Learn Which VAIO E Series is Right for You

What's up with all these different model names and numbers? Although most of the time I'm not an Apple fan, when you buy a MacBook Pro 13, 15, or 17, you'll know exactly the size of the laptop you're getting. In this case, we'd wish Sony would have just went with simple model numbering instead of all these EA, EB, and EC stuff. Having said that though, when you do look into it, the naming issue becomes simple enough:

EA Series

14" laptop that starts with Core i3 option to Core i5

EB Series

15.5" laptop that starts with Core i3 option to Core i5

EC Series

17.3" laptop that's configured with a Core i5 option

Size, Weight, and Battery Life

All of the VAIO E series laptops are made-in-Japan and has the usual Sony built quality you'd come to expect. The E series are in the "Everyday computing" category, which means its not the entry-level models, but nor is it the higher end models such as the VAIO Z. The E series are squarely in the middle mainstream line-up that's "just right." In terms of weight, the 14-inch EA comes in at 5.2 lbs, the 15.5-inch just a tad bit heavier at 6.0 lbs, and finally the biggest 17.3-inch is the heaviest at 7.3 lbs.

Battery life depends on the model you go with. As with many other laptop, you generally have better battery life when you go small. The EA gets about 5.5 hours in default setting, the EB gets 4.5 hours, and the EC tips in at about 2.5 hours of battery life. If you need mobility and battery life, the 14-inch EA is a clear winner.

Display and Resolution

All of the display are decent Sony LED-LCD display, with the 17.3" giving you a full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080. The 14 and 15-inchers comes in at 1366 x 768 resolution, pretty typical for laptops in their price range. All models except the EC comes with standard Intel HD Graphics, while the EC model comes paired with a not-too-shabby Mobility Radeon HD 5470 (making the heavier price tag a bit more justifiable).

Connectivity and Wireless Options

In the wireless/networking department, bluetooth is standard across the board with WiFi-N support. The EA and EB series gets the slightly better Intel Centrino Wireless-N 1000 adapter (which are generally slightly better at battery life management) and both these laptops also have support with Intel's new Wireless Display technology, so you can easily sync/stream your display to a supported HDTV without wires or fuss. All models also comes with Intel HD Audio (pretty standard) with Dolby Home Theater technology. HDMI out can also be found on all the models, so connectivity in that department is solid.

For inputs and outputs, the VAIO E series comes packing. Memory card slot, SD card slot, Express Card 34 slot (woot!), HDMI that's mentioned, e-SATA, and a staggering amount of 4 USB port. You'll really be hard pressed to find a laptop with more input options, especially the pricey Express Card 34 slot capability for more peripheral add-ons and the e-SATA input for fast external hard drives.

The Bottom Line

All in all, the E series are fine machines that has been very popular through-out their lifespan, with the models constantly being refreshed in style through time. While they're not a super computing powerhouse, they are far from being slow machines too. Most models can play light gaming with the integrated graphics, while the 17-inch EC series with the Radeon HD 5470 can net you more modern games at more respectable ratings. But to be honest, if you're looking to game you probably shouldn't look at this line-up of VAIOs. Connectivity and slots are the strong points on the E series, and beyond "everyday" use, the E series are perfect as a business laptop due to the wide range of plug-in options.