The Sony VAIO VPCEA290X is a CTO (customize to order) laptop from Sony. When we first heard about these CTO laptops, we thought it was another way Sony could get us some money. However, this is not the case here. This process actually allows users to customize a laptop to their exact needs. Whether they need a more capable processor, more RAM, a better video card, a larger hard drive, or just a few different colors and custom textures, they can use the CTO website to configure and order their laptop.
Pricing for the Sony VAIO VPCEA290X starts at $769.99 for the basic configuration. Let’s see what the basic configuration looks like. First of all, it has an Intel® Core i3-350M (2.26 GHz) processor which is quite capable and performed very well in our tests. We always tell our readers that small processors are better for laptops due to their lower power consumption. Laptops are made to be portable devices, not desktop computers. Next, we were impressed with the 4GB (2GB x 2) DDR3 RAM, which runs on a 1066MHz Front Side Bus (FSB). The amount and speed of the memory works very well with the processing power of the Sony. VAIO VPCEA290X.
Then the video card, an Intel Graphics Media Accelerator HD that is Intel Wireless Display Ready, comes as a great addition and is capable of outputting true HD resolutions. We were a bit disappointed when we tested the hard drive. Unfortunately, at 320GB in size and spinning at only 5,400 rotations per minute (RPM), the hard drive slows down the overall performance of the laptop. Although not drastically, one can feel the disadvantage of a 5400 rotations per minute HDD when gaming and even running multitasking applications. However, if you require more space and speed, you can choose to have the 500 GB hard drive installed, which spins at 7,200 rotations per minute. It will cost you only $100 more.
When you buy the Sony VAIO VPCEA290X, you also get free software that you will find very useful. For starters, the Genuine Windows 7 Home 64-bit operating system is one of the best available, and you get it for free. Plus, for all your office needs, you get Microsoft Office 2010 Starter. And if you’re a designer and work in graphics, or just a Photoshop enthusiast, you get a complete Adobe Bundle. Also, the basic configuration comes with a Gunmetal Black color theme and does not have a keyboard skin.
