Sony
Originally one of the first laptops to have a DVD player, Sony’s Vaio has undergone many changes since its introduction in the late 90’s. These days, there are eight different models to choose from, from the tiny UX to the large and powerful AR edition.

The UX Micro PC looks more like a PDA than a laptop, but it’s actually a fully functioning PC that runs Windows XP Professional. It has a 4.5 inch screen, a built-in wireless network card, and also a wireless WAN adapter that allows the user to access the internet through a subscription to Cingular.

A bit larger than the UX but still very portable, the TX series is the smallest true notebook that Sony offers. The focus with this model is on battery life, as it combines innovative Sony laptop battery technologies with a low voltage processor from Intel to increase the amount of time a user can work solely from batteries. This laptop model is for a user on the go, who desires a full sized keyboard, yet wants the portability of a PDA.

On the other end of the spectrum, Sony offers larger laptop computers with wide screens for the ultimate multimedia experience. The FE series comes with an Intel Centrino processor and up to 2 GB of memory, along with a dual-layer DVD burner. And at 15.4 inches, the widescreen display offers a very good view of video and movies. This model is a compromise between true performance and cost, as it starts at a very reasonable price.

The AR, on the other hand, is Sony’s top notebook computer offering in multimedia computers. It comes with a 17” screen, and its DVD burner also has support for BluRay on some versions. It also has more memory and hard drive space than the FE, allowing for more computing power and larger files. This model comes at a steep price, but if you’re looking for high-powered multimedia performance, you should look no further.

Vaios are available at most major computer and electronics retailers, and cheap Sony notebooks can often be found online at auction and classifieds sites, where Sony laptop parts can also be bought. If you already have a Vaio, see if your battery is covered by the Sony laptop battery recall. If it is, you can send away for a free replacement battery for your Sony laptop.