A Compact PC: The Sony VAIO Y Computer Review

By: Ashley

For the past few months my current laptop has been in a gradual decline. Things have slowed down, it has to be restarted more often, programs have “errors”… all those lovely signs that signify the end of days for a laptop. I’ve been trying to figure out what to do next though. Since I’m starting to do a little more traveling, and often take my computer to meetings, out to coffee, etc. I was really looking into a mini-laptop. I just wasn’t sure how I would handle the smaller keyboard and screen. Well, thanks to Sony, I’ve been able to test out a Sony Vaio Y Series laptop. Now, keep in mind that I am NOT a techy person. This review will be as tech-knowledgeable as I can make it, but forgive any obvious mistakes in lingo.

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From the moment I opened it up, I was in love. Yes, I know this will sound pretty lame, but the cute pink cover was one of the first things I loved. It just adds a nice personal touch to something as everyday as a computer. Sony Y 1

Anyway, the Sony Vaio Y Series has a TON of amazing features. Here are the super techy features!

Sony VAIO Y Specifications:

Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
Camera: Built-in MOTION EYE® camera and microphone
AMD® Dual-Core Processor E-350
Speed: 1.60GHz
Dual Core Technology
Installed: 4GB (2GB x 2)Memory
Type/Speed: DDR3-1066MHz
Max. Memory: 4GB
Sound System: Intel® High Definition Audio
11.6" Screen
Resolution: 1366 x 768
Back Light Technology: LED
Graphics Processor: AMD Mobility
Radeon™ HD 6310 Graphics
Weight: 3.23 lbs. (with Standard Capacity Battery)
Measurements: 11.42” (W) x 0.99” – 1.25” (H) x 7.99” (D)

I do know that this laptop is super lightweight and portable. It’s small in size and weight. I can also say that I absolutely LOVE the battery life on the computer. I have never had it run out on me while working. As far as the size of the keyboard and screen goes, it does take a little getting used to, but I’ve adjusted pretty quickly and now prefer using the tiny compact version as opposed to my normal 15” laptop.

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If you’re computer shopping and trying to decide what’s best for you, the Sony Vaio Y Series is a great option for Moms (or anyone) on the go!

More Technical Specs:

It’s powered by a dual-core AMD E-450 accelerated processor (APU), which combines a CPU and a graphics processing unit (GPU) on a single chip, helping to accelerate daily applications while also delivering lower power consumption. The APU can quickly offload demanding tasks and applications from your CPU to the GPU, enabling you to do more with your computer in less time.

You can connect this VAIO to a compatible HDTV via the HDMI port to display your creations to a larger audience via a single cable. It also includes Wireless-N Wi-Fi networking (802.11n), which offers ultra-fast speeds, wider range, and compatibility with 802.11b/g networks as well. And the integrated camera with face-tracking technology and microphone makes it easy to video chat with family, friends, and co-workers.

The 11.6-inch LED backlit widescreen display Sony Vaio laptop offers lower power consumption for improved battery life while providing incredibly high brightness levels that amplify colors and deliver clear, crisp picture quality to bring your movies and pictures to life–even spreadsheets will look amazing. It’s only 3.23 pounds.

Disclosure – A product was provided to me free of charge by the manufacturer or representing PR agency for the writing of this review; however, opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation.

About Ashley:

Ashley has a background in teaching Kindergarten and working with children K through 8th grade. She is now a SAHM and President of our local MOMS Club chapter. She writes her own blog at Momicles.

Love Traveling with the Samsung 9

Before I talk about how much I love traveling with the Samsung 9. Packaging seems to be important to some companies, Samsung is one of those that paid attention to details in making their box.

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The computer is in a sleeve, inside the box and the cables (Series 9 laptop with 13.3-inch screen (model NP900X3A-A03US), 40 watt AC adapter, rechargeable battery, operating instructions) are underneath it.

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I took the Samsung 9 on one of my blogging trips with me. It responded well the whole time, it was so easy to keep in my purse, I have a big purse, but it’s so lightweight. Plus using it on the airplane was wonderful because the battery lasted a long time, the screen was bright and easy to see and it came back to life so easily.

Why I loved traveling with the Samsung 9:

It’s lightweight. The Samsung 9 is the thinnest computer I’ve ever used. The Series 9 laptop features the dramatic duralumin enclosure complete with arching curves and remarkable durability. Its material usually found in aircrafts with twice the strength of aluminum keeping it under 3 lbs. This is the laptop to carry.

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It’s fast. I was impressed with how fast it would boot up and come out of hibernation. I didn’t realize this at first but you no longer have to shut down your Samsung computer, just close its lid and it goes into a special powerless sleep mode. When you open the lid your computer comes back to life in 3 seconds and you are exactly at the same place as when you shut the lid. Fast Start saves your data and system configurations to your hard drive and PC memory. So, when you power it back on it is just like you left it. LOVE IT!
It’s thin. It’s so easy to slip in and out of my bag. IMG_6218
It’s Entertaining. The Samsung 9 comes with Windows Media Center and has enough processing power for 3D gaming capabilities and it has a long battery life. Up to 7 hours!
It’s Windows. Windows 7 Home Premium is pre-installed.

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Technical Specs:

LED display with HD resolution, 128 GB Solid State Drive (SSD), and 4 GB of system memory and a second-generation, low voltage Intel Core i5 dual-core processor.

Series 9 also includes backlit keyboard, a brilliant LCD display screen and a large multi-touch SuperButton clickpad.

Next-generation Bluetooth 3.0 connectivity

Thank you to the Windows Champion program for loaning the Samsung 9 to me for review.