Sony laptops have always been a good-looking bunch, but they have typically carried a price premium. Not anymore: The Sony's VAIO VPC-EB13FXBI (known hereafter as the EB Series), available at Costco for $799.99 (list) fuses solid construction and quality components with Sony's style. This multimedia computer will turn heads, but it's not just about what's on the outside. The Sony VAIO EB Series has an outstanding complement of components that includes an Intel 2.26GHz Core i5 processor, 4GB of DDR3 RAM, and a roomy 500GB hard drive. Its 15.5-inch LCD is big enough for multitasking and watching video, yet it's not so large that the laptop is ungainly to carry. As with many value laptops, you'll have to settle for integrated graphics. Our only serious complaint is that the small 39Wh battery delivers lackluster away-from-AC power.
Design
For most people, the VAIO EB Series will be a "just-right" size. Its 15.5-inch widescreen LCD provides ample screen space for working in a couple of applications or watching video, yet the laptop is truly portable. Measuring 14.6 inches wide and 9.8 inches deep, the VAIO is small enough to comfortably carry around and, at a weight of 5.6 pounds, it won't dislocate your shoulder.
For most people, the VAIO EB Series will be a "just-right" size. Its 15.5-inch widescreen LCD provides ample screen space for working in a couple of applications or watching video, yet the laptop is truly portable. Measuring 14.6 inches wide and 9.8 inches deep, the VAIO is small enough to comfortably carry around and, at a weight of 5.6 pounds, it won't dislocate your shoulder.
For a value laptop, the VAIO EB Series is one of the more handsome models we've seen. This Costco-only version of the VAIO EB Series comes in gunmetal black. If you want a vividly colored chassis—Hibiscus pink or Caribbean green, for instance—you can configure a VAIO E Series from Sony's site for $50 extra. We liked the black option just fine. Its wrist rest even had a subtle glitter that resembles an automotive paint finish, a classy touch.
Sony outfits the VAIO EB Series with a side-to-side keyboard with isolated keys, as well as a 10-key numeric pad alongside. The keys are in matte black contrast to the glossy black surface. The keyboard is solid and easy to use, although those who don't have experience on this type of keyboard might miss a few keys at first. The touch pad is located a bit left of center under the space bar and has a very pleasing texture that enables very precise control; the mouse buttons emit a firm click when pressed.
The speakers at the top are tucked behind an attractive grille that extends across the width of the chassis. Above that are three additional keys: Assist, Web, and VAIO. The Assist key launches VAIO Care software, a maintenance tool for tune-ups and troubleshooting. The Web key enables you to launch a Web browser and access the Internet without starting Windows. It's a great way to quickly grab some data while on the go: It takes only about 25 seconds to launch the browser, compared with roughly 90 seconds to start Windows. The VAIO key launches the Sony Creativity Suite for organizing and editing music, photos, and video.
Features
Sony powers the VAIO VPC-EB13FXBI with the middle child of Intel's latest family of laptop processors, the 2.26GHz Core i5 430M. The laptop also has a capable 4GB of DDR3 RAM and an ample 500GB hard drive spinning at 5,400 rpm. As with many affordable portables, it employs integrated graphics (Intel's Graphics Media Accelerator HD) rather than a discrete video card. The VAIO runs Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium (32-bit edition).
Sony powers the VAIO VPC-EB13FXBI with the middle child of Intel's latest family of laptop processors, the 2.26GHz Core i5 430M. The laptop also has a capable 4GB of DDR3 RAM and an ample 500GB hard drive spinning at 5,400 rpm. As with many affordable portables, it employs integrated graphics (Intel's Graphics Media Accelerator HD) rather than a discrete video card. The VAIO runs Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium (32-bit edition).
While the LCD's native resolution of 1,366 by 768 isn't high enough to screen full 1080p high-definition video, the monitor deftly displays video. I watched a couple of episodes of "White Collar" on Hulu as well as several 1080p test videos, and the quality was outstanding. Colors were saturated, vibrant, and crisp. Unfortunately, the speakers were very weak, lacking both volume and bass.
Despite Sony's attention to design, the implementation of the ports on the left side of the laptop is downright unattractive. The VGA, HDMI, and eSATA ports—all nice to have—are not flush with the contoured side and stick out like steel sore thumbs. An ExpressCard 34 slot sits behind plastic door that was all but impossible to open. At the front of the chassis you'll find an SD memory card slot and a Sony Memory Stick PRO slot. Also up front is a Wi-Fi power button and headphone and mic jacks. On the right are three USB ports in a row, plus the DVD drive.
Like all Sony laptops, the VAIO EB Series comes with a heaping helping of software that you may not want. Sony includes trial versions of Microsoft Works SE 9.0, Microsoft Office Student and Home, Norton Internet Security, Intuit QuickBooks, Roxy Easy Media Creator, and various Sony titles.
Costco also offers customers some added benefits. For example, whereas most vendors provide just a one-year warranty, Costco bumps that up to two years. It also offers Costco's Concierge Services, which a free service to Costco members who purchase electronics at the store. The service gives you access to technicians to walk you system setup, product use, and for troubleshooting. Lastly, the store accepts returns within 90 days.
Performance
The Sony VAIO VPC-EB13FXBI proved itself an outstanding performer in both casual uses as well as on formal benchmark tests. It can handle multitasking with ease: I browsed the Web, watched Hulu videos, skimmed photos, and edited a PowerPoint document at the same time, and the VAIO never had trouble keeping up. What's more, apps load quickly (Photoshop CS4 launched in less than 3 seconds). It's not designed for 3D gaming, of course, but it did manage to run our 3D benchmark tests, which some laptops with integrated graphics fail to do.
The Sony VAIO VPC-EB13FXBI proved itself an outstanding performer in both casual uses as well as on formal benchmark tests. It can handle multitasking with ease: I browsed the Web, watched Hulu videos, skimmed photos, and edited a PowerPoint document at the same time, and the VAIO never had trouble keeping up. What's more, apps load quickly (Photoshop CS4 launched in less than 3 seconds). It's not designed for 3D gaming, of course, but it did manage to run our 3D benchmark tests, which some laptops with integrated graphics fail to do.
The VAIO EB Series scored 5,541 on the PCMark Vantage tests, putting it at the top of its class (and price range) of laptops. A couple of laptops did better, but by so little that it's insignificant. For instance, the HP Pavilion dv7-3180us ($1,449.98 list, 
) scored about 2 percent higher with its superior Intel Core i7 processor. Similarly, the Toshiba Satellite E205-S1904 ($999 list, 
) also outperformed the VAIO by a small margin.
) scored about 2 percent higher with its superior Intel Core i7 processor. Similarly, the Toshiba Satellite E205-S1904 ($999 list, ) also outperformed the VAIO by a small margin.Video encoding tests finished in 49 seconds, a top score and a dead tie with HP Pavilion dv7-3183cl ($999.99 list, 
), the HP Pavilion dv7-3180us, and the Toshiba Satellite E205-S1904. If you're a Photoshop fan, the VAIO should meet your needs: It scored 30 seconds on our Photoshop CS4 scripts, performance topped only by the HP Pavilion dv7-3180us.
), the HP Pavilion dv7-3180us, and the Toshiba Satellite E205-S1904. If you're a Photoshop fan, the VAIO should meet your needs: It scored 30 seconds on our Photoshop CS4 scripts, performance topped only by the HP Pavilion dv7-3180us.The VAIO EB Series did fall behind the pack in battery life. It achieved 3 hours 51 minutes on the MobileMark 2007 rundown test. Its 39Wh battery was no match for the Asus UL50VF-A1 ($850 street, ), which has a whopping 85Wh battery that lasted 7:55. But the VAIO EB Series maintains a competitive edge with several laptops in its class.
), which has a whopping 85Wh battery that lasted 7:55. But the VAIO EB Series maintains a competitive edge with several laptops in its class.The Sony VAIO VPC-EB13FXBI should satisfy the needs (and self-image) of any multimedia user who needs power in a package that's big enough for multitasking, watching video, and editing photos, but small enough to shoulder. Its performance is at the top of its class, and its price is just a bit more than our Editors' Choice in this category, the Dell Studio 1555 (S1555-4285MBU)($749 list, ). For the extra cost, however, you get Intel's latest processor and Sony's swell looks. The only thing missing is above-average battery life.
). For the extra cost, however, you get Intel's latest processor and Sony's swell looks. The only thing missing is above-average battery life.BENCHMARK TEST RESULTS
Check out the test scores for the Sony VAIO VPC-EB13FXBI
Check out the test scores for the Sony VAIO VPC-EB13FXBI
Spec Data
Type General Purpose, Media, Value
Processor Name Intel Core i5-430M
Operating System Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium
Processor Speed 2.27 GHz
RAM 4 GB
Weight 5.6 lb
Screen Size 15.5 inches
Screen Size Type Widescreen
Graphics Card Intel GMA HD
Storage Capacity (as Tested) 500 GB
Networking Options 802.11n
Primary Optical Drive Dual-Layer DVD+/-RW
Battery Type 39 Whr (Watt hours)
Tech Support 2 year warranty
MobileMark 2007 – Standard Battery Productivity Load (hrs:min) 3:51
PCMark Vantage 0:00
PRICE:$799.99
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