Sony, VGC-LA2

Pooling its talents from its numerous consumer divisions, Sony continually pushes the boundaries of modern computer design and redefines how home users work and play with Windows. The Vaio LA Series is exceptionally easy to use and looks stunning from every angle, but does it have the beef to back up its beauty?

Optical illusion
Created using a special polycarbonate acrylic, the transparent bezel that surrounds the 19-inch widescreen display gives the impression that the Vaio LA Series is actually floating above your desk. Quiet bizarre, really.

Designed to meet the needs of users who prize aesthetics more highly than performance, the Vaio VGC-LA2 is a computer that demands to be on view and it’ll always take centre stage, whether in the lounge, the kitchen or the bedroom.

Thanks to a wireless keyboard and mouse, plus its removable rear panel that conceals the power lead and any rear cable connections, clutter is kept to a minimum.

Style over substance
Tying to ensure that its performance is as distinctive as its looks, the Vaio LA Series unfortunately falls short. Processing power, storage space and networking standards are all lacking.

The machine even comes with an ageing laptop graphics chipset, so you can rule out playing any decent 3D games at respectable frame rates. Sony really does need to step up the pace if it’s going to compete with the ever-increasing demands of home users.

On the plus side, the wireless mouse and brushed aluminium keyboard are as eye-catching as they are well engineered, and the built-in webcam and digital TV tuner are great accessories to have as standard.

TV star
Capable of receiving analogue and digital free-to-air programming, the hybrid TV tuner lets you watch and record all of your favourite shows. Simply select the programmes that you don’t want to miss and the Vaio VGC-LA2 will take care of everything else, recording straight to the hard disk.

There’s also a VGA camera integrated above the screen, which, coupled with an internal microphone complete with echo cancelling technology, makes this Vaio a top performer when it comes to communicating with others. All you have to do is launch the application and let the LA Series take care of keeping the camera in focus and controlling voice levels.

Square eyes
But the key selling points of the system are its unique design and luxurious 19-inch (1680x1050) widescreen display which produces colours that are brighter and sharper, tones that are richer and text and graphics that appear crisper and clearer than most screens.

And of course, once work is over, the display is perfectly suited for watching DVDs in their optimum 16:10 aspect ratio. The only downside is cost ¬– you get a lot more for your money from Apple, including a much bigger display.

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