When it comes to big-screen notebooks packing Intel’s blazing Core i7 processor, Sony is definitely playing catch-up with the rest of the field. But the VAIO F Series ($1,719) proves that there’s nothing wrong with being late to the party: this 16.4-incher sports a full HD display, Blu-ray player, and discrete graphics. Sony also includes an innovative technology called TransferJet, which allows users to move photos from select cameras by merely placing them on the laptop’s palm rest (albeit with added cost and time). This multimedia machine has some drawbacks, but when it comes to performance, the F Series is one of the best Core i7 notebooks around.

Design

Although the VAIO F has clean lines, the overall look almost feels too safe. The notebook has an understated matte lid embossed with the VAIO logo, and a matching chassis underneath, complete with a subtly textured palm rest. In the lower left corner of the palm rest is an icon indicating where users can transfer data wirelessly using TransferJet (more on this later).

The keyboard, of course, has an island-style layout, something Sony was known for long before other PC makers jumped on board and started ditching those pillowy, closely arranged keys. Below the thick speaker strip (but above the keyboard) you’ll find multimedia keys, as well as buttons to launch Sony’s VAIO Care and Media Gallery software. The glowing green power button is still built into the side of the hinge, which is an attractive touch.

At 6.6 pounds and 15.3 x 10.4 x 1.6 inches, the VAIO F is still light enough to carry around the house with ease.

Heat

For the most part, the VAIO F Series never became uncomfortably hot. After 15 minutes of streaming a Hulu video at full screen, we measured temperatures of 86 degrees Fahrenheit on the underside of the notebook, 97 degrees in the center of the keyboard, and 98 degrees on the touchpad. (While temperatures in the 90s are warm, we don’t become concerned until they break 100 degrees.) On the bottom of the notebook—near the vents on the left side—we measured temps of 110 degrees.

Quick Specs :

CPU: 1.60-GHz Intel Core i7-720QM
Operating System: Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit)
RAM/Expandable to: 8GB/8GB
Hard Drive Size/Speed: 500GB/7,200 rpm
Display Size/Resolution: 16.4 inches/1920 x 1080
Optical Drive: BD-ROM