Sony VAIO SVT131290X Pro Reviews

The T Series 13 starts at $669 with a Core i3 processor, non-touch display, and 320GB hard drive plus 32GB flash cache. Our test unit's $899 price comes from upgrading to the Core i5 chip ($70), a 500GB hard drive ($30), 6GB of memory ($30), and the touch screen ($100). All models come with a very good selection of other software, in addition to the touch-aware apps detailed earlier. You get the VAIO Care service and support tools, VAIO Easy Connect utility for help connecting to the Internet and sharing your wireless settings with another PC, and the VAIO Data Restore Tool. Another handy extra is the Sony Media Gallery utility for music playback and viewing videos and photos—including those in shared folders on other PCs on your network. The program even includes a slick filter that lets you show only photos with faces or only those with smiles. Also on the multimedia front is the company's Play Memories Studio software that delivers photo/video organizing and light editing abilities, including the option to create photo/video discs and share your files privately or via YouTube. Sony also preloads the ArcSoft Webcam Suite, which includes the Webcam Companion applet for capturing stills and video, and the Magic-i Visual Effects 2 program, for adding effects to captured images. Like the original T Series ultrabook, the Windows 8 version of the T13 is a very strong contender. It may give up a few steps to competitors in some performance measures, but its battery life is as impressive as its touch interface is elegant. Throw in a sleek design, plenty of features, and a very reasonable price, and there's little not to like.