Today we kick off with a new feature, reviewing all kinds of technologies: from online services to the latest in communications to machines like the new Sony T-series Vaio laptop.
In fact, we are writing this review on the Sony Vaio. This digital baby better behave itself, or just now we will slag it off.
We wonder if the machine understands the words we are putting together here. (One day they will.)
The slick and cool Apple Airbooks are all the rave - ultrathin and sexy, the Kate Moss of the laptop world.
But when it comes to functionality and basic horsepower, this new Sony Vaio is the bee's knees. This monster looks fit!
It comes with a seven-hour battery, a 120gig hard drive, Web camera, stereo sound system, superbright, superthin LED screen, fingerprint security sensor, integrated SIM card unit, Bluetooth capability and a lot more - all crammed into a 28cm notebook, weighing in at about 1.2kg.
The T-series is top of the range in the Sony Vaio collection - the perfect machine for work and for fun, great for people on the move. You can charge the battery overnight and be on the road the whole of the next day without ever having to look for a power outlet. The built-in DVD drive lets you burn big files quickly so you can pass on important data to a colleague at a meeting. The wi-fi mechanism allows you to get online easily at a hotspot, where you can sync up your e-mail and check the latest financial indicators.
One thing about the Sony Vaio, though: it is not cheap. In fact, it is often referred to as the Apple Mac of the PC world. Of all the IBM compatible machines running Windows, this T-series Vaio is definitely the Rolls Royce. It will cost you about R25 000, depending on what extras you go for and, of course, our lovely volatile exchange rate. One thing's for sure, this new Sony machine is more stable than our currency.
Every new Vaio comes with a Windows - wait for it - "downgrade" disc. Yup - you can throw out that headache-inducing Vista distraction and put on XP.
Some other nifty features include the Sony Memory Stick slot as well as the more pervasive SD flash memory capability. This laptop comes with 3 gigs of installed RAM so page swapping is not commonplace. This machine is indeed fast.
It comes in a very sexy matte black finish and is small, yet not tiny. The keyboard, for instance, is just the right size.
This new machine fits snugly into just about any travel bag, and the built-in DVD player lets you watch movies on a long flight. We hear the next-generation Vaio will have a Blu-Ray player and High-Def screen
We give the Sony T-series Vaio a solid 9 out of 10. (A bit cheaper and it would rate a perfect 10.) It can be found at a number of reputable online retailers.
Please send us your suggestions for hi-tech products and services to review. E-mail us at digitaltestdrive@is.co.za