Sony VAIO VGN-AR730E/B
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Review Date: 8th Apr' 08

We recently reviewed Dell Inspiron 1720, which is a low cost 17" laptop that can be used for cushy entertainment purposes and still be configured for less than $1000. However, if you start enhancing your configuration with things like a high definition optical drive, an Intel Penryn processor, dedicated graphics card etc, the new pricing will justify the case for broadening your search for the right entertainment laptop.

Sony VAIO VGN-AR730E/B is one such model that can deliver just the right entertainment platform. Though it still misses an integrated TV Tuner to be called a truly entertainment laptop, but this is only the entry-level model in Sony's built-for-entertainment series and still holds lots of enjoyment value for your bucks.

Currently priced at $1699, VAIO VGN-AR730E/B boasts of a 2.1 GHz Core 2 Duo T8100 processor that is part of Intel's latest processor technology called Penryn. In addition, the machine has a NVIDIA GeForce 8400M GT graphics card that has 256MB of dedicated graphics memory, great for watching movies and handling Vista's Aero interface, fine enough for light gaming as well, just don't expect any hardcore 3D gaming action.

A Blu-ray drive is also part of the deal and since the high definition format war is over now, you can feel safe making an investment in your next-generation optical drive. An enormous 3 gigabytes of system memory and a respectable storage capacity of 320GB will give you enough time before you need to make upgrades in these sectors.

Just like any other Sony's notebook out there, the design of VAIO VGN-AR730E/B is impressive and rugged magnesium holds it durable for an extended period of time.

The keyboard is quite adequate for easy typing as it should be for a 17" notebook PC and has a row of dedicated media buttons. The 17" screen features a WXGA resolution, which means it can display 1440 x 900 pixels. We would have loved to see a WUXGA resolution here, displaying 1920 x 1200 pixels so as to take full advantage of the high definition drive. Fortunately, an HDMI port is present that makes it possible to export your high definition content over to an external HD screen, quite useful if you already own an HDTV or are planning to buy one in near future. The HDMI port is what the Dell Inspiron 1720 is primarily missing in comparison.

Overall, Sony has nicely packed in the essentials of an entertainment laptop in VAIO VGN-AR730E/B. It has a high definition drive, HDMI port, dedicated media buttons and the ability to play multimedia files without the need to boot-up the system first. A webcam and better than average notebook speakers are also integrated.