It was more than a decade ago when I had my first laptop computer, a Compaq with a Pentium 150mhz CPU. Fast forward to the present. Whenever I go to cyberzones or techno hubs of malls (my techno therapy), I can't fail to notice the dizzying array of laptops, notebooks, and netbooks. Since I am satisfied with my desktop PCs at home and at the office, I never imagine that I would be going back to mobile computing. While wifi is free in SM malls, I only manage to go online via my wife's Nokia E72. However, I can't fully access all the web features as the cell phone is only optimize for "mobile" browsing.
My return to mobile computing was made possible when my uncle, an aircraft mechanic in Shanghai, China, said via Yahoo Messenger that he would be buying one mobile computer for me. I know it's expensive and I suggested that any Chinese/Taiwanese brand netbook would do. But knowing my uncle's preference for brand and quality, he decided to buy a Sony Vaio M (VPC125JC). As I was elated by his magnanimous gesture, I quickly researched on the Internet more information about this product.
I've learned that Sony Vaio M is a follow up of the W series (netbook). It sports the new processor Intel N470 (1.83ghz) based on the Pine Trail platform, 1GB of RAM, 10.1" widescreen, Intel GMA 3150, wifi-N, 250GB hard drive, and Windows 7 OS. My uncle had the OS upgraded to Windows 7 Ultimate from Windows 7 Home Basic. It doesn't have a built-in optical drive.
The first thing I did when I got my hands on the Vaio M is install the free MS Security Essentials antivirus. As expected, installation was a breeze because of the legitimate OS. I connected it to the internet through my Belkin N1 Vision. I gave it a break in by checking my yahoo mail, viewing Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean" (my favorite) in YouTube, and downloading a free utility program.
Armed with a basic knowledge on netbooks, I am afraid that the 1GB RAM would be a bottleneck especially since the OS is Win 7 Ultimate. I initially thought that RAM could be upgraded but a brief phone call with a Sony Center-Ermita technician revealed the impossibility. RAM is soldered directly to the motherboard and worse, there is even no additional so-dimm slot for upgrade. I quickly looked at the bottom of the unit and I saw that only the battery could be removed. The manuals are practically useless for me because they are written in Chinese. I still have to verify with Sony Service Center if they will honor the international warranty. On the software side, I disable gadgets and aero to save valuable RAM. I also keep startup programs down to minimum.
Nevertheless, I have no problems so far with my Vaio M. After all why would I use it for processor-heavy stuff like video editing, database management, etc. Netbooks are for "lite" computing. Simple as it may be, I am able to browse multiple websites, view youtube videos, and even stream media (.mp3 and .avi) files from my desktop PC via TVersity software. I even wrote this blog with it.
I know there's still more to discover about my Vaio M and those are reserved for another blog.
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As regards to warranty, I sent an email to Sony Philippines. I received an email-reply from CCC Specialist Jimmilyn de Jesus. They only service locally bought VAIO. The Philippines is not included in the International Repair Service Program.
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