| Inspired by theater screens, the Sony VAIO VGN-FW510F/H in gray broadens your entertainment horizons with a brilliantly colorful 16.4-inch high-definition LCD, dedicated AV controls, HDMI output to your HDTV, and more. Great for watching widescreen movies or viewing two web sites side-by-side, the 16.4-inch screen also minimizes the annoying black bars you see when playing widescreen movies. Reminiscent of a rolling wave, the smooth, curved lines of are as functional as they are attractive--from the iconic new cylindrical hinge to the sloping bend where the keyboard meets the display. Striking, yet sophisticated, this deep black VAIO FW notebook utilizes advanced paint technology that's applied to the magnesium chassis, making the color appear to shift in tint at different angles. 
Learn more about Windows 7 Home Premium below. | 
The Sony VAIO FW with 16.4-inch high-definition display in gray (see larger image). | 
Create your video masterpieces with the included Sony Movie Story software and burn them to disc using the DVD±RW drive (see larger image). | 
Handy, built-in A/V control buttons also let you play, pause, rewind, stop, eject and control volume, all with one-touch ease (see larger image). | It comes pre-installed with the Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium operating system (64-bit version), supporting office applications and all the software programs routinely found in full-size notebooks. Windows 7 is the easiest, fastest, and most engaging version of Windows yet. Better ways to find and manage files, like Jump Lists and improved taskbar previews, help you speed through everyday tasks. Windows 7 is designed for faster and more reliable performance, so your PC just works the way you want it to. (Learn more about Windows 7 Home Premium below.) It's powered by the 2.2 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T6600 processor, which boosts speed, reduces power requirements, and saves on battery life. It also offers a fast 800 MHz front-side bus speed and 2 MB L2 cache. It also includes Intel's 5100AGN wireless LAN, which will connect to draft 802.11n routers and offers compatibility with 802.11a/b/g networks as well. And you can use wireless headsets for video chats and stream music to compatible speakers using the embedded Bluetooth 2.1 connectivity (featuring the A2DP music streaming profile). Make your own movies using the dual-layer DVD±RW drive (with CD burning capabilities) and included Sony Movie Story software--just choose the supplied template and professional-looking cutaways, cross-fades and soundtrack syncing are automatically done for you. And with the HDMI A/V output, you can connect the VAIO FW to a compatible HDTV to display your creations to a larger audience. You'll be able to tackle virtually any graphics requirement with the ATI Mobility Radeon HD4650 graphics card and 512 MB of dedicated video RAM (and up to 2280 MB of total available memory). A built-in 1.3-megapixel webcam (with integrated microphone) lets you join in on video conferences as well as make long-distance VoIP calls. Other features include a 500 GB hard drive (5400 RPM), 4 GB of installed RAM (8 GB maximum), ExpressCard 34 slot, Gigabit Ethernet, and both Memory Stick and SD card readers. This Sony notebook is Energy Star 5.0 certified, and has received a Silver EPEAT designation for meeting standards to help reduce its environmental impact. Additionally, it is RoHS-compliant, effectively reducing the environmental impact by restricting the use of lead, mercury and certain other hazardous substances. Key Features - 16.4-inch XBRITE-ECO high-def display (1600 x 900-pixel resolution) with 16:9 aspect ratio ensures that you won't miss an inch of the original picture from your favorite movie while also providing valuable extra workspace. (Learn more)
- Windows 7 Home Premium makes it easy to create a home network and share all of your favorite photos, videos, and music. And you can watch shows for free when and where you want with Internet TV on Windows Media Center. Get the best entertainment experience with Windows 7 Home Premium. (Learn more)
- Get more features with Windows Anytime Upgrade. It's the best way to add features to Windows 7, takes as few as ten minutes, requires no software or downloads, and you'll keep your existing programs, files, and settings. Windows will walk you through the simple upgrade process.
- 2.20 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T6600 processor with 2 MB L2 cache and 800 MHz front side bus (FSB) (Learn more)
- 500 GB Serial ATA hard drive (5400 RPM)
- 4 GB of installed RAM (800 MHz; expandable to 8 GB)
- ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4650 with 512 MB of dedicated video memory (Learn more)
- 8x multi-format DVD drive supports reading/writing of CD-R/RW, DVD±R, DVD±RW, DVD±R DL, and DVD-RAM.
- MOTION EYE webcam and microphone lets you quickly snap photos and video chat with friends and family.
- Draft-N Wi-Fi networking (802.11a/b/g/n) for greater speed and range
- Bluetooth 2.1 connectivity enables you to communicate and synchronize with Bluetooth-enabled peripherals such as PDAs and cell phones as well as enjoy wireless stereo music streaming (thanks to its embedded A2DP profile).
- Gigabit Ethernet
- HDMI output provides single-cable full 1080p connectivity and is complemented by an analog VGA output for standard monitors
- Stereo speakers with Dolby Sound Room suite of technologies delivers virtual surround sound from stereo speakers or any pair of headphones and is designed for environments where multiple surround speakers are neither practical nor possible.
- Dedicated AV controls makes navigating through your favorite multimedia quick and easy.
- Pre-loaded software includes Microsoft Works SE 9.0 for word processing and spreadsheet work. Enjoy a 60-day trial version of Microsoft Office Home and Student 2007.
- Up to 3 hours of battery life with included standard capacity battery
- Dimensions: 15.1 x 10.3 x 1.46 inches (WxDxH)
- Weight: 6.9 pounds
- Warranty: 1-year limited hardware warranty, and 1-year of toll-free telephone technical assistance (a 1-year international service plan is also available).
Networking, Connectivity & Expansion
Be ready for the next platform in wireless connectivity with the integrated quad-mode Intel Wireless 5100AGN 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). It also includes a next-generation ExpressCard card slot (replacing the PCMCIA slot), which lets you take advantage of thinner, faster, and lighter expansion cards for even more advanced wireless, networking, storage, and security features. It comes with the following external connectors: - 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 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
- 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet
- 56K modem (V.90)
What's in the box
This package contains the Sony VAIO VGN-FW510F/H laptop, standard capacity rechargeable battery, AC adapter, power cord, printed user manual It also comes with the following software: Norton Internet Security 2009 (30-day trial); Microsoft Works SE 9.0; Microsoft Office Home and Student 2007 (60-day trial); VAIO Multimedia Suite includes VAIO Care for system diagnostics and maintenance, VAIO Movie Story for video creation, and VAIO Media plus for multimedia streaming Learn More
This Sony VAIO has a 16.4-inch TFT display with a resolution of 1600 x 900 pixels (native 720p for high-definition viewing). The 16:9 aspect ratio ensures that you won't miss an inch of the original picture from your favorite movie while also providing valuable extra workspace. The XBRITE-ECO technology delivers brilliant colors and stunning clarity with efficient power usage, and it features an anti-reflective coating to minimize reflection and ensure a beautifully clear image from any viewing angle. Video is powered by the ATI Radeon HD 4650 graphics card, which provides 512 MB dedicated graphics memory and up to 2287 MB as allocated by the Windows 7 operating system. ATI Radeon HD 4600 Series GPUs help redefine the way you play HD games and enjoy unprecedented levels of graphics realism powered by 320 stream processing units. It also offers support for Microsoft DirectX 10.1 games. The intelligent power management delivers the power needed to run the most intense applications while intuitively conserving energy at idle or when demand is low.
 Windows 7 Home Premium makes it easy to create a home network and share all of your favorite photos, videos, and music. You can even watch, pause, rewind, and record TV. Get the best entertainment experience with Windows 7 Home Premium. | Simplify everyday tasks | Work the way you want | Make new things possible |  |  |  | - Simplify your PC with new navigation features like Aero Shake, Jump Lists, and Snap.
- Customize Windows to look and feel the way you like by changing themes and taskbar programs.
- Setting up a home network and connecting to printers and devices is easier than ever.
- Windows 7 Home Premium supports the latest hardware and software.
| - Designed to make your PC sleep and resume quicker.
- Takes full advantage of 64-bit PC hardware and memory.
- Connecting to wireless networks is fast and easy.
| - Watch, pause, rewind, and record TV with Windows Media Center.
- Watch your favorite DVD movies.
- Includes integrated video and Dolby audio codecs.
| Jump Lists
New in Windows 7, Jump Lists take you right to the documents, pictures, songs, or websites you turn to each day. To open a Jump List, just right-click a program icon on the Windows 7 taskbar. (You'll also find them on the Start menu.) What you see in a Jump List depends entirely on the program. The Jump List for Internet Explorer 8 shows frequently-viewed websites. Windows Media Player 12 lists commonly-played tunes. Your Jump List missing a favorite? You can "pin" whatever files you like there. Jump Lists don't just show shortcuts to files. Sometimes they also provide quick access to commands for things like composing new e‑mail messages or playing music. Improved Windows Taskbar
In Windows 7 you can "pin" favorite programs anywhere on the taskbar for easy access. Not crazy about the icon lineup? Now you can rearrange them any way you like by clicking and dragging. Finally, there are new ways to preview windows. Point to a taskbar icon to see a thumbnail preview of open files or programs. Then, move your mouse over a thumbnail to preview the window full-screen. You can even close windows from the thumbnail previews--a big time saver. Snap
Ever need to cut through a cluttered desktop and quickly focus on a single window? Just click a pane and give your mouse a shake. Every open window except that one instantly disappears. Jiggle again--and your windows are back.
The Intel Core 2 Duo T6600 processor has a 2.2 GHz processor speed, fast 800 MHz front-side bus (FSB), and 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.) It's optimized for multitasking and is ready to support the Microsoft Windows 7 operating system. |
Sony VAIO VGN-FW510F/H 16.4-Inch Gray Laptop (Windows 7 Home Premium)
Product Description
Learn more about Windows 7 Home Premium below.
The Sony VAIO FW with 16.4-inch high-definition display in gray (see larger image).
Create your video masterpieces with the included Sony Movie Story software and burn them to disc using the DVD±RW drive (see larger image).
Handy, built-in A/V control buttons also let you play, pause, rewind, stop, eject and control volume, all with one-touch ease (see larger image).
It's powered by the 2.2 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T6600 processor, which boosts speed, reduces power requirements, and saves on battery life. It also offers a fast 800 MHz front-side bus speed and 2 MB L2 cache. It also includes Intel's 5100AGN wireless LAN, which will connect to draft 802.11n routers and offers compatibility with 802.11a/b/g networks as well. And you can use wireless headsets for video chats and stream music to compatible speakers using the embedded Bluetooth 2.1 connectivity (featuring the A2DP music streaming profile).
Make your own movies using the dual-layer DVD±RW drive (with CD burning capabilities) and included Sony Movie Story software--just choose the supplied template and professional-looking cutaways, cross-fades and soundtrack syncing are automatically done for you. And with the HDMI A/V output, you can connect the VAIO FW to a compatible HDTV to display your creations to a larger audience.
You'll be able to tackle virtually any graphics requirement with the ATI Mobility Radeon HD4650 graphics card and 512 MB of dedicated video RAM (and up to 2280 MB of total available memory). A built-in 1.3-megapixel webcam (with integrated microphone) lets you join in on video conferences as well as make long-distance VoIP calls. Other features include a 500 GB hard drive (5400 RPM), 4 GB of installed RAM (8 GB maximum), ExpressCard 34 slot, Gigabit Ethernet, and both Memory Stick and SD card readers.
This Sony notebook is Energy Star 5.0 certified, and has received a Silver EPEAT designation for meeting standards to help reduce its environmental impact. Additionally, it is RoHS-compliant, effectively reducing the environmental impact by restricting the use of lead, mercury and certain other hazardous substances.
Key Features
Networking, Connectivity & Expansion
Be ready for the next platform in wireless connectivity with the integrated quad-mode Intel Wireless 5100AGN 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).
It also includes a next-generation ExpressCard card slot (replacing the PCMCIA slot), which lets you take advantage of thinner, faster, and lighter expansion cards for even more advanced wireless, networking, storage, and security features. It comes with the following external connectors:
What's in the box
This package contains the Sony VAIO VGN-FW510F/H laptop, standard capacity rechargeable battery, AC adapter, power cord, printed user manual
It also comes with the following software: Norton Internet Security 2009 (30-day trial); Microsoft Works SE 9.0; Microsoft Office Home and Student 2007 (60-day trial); VAIO Multimedia Suite includes VAIO Care for system diagnostics and maintenance, VAIO Movie Story for video creation, and VAIO Media plus for multimedia streaming
Learn More
16.4-Inch High-Definition Display
This Sony VAIO has a 16.4-inch TFT display with a resolution of 1600 x 900 pixels (native 720p for high-definition viewing). The 16:9 aspect ratio ensures that you won't miss an inch of the original picture from your favorite movie while also providing valuable extra workspace. The XBRITE-ECO technology delivers brilliant colors and stunning clarity with efficient power usage, and it features an anti-reflective coating to minimize reflection and ensure a beautifully clear image from any viewing angle.Video is powered by the ATI Radeon HD 4650 graphics card, which provides 512 MB dedicated graphics memory and up to 2287 MB as allocated by the Windows 7 operating system. ATI Radeon HD 4600 Series GPUs help redefine the way you play HD games and enjoy unprecedented levels of graphics realism powered by 320 stream processing units. It also offers support for Microsoft DirectX 10.1 games. The intelligent power management delivers the power needed to run the most intense applications while intuitively conserving energy at idle or when demand is low.
Windows 7 Home Premium makes it easy to create a home network and share all of your favorite photos, videos, and music. You can even watch, pause, rewind, and record TV. Get the best entertainment experience with Windows 7 Home Premium.
Jump Lists
New in Windows 7, Jump Lists take you right to the documents, pictures, songs, or websites you turn to each day. To open a Jump List, just right-click a program icon on the Windows 7 taskbar. (You'll also find them on the Start menu.) What you see in a Jump List depends entirely on the program. The Jump List for Internet Explorer 8 shows frequently-viewed websites. Windows Media Player 12 lists commonly-played tunes. Your Jump List missing a favorite? You can "pin" whatever files you like there. Jump Lists don't just show shortcuts to files. Sometimes they also provide quick access to commands for things like composing new e‑mail messages or playing music.
Improved Windows Taskbar
In Windows 7 you can "pin" favorite programs anywhere on the taskbar for easy access. Not crazy about the icon lineup? Now you can rearrange them any way you like by clicking and dragging. Finally, there are new ways to preview windows. Point to a taskbar icon to see a thumbnail preview of open files or programs. Then, move your mouse over a thumbnail to preview the window full-screen. You can even close windows from the thumbnail previews--a big time saver.
Snap
Ever need to cut through a cluttered desktop and quickly focus on a single window? Just click a pane and give your mouse a shake. Every open window except that one instantly disappears. Jiggle again--and your windows are back.
Intel Core 2 Duo Processing Power
The Intel Core 2 Duo T6600 processor has a 2.2 GHz processor speed, fast 800 MHz front-side bus (FSB), and 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.) It's optimized for multitasking and is ready to support the Microsoft Windows 7 operating system.Featuring dual cores that power through the most intensive tasks, the Intel Core 2 Duo processor lets you surf the web, download content, connect with friends--and do it all with ease. Intel Advanced Smart Cache technology minimizes wait times by allocating more access to frequently used data to the processing core that needs it most. Intel's power-saving capabilities enable fast, cool-running performance even in a compact form factor.
Intel Centrino processor technology combines advanced dual-core responsiveness, wireless networking, and exclusive power management features designed for stay-away-longer battery life. Two high-performance processing cores let you run multiple demanding applications simultaneously--download HD video while you retouch photos, remix a soundtrack or enjoy casual gaming. Intel HD Boost dramatically accelerates multimedia processing for more exhilarating high-definition video and gaming experiences.
Product Details
Video Reviews
Customer Reviews
1. Vaio FW (upgraded to Windows 7 Professional): Just a fantastic combination of performance and build quility. True workhorse. HPs and Dell look dull compared to the sleek and elegant FW.
2. Vaio X (64GB SSD + Verizon broadband): Light as a feather, fantastic design, leaves all other netbooks in the dust, Mac Air looks boring compared to this. Performance is significantly faaster than the air as well. Includes VGA and Full Windows 7 Home Premium (which means it comes with the fantastic Windows Media Center). Includes 14 hour extended battery. Even with the extended battery the X looks sleeker than the Mac Air!
3. Vaio TP: I paid around $2000 for this excellent home theatre PC that does eveything. Again, very sleek and excellent performance.
4. Vaio LT All in one: I paid around $2000 for this, again an excellent all in one, better than an iMac in every way possible. Better audio (includes a built in sub woofer!), Blu Ray player and includes Vista Media Center + HD TV Tuner!
So what's the problem? For both the TP and LT computers which are Vista Sony support refuses to upgrade the graphics drivers to support windows 7. This means I can NEVER upgrade these from Vista to Windows 7. Sony makes great hardware, no question. But when it comes to support they are the worse. So IF you are budget conscious in any way or need your computer to be future proof for more than a couple of years NEVER EVER consider a Sony. This is coming from a big Sony supporter. Unlike Apple who back their hardware, Sony does NO such thing. You're on your own with Sony.
The FW is a great notebook and so far has worked flawlessly for me, but recent history tells me that Sony will probably not support it, now that the F series is out.
I found that buying a new laptop is a lot like buying new shoes. You can't just buy them online without trying them out. This laptop was an ergonomic fit, not to mention the features. If you're looking for plenty of keyboard space, a large (an awesome) display, 64 bit OS, 4 GB RAM, and a 500GB hard drive... this is it. The HDMI output doesn't suck either.
Regardless, I'm happy with my purchase.
Battery life is not bad, but less than the stats stated here. I'd say 90 min is reasonable expectation with normal use. No blu-ray drive, but that isn't a big deal to me yet. Otherwise, I can't find much wrong with this laptop, and I would buy again if I needed another one.
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