I think all netbooks have roughly the same specifications featuring the standard Atom N280 processor, Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950 and perhaps even the harddrive capacity or the 10″ wide screen. When I choose a netbook, I go for the battery life and the looks of it.

Sony VAIO W (VPCW115XG) – Lid Close

Sony VAIO W (VPCW115XG) – Lid Open

The Sony VAIO W VPCW115XG comes in 3 colors, pink, brown and white. Its recommended retail price is SGD$899.00.

Technical Specifications

• Processor: Intel Atom Processor N280 (1.66 GHz)
• Operating System: Genuine Windows XP Home Edition 32-bit (English Version) with Service Pack 3
• Main Memory: 1 GB DDR2 SDRAM (Only 1 SO-DIMM slot)
• Hard Disk Drive: 160 GB　(Serial ATA, 5400 rpm)
• Graphics Accelerator: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950
• Display: 10.1″ widscreen (WXGA: 1366 x 768) TFT colour display
• Interfaces: 2x USB High Speed USB 2.0, 1x 10Base-T/100Base-TX (Network RJ-45 Connector), 1x Analogue RGB mini D-sub 15 pin (Display Output Connector), 1x Headphone Stereo mini jack, 1x Microphone Stereo
• Memory Card Slot Memory Stick Duo (Memory Stick PRO compatible, MagicGate compatible) and SD Memory Card (SDHC compatible, MMC compatible)
• Wireless Connection: Integrated Wireless LAN IEEE 802.11b/g/Draft n
• Bluetooth: Bluetooth standard Ver. 2.1+EDR
• Camera: 0.3 MP (640 x 480)
• Battery Life: 2.5 hours with the bundled VGP-BPS18 Lithium-ion battery
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 267.8 x 27.5-32.4 x 179.6 mm
• Weight: 1.19 kg (including the supplied battery)

Contents

Default Package

The package comes with an AC Adaptor (VGP-AC19V39) and Lithium-ion battery (VGP-BPS18) (3-Cell).

Battery Compartment

Ports

Power Port, VGA Port, Microphone Jack, Headphone Jack

2x USB2.0 Ports, LAN Port, Notebook Lock

Wireless Switch, Memory Stick Port, SD Card Port

Battery Indicator, Hard Drive Activity Indicator, On/Off Switch

Screen
The 10.1″ widescreen with native resolution of 1366 x 768 is amazing! The display is sharp and crystal clear! The best I have seen so far for a netbook! I can’t post any pictures because it will not justify the screen. You have to see it yourself at any Sony shops.

Keyboard

Sony VAIO W (VPCW115XG)

The VPCW115X features a chiclet keyboard similar to the MacBook Pro/Air which makes typing on a small computer easier as it reduces typo errors due to the increased in space between the letters.

Trackpad

Sony VAIO W (VPCW115XG)

The trackpad area is pretty large and moving your fingers across it is smooth. The left and right buttons below the trackpad are easy to press as well. I said easy because the buttons on my Asus 1000HE are very stiff and hence difficult to press. The num lock, caps lock and scroll lock indicators are just above the trackpad.

Summary
Pros:

• 10.1″ Widescreen with resolution of 1366 x 768 (16:9 ratio)
• Nice aesthetic looks and does not attract fingerprints
• It’s a Sony

Cons:

• Poor battery life
• Low resolution camera
• Only 2x USB Ports

In terms of the looks department, I would say none of the netbooks can beat this Sony VAIO W. It just looks sleek! If only Sony has the option of including a 6-cell battery instead of the 3-cell one, this would be the perfect netbook for me!

PS: I am asking Sony whether they will be selling the 6-cell battery. I will update this post when I get the information.