• Multimedia studio notebook with 17-inch XBRITE-ECO LCD and 1.3-megapixel webcam
• 2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T7250 processor, dual 320 GB hard drives, 2 GB RAM (4 GB max), dual-layer DVD drive
• Quad-mode Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n); Gigabit Ethernet; Nvidia GeForce 8400M graphics (up to 895 MB of available memory)
• Connectivity: 3 USB, 1 FireWire, 1 HDMI, 1 VGA, 1 S-Video, 1 ExpressCard 34/54. Memory Stick/SD memory card reader
• Pre-installed with Windows Vista Home Premium (with Media Center capabilities)

The luxuriously designed Sony VAIO VGN-AR620E Digital Studio notebook PC provides a power multimedia computer platform for enhanced entertainment performance. But it can also be admired for its gorgeously appointed design, featuring a black exterior, sleek profile, and interfaces and ports that are easily accessible yet discreetly integrated. It features a 17-inch WUXGA widescreen XBRITE-ECO LCD screen with a 1440 x 900-pixel resolution, and video is powered by the NVidia GeForce 8400M graphics card, with 256 MB of dedicated video memory. Whether you're watching downloaded content in HD or enjoying video captured from your compatible HDV camcorder, this VAIO AR-series notebook lets you output HD content to your compatible big screen HDTV via an HDMI connection (delivering audio and video over a single cable).

This notebook is powered by the 2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T7250 processor, which offers a top-of-the-line 800 MHz front-side bus speed and 2 MB L2 cache. The Core 2 Duo processor provides an optimized, multithreaded architecture for improved gaming and multitasking performance, as well as excellent battery management. It also includes Intel's 4965 AGN wireless LAN, which will connect to draft 802.11n routers and offers compatibility with 802.11a/b/g networks as well. Other features include dual 160 GB hard drives (for a 320 GB capacity), 2 GB of installed RAM (4 GB maximum capacity), multi-format/dual-layer DVD+/-RW drive, Gigabit Ethernet, both PCMCIA and ExpressCard slots, and Memory Stick/SD memory cart slot. The integrated 1.3-megapixel WebCam (and integrated microphone) provides easy video conferencing via VoIP and video IM chats.

Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium includes all of the Windows Media Center capabilities for turning your PC into an all-in-one home entertainment center. In addition to easily playing your DVD movies and managing your digital audio library, you'll be able to record and watch your favorite TV shows (even HDTV). Vista also integrates new search tools throughout the operating system, includes new parental control features, and offers new tools that can warn you of impending hardware failures.

The Basics

• Processor: The Intel Core 2 Duo T7250 processor has a 2.0 GHz processor speed, super-fast 800 MHz front-side bus (FSB), and a large 2 MB L2 cache. (An L2, or secondary, cache temporarily stores data; and a larger L2 cache can help speed up your system's performance. The FSB carries data between the CPU and RAM, and a faster front-side bus will deliver better overall performance.)

  The Intel Core 2 Duo processor has two computational execution cores in a single processor, providing greater system response when running multi-threaded applications simultaneously with no significant increase in power consumption. It's optimized for multitasking and is ready to support the Microsoft Windows Vista operating system. It can simultaneously run multiple demanding applications--such as graphics-intensive games or serious number-crunching business productivity applications--while downloading music or running virus-scanning security programs in the background. Some of the advanced Intel innovations of the Core 2 Duo processor include:

  • Smart Memory Access: Improves system performance by hiding memory latency, thus optimizing the use of available computer data bandwidth to provide data to the processor when and where it is needed.
  • Advanced Digital Media Boost: Effectively doubles the execution speed for instructions used widely in multimedia and graphics applications.
  • Dynamic Power Coordination: Coordinates Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology and idle power-management state (C-states) transitions independently per core to help save power.
  • Deeper Sleep with Dynamic Cache Sizing: Saves power by flushing cache data to system memory during periods of inactivity to lower CPU voltage.

• Hard Drive: This system offers a total of 320 GB of hard disk drive space from two 160 GB drives (5400 RPM). These Serial ATA (SATA) hard drives also quicken the pace with a higher speed transfer of data--akin to FireWire and USB 2.0.

• Memory: The 2 GB of installed RAM (2 x 1024 MB DDR2) will satisfy many users, but this notebook's two DIMM slots have a maximum 4 GB RAM capacity--perfect for high-end video editing and 3-D gaming. It also offers a top-of-class 667 MHz speed. To receive the faster data transfer benefits of the dual-channel DDR2 RAM, any RAM additions require memory modules of same capacity and clockspeed.

• DVD/CD Drive: The dual-layer DVD drive is compatible with a wide range of formats, including both DVD+RW and DVD-RW discs, CD-RW discs, and dual-layer (DL) DVD+/-R discs, which can hold up to 8.5 GB of data--great for backing up your MP3 collection or your most important documents. It features the following speeds: 4x for DVD+R DL, 4x for DVD-R DL, 8x for both single layer DVD+R/-R, 8x for single layer DVD+RW, 6x for single layer DVD-RW, 5x for DVD-RAM, and 24x for CD-R/RW. It reads DVD-ROM discs at 8x and CD-ROMs at 24x.

• Keyboard & Mouse: This notebook has a standard 86-key keyboard (2.5mm stroke and 19.05mm pitch) and electro-static two-button touchpad.

Video is powered by the NVidia GeForce 8400M graphics card, which provides up to 895 MB of available RAM/video memory (with 256 MB dedicated) for unmatched HD video performance on a notebook PC. With support for Microsoft DirectX 10 Shader Model 4.0 and High Dynamic-Range Lighting (HDR), the 8400M lets you rip through all of today's most advanced and cutting-edge games and applications. Experience real-time photo editing, or immerse yourself in the most complex, true-to-life gaming environments. The audio card includes Sony Sound Reality technology with DSD (Direct Stream Digital) support.

Networking, Connectivity & Expansion
Be ready for the next platform in wireless connectivity with the integrated quad-mode Intel Wireless 4965AGN Wi-Fi chip. Based on the draft 802.11n Wi-Fi specification, it offers up to five times the performance and twice the wireless range as existing 802.11g wireless. It's also backward compatible with 802.11b/g networks (commonly found in home routers and Wi-Fi hotspots) as well as 802.11a networks (which has a higher throughput, but more limited range--great for closed office environments). You also get super-fast wired connectivity, with a Gigabit Ethernet port (10/100/1000).

This notebook also includes a next-generation ExpressCard 54 card slot (as well as a PCMCIA slot), which lets you take advantage of thinner, faster, and lighter expansion cards for even more advanced wireless, networking, storage, and security features. Here's the full list of connectivity options:

• 3 USB 2.0 ports for connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras to MP3 players
• 1 FireWire (also known as IEEE 1394 or i.Link) port for connecting digital video camcorders and other peripherals
• 1 HDMI output (for connecting to a compatible HDTV or home theater receiver for uncompressed digital audio and video via a single cable)
• Analog video output: 1 VGA, 1 S-Video
• 1 ExpressCard/54 slot (also compatible with ExpressCard/34)
• 1 PCMCIA (or PC Card) slot (Type I/II, CardBus support)
• Memory card reader supports Memory Stick/Memory Stick DUO (with MagicGate functionality) and Secure Digital media
• 1 headphone jack, 1 microphone jack
• 1 S/PDIF digital audio out (for connecting to a home theater receiver for 5.1-channel surround sound)
• Integrated 56K modem (V.90)

Operating System
Windows Vista Home Premium is the operating system for users with advanced computer needs, and it includes all of the Windows Media Center capabilities for turning your PC into an all-in-one home entertainment center for watching DVD movies and accessing your digital audio library. You can also use Windows Media Center to record and watch your favorite TV shows (even HDTV) and to access new kinds of online entertainment content. Computers that include Windows Vista Home Premium and an auxiliary Windows SideShow display will also allow you to access key data even when your computer is off. It is also easier than ever to share files between other PCs in your household and to manage your laptop computer settings to more securely connect via Wi-Fi.

Every edition of Windows Vista provides the essential tools and technologies to help protect you whether you are browsing the Internet, connecting to a wireless network, or just reading e-mail. All editions of Windows Vista include new tools that can warn you of impending hardware failures long before you have lost any important personal data. And, all Windows Vista editions include parental control features that allow you to manage and monitor your family's use of games, the Internet, instant messaging, and other activities.

Preloaded Software
Includes Sony Click to DVD (for easy DVD creation), Microsoft Works SE 9.0, Microsoft Office 2007 (60-day trial), Symantec Norton 360 All-In-One Security (with 60 days of Live Update).

Dimensions & Weight
This notebook measures 16.4 x 11.8 x 1.32 inches (WxDxH) and weighs 8.1 pounds.

Power
It's powered by the VGP-BPS9A/B rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which has a battery life of between 1.5 and 3.0 hours (depending on usage).

What's in the Box
This package contains the VGN-AR620E notebook PC, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, and operating instructions. It is backed by a one-year limited hardware warranty, and Sony offers 1-year of toll-free telephone technical assistance.

The VAIO(R) AR notebook combines the convenience and portability of a notebook with the power and performance of a desktop. Backed by Intel Centrino Duo processor technology and Intel Core 2 Duo processor, this super-powerful notebook is the ultimate desktop replacement. Featuring a full-sized keyboard, stunning 17" widescreen display and nVidia GeForce Go 8400M GT graphics card, the VAIO(R) AR notebook is a multimedia powerhouse with XBRITE-ECO LCD technology and a built-in 1.3-Megapixel camera & microphone for video chatting with family and friends. HDMI connector provides single-cable HD connectivity to a compatible HDTV or A/V receiver. 802.11n offers a massive boost in speed and considerably more range than 802.11a/b/g. Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium is easy-to-use and delivers new security and entertainment features. 320GB (160GBx2) 4200rpm Serial ATA(TM) Hard Drive Action Buttons - S1, S2, AV Mode, Volume, Mute, Eject, Play/Pause/Stop, Wireless LAN On/Off, FF and Rewind QWERTY, 86 keys with 2.5mm stroke and 19.05mm pitch Keyboard Built-in 1.3-Megapixel Motion Eye(TM) camera and microphone One PCMCIA Type II/Type I card slot with CardBus support, ExpressCard /54 Expansion Slot Fast Ethernet RJ-45 10Base-T/100Base-TX/1000Base-T Integrated V.92/V.90 Modem with RJ-11 Intel PRO/Wireless 4965AGN LAN Network Connection 802.11a/b/g/n Multimedia Card Reader - Supports optional Memory Stick, Memory Stick(R) DUO Media with MagicGate(TM) functionality and Secure Digital Media (SD) Inputs and Outputs - Ethernet Port, HDMI Connection Output, Headphone Jack, 4-pin i.LINK(R) connector IEEE 1394, Modem Jack, Microphone Input, S-Video Output, 3x USB Ports, VGA Output, DC-In and S/PDIF Output Operating System - Windows Vista Home Premium Dimensions - Width 16.4 x Height 1.32 x Depth 11.8 Weight - 8.1 pounds with standard battery

I purchased my AR630E in December 2007, and I really loved it. The only and the major thing that is really frustrating me is preinstalled OS Vista Home Premium. It really slow down the performance. Vista consumes too much computer's resources.
Recently I installed OS XP SP2 paralelly, and my laptop now just flies.
Apart from said issue - it is a wonderful laptop.

I purchased this Sony VAIO VGNAR630E laptop recently and have found no problems with it. It runs remarkably fast and has a beautiful display. It is definitely a desktop replacement given it's size, but nonetheless it's still transportable. Overall, so far, it works great and I am happy with my purchase.

Awesome laptop! As soon as I took it out of the box, I was shocked at how beautiful it is. The screen is very bright, and everything about it is great! I definitely reccomend!

The Sony Vaio rebuilt laptop I purchased is just the best!! Has all kinds of great features. Great Buy and I'm glad I did it.

Laptop was in a good shape, however there were no CD/DVD drivers attached or OS. This was key because I had problem with Vista since the beginning - error messages and unable to login (and Vista wanted to reinstall).
I had to play with it for a while, download 400 MB of Vista upgrades and 150 MB of Sony upgrades to work... and it is still not working properly. Hard to say if it is fault of seller or Sony...