Sony VAIO VGN-A197XP

Sony's A-series of Centrino notebooks caters for both business users and consumers, seven models delivering different combinations of features and computing power, all packaged in a typically stylish manner. There are 15in.- and 17in.-screen systems, and machines powered by Dothan- and Banias-core Pentium M processors. We looked at the top-end £1,871.49 (ex. VAT) VGN-A197XP model (Sony continues to defy logic and elegance with its naming conventions), which is a very desirable 17in.-screen, 1.8GHz Dothan-powered desktop replacement system aimed at the well-heeled business user.