The Sony VAIO VPCF1290X is Sony’s second most customizable laptop. It was released after many online publications began to notice that Sony was very rigid when it came to customizing their electronics. That’s why users can customize the Sony VAIO VPCF1290X and build the multimedia and gaming laptop of their dreams. The price range is $999.99-2,934.97. Let’s see what options we have and how much each one costs.
Let’s start with the processor, the main part. The cheaper version of the Sony VAIO VPCF1290X comes with an Intel Core i7 740QM processor running at a very good speed of 1.73 GHz (Turbo Boost technology can push it up to 2.93 GHz). However, it may have the Intel Core i7 820QM central processing unit (running at 1.73 GHz). With Turbo Boost technology enabled, you can get it to run at 3.06 GHz. This upgrade costs just an extra $200. You get a genuine copy of Windows 7 Home operating system on 64-bit architecture for free. However, you need to pay $150 for the Windows 7 Ultimate (64-bit) operating system. The standard hard drive is a 320 GB drive (spinning at 5400 revolutions per minute), quite basic and small. On the other hand, a 256GB SSD (Solid State Drive) will set you back $525 and a 500GB HDD that spins at 7200 rotations per minute, $105.
The cheaper Sony VAIO VPCF1290X comes with 4 GB (two 2 GB bars) of DDR 3 RAM running at a frequency of 1333 MHz, but you can get 8 GB (two 4 GB bars) of DDR 3 RAM on a front side bus. 1333MHz for $300. Considering the price, we bought the 4 GB version. You can also upgrade the standard CD/DVD player/recorder with a Bluray Disc player + recorder for an additional $160. When it comes to the graphics card, things get a bit more complicated. The standard edition comes with an Nvidia GeForce 310M graphics processing unit card (with 512 MB of video RAM). However, if you choose this, you will only be able to have the 16.4″ VAIO display (maximum resolution 1600 x 900 pixels). So if you want Full HD capabilities and want the 16.4″ VAIO Full-HD display (going up to a maximum resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels), you need to get the Nvidia GeForce 330 M video card (which benefits from 1 GB of video RAM) for $50 more. Don’t forget to add another $100 for the HD screen.
The software can be quite expensive. So expensive? Have a look. If you take the basic configuration, you are forced to buy the Adobe package ($448). And if you want to switch from Microsoft Office 2010 Starter edition to Microsoft Office 2010 Professional edition, you have to add another $350. Everyone needs antivirus software, so they included Norton Internet Security 2010 (with only a 30-day trial) for free. And yes, after 30 days, it’s gone! If you want the Backstage VIP Protection suite, you have to take another $100 out of pocket.