The dedicated ATI graphics card assisted the Sony Vaio VPCF11S1E/B notebook achieve practically 20fps in our CoD4 benchmark. This is not quick sufficient for gaming, but less action-oriented video games, such as Dragon Age: Origins or Mass Effect 2 will probably function easily at reduced resolutions and with more sophisticated graphics settings turned off.

This particular VPCF11S1E/B notebook may be the 1st notebook we have witnessed to use Intel's new Core i3 mobile processor chip, and thus we could not wait to benchmark it. An total score of 77 may not seem significantly, but taking into consideration that it really is equivalent for the fastest mobile computer in our latest £700 laptop computer class test, we had been duly satisfied.

Intel has shifted with a 32nm production process for the new cpus, using smaller transistor dimensions, permitting the chips to become a lot more power efficient, using a TDP of only 35W. Intel has additionally integrated a new graphics processor within the chip, that removes the requirement for the devoted graphics chip as well as lowers electricity usage. Sony, even though, has opted to make use of a devoted graphics chip in this case rather – the ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5470 – because the built-in chip is not successful sufficient for playing modern 3D games.

Given all this, its battery rating of 3 hrs 15 minutes had been a little unsatisfactory. Nevertheless, the battery alone isn't very big and also the devoted graphics chipset negates any possible gain from the processor's onboard GPU. We see this as a problem using the Sony Vaio VPCF11S1E/B, instead of Core i3 notebooks generally. That said, at above three hours, it is still sufficient for infrequent transportable use.

More remarkable, is that its 2.13GHz Core i3-330M is the least expensive in the new selection of cpus; a range that additionally consists of mobile Core i5 and Core i7 chips with base clock speeds as much as 2.66GHz. Each of the different chips are usually dual-core and also have Hyper-Threading to improve performance while multitasking. Most cpus within the selection also use Intel's overclocking Turbo Boost technology, which boosts clock speeds if your chip isn't operating near its top heat range. Unfortunately, the entry-level Core i3 used in Sony Vaio VPCF11S1E/B doesn't support this.

Sony's new VPC Range is a wonderful computer, using a subtle two-tone style. The cover and also the area above the keyboard are a light silver colour, whilst on our product, the keyboard panel and also wrist rest had been finished in white. The wrist rest itself has a sleek surface with a subtle sparkle, and it is manufactured of a higher quality plastic material that's comfortable to operate on and also feels solidly built.

This kind of high quality surface and selection of fascinating materials extends throughout the entire case, with attention to details as we would anticipate from a Vaio. For instance, the power button has a little LED indicator where it meets the edge of the case, so it's still noticeable while the lid closed. Our only problem had been the DVD drive tray, which can be flimsy as well as loose when open; a slot drive could have been more in standing with the rest of the situation.

HD movie won't be a problem, and there's an High-definition multimedia interface port for delivering to your house entertainment system. The interior audio system tend to be pretty loud, but tinny at high wavelengths and don't have bass, thus if you ever want to maximum benefit from movies you would be recommended to link a good sound system.

The screen is also less amazing as we would thought. It includes a slick finish that will reflect overhead lighting, and also vertical viewing angles are restricted. Colours are usually normal and energetic, however without LED backlighting, contrast isn't as great as some screens we've witnessed recently. The backlight is not as vivid as some, nevertheless it's generally even, with just several darker patches across the bottom side.

Sony used to include a large software program bundle such as Adobe Photoshop Elements, but that is absent from this model. You nevertheless obtain lots of Sony utility software, even though its usefulness is questionable, and also you acquire Sony's media centre replacement, accessible via a devoted button above the keyboard, that is slick yet doesn't really add something that Windows' own Media Center can't provide. Another button commences the Vaio Care support software program, which provides you with access to troubleshooting, back-up as well as recovery resources.