Sony VAIO F12 review

Sony enjoys a reputation for high-quality displays, but here we’re not quite so persuaded. The “pro grade” display features an anti-glare coating that cuts out the reflections that typically plague glossy screens – but inevitably it also reduces the apparent contrast, which can leave dark scenes looking a little flat.

Still, colourful scenes have a stunning vibrance to them, and a richness that really does recommend the F12 as a movie-watching device. The impression is let down only slightly by the integrated speakers, which, predictably enough, are incapable of generating the rumbles and booms required for a true cinematic experience. Still, the Dolby Home Theater-branded audio system is surprisingly loud, with stereo separation a particular strong point.

For a machine like this, portability clearly isn’t a top priority, but the F Series lasted 3hr 7mins in our light-use battery test and hung on for 1hr 25mins in the heavy-use test. That’s not quite enough juice to see you through a long train journey, and at 3.1kg (3.75kg with the charger) it’s definitely not a notebook to sling in a satchel. But you can probably get away with watching one film, or a few TV episodes, while away from the mains.

Bundled software extends only as far as the ad-supported Office 2010 Starter, a few trials of security and backup software, plus webcam software and the usual VAIO tools, including a media player, system information utility and tools to let you control a PlayStation 3 over a home network. At this price that seems a bit mean.

However, you don’t need to buy this top-spec version. One of the advantages of the F12 is that you can customise it (if you buy from Sony Style), and Sony also produces a number of different models at different prices.

We’re not impressed by this flagship model’s value for money, but the F Series’ gorgeous chassis, sumptuous display and workstation-standard performance will deservedly win it admirers.