Sony VAIO Y Series Notebook Review
Software and Accessories
The trend continues. What we're referring to is the refusal of laptop makers to include accessories in their packaging anymore. As with many of the other machines we have tested in the past few months, Sony included no bonuses in the box. You get the notebook, an AC power cord, a power brick and that's it. With cheaper machines, we usually don't mind if nothing extra comes in the box. However, with a VAIO, you're expecting a quality machine and quality packaging. When you check into a nice hotel, you also expect subtle extras; the same is true here, and we're somewhat let down that Sony isn't bundling at least a notebook sleeve. Given the relatively low price for a VAIO, however, it's somewhat understandable we suppose.
Click To Enlarge
On the software front, our test model shipped with a 64-bit version of Windows 7 Professional, and we noticed an interesting boot-up sequence here that isn't present on most machines. Sony's startup process invites you to register your machine, but then it gives you the option of enabling one of two anti-virus suites and it informs you that Google's Chrome web browser is pre-installed. At first, we were annoyed by yet another pop-up box at startup (this is only on the first boot up, though), but then we realized how great this was. We are constantly annoyed by Norton nag screens, and having the option to disable the software right away was great. It's still installed on the HDD, so you still have to remove it completely if you wish, but at least you can dodge the nag screens. Also, having Chrome on board is a great choice. Chrome is a fantastic web browser, and while the latest version of Internet Explorer is also on the machine, it's nice to give people options, particularly when you consider that IE is really lagging behind Chrome, Safari and Firefox in terms of speed and extra features.
Click To Enlarge
Other software includes a 60-day trial of the Microsoft Office suite, a Sony connectivity manager and little else. Nothing too special, but then again, there isn't much bloatware to speak of. And that's always a good thing.
Click To Enlarge
;)
Click To Enlarge
On the software front, our test model shipped with a 64-bit version of Windows 7 Professional, and we noticed an interesting boot-up sequence here that isn't present on most machines. Sony's startup process invites you to register your machine, but then it gives you the option of enabling one of two anti-virus suites and it informs you that Google's Chrome web browser is pre-installed. At first, we were annoyed by yet another pop-up box at startup (this is only on the first boot up, though), but then we realized how great this was. We are constantly annoyed by Norton nag screens, and having the option to disable the software right away was great. It's still installed on the HDD, so you still have to remove it completely if you wish, but at least you can dodge the nag screens. Also, having Chrome on board is a great choice. Chrome is a fantastic web browser, and while the latest version of Internet Explorer is also on the machine, it's nice to give people options, particularly when you consider that IE is really lagging behind Chrome, Safari and Firefox in terms of speed and extra features.
;)
Click To Enlarge
Other software includes a 60-day trial of the Microsoft Office suite, a Sony connectivity manager and little else. Nothing too special, but then again, there isn't much bloatware to speak of. And that's always a good thing.
;)
Click To Enlarge
