The Sony VAIO VPCF1290X is Sony’s second most customizable notebook. It was released after many online publications began to notice that Sony was very rigid when it came to customizing its electronics. This is why users can customize the Sony VAIO VPCF1290X and build the gaming and multimedia notebook 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 that runs at a very good 1.73 GHz (Turbo Boost technology can make it go up to 2.93 GHz). However, you can have the Intel Core i7 820QM central processing unit (running at 1.73 GHz). With Turbo Boost technology enabled, you can make it work at 3.06GHz. This upgrade costs only an additional $ 200. You get a genuine copy of Windows 7 Home OS in 64-bit architecture for free. However, you have to pay $ 150 for the Windows 7 Ultimate (64-bit) operating system. The standard hard drive is a 320GB drive (spinning at 5400 rotations per minute), fairly basic and small. On the other hand, a 256GB SSD (Solid State Drive) will cost you $ 525 and a 500GB HDD that spins at 7200 rotations per minute, $ 105.
The cheapest Sony VAIO VPCF1290X comes with 4GB (two 2GB bars) DDR 3 RAM running at 1333MHz frequency, but you can get 8GB (two 4GB bars) DDR 3 RAM on a 1333 front-end bus. . MHz for $ 300. Considering the price, we bought the 4 GB version. You can also swap out the standard CD / DVD player / burner with a Bluray disc player + burner 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 512MB of video RAM). However, if you take this one, you will only be able to have the 16.4 “VAIO display (maximum resolution of 1600 x 900 pixels). So if you want Full HD capabilities and want the 16.4” full-HD VAIO display (going up to a 1920 x 1080 pixels max resolution), you need to get the Nvidia GeForce 330M video card (which benefits from 1GB of video RAM) for $ 50 more. Don’t forget to add another $ 100 for the HD display.
The software can be quite expensive. So expensive? Have a look. If you take the basic setup, they force you to buy the Adobe bundle ($ 448). And if you want to swap the Microsoft Office 2010 Starter edition with the Microsoft Office 2010 Professional edition, you need to add another $ 350. Everyone needs antivirus software, so they included Norton Internet Security 2010 (with only 30 days trial period) of free form. And yes, after 30 days, it’s gone! If you want the Backstage VIP Protection suite, you have to take another $ 100 out of your pocket.