard, 15.4 inch screen but still all the performance you generally wouldn’t get from a netbook.

Prices vary. The best we could find is £449.99 @ Amazon.co.uk.

Specifications:

-Operating System: Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 (Upgradable to Windows 7)
-Chipset: Mobile Intel GM45 Express Chipset
-Cover Colour: Silver
-Processor: Intel Pentium Processor T4200 with Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology
-Processor Speed: 2 GHz
-Number of Cores: 2
-L2 Cache: 1 MB
-Frontside Bus: 800 MHz
-Memory Size: 3 Gb
-Memory Speed: 800 MHz
-Memory Type: DDR2 SDRAM (1 x 2 Gb, 1 x 1 Gb)
-Max. Supported Memory: 8 Gb
-Max Memory Comment: In the case of 4 Gb or more, a portion of the system memory over 3 Gb might not be available to the 32bit operating system
-Hard Drive: 250 Gb SATA 5400 rpm
-Optical Drive: CVD+-RW/+-R DL/RAM
-Optical Drive Speed (Read): CD x24, CD-R x24, CD-RW x24, DVD x8, DVD-R DL x8, DVD-R x8, DVD-RW x8, DVD+R DL x6, DVD+R x8, DVD+RW x8, DVD-RAM x5
Optical Drive Speed (Write): CD-R x24, CD-RW x24, DVD-R DL x6, DVD-R x8, DVD-RW x6, DVD+R DL x6, DVD+R x8, DVD+RW x8, DVD-RAM x5
-Screen Type: X-black LCD
-Diagonal Size: 15.4 inch
-Resolution: 1280 x 800
-Aspect ratio: 16:10
-Resolution Type: WXGA
-Graphics: Mobile Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500
-Total Graphics Memory: Total avalilable graphics memory of Approx. 1320 Mb (Total Available Graphics Memory refers to the Windows Vista classification of graphics memory, which varies depending on the operating condition, version of device driver and system memory size)
-Ports: 4 Pin i.LINK (IEEE1394), DC in, Memory Stick Slot (Memory Stick Std/Duo, Memory Stick PRO Std/Duo, high speed data transfer), SD Card Slot, Audio out,
-Stereo Headphones/Speakers Jack, Microphone Jack (Stereo), RJ-11 Direct Port (Modem), RJ-45 Direct Port (Network), 4 x USB 2.0, VGA Connector for Monitor,
-Express Card Slot (34 mm)
-Battery Type: Lithium-Ion battery (VGP-BPS13/B)
-Battery life time: 240 min
-Battery charging time: 210 min
-Battery life disclaimer: Actual battery life will vary depending on your specific hardware and software configurations
-Built-in Modem: V92/V.90
-Integrated Wireless LAN: YES
-Wireless LAN Max. Data Rate (Mbps): 300 (RX)/150 (TX)
-Wireless LAN Range (m): max. 100
-Wireless LAN Type: 802.11b/g Draft n
-Ethernet network10Base-T/100Base-TX/1000Base-T
-Built-in ‘Motion Eye’ Digital Camera: YES
-Frames per Second: max. 30
-Image Sensor: 1.3MP
-Motion Picture Function: YES
-Motion Pictures max. Resolution: 1280×1024 (SXGA)
-Intel High Definition Audio compatible: YES
-Built-in Stereo Speakers: YES
-3D Surround: YES
-Windows Sound System Compatible: YES
-Special Buttons: Power button, Wireless switch, Mute button, AV Mode button
-Auto Resolution: Plug and Display
-Kensington Lock Slot: YES
-Dimensions (WxDxH): 360 x 270 x 31.4-38 mm
-Weight: 2.9 Kg

So why not cheer up that Christmas geek and buy them a Sony Vaio NS30E Laptop to make their Christmas week.

Dan Valverde

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