Sony VAIO VGN-TT11WN/B review

Connectivity is suitably comprehensive too. Bluetooth and Draft-N head up the wireless networking capabilities, with an embedded 3G modem a particularly welcome addition. What's more, despite the 30 days of free T-Mobile access, it isn't tied to any particular network. Security is catered for by a fingerprint reader and a TPM 1.2 module.

Storage isn't exactly generous given the VGN-TT11WN/B's daunting price tag, though. There's a 160GB mechanical drive spinning at 5,400rpm, and impressively given the TT's lithe form, there's also an integrated DVD writer, but we'd expect more for the price.

The good news is that, courtesy of Sony's new online configurator, however, you can make a substantial saving over the stock models by cutting a few corners here and there. Indeed, take a look online and it seems that some of the 'upgrades' are a touch expensive. Settle for a 120GB hard disk and you'll save £94 exc VAT. Dispense with the useless fourth gigabyte of RAM for a more 32-bit OS friendly 3GB, and you'll save another £94. And if you downgrade from Vista Business to Home Premium you can save another £51. Trim off the fat and you can get a fully-featured TT for £1,488.

No matter how you cut it, however, the VGN-TT11WN/B remains excessively pricey. Crucially, it costs more than Sony's own Z-series laptops which are only a few hundred grams heavier, boast improved ergonomics thanks to their slightly larger frame and yet still manage to trump the TT with dual graphics chipsets, vastly improved performance and equally fine battery life. The undeniable allure of the TT's tinier, curvy figure may tempt some but, in the end, the excellence of Sony's own stablemate puts it in the shade.

Author: Sasha Muller