Sony VAIO VGN-TX3XP Laptop Review

Total Score

Like the previous two TX models before it, the Sony VAIO TX 3XP is a beautifully designed notebook. The VAIO TX3XP really is one of those bits of kit that makes people stop and stare, while anyone else in your vicinity using a notebook will somehow feel self conscious about the size and weight of their mobile computer. Talking of size and weight, the TX3XP measures 272.4 x 195.1 x 28.5mm and weighs in at 1.25kg - exactly the same numbers as the TX2XP in fact. The carbon fibre chassis construction helps keep the weight down, while maintaining robust build quality. I've reviewed a great many notebooks over the years, but this TX chassis is one of the best I've ever used.

The 11.1in screen is the same as the TX1XP and  TX2XP with a generous 1,366 x 768 resolution - this gives you a true 16:9 aspect ratio, making the TX3XP ideal for watching movies on the move. The TX1XP pioneered the use of LEDs as a backlight source for a notebook screen, but it wasn't without issue - there was a significant amount of light bleed from the bottom of the screen - something that I mentioned to Sony at the time. Thankfully it would appear that Sony has worked hard to resolve this issue because there's no hint of light bleed on the TX3XP. Viewing-angle performance is acceptable side to side, with some loss of brightness but not color shift. Looking down from above shows a pronounced color shift.

Fortunately, the low profile of the widescreen means you won't have many instances when you can't open the lid all the way and view the screen head-on. The widescreen LCD gave Sony room to include a full-sized keyboard, and we found it comfortable and responsive.

Sony VAIO VGN-SZ170P Ultraportable Laptop Preview

Measuring in at 12.2" x 9.3" x 1.5" and with a weight starting at 3.8 pounds (actual measured weighted), Sony's VAIO VGN-SZ170P is a retail iteration of the SZ170 line. This model is from Sony's midline SZ notebook series. Considering Sony has a larger and smaller notebook series, this is best described as something in between a full-size and an ultra-portable model. Outside is a handsome black-and-charcoal carbon fiber chassis; open the ultrathin lid and you'll find an elegant brushed charcoal keyboard deck offset by a silver touchpad. The whole package looks and feels classy. At $2,000, however, this is by far the most expensive unit here.

The VGN-SZ170P is loaded with security and durability features, including a fingerprint reader, TPM circuitry, and an active protection system for the shock-mounted hard drive. Extra touches abound: a built-in DVD burner, a Memory Stick slot, and even an embedded webcam and microphone for easy videoconferencing with colleagues or video chatting with family while you're on the road.

When you open the lid you’re greeted with a 13.3in widescreen display finished with Sony’s X-Black high-contrast coating. As always, whether you like an X-Black screen or not is a matter of personal preference, but I find that the bright and vivid colours more than make up for the increased reflection. For a notebook that’s likely to be carried with you whenever you’re travelling, you’re probably going to find yourself watching the odd movie – with this in mind I’m happy to say that the S4M makes an excellent mobile movie player.

With a resolution of 1,280 x 800, you've got a reasonable amount of desktop real estate at your disposal, especially considering the 13.3in physical size. Of course the VAIO VGN-SZ170P has a slightly higher resolution on an even smaller screen, but that's the whole point of the S Series - some people actually don't want a notebook as small as the VAIO VGN-SZ170P. The VAIO VGN-SZ170P is targeted squarely at highly mobile multimedia users. It isn't small enough to be an ultra-portable notebook but it isn't quite big enough to be a full-sized notebook either. This notebook is meant for someone that spends some time at the desk but still spends a decent amount of time on the run. The VAIO VGN-SZ170P is a reasonable compromise between performance and size.