VGN-AR550U VAIO® AR Digital Studio™ Notebook PC

The Premier Entertainment Notebook PC.

MULTIMEDIA POWERHOUSE WITH 17” DISPLAY2
The VAIO® AR notebook combines the convenience and portability of a
notebook with the power and performance of a desktop. Featuring a full-
sized keyboard and stunning 17" widescreen display2 , this multimedia
powerhouse is the perfect productivity and entertainment companion.
With spectacular XBRITE-HiColor™ LCD technology, the massive widescreen
improves color contrast in your images, video and television content,
delivering the ultimate HD viewing experience.

INTEL’S BEST TECHNOLOGY FOR NOTEBOOKS

Introducing the next great advancement in wireless technology, 802.11n.
With built-in 802.11n wireless LAN technology19 , the VAIO® AR notebook lets
you wirelessly surf the web and e-mail4 with greater performance, range
and reliability than ever before. 802.11n offers a massive boost in speed
and considerably more range than 802.11a/b/g. Connect to hot spots with
ease and experience the incredible difference of 802.11n. You can even
wirelessly stream video throughout your home or office with blazing-fast
speed19 . 802.11n is backward compatible with existing networks, so there is
no need for any additional hardware or cables, it’s all built-in.

NEXT-GENERATION 802.11N WIRELESS TECHNOLOGY

Introducing the next great advancement in wireless technology, 802.11n.
With built-in 802.11n wireless LAN technology3 , the VAIO® AR notebook lets
you wirelessly surf the web and e-mail12 with greater performance, range
and reliability than ever before. 802.11n offers a massive boost in speed
and considerably more range than 802.11a/b/g when connected to
compatible hotspots. Connect to compatible hot spots with ease and
experience the incredible difference of 802.11n. You can even wirelessly
stream video throughout your home or office with blazing-fast speed3 .
802.11n is backward compatible with existing networks, so there is no need
for any additional hardware or cables, it’s all built-in.

HD ENTERTAINMENT
Whether you’re watching a movie in HD, enthralled in a high-def cable TV
sporting event or enjoying crystal-clear video captured from your
compatible HDV camcorder, the VAIO® AR notebook lets you playback HD
content with incredibly high level of resolution, essentially eliminating
flicker and creating a more film-like image. An HDMI™ output delivers
video and audio to external sources from via a single cable, providing the
optimal digital connection to your compatible HDTV so you can enjoy HD
entertainment on your big screen without a myriad of extra cables and
wires.

The VAIO® AR550 notebook is a Full 1080 HD multimedia

-HiColor
powerhouse with DVR capabilities that let you watch and
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record TV on its 17” widescreen display with XBRITE-HiColor™
LCD technology. Backed by Intel® Centrino® Duo processor
technology and Intel Core™ 2 Duo processor, this lightning-
fast, super-powerful notebook is the ultimate desktop
replacement.
VGN-AR550U VAIO® AR Digital Studio™ Notebook PC
13. The Microsoft® Office 2007 60-Day Trial software is intended for
Specifications Ethernet Speed: 10Base-T/100Base-TX/1000BaseT
evaluation purposes only. This trial software is installed on your system
Modem Type: Integrated V.92/V.90 Modem with (RJ-11) and you must activate the software before you can use it. Product
General Wireless LAN: Intel® PRO/Wireless 4965AGN Network activation procedures will be detailed during initial launch of the
3
Computer Type: Notebook Connection (802.11a/b/g/n) software; activation requires Internet access. This software has an
expiration date of 60 days from date of first use, at which time the
Type of Use: Desktop Replacement Bluetooth® Technology: Integrated Bluetooth® software will operate under reduced-functionality mode, limiting end-
10
Action Buttons: S1, S2, AV Mode, Volume, Mute, Eject, Technology use options and operations.
Play/Pause/Stop, FF, Rewind, Wireless LAN On/Off Power 14. As with other optical media devices, circumstances may limit
compatibility or prevent media playback. VAIO computers may not
Pointing Device: Electro-Static touch pad
Battery Type: Standard Capacity Lithium-ion Battery support movie playback on packaged media recorded in AVC or VC1
Hardware (VGP-BPS9A/B) formats at high bit rates.
7 15. The digital TV tuner supports a CableCARD™ removable security
Keyboard: QWERTY, 86 keys with 2.5mm stroke and Estimated Battery Life: 1.5-3.0 hours with standard module. Contact your cable operator to receive a CableCARD
19.05mm pitch battery compatible with your operator’s network (additional charges may
Power Requirements: 150W+10% apply). Not all functions that are available when using a set-top box
Camera: Built-in camera and microphone
provided by your cable operator will be supported by CableCARD
Processor Software (e.g., video-on-demand and pay-per-view functionality may not be
supported). Premium HDTV programming requires additional
Type: Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor T7100 Operating System: Windows Vista™ Ultimate subscription fee.
1 16. Total Available Graphics Memory refers to the new Windows Vista™
Speed: 1.8GHz Internet Services: AOL® 90-Day Risk Free Trial - New Users
Only classification of graphics memory, which is the total of Dedicated
Front Side Bus Speed: 800MHz Video Memory, System Video Memory and Shared System Memory.
L2 Cache: 2MB Supplied Software: Microsoft® Works 8.5 60-Day Trial Shared System Memory varies depending on the operating condition
13
Version of Microsoft® Office 2007 and system memory size.
Technology: Intel® Centrino® Duo processor 17. A portion of the system memory over 3GB available to the operating
technology Sony® Original Software: Click to DVD® - DVD Creation,
LocationFree® Player system.
Memory 18. The digital TV tuner supports a CableCARD™ removable security
*Please access VAIO® Help and Support from your
module. Contact your cable operator to receive a CableCARD
Type: DDR2 SDRAM PC for a complete list of software applications compatible with your operator’s network (additional charges may
and trials. apply). Not all functions that are available when using a set-top box
Installed: 2GB (1GBx2) PC2-5300 provided by your cable operator will be supported by CableCARD
Security and Anti-Virus Software: Norton® Internet
Maximum: 4GB17 (e.g., video-on-demand and pay-per-view functionality may not be
Security™ 2007 60-Day trial with spyware protection
Speed: 667MHZ supported). Premium HD programming requires additional
Service and Warranty Information subscription fee.
Hard Drive 19. Requires a compatible 802.11n access point. Some functionality may
Telephone Support: 1 year toll-free technical telephone require Internet services, which may require a fee.
2
Capacity: 240GB (120GBx2) assistance, available 24/711
Computer Interface: The computer industry lacks standards, and
Speed: 5400rpm Limited Warranty and Onsite Service: 1 Year Limited therefore, there are a multitude of varying software packages and add-on
Interface: Serial ATA Warranty with Onsite Service9 hardware options. This personal computer is not manufactured to
Online and Email Support: Support available from operate any specific software, and Sony does not and cannot make any
Optical Drive #1 warranty or representation with respect to the performance of this
http://www.esupport.sony.com
product with any particular software packages and/or non-Sony add-on
DVD+R DL Write: 2.4x max. Dimensions hardware options except those mentioned in this document. Sony
DVD+R Write: 8x max. hereby disclaims any representations or warranty that this product is
DVD+RW Write: 4x max. Weight: 8.4 lbs. with standard battery (weight is compatible with any combination of products you may choose to
approximate and may vary) connect. While Sony representatives or Sony authorized dealers may be
DVD-R Write: 8x max. able to assist you and may make recommendations, they are NOT
Measurements: 16.4"(W) x 1.32"(H) x 11.8"(D)
DVD-RW Write: 4x max. authorized to vary or waive this disclaimer. Purchasers must determine
CD-R Write: 8x max. Supplied Accessories for themselves the suitability and compatibility of the hardware and
software in each and every particular instance. Software titles pre-
CD-RW Write: 8x max. Standard Lithium-ion Battery (VGP-BPS9A/B) installed on the Sony Notebook Computer are subject to change without
DVD±RW: Yes 4 AC Adapter (VGP-AC19V15) notice. Simulated graphic shown on display. Pre-installed software may
not be identical to retail versions or have all documentation. This product
CD Read: 24x max. Remote Control/IR Receiver meets the standards of the International Energy Star Program for energy
DVD Read: 8x max. Power Cord efficiency. Features and specifications are subject to change without
DVD-RAM Write: 5x max. RF Cable notice.
© 2007 Sony Electronics Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or
DVD-R DL Write: 2x max. ATI TV Wonder™ Digital Cable Tuner15 (NTSC and ATSC in part without written permission is prohibited. Sony, VAIO, XBRITE-
DVD-RAM Read: 5x max. Support) HiColor, Sound Reality, Memory Stick, Memory Stick DUO, MagicGate,
LocationFree, Click to DVD, and i.LINK are trademarks of Sony. Blu-ray
Expansion Slots Optional Accessories Disc is a trademark. PlayStation is a trademark of Sony Computer
Multimedia Card Reader: Supports optional Memory Additional Standard Capacity Battery (VGP-BPS9A/B) Entertainment. Microsoft, ReadyBoost, Windows and Windows Vista are
trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Intel, Centrino and Core are
Stick® media and Memory Stick DUO™ media5 with Large Capacity Battery (VGP-BPL9) trademarks of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and other countries. HDMI is a
MagicGate® functionality and Secure Digital Media Additional AC Adapter (VGP-AC19V15) trademark of HDMI Licensing LLC. CableCARD is a trademark of Cable
(SD) USB Laser Mouse (VGP-UMS55/B) Television Laboratories, Inc. All other trademarks are trademarks of their
One PCMCIA - Type II/Type I card slot with CardBus respective owners.
support Wireless Presentation Mouse (VGP-WMS50A) Printed in U.S.A. 05/07.
One ExpressCard™ /54 Slot All-in-one 2.1 Channel Speaker (VGP-SP100) Lamp in this product contains mercury. Disposal of these materials may
Universal Carrying Case (VGP-AMB1) be regulated due to environmental considerations. For disposal or
Audio recycling information, please contact your local authorities or the
Notebook Roller Case (VGP-AMB6) Electronic Industries Alliance (www.eiae.org).
Sound System: Sony® Sound Reality™ - Audio Enhancer 17” Neoprene Notebook and AC Adapter Case (VGP-
Display AMC2)
USB Floppy Drive (VGP-UFD1)
Screen or Display Technology: WXGA+
8
Screen Size: 17" Color: Glossy Piano Black
Resolution: 1440x900
XBRITE-HiColor™ Technology: Yes 1. GHz denotes microprocessor internal clock speed; other factors may
affect application performance. CPU speed will be reduced under
Graphics certain operating conditions.
2. GB means one billion bytes when referring to hard drive capacity.
Processor: NVIDIA® GeForce® 8400M GT notebook Accessible capacity may vary. A portion of hard disk space is
graphics processing unit (GPU) reserved as a recovery partition.
16 3. Requires compatible wireless LAN access point. Internet connection
Video RAM: 895MB Total Available Graphics Memory
may require fees.
Interface: VGA out w/ Smart Display Sensor, HDMI™ out 4. DVD Media/Formats are not universally compatible.
and S-Video out 5. Supports Memory Stick PRO™ high-capacity media tested up to 1GB.
TV Tuner: Yes - ATI TV Wonder™ Digital Cable Tuner15 Does not support MagicGate® functionality.
6. i.LINK is a trademark of Sony used only to designate that a product
(NTSC and ATSC Support) contains an IEEE 1394 connector. All products with an i.LINK
Inputs and Outputs connector may not communicate with each other.
7. Actual battery life may vary based on product settings, usage
Ethernet Port: 1 patterns, battery and environmental conditions.
8. Viewable area measured diagonally.
HDMI™ Connection Output(s): 1 9. When available, Sony will provide Onsite Service in fulfillment of its
Headphone Jack: 1 limited warranty obligations. Any such services are subject to the
i.LINK® Interface: 1 (4pin) i.LINK® connector (IEEE 1394)6 terms and conditions of the limited warranty. See actual Limited
Warranty for details. Onsite Service will be provided via third-party
Memory Stick® Media Slot: 1 technician to be dispatched as needed following phone-based
Modem Jack: 1 troubleshooting. Some repairs may be accomplished with self repair
Secure Digital Slot: 1 kits. Onsite Service may not be available in all locations.
10. Use of this Bluetooth enabled product with other devices may vary as
Microphone Input: 1 not all Bluetooth devices are compatible.
S-Video Output(s): 1 11. For certain third party software applications, Sony provides first level
USB Port(s): 3 (2.0 ports) Phone Support. Additional telephone support may be available from
the applicable 3rd party vendor. Availability and schedule for any
VGA Output(s): 1 such support is determined by the applicable software vendor.
DC-In: 1 12. Broadband internet service required along with third party services
Express Card™ Slot: /54 x 1 which may require a subscription or other service fee.
Last Updated: 09/25/2007
Networking/Modem
Ethernet Protocol: Fast Ethernet (RJ-45)