Sony VAIO review: VGN-AW21XY/Q
Only an elite few machines soar above the £2,000 mark, and those that do need something special to justify the outlay. This Sony VAIO just about does it.

The RGB LED screen, Blu-ray writer and awesome specification result in the best all-round desktop replacement on the market.

Verdict
The RGB LED screen, Blu-ray writer and awesome specification result in the best all-round desktop replacement on the market.
Processor: 2.93GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Mobile T9800 Memory: 4GB 800MHz DDR2 RAM Storage: 500GB hard disk, 2 x 64GB SSD in RAID 0 Optical drive: Blu-ray writer Graphics: Nvidia GeForce 9600M GT graphics Display: 18.4in 1,920 x 1,080 TFT Ports: VGA, HDMI; 3 x USB Connectivity: 802.11abg + draft-n; Gigabit Ethernet; ExpressCard/34; FireWire; 3-in-1 card reader; webcam OS: Windows Vista Ultimate Warranty: 1yr RTB Dimensions: 437 x 386 x 40mm Weight: 3.8kg.
Get the ITPro daily newsletter
Sign up today and you will receive a free copy of our Future Focus 2025 report - the leading guidance on AI, cybersecurity and other IT challenges as per 700+ senior executives
Mike Jennings has worked as a technology journalist for more than a decade and has been fascinated by computers since childhood, when he spent far too long building terrible websites. He loves desktop PCs, components, laptops and anything to do with the latest hardware.
Mike worked as a staff writer at PC Pro magazine in London for seven years, and during that time wrote for a variety of other tech titles, including Custom PC, Micro Mart and Computer Shopper. Since 2013, he’s been a freelance tech writer, and writes regularly for titles like Wired, TechRadar, Stuff, TechSpot, IT Pro, TrustedReviews and TechAdvisor. He still loves tech and covers everything from the latest business hardware and software to high-end gaming gear, and you’ll find him on plenty of sites writing reviews, features and guides on a vast range of topics.
You can email Mike at mike@mike-jennings.net, or find him on Twitter at @mikejjennings
-
“Governance is an irreplaceable role”: Microsoft Security VP on why diversity and sector expertise will keep security workers relevant in the age of agentic AI
News Improved AI skills and a greater focus on ensuring agents are secure at point of deployment will be key for staying ahead of attackers
By Rory Bathgate Published
-
Microsoft: get used to working with AI-powered "digital colleagues"
News Tech giant's report suggests we should get ready to work with AI, revealing future trends for the workplace
By Nicole Kobie Published
-
HPE boosts Aruba, GreenLake security
News Tech giant hopes to help enterprises battle against rise of "sophisticated" cloud threats
By Nicole Kobie Published