• Stylish, affordable notebook in silvery granite for everyday computing with widescreen 15.4-inch screen
• 1.5 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T5250 processor, 200 GB hard drive, 1 GB RAM (4 GB max), 8x multi-format/dual-layer DVD drive
• Tri-mode Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g), 10/100 Ethernet, Intel X3100 video card with up to 251 MB of shared memory
• Connectivity: 4 USB, 1 FireWire, ExpressCard 34 slot, Memory Stick & SD readers
• Pre-installed with Windows Vista Home Premium (with Media Center capabilities)

Offering powerful computing resources at an affordable price, the Sony VAIO VGN-NR180E/S also makes a stylish statement with rounded corners and unique coloring. This Granite VAIO NR notebook features a matte silver hue that showcases the notebook's subtly textured chassis and clean lines. The widescreen 15.4-inch screen makes it easy to multitask in several open windows, or watch a DVD in its proper aspect ratio. And Sony's original XBRITE-ECO LCD technology delivers razor-sharp details and crisp, bold colors--all while conserving battery life. The instant AV Mode feature enables you to start watching a DVD or listening to music with the push of a single button--without having to boot up the system.

This notebook is powered by the 1.5 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T5250 processor, which offers a 20 percent performance boost over its predecessor while using 28 percent less power--so you get the benefit of a powerful dual-core PC plus all the benefits of mobility. Other features include a 200 GB hard drive, 1 GB of installed RAM (4 GB maximum), tri-mode Wi-Fi LAN (802.11a/b/g), multi-format/dual-layer DVD±RW drive (which also burns CDs), ExpressCard 34 slot, and both Memory Stick and SD memory cart slots.

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 T5250 processor has a 1.5 GHz processor speed, fast 667 MHz front-side bus (FSB), and 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: The 200 GB Serial ATA hard drive provides more than enough capacity for storing a large audio and video library, as well as extra space required for video editing. However its 4200 RPM speed is a bit slower than current standard hard drives. This SATA hard drive also quickens the pace with a higher speed transfer of data--akin to FireWire and USB 2.0.

• Memory: The 1 GB of installed RAM (2 x 512 MB DDR2) is a decent start, 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 82-key keyboard (2mm stroke and 19.05mm pitch) and electro-static two-button touchpad.

Video is powered by the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100, which uses shared video memory (up to 251 MB allocated from the system memory) and provides Windows Vista Aero interface support and enhanced 3-D graphics performance--delivering over 2x scores on 3-DMark 06. Intel Clear Video Technology provides outstanding video playback with sharper image quality, increased clarity, and customizable color controls. It also enables enhanced visual quality of interlaced content on progressive displays.

Networking, Connectivity & Expansion
The Intel PRO wireless LAN 3945ABG provides a tri-mode network connection (supporting 802.11a/b/g), with throughput up to 54 Mbps at 5 GHz (802.11a) and 2.4 GHz (802.11g). This notebook also includes a next-generation ExpressCard 34 card slot (no 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:

• 4 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
• Video output: 1 VGA
• 1 ExpressCard/34 slot
• Memory Stick/Memory Stick DUO slot (with MagicGate functionality)
• Secure Digital memory card slot (compatible with MMC cards)
• 1 headphone jack, 1 microphone jack
• Fast Ethernet port for a 10/100 connection
• 56K modem (V.90/V.92)

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 14.2 x 10.6 x 1.5 inches (WxDxH) and weighs 6.2 pounds.

Power
It's powered by the VGP-BPS9/B rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which has a battery life of between 2.5 and 4.5 hours (depending on usage).

What's in the Box
This package contains the VGN-NR180E/S 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 Granite VAIO(R) NR notebook features a matte silver hue that shows the notebooks subtly textured chassis and clean lines. With its sophisticated, Granite silver encasing, the 15.4" VAIO(R) NR notebook will turn heads with its unpretentious charm. Enjoy superior performance with the Intel Core 2 Duo processor and connect to wireless networks such as your home network, school and workplace with wireless LAN technology. With its good looks and tools like these, the VAIO(R) NR is a great notebook for all of your day-to-day computing and entertainment needs. Sony's original XBRITE-ECO LCD technology delivers razor-sharp details and crisp, bold colors, all while conserving battery life. 15.4WXGA (1280 x 800) Display Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100 with up to 251 MB Video Memory Super Multi 8X DVD+-R/RW Drive with Double Layer Built-in 802.11ABG Wireless SD, MS Duo card reader 1 ExpressCard Slot 4 USB 2.0, 1 Headphone out; 1 Microphone-in, 1 VGA, 1 TV-Out (S-Video), 1 IEEE 1394, 1 RJ-11, 1 RJ-45 Unit Dimensions - 14.2 (W) X 10.6 (D) X 1.5 (H) Unit Weight - 6.2lbs

The computer is very slow with 1GB of RAM and running Vista. It's loaded with all kinds of junk software (AOL,Norton,tons of Sony stuff). I'm sweating writing this because the computer gets so hot, even when not running much.

I had this for 3 months when it died with an "Operating system not found" error. I spent several hours/days dealing with Sony tech support trying a variety of things, and finally after they could not fix it they sent someone out to fix it since it was under warranty. They swapped out my hard drive and I lost everything.

If it weren't for the warranty and the fact Sony came to me to fix it for free, I think I would swear off Sony products, and I was a Sony die-hard. I had a Vaio before this and liked it, but this is a piece of junk that I would avoid. I won't be buying another VAIO!!

The product is good quality with nice screen and wonderful sound. They sent me good product as i ordered in the internet except the colour, because i ordered white colour from beginning and then they do not have this colour. So they gave me alternative colour is silver. Limitation time and need laptop urgently are main reasons why i accepted the colour. the important things, i am enjoy with this laptop.

I've had this laptop since November 2007, and I have been EXTREMELY happy with the purchase. I previously had a terrible Toshiba P35 that was dying a horrific death, and I needed a computer on which to write my dissertation. Needless to say, the Sony NR120E has exceeded my expectations for a relatively cheap laptop. Quick pro/cons:

Pros:
- Great, vibrant screen (great size for a screen, you definitely don't need an external monitor with this computer)
- Good keyboard, very comfortable for typing
- Easy access to 4 USB slots, with two slots on either side of the computer
- Lots of connection options, memory stick, SD card reader, etc.
- Big hard drive for a laptop of this price
- Everything works, no severe hardware problems thus far

Cons:
- Battery life is definitely closer to the 2 hr range, rather than the maximum 4 hrs specified by the manufacturer
- As mentioned by other reviewers, lots of junkware pre-installed
- Not the fastest laptop ever (but it is quite good at handling multiple open applications at once)

I would definitely recommend upgrading the RAM to 2 GB. I also recommend using the "Ready Boost" feature with Vista. I am using a 2 GB memory stick that fits into the built in memory card reader, and so far, Vista is working great - sure, it's a resource hog, but I have had no problems with crashing.

One more thing - be sure to upgrade this computer to the most recent BIOS and drivers, provided on the Sony website. I initially had a problem with the wireless connectivity on this computer. The wireless connection would disconnect randomly, and the only way to re-connect would be to re-start the computer. Upgrading the hardware drivers and the BIOS fixed this problem completely.

This computer has a great design, and most importantly, it works fantastically. For the money, that's all I could ever ask for...

I've been using NR-160E for 6 months and have never been happier about my laptop. In the last 2 years I've been through 2 Toshibas and one Dell. And those lappies made me want to get rid of them as soon as I got them. The Toshibas were noisy, the Dell was built very cheap and the screen was blurry. So, what do you get with this Sony? (I'm going into the spec detail, as the budget laptops are basically the same now) .
a) Wonderful screen - crisp and colorful
b) Excellent performance. Very quiet. From normal distance (3ft) you can't here the fan at all and all of the time! Rather fast. This is faster than Toshiba with 1.67 Mhz C2D processor. Really, both Vista, both C2D, both 2MB L2 cache, but Tosh is 1.67 Mhz is noticeably slower than 1.5 Mhz Sony - go figure! I thought I'd need to get another stick of RAM here. No, 1G works perfectly alright for me in net browsing and Openoffice text, spreadsheets, video watching.
c) it's very comfy and beautiful to look at (the brown one). It comes with textured hand-rest panels (much better than those glossy- "hello sweaty palms"- Toshibas) and excellent comfy keyboard.
Definitely, a keeper!

I bought this laptop on Black Friday. It was a great deal from Best Buy for 399$. True that theres lot of additional software (most of it are trial versions), but doesnt hurt - just deleted. What a great display and keyboard and esp. wonderful deal - a sony brand for less than $400!!