Sony VAIO AW190

Sony’s VAIO series emphasizes quality audio and video for professionals. The Sony VAIO AW190 is a huge multimedia nerve center targeted more at cinephiles and media editors that still satisfies the gamer contingent with capable hardware. The huge 18.4-inch display is a perk that gamers appreciate—most overpowered gaming laptops only offer 17-inch screens. As more and more big-name firms start pushing their 18-inchers, it’s becoming increasingly clear that size does matter. No one knows that better than gamers or media editors: a large viewing space makes gaming more immersive and gives you plenty of desktop space for running multiple applications. The Sony VAIO AW190 is an ideal option for media and photo editors with a need for superior color quality and all around high performance.
 

Standout Features

• 18.4-inch Adobe RGB compatible screen
• 2.8GHz Intel Centrino T9600 processor
• Superior battery life

Sony’s VAIO laptops manage to produce a level of visual satisfaction that suggests they may have been designed by a Zen master or Feng Shui scholar. The Sony VAIO AW190 echoes the artistic minimalism that informs the VAIO series: smooth, lightly reflective and monochromatic. The Sony VAIO AW190 is black, has the stylish VAIO logo engraved on the lid, and has a single white stripe bordering the chassis and screen. We like it. The Sony VAIO AW190 looks sophisticated on a college campus and radiates professionalism at a company meeting. The fact that you’re playing World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King on the Sony VAIO AW190 is a secret you can keep between you and your computer.

The Sony VAIO AW190 provides a great hardware lineup for the demanding user. The 2.8GHz Centrino processor gives you the maximum possible speed available in a laptop without over-clocking. 4GB of RAM is pretty standard in heavy duty laptops these days—expect smooth sailing with resource hungry applications. The only regrettable hardware shortfall of the Sony VAIO AW190 is its video card. The GeForce 9600M GT is just a little too weak to push out impressive frame rates on the most demanding games. Everyday web surfing and application use will be a breeze, as will HD video and multimedia entertainment, just don’t expect to maximize the graphics settings on Call of Duty: World at War when it hits store shelves.

The Sony VAIO AW190 really shines in the display department. The Sony VAIO AW190’s 18.4-inch display can only be matched by a high-end external monitor in terms of color accuracy and richness. Back to back with the HP HDX 18t, the Sony VAIO AW190’s display makes photos look truer and more vibrant. This is because the Sony VAIO AW190’s display is Adobe RGB compatible. For serious photo editors and graphic artists, that’s the gold standard in color. Movie enthusiasts will be more than satisfied with the Sony VAIO AW190: the Blu-ray drive, color quality and 16:9 aspect ratio will give HD video a vibrant cinematic depth.

Value

Professional photo editors and graphic artists will happily pay $3000 for the Sony VAIO AW190. For the rest of us, the price tag is a bit steep. The HP HDX 18t is a reasonable alternative if you’re looking for an 18-inch display, but aren’t concerned with professional grade color. The Sony VAIO AW190 is particularly affordable in toned down configurations: starter models are available for as little as $2000. Serious gamers will likely want to burn their hard-earned money elsewhere—the HP P-173XL FX or Toshiba Qosmio X305 proffer better gaming bang for the buck.

Summary of Reviews from Across the Internet

Reviewers like the relatively portable parameters of the Sony VAIO AW190: it weighs less than 9 pounds and has an impressive battery life of 2.5 hours. The Sony VAIO AW190 is a desktop replacement category laptop that can actually leave the house.

Gamers wish there were the option to order the Sony VAIO AW190 with a stronger video card.

Summary

The pleasing aesthetic and strong performance of the Sony VAIO AW190 place it firmly in the upper tier of 18-inch notebook replacement desktops. Photo editors will relish the true to life image quality provided by the Adobe RGB capable display. The huge display and HD video capabilities of the Sony VAIO AW190 will find a warm welcome in movie buffs’ homes. Only hardcore performance-obsessed gamers need not apply. Casual gamers and MMORPG adventurers will find the Sony VAIO AW190 to be a well-rounded and competent gaming companion.

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