Sony VAIO VGN-NW120J-W Review

Sony VAIO VGN-NW120J-W
  • Intel Core 2 Duo T6500 (2.1 GHz)

  • Intel GMA 4500MHD

  • 4 GB RAM Size

  • 320 GB HDD Capacity

2

Our summary of all reviews

  • Performance

    /100

    At this level, the performance is very low. This limits the user to usual activities e.g surfing the web, writing emails. Using applications like Word or Excel is possible, though at a very low speed. Gaming and other high performance tasks are impossible. People looking for a secondary laptop or using non-complex applications only will be satisfied.

    • 3DMark 06 1024 x 768

      887.18 #

    • PCMark 05

      5474 #

    • PCMark Vantage

      3176.5 #

    • Cinebench xCPU 64Bit

      4222.5 #

    ▼ expand ▲ collapse
  • Design

    3.9/5

    The reviewers’ opinions tended predominantly towards moderate satisfaction concerning the laptop design. The notebook’s appearance was decently received and should prove to be at the taste of many users.

  • Build Quality

    3.3/5

    The build quality is above average providing for the necessary protection of the computer’s internal parts. The build quality should be acceptable for users moving the laptop around on a frequent basis, even after a couple of years. The external parts might however wear out after medium-term usage , resulting in cracks or squeaking sounds.

    • Base Unit Flex

       : 

      3.7/5

      The laptop chassis is quite resistant, however few imperfections with gaps and cracking sounds might annoy the user. The surface will suffer from some scratches if the computer is not protected during transportation.

    • Display Panel

       : 

      2.0/5

      When opening or closing the screen lid, some minor color distortions will occur on the display. This also happens when applying pressure on the back of the display panel. There might be some gaps between the different parts of the frame.

    ▼ expand ▲ collapse
  • Display

    3.0/5

    Generally the reviewers deemed this laptop to be above average. Users could expect this display to provide for average satisfaction with office work as well as multimedia use. Gamers and professional designers might however not find this display to their taste. To get a more comprehensive review of this display, users should check the ratings of the different attributes of this screen.

    • Display Resolution

      1366 x 768

      This resolution is also called HD-ready. Viewing more than one website on the monitor is almost impossible, as one window takes up almost the whole space. Graphic designers might not be completely satisfied with this resolution, as this latter might be too small. High resolution picture and video editing is plainly impossible. This resolution is a good option for gamers as many graphic cards will be powerful enough to support the native resolution of this display. Watching most movies will be possible without any black bars at the top and bottom of the display.

    • Color Reproduction

       : 

      3.1/5

      The color spectrum covered by the display is acceptable. Both color saturation and natural appearance of the pictures are good enough for viewing HD movies and gaming. Professional designers however will find that only a higher level of color reproduction will satisfy their needs.

    • Contrast

       : 

      2.8/5

      The contrast between the darkest color -black- and the brightest color -white- is below average in this computer. This results in having the darkest areas being washed out resembling a dark shade of gray, while the brightest areas appear to be of a light grayish color. Movies can be enjoyed provided that the room is completely darkened. Most office workers will find the readability to be sufficient, while some might be annoyed by the close shades of gray characterizing both the dark text and the bright background. The needs of professional designers will surely not be met with this notebook.

    • Contrast Value

      132 :1

    • Brightness

       : 

      3.0/5

      The maximum brightness of this computer is adequate for viewing the screen comfortably, even under bright ambient light. However, the users must be cautious to only push the brightness to its maximum in bright conditions, eg. outdoors. Setting the brightness to a high level will drastically decrease the battery life. In addition, using the notebook at maximum brightness in a dark room will be tiring for the eyes.

    • Average Brightness

      181 cd/m²

    • Reflections

       : 

      1.5/5

      The reflections on this screen cause its usability to be close to minimal. Users will only be able to comfortably view the display in either dark environment or with the least possible amount of lighting. Outdoor use will prove to be absurd; patience and continuous focus will be required for any actual and efficient use of this laptop under medium lighting conditions.

    • Viewing Angle

       : 

      2.6/5

      Looking at the screen from the side causes color distortions. Two people watching a movie have to sit close together for both of them to get a good picture. Even when you move in your chair color deviations will be noticeable. On the plus side, this display provides for some privacy in public spaces.

    ▼ expand ▲ collapse
  • Sound

    3.1/5

    The sound quality of this laptop is average compared to other notebooks. Although these internal speakers are adequate for easy listening, you should not count on them for a fun movie night with friends. Gaming could still be fairly enjoyed, but the user should always account for external speakers or headphones for a better sound experience.

    • Maximum Volume

       : 

      2.8/5

      This laptop provides for a great opportunity to test your hearing abilities. At maximum volume, users can expect the sound to be loud enough to partially cover the space in one room. It would be difficult to enjoy a movie with a group of people if you are not all sitting close to the laptop. Headphones or external speakers should prove to be a good back up for action/thriller movies to be enjoyed.

    • Sound Clarity

       : 

      3.7/5

      The clarity of the sound is still ok at this level. While demanding audiophiles will think of it as a disaster, the rest of us will find the sound experience provided by this laptop satisfactory when watching movies or playing games.

    • Lows

       : 

      1.7/5

      With the internal speakers of this laptop, there is practically no bass, making music or movies feel flat. The sound is thus either scratchy, too low or flat.

    ▼ expand ▲ collapse
  • Keyboard

    4.2/5

    This keyboard has been rated by most reviewers as quite convincing. If your daily life relies heavily on typing, then this keyboard has been manufactured for you. Whether you are an academician, a journalist, or an office worker, you will find this keyboard providing for both comfort and speed. Gamers will be as well satisfied even after long hours of use.

    • Layout

       : 

      4.3/5

      The layout of this keyboard stands firmly within the ranges of conventionality. The positioning of the keys conforms with the standard layout, thus reducing the users adaptation time to their new keyboard.

    • Keyboard Size

       : 

      4.3/5

      The size of this keyboard allows for a good typing experience, as the keys are large enough to reduce typos. The palm rest is as well a quality of this keyboard, deep enough for easy and comfortable usage. The gaps between the keys make the keyboard quite proportionate, and to the linking of most users.

    • Key Responsiveness

       : 

      3.9/5

      The responsiveness of this keyboard allows for most users to be satisfied with individual key feedback. The keys do require some pressure for efficient typing, without being either too soft or too stiff for manipulation. Most users will find this keyboard supportive for long typing hours as the keys can be pressed down without any difficulty and they respond back quite fast. Although this keyboard might not be responsive enough for some, the general feel of the keyboard should be within the ranges of satisfaction for most of us.

    • Keyboard Flex

       : 

      3.0/5

      Although the plastic below the keyboard does flex at noticeable levels, it is still not bothersome enough to interrupt your typing. it is true that your typing speed might decrease and your comfort will not be ideal, but the flex of this keyboard is still not too annoying for most users.

    • Keys Clicking Sound

       : 

      5.0/5

      Using this keyboard will not cause any disturbance noise wise. Clicking an individual key provides for an unobtrusive feedback fitting the quietest surroundings. In short: A nice recurring easy-to-get-used-to sound.

    ▼ expand ▲ collapse
  • Touchpad

    4.1/5

    This touchpad will be considered by most users to be very much suited for some quite complex tasks. Be it for office work, browsing online, or for designing, reviewers thought this trackpad to be convincing. For gaming however, an external mouse is needed. The touchpad button comes nothing short of what the rest of the trackpad provides for: The feedback is accurate, the feel is smooth, and the size is well suited for medium to large displays. This trackpad helps you in quickly adjusting to your new computer

    • Touchpad Surface

       : 

      4.2/5

      The feeling of the touchpad will work at your satisfaction with its relatively smooth surface allowing quick scrolling up and down your pages. If you require rougher textures, the trackpad of this computer can be pleasing, as it combines both smoothness and good surface resistance.

    • Sensitivity

       : 

      4.0/5

      The accuracy of this touchpad fulfills high standards of satisfaction. You should not face any issues, as the reaction time is quite fast, and the responsiveness is quite precise and your mouse pointer will always go where you want it to. This touchpad should answer the needs of most users no matter their demands.

    • Touchpad Size

       : 

      4.0/5

      The size of this touchpad allows for navigating large displays with no problem. The users will not need to worry at all about inconveniences such as with excessive scrolling or getting an extra mouse, as this touchpad answers all these needs quite convincingly. You will most probably not need to turn the sensitivity settings up, as you will not need to make your mouse move any faster. Keeping your sensitivity settings low will ensure that you will enjoy higher touchpad accuracy.

    • Buttons

       : 

      4.0/5

      The feedback of the trackpad’s buttons will fulfil the needs of most users. The well defined pressure point gives adequate feedback, making it clear when and where the buttons have been pushed. Therefore they are efficient for most activities, even those requiring high levels of precision such as picture editing. Nearby individuals will rarely be disturbed by the unobtrusive and soft button’s clicking sound.

    • Buttons Noise

       : 

      3.5/5

      The buttons respond with a decent click when pressed.

    ▼ expand ▲ collapse
  • Battery Surfing

    3:39 h

    This battery life should be enough for users planning to spend just a bit over a couple of hours away from a power source. If you want, for example, to check your emails in the garden, or during a short train ride, you should make sure that your display is set on low brightness. You should as well turn on your energy saving mode, and avoid running any other parallel programs other than the one you are using. With all these precautions, this battery might still not be enough for you, in this case you should have a second battery to secure longer working hours away from a power socket.

    • Battery DVD/Video

      2:35 h

      This battery will only provide for 2 to 3 hours of work with energy demanding applications. You will probably be able to watch one movie or stream a couple of videos. Gaming will consume much more energy compared to watching videos, thus the battery will not last as long. For mobile use, an external battery is a good idea as it will double the time you are independent from power sockets.

    ▼ expand ▲ collapse
  • Weight

    5.49 lbs

    This computer is for most users still comfortable to carry around, although for those used to lighter computers, it might seem a bit heavy at the beginning. Mobile users will most probably need a somehow large bag to carry this laptop around, a backpack in this case would be ideal. Even when factoring the extra weight of the charger, walking with this computer will still be fine for most users.

  • Noise

    4.0/5

    This laptop stays pleasantly silent most of the time. It is well fitted for use in public places when one does not want to annoy others. Most users will hardly ever notice any noise coming from the laptop fan, hard-drive, or any other parts.

    • Noise Idle

       : 

      5.0/5

      You will not notice any noise when the laptop is idle.

    • Noise Normal Use

       : 

      4.0/5

      While doing office work or browsing the web, the noise emitted by this computer is barely noticeable. In a quite room, you can rest assured, the low noise of the fan will not hinder with your concentration.

    • Noise Full Load

       : 

      2.0/5

      The notebook can get quite loud when watching movies, editing videos, playing games or any other kind of performance demanding application. If you are in a quiet environment, you might want to avoid running such high performance applications to avoid annoying the people around you.

    ▼ expand ▲ collapse
  • Temperature

    4.5/5

    The laptops stays always cool. All reviewers found, the heat from the notebook will not be a problem for your fingers or legs. You can watch movies, even play games on a hot summer day without the laptop emitting any heat.

    • Heat Top: Full Use

       : 

      5.0/5

      The laptop keeps quite cool at normal use. That’s very convenient.

    • Heat Top: Normal Use

       : 

      3.5/5

      The laptop gets warm on top but nothing you would complain about.

    • Heat Bottom: Normal Use

       : 

      4.0/5

      The temperature on the bottom of the notebook is fine. It never gets to warm.

    • Heat Bottom: Full Load

       : 

      5.0/5

      There is no spot on the laptop that is overheated at anytime.

    ▼ expand ▲ collapse
A

All external reviews  Sony  VAIO VGN-NW120J-W

Language Source URL Review Date Author

English

www.trustedreviews.com 8/19/09 Andy Vandervell

English

www.pcworld.com 8/13/09 Darren Gladstone

English

reviews.cnet.com 8/7/09 Matthew Elliott

English

www.expertreviews.co.uk 8/1/09 Alan Lu & Barry de la Rosa

English

reviews.cnet.com 7/29/09 Scott Stein

English

www.laptopmag.com 7/28/09 Jeffrey L. Wilson

English

www.pcmag.com 7/7/09 John R. Delaney

English

computershopper.com 7/1/09 Denny Atkin

Deutsch

www.netzwelt.de 8/7/09 Roland Haberer

Deutsch

www.notebookjournal.de 8/5/09 Sebastian Jentsch

日本語

plusd.itmedia.co.jp 7/15/09 鈴木雅暢
▼ expand ▲ collapse
Total number of reviews: 11