Sony VGN-AR790U/B

This Sony VAIO VGN-AR790U/B laptop PC provides a power multimedia computer platform for enhanced entertainment performance. But it can also be admired for its gorgeously appointed design, featuring a black exterior, sleek profile, and interfaces and ports that are easily accessible yet discreetly integrated. This Sony VAIO VGN-AR790U/B laptop PC features a 17-inch WUXGA widescreen XBRITE-HiColor LCD screen with a 1440 x 900-pixel resolution, and video is powered by the Nvidia GeForce 8600M graphics card, with 512 MB of dedicated video memory. It offers high-definition Blu-ray Disc read/write capability, supporting full 1080p HD video as well as up to 5.1 discrete channels of uncompressed digital audio. It's backwards-compatible with standard DVDs and CDs, enabling you to enjoy your digital library for years to come. The optical drive can also write a full range of disc formats, including dual-layer DVD discs.

In addition to its computing prowess, this Sony VAIO VGN-AR790U/B laptop PC also doubles as a 17 inch LCD HDTV thanks to the included ATI TV Wonder digital cable tuner, which enables you to watch and record premium HD digital cable content. It offers NTSC (standard) and ATSC (high-definition) tuners as well as Cable Card support.

This Sony VAIO VGN-AR790U/B laptop PC powered by the 2.5 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T9300 processor, which offers a top-of-the-line 800 MHz front-side bus speed and 6 MB L2 cache. Part of Intel's 45-nanometer (nm) Penryn series, this processor boosts speed, reduces power requirements, and saves on battery life. The Core 2 Duo processor provides an optimized, multithreaded architecture for improved gaming and multitasking performance. It also includes Intel's 4965 AGN wireless LAN, which will connect to draft 802.11n routers and offers compatibility with 802.11a/b/g networks as well. Other features include a 400 GB hard drive, 4 GB of installed RAM (maximum capacity), Gigabit Ethernet, both PCMCIA and ExpressCard slots, and Memory Stick/SD memory cart slot. The integrated 1.3-megapixel WebCam (and integrated microphone) provides easy video conferencing via VoIP and video IM chats.

Screen, Video & Audio: This Sony VAIO VGN-AR790U/B laptop PC offers a 17-inch screen with a widescreen 1440 x 900-pixel resolution. And thanks to Sony's XBRITE-HiColor panel technology, the flat-panel screen will deliver dazzling colors and sharp images whether displaying a DVD movie, television show, or web content. It delivers deep blacks and bright whites, true-to-life color, and razor-sharp detail. And with a glare filter and anti-reflective coating to minimize reflection, you'll experience a beautifully clear image.

Video is powered by the Nvidia GeForce 8600M graphics card, which provides up to 1791 MB of available RAM/video memory (with 512 MB dedicated) for unmatched HD video performance on a laptop PC. With support for Microsoft DirectX 10 Shader Model 4.0 and High Dynamic-Range Lighting (HDR), the 8400M lets you rip through all of today's most advanced and cutting-edge games and applications. Experience real-time photo editing, or immerse yourself in the most complex, true-to-life gaming environments. The audio card includes Sony Sound Reality technology with DSD (Direct Stream Digital) support.

Using the included ATI TV Wonder, you can receive NTSC (standard broadcast) and ATSC (digital, HD) signals as well as get digital cable channels with the Cable Card (available from compatible cable services). It also includes stereo speakers (3 watts apiece for 6 watts of total power) and an internal 5-watt subwoofer. The audio card includes Sony Sound Reality technology with DSD (Direct Stream Digital) support.

Dimensions & Weight: This Sony VAIO VGN-AR790U/B laptop PC measures 16.4 x 11.8 x 1.32 inches (WxDxH) and weighs 8.3 pounds.