Sony Vaio SA41FX/BL

The Sony Vaio SA41FX/BL has a compact size and plenty of upgrades: dedicated AMD graphics, optional Blu-ray, a fingerprint reader, HD Webcam, and higher-def 1,600x900-pixel display.The early 2012 version of the Vaio SA--the Vaio SA41FX/BL--is pretty similar to last year's model: same AMD Radeon HD 6630M graphics, same screen and chassis build. Slightly upgraded processors are the only real change. Sadly, the price hasn't seen a big drop: the entry-level Vaio SA is $1,029. Now, a note to Vaio S shoppers: there is a more affordable model Vaio S, known as the Vaio SB, without the bells and whistles of our SA version, starting at $799 with a Core i3 processor. In our Vaio S, the price bump reflects a better Core i5 processor, faster graphics, a higher-res 1,600x900-pixel screen, a fingerprint reader, HD Webcam, and optional SSD storage and mobile broadband. Basically, the Vaio SA is the pro version of the Vaio SB. Why Sony needed to make the decision so confusing is anyone's guess. sony vaio sa41fx