Thumbnail of product Vaio VGN-A517S from brand Sony
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Laptop Sony Vaio VGN-A517S

Sony
Computers and accessories
Laptop

The Sony Vaio VGN-A517S is a laptop that combines performance and sleek design. With a 17-inch screen offering a resolution of 1440 x 900 pixels, this model ensures a rich and immersive visual experience, ideal for multitasking and entertainment.

Equipped with an Intel processor at 2 GHz and an internal memory of 1 GB DDR2-SDRAM, the Sony Vaio VGN-A517S allows for smooth usage of your everyday applications. Its storage capacity of 120 GB on a SATA hard drive provides ample space for your files and documents.

In terms of connectivity, this model features 3 USB 2.0 ports, an Ethernet port, and a Bluetooth interface, allowing you to stay easily connected. Additionally, the stereo audio system with two built-in speakers offers appreciable sound quality for your videos and music.

The touchpad facilitates navigation, while the ergonomic keyboard ensures optimal comfort while typing. Although the battery life is limited to 1.5 hours, the Sony Vaio VGN-A517S remains a solid choice for those seeking a reliable laptop for general use.

In summary, the Sony Vaio VGN-A517S is a laptop that combines satisfactory technical features and an attractive design, making it a good companion for users looking for performance and simplicity.

Manual of product Vaio VGN-A517S

First page image of the manual for Vaio VGN-A517S

User Manual
198 pages
View manual
7 10

Editorial note

The Sony Vaio VGN-A517S is a laptop that stands out for its build quality, inherited from the reputation of the Sony brand. With a 17-inch screen and a resolution of 1440 x 900 pixels, it offers an immersive visual experience, ideal for multimedia applications. Its varied connectivity, including several USB ports and Bluetooth wireless technology, allows for easy connection of various peripherals. However, this device has some limitations. The internal memory of 1 GB, expandable to only 2 GB, may prove insufficient for modern applications, leading to noticeable slowdowns during multitasking. Additionally, the battery life, which does not exceed 1.5 hours, complicates prolonged use without access to a power source. Its weight of 3900 g also makes it impractical for mobile use. Overall performance is adequate for basic tasks, but the Windows XP Home Edition operating system is outdated and may pose compatibility issues with recent software. Furthermore, the lack of modern ports and the screen resolution, deemed below current standards, may hinder its appeal to users seeking more contemporary features. In summary, the Sony Vaio VGN-A517S is a device that offers interesting features and a generally positive user experience, but suffers from notable limitations in terms of performance, battery life, and software compatibility. These factors should be considered when evaluating its value for money.

Score details

User experience

The user experience is generally positive thanks to the well-known brand Sony, but the use of Windows XP can cause compatibility issues.

Performance

The performance is adequate for basic tasks, but the limited memory of 1 GB can lead to slowdowns when using modern applications.

Battery life

The battery life is limited to 1.5 hours, making prolonged use without recharging difficult.

Design

The design is acceptable, but the weight of 3900 g makes it impractical for mobile use.

Value for money

Although the product offers interesting features, its price may seem high compared to the memory capacity and battery life.

Features

The product has various features, such as extensive connectivity, but the lack of modern ports limits its use with recent accessories.

Usability

The interface is intuitive, but the use of outdated software can detract from the overall experience.

Advantages

Reliable and recognized brand

Immersive 17-inch screen

Varied and convenient connectivity

Immersive sound quality

Satisfactory graphic performance

Disadvantages

Internal memory limited to 2 GB.

Battery life of only 1.5 hours.

High weight of 3900 g, not very portable.

Outdated screen resolution of 1440 x 900.

Limited ports, absence of USB-C.

Outdated operating system Windows XP.

Technical Specifications Vaio VGN-A517S

General Information

Memory

  • Internal memory
    1 GB
  • Type of internal memory
    DDR2-SDRAM
  • Maximum internal memory
    2 GB
  • Memory configuration (slot x size)
    2 x 0.5 GB

Processor

  • Processor frequency
    2 GHz
  • System bus processor
    533 MHz
  • Processor manufacturer
    Intel
  • Processor technology
    Intel SpeedStep
  • Processor cache type
    L2
  • Processor cache memory
    2 MB

Storage support

  • Total storage capacity
    120 GB
  • Hard drive interface
    SATA
  • Hard disk rotation speed
    5400 RPM

Screen

  • Screen size
    17 "
  • Screen resolution
  • Image format
    1440 x 900 pixels
  • 16:10

Weight and dimensions

  • Weight
    3900 g
  • Height
    42.2 mm
  • Width
    405.5 mm
  • Depth
    280.1 mm

Graphique

  • Maximum graphics card memory
    0.256 GB
  • Distinct graphics adapter model
    AMD Mobility Radeon X600
  • Dedicated graphics card adapter
    Yes

Other features

  • Screen
    LCD
  • TV Input
    No
  • TV Input
    No
  • Internal modem
    Yes
  • Modem speed
    56 Kbit/s
  • Modem type
    Data/Fax v.92
  • Graphics adapter family
    AMD

Optical reader

  • Maximum speed DVD-R
    8 x
  • Maximum speed DVD-RW
    4 x
  • Maximum speed DVD-R
    8 x
  • Maximum speed DVD-RW
    4 x
  • CD reading speed
    24 x
  • CD reading speed
    24 x
  • CD rewrite speed
    20 x
  • Writing speed of dual-layer DVDs
    2.4 x

Connectivity

  • I/O Ports
    1x Docking Station
  • Quantity of USB 1.1 ports
    0
  • Quantity of USB 1.1 ports
    0
  • Quantity of USB 1.1 ports
    0
  • Quantity of USB 2.0 Ports
    3
  • Quantity of USB 1.1 ports
    0
  • Number of VGA (D-Sub) ports
    1
  • Number of VGA (D-Sub) ports
    1
  • Number of VGA (D-Sub) ports
    1
  • Number of VGA (D-Sub) ports
    1
  • TV Output
    Yes
  • Welcome connector
    No
  • Welcome connector
    No
  • Number of VGA (D-Sub) ports
    1
  • Type of housing for CardBus PCMCIA
    Type II
  • TV Output
    Yes
  • Number of VGA (D-Sub) ports
    1
  • Welcome connector
    No
  • TV Output
    Yes
  • TV output type
    Composite
  • Charging port type
    DC-in jack

Audio

  • Audio system
    Intel HDA + 3D Surround
  • Number of built-in speakers
    2

Keyboard

  • Pointing device
    Touchpad

Software

  • Installed operating system
    Windows XP Home Edition
  • Provided software
    Sony software:
  • Click to DVD 2.4
  • DVgatePlus 2.1
  • PictureGearStudio 2.0
  • SonicStage 3.2
  • VAIO Media 4.1
  • VAIO Recovery Utility 2.5
  • Vaio Edit Components 5.0
  • Sonic Stage Mastering Studio 1.4
  • Vaio Zone 1.4
  • VAIO Update 2.1
  • Image Converter 2.1
  • Memory Stick Formatter 2.4
  • Third Party Software:
  • Adobe Acrobat Reader 7.0
  • Adobe Photoshop Elements 3.0
  • Adobe Premiere Standard
  • Quicktime
  • WinDVD 5.0 for VAIO
  • Microsoft Works 8
  • Norton Internet Security 2005
  • Acrobat Elements 7.0
  • Norton Password Manager Installer 2004
  • Google toolbar 2.0
  • MoodLogic 2.5
  • Microsoft Office 2003 SBE (trial version)
  • Adobe Acrobat Professional 7.0 (Try & Buy)
  • Roxio Digital Media SE 2.3
  • Skype 1
  • Ultimaco Private Disk Easy1.0 (Try & Buy)

Network

  • Network features
    Gigabit Ethernet
  • Wireless network compliance
    Wireless LAN
  • Network speed
    Bluetooth
  • IEEE 802.11b/g
  • 10/100/1000 Mbps Base-TX

Battery

  • Maximum battery life
    1.5 h

Frequently Asked Questions

What influences the download speed on the Internet?
The download speed on the Internet is determined by the type of connection you have. For example, a 25 Mb/s connection means that you should theoretically download at a speed of 25 MB per second.
What are the dimensions of my laptop screen?
The dimensions of your laptop are usually indicated in inches, where 1 inch equals 2.54 centimeters. This measurement corresponds to the diagonal of the screen, which you measure from the bottom left corner to the top right corner.
What does the acronym HDMI mean?
HDMI stands for High-Definition Multimedia Interface. An HDMI cable allows for the transmission of audio and video signals between different devices.
How can I effectively clean my laptop?
To remove fingerprints, use a slightly damp cloth or a clean, soft cloth. To dust hard-to-reach areas, it is recommended to use compressed air.
What is the best method to clean my keyboard?
Turn the keyboard upside down and use a can of compressed air to dislodge dirt. The keys can also be cleaned with a damp cloth.
What is Bluetooth technology?
Bluetooth allows for wireless data transmission between electronic devices via radio waves. Generally, the range of this connection can reach up to ten meters.
What is the weight of the Sony Vaio VGN-A517S?
The weight of the Sony Vaio VGN-A517S is 3900 g.
What is the screen size of the Sony Vaio VGN-A517S?
The screen size of the Sony Vaio VGN-A517S is 17 inches.
What is the height of the Sony Vaio VGN-A517S?
The height of the Sony Vaio VGN-A517S is 42.2 mm.
What is the resolution of the screen of the Sony Vaio VGN-A517S?
The resolution of the screen of the Sony Vaio VGN-A517S is 1440 x 900 pixels.
What is the width of the Sony Vaio VGN-A517S?
The Sony Vaio VGN-A517S is 405.5 mm wide.
What is the depth of the Sony Vaio VGN-A517S?
The depth of the Sony Vaio VGN-A517S is 280.1 mm.
Is the manual for the Sony Vaio VGN-A517S available in French?
Unfortunately, the manual for the Sony Vaio VGN-A517S is not available in French. It is only offered in English.

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Presentation of product Vaio VGN-A517S specifications from brand Sony

General Information

The Sony Vaio VGN-A517S is a laptop from the renowned brand Sony, known for its commitment to quality and technological innovation. This model, the VGN-A517S, offers satisfactory performance suitable for various uses, ensuring a pleasant user experience.

Memory

This laptop is equipped with an internal memory of 1 GB of DDR2-SDRAM, allowing for efficient storage of data and applications. Although this capacity can be expanded up to 2 GB, it may prove insufficient for modern multitasking tasks, which could limit performance.

Processor

The VGN-A517S operates with an Intel processor at a frequency of 2 GHz, providing adequate instruction execution speed for common applications. Its system bus at 533 MHz facilitates communication between the processor and other components. This model also includes a 2 MB L2 cache, optimizing access to frequently used data.

Storage

With a capacity of 120 GB on its SATA hard drive, the VGN-A517S allows for sufficient storage for a variety of files. The rotation speed of 5400 RPM ensures quick access to data, although users of heavy content may feel limitations.

Screen

This model stands out with a 17-inch screen with a resolution of 1440 x 900 pixels, providing an enjoyable visual experience for multimedia. The 16:10 aspect ratio enhances immersion when viewing content.

Weight and Dimensions

Weighing 3900 g and with dimensions of 42.2 mm in height, 405.5 mm in width, and 280.1 mm in depth, this laptop may be less convenient to carry for users on the go.

Graphics

The VGN-A517S integrates an AMD Mobility Radeon X600 graphics card with a dedicated memory of 0.256 GB, offering sufficient graphics performance for basic multimedia applications, although it does not have a separate graphics adapter.

Other Features

Equipped with an LCD screen, this computer ensures pleasant image quality. It also has an internal modem with a speed of 56 Kbit/s, allowing for a stable Internet connection. However, it lacks modern ports such as infrared or TV output, which may restrict certain functionalities.

Optical Drive

The optical drive of the VGN-A517S allows for maximum burning and reading speeds of 8x for DVD+R and 24x for CD, thus providing adequate performance for standard burning needs.

Connectivity

This model offers varied connectivity with 3 USB 2.0 ports, 1 USB 1.1 port, 1 Firewire port, and 1 Ethernet LAN port, making it easy to connect to various devices. However, the absence of modern ports like USB-C may limit the use of recent accessories.

Audio

The integrated stereo audio system, consisting of 2 speakers, ensures a satisfactory sound experience for videos and music, although the audio may not meet audiophile expectations.

Keyboard

The touchpad allows for smooth and intuitive navigation, facilitating daily use of the device.

Software

The VGN-A517S comes pre-installed with Windows XP Home Edition, an outdated operating system that may pose compatibility issues with recent software. A suite of provided software enhances the user experience, but using an updated system is recommended for security reasons.

Network

The VGN-A517S features network capabilities such as Gigabit Ethernet, Wireless LAN, and Bluetooth, ensuring reliable connectivity. Its compliance with IEEE 802.11b/g standards ensures a stable wireless connection.

Battery

The battery life reaches a maximum of 1.5 hours, which may make prolonged use without access to a power source difficult.