Sony’s new BX-Series laptops offer the business user a complete package, from sophisticated features to a selection of warranty options, but it’s far too big and heavy (402x297x43mm, 4.1kg) to lug around all day and its battery life is pathetic - we managed to get just over 1 hour in our tests. And although the system is entirely designed for business users and offers a relatively wide range of configurations, we’re disappointed that there is no dual-core option.
The magnesium-encased BX-Series is all about business and flexibility. There are four screen choices, all enhanced with X-black LCD technology for rich colours and deep blacks. You can opt for either a 14.1-inch (£821) or 15-inch (£703) XGA screen, or a 15.4-inch (£938) WXGA resolution panel if widescreen is more suited to your needs. At the top of the range, the VGN-BX197XP (£1761) reviewed here offers a 17-inch Wide UltraXGA (1920x1200 pixels) screen providing a massive desktop area almost three times as large as standard XGA (1280x1024 pixels).
All processors in the range include the latest Intel Centrino mobile technology, and for that extra bit of edge the BX-Series only uses high-speed 533MHz DDR2 memory. The entry-level VGN-195EP is based on a 1.6GHz Celeron 380, with step-up models based on the Pentium M 740 and 750, including the 14.1-inch BX194VP model. This model has been specifically designed for professionals who need a mobile office solution in an ultra-portable format. The flagship VGN-BX197XP reviewed here features a Pentium 760 running at 2GHz. Hard disk options range from 80GB to a capacious 160GB of storage (5200rpm), courtesy of the twin disk array in the VGN-BX197XP.
Each laptop in the range has a removable modular bay which comes by default with a dual-layer DVD±RW drive. However, it can be replaced with a weight saver which allows frequent travellers to leave the optical drive in the external (and optional) docking station to keep the carrying weight to the absolute minimum. Alternatively, a second hard disk drive could be installed in the docking station, or even in the laptop, and used for additional storage space and for keeping backups. A slot in the unit lets you keep a spare battery fully charged at all times, so it’s always there for a long-haul flight.
Another neat standard feature is built-in biometric security in the form of a fingerprint sensor and Trusted Platform Module (TPM) security chip. Combined, they effectively bar any unauthorised access to data or even Windows booting. We’re also pleased to see that although the BX-Series is aimed at the professional market, it loses none of the strong design values associated with the VAIO brand. The distinctive - although hardly elegant - appearance is underpinned by key ergonomic strengths.
The large keyboard is carefully laid out for maximum comfort, and both conventional touchpad and trackpoint devices are standard. There are even five mouse buttons. All the keys are full-size too, so typists will be able to work comfortably throughout the day. Essential ports including i.Link (4-pin FireWire) and three USB ports are located accessibly at the side, rather than the back, but the headphone and microphone ports are less accessible towards the rear of the system. Thankfully Sony makes up for this with a dedicated Wi-Fi switch as well as Memory Stick and SD (a belated and inevitable concession) slots at the front of the unit.
The remaining connectivity options include Bluetooth, Gigabit Ethernet, V.92 modem, Type II PC Card and VGA-out. It’s a shame there’s no DVI port or S-video out to take advantage of ATI’s solid graphics chipset. Sony has also integrated a 2-channel audio codec with Direct Sound 3D support and stereo speakers. Aside from a mute button (there are no external volume controls), and two programmable quick-launch buttons, the VGN-BX197XP has no multimedia controls. On top of Microsoft Windows XP Professional, Sony includes a nice array of its own software, including media, connectivity and support utilities, as well as the standard applications for burning and playing discs.
All models come with high-speed 802.11b/g wireless networking. Selected models, including the VGN-BX197XP, are equipped with a built-in Web camera which is designed to open up the full potential of Internet telephony and video conferencing. Graphics are driven by Intel’s middling 915GM graphics chipset which shares main system memory, or ATI’s X700 with 128MB of dedicated video memory. Neither are market-leading, but the latter is more than capable of running all but the most demanding 3D applications and games.
Sony’s BX series offer business-friendly qualities and performance that will be appreciated by any power user. However, the VGN-BX197XP is not exactly groundbreaking, and many ThinkPads have offered the same security features and shared peripherals for years (except for the built-in Web camera). Nevertheless it’s still great to see Sony finally making it easier for businesses to deploy a fleet of VAIO laptops, and the way all the models in the range share the same peripherals is a real cost saver. Hardly travel friendly, the VGN-BX197XP would make a decent deskbound workhorse.
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