Sony VAIO VGC-LT2S PC Notebook

We bought this as we love the way it looks, even when switched off!

We looked at the original LT1S, but when we came to buy it, they released this one. It was the same price, but had a quicker processor, and larger memory.. bit of a no-brainer decision really!

The LT2S has the same 21" widescreen, and a Blu-Ray drive (reader and writer). So you can watch your favourite movies in full Blu-Ray quality.. or store your data on Blu-Ray discs (loads of space!).

We have a HD Camcorder, so we can now burn our recordings onto Blu-Ray discs.. fantastic..

Then, you can also plumb in a TV aeriel supply, and watch digital TV programmes.. and you can even use it as a Digital TV recorder, and watch them later..

If that was not enough.. you sometimes forget it is actually also a computer! All the gubbins are nicely tucked out of sight behind the screen (hence why it looks so good). This is a bit of a double edged sword however, as putting a disc in the drive, removing USB devices etc, can be a bit fiddly reaching around behind the screen.. but it is nothing you cannot get used to..

If you are tight for space.. you could buy this as your TV, and computer!

It has a built in Wireless LAN (but ours never initially worked with our Orange internet.. Orange did not seemed suprised!*see update*), 5 USB sockets (3 right at the back, 2 on the side), a fantastic wireless keyboard that disappears behind a cover flap, and wireless mouse.

The mouse has eaten batteries like there is no tomorrow.. the keyboard is still on its first set.. the computer also seems to work best if you just leave it to go into hibernate of its own accord, we kept switching ours off, and it would not connect to the internet when we switched it back on each time (but again, that could simply be Orange!)

Well, I think I have said enough.. simply put, a fantastic bit of kit, just enjoy.. either simply looking at it.. or using it..

Update Dec 2008 - I forgot to say. Most important if you do buy one, be careful how you lift it out of the box. Do not put your hands on the clear plastic surround. It is quite a weak point, and I cracked it as I lifted it out of the box, luckily Sony replaced it as a goodwill gesture. Get your hands right down under it, either side of the rear support leg.

Secondly, we bought some Sony Blu Ray 25GB recordable discs, but the computer just will not recognise them to record onto them. Defeating the object of it all at the moment! Have tried to find out why, but no joy yet, will update when we find out. I think it is something to do with the "version" of Blu Ray fitted. The discs are for V1.1, but I cannot find the version of the driver in the computer.

Update Feb 2009 - We got the wireless internet working a couple of weeks ago. Then the LAN totally failed - it would switch itself off when coming out of hibernation. This has been fixed by two phone calls to Sony Support, and a software update download from them. Now after a year of problematic internet on the wired connection, it is available wirelessly immediately the computer boots up.. superb!

Keyboard battery display down to one bar.. a years use on one set of batteries!

During these problems I downloaded Windows Vista Service Pack 2, to see if that would help.. it didnt! So far I have not noticed any difference over Service Pack 1.