Sony VAIO VGN-TX37GPB

While Sony’s new VGN-TX37GPB is ‘merely’ an evolution of the TX27 series, it still has the power to wow all who set eyes on it. Few ultraportables can match the TX37 for sheer size and weight. It weighs in at only 1.2kg and measures just 272 x 195 x 29mm – the same as the TX27.

Admittedly, it does sacrifice screen size for this: it has an 11.1in LCD, while most ultraportables opt for a 12.1in, 1280 x 800 display. But despite the size, the TX37’s screen boasts a 1366 x 768 resolution. This is a 16:9 ratio rather than the typical 16:10 offered by laptops, making it a better candidate for watching the odd movie. And if this appeals, the Sony’s X-black screen will happily oblige with an impressive level of brightness and vibrancy (although it is glossy and thus susceptible to reflections). These are characteristics of the white LED backlight, which also helps extend the battery life compared to traditional light sources.

Just below the screen is a row of playback control buttons including an AV Mode button, which lets you watch DVDs or listen to CDs without booting into Windows – again, a feature carried over from the previous model. The important factor, though, is the integrated DVD writer – an almost unbelievable inclusion given the TX37’s dimensions.

But there it is, along with a VGA output on the right-hand side. On the opposite side, are two USB 2 ports, a Type II PC Card slot and a modem connector. A mini-FireWire interface can be found on the rear with a 10/100 Ethernet port, while card readers for Memory Sticks and SD/MMC cards are on the front. Next to these are headphone and microphone inputs, volume controls and a wireless on/off switch for the 802.11a/b/g and Bluetooth radios.

Where the TX27 didn’t concern itself with security, the new model goes to the other extreme with a fingerprint scanner, a TPM 1.1b encryption chip and a G-Sensor to protect the 80GB hard disk (by parking its heads) in the event of a drop.

It’s a wonder Sony has managed to fit all these components into the tiny chassis and, inevitably, there are compromises. One is the sturdiness of the LCD. Although the casing is made from carbon fibre, it’s only a few millimetres thick and, like the TX27s, it twists alarmingly with little force. Pressure is distributed evenly enough to prevent the LCD from damage, but you’ll still need to look after it with great care.

It’s no consolation that you can choose between a black or a copper-coloured lid, but at least the rest of the chassis is solid. We like the keyboard too; it uses the full width of the notebook and proved comfortable to type on for long periods. But we still have reservations about the mouse buttons right on the front edge.

The other compromise is power. Although the TX2’s Pentium M 753 has been updated to a Core Solo U1400, it still runs at the same 1.2GHz. With 1GB of DDR2 memory, this managed only 0.5 in our benchmarks, making it no faster than the older model. It’s a shame Sony didn’t opt for the ultra-low-voltage version of the Core Duo, but unless you’re pushing the Sony hard by running several applications at the same time the TX37 won’t feel too sluggish.

The Core Solo U1400 has its advantages when it comes to power consumption, though, with the TX37 lasting over nine hours if you’re only using it lightly. And even if you’re working hard, you should still get about five hours of use before needing to recharge – a better effort than the TX27, which could only manage eight and four hours respectively.

But, despite the price, the TX37 only comes with a one-year return-to-base warranty. Extending the warranty to three years will cost you $349, but that’s still for return-to-base cover: onsite costs $499.

The main problem for Sony is Dell’s Latitude D420. Not only is it cheaper, but it comes with a three-year onsite warranty and a dual-core CPU. The Dell doesn’t have an integrated DVD writer, but the $2809 price includes a docking station with a DVD-ROM/CD-RW combo drive. For outright value, it beats the Sony.

Make no mistake, though, getting a TX37 out on the train will draw envious glances, and if you can accept the modest processing power and warranty it’s a great alternative to the Dell Latitude D420 thanks to the fabulous design, stunning battery life and integrated optical drive.

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