Battery for Sony VGP-BPX19
Sony does not hesitate and equips its first 15.6-inch ultrabook with a multi-touch TFT, which is not only adequately bright but also features a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels. This rouses curiosity seeing that the competition has touch models in this size available for prices starting at 1400 Euros (~$1821). HP's Spectre XT Touchsmart 15-4000eg (C1S43EA) featuring a Full HD touch IPS screen is a good example of the competition. Also, Asus' ZenBook UX51VZ (1550 Euros, ~$2016), Vaio SV-S1511X9E/B (1300 Euros, ~$1691), Apple's MacBook Pro 15 Retina 2.3 GHz Mid 2012 (1950 Euros, ~$2536) and Samsung's 900X4C-A04DE (1500 Euros, ~$1951) non-touch models are not exactly what we would call inexpensive laptops. Battery for Sony VGP-BPX19
Due to its much lower price, we have to compare the Vaio SVT-1511M1E/S with competing laptops for below 1000 Euros (~$1300). But which ones should they be? Sony achieves the price advantage by omitting a dedicated graphics card (processor-integrated Intel HD Graphics 4000) and using a low-cost TN screen. The following contenders at least have an advantage in gaming performance since they all sport a more or less powerful graphics card. However, none of them feature a touchscreen and the base unit of all 15-inchers is at least 3 millimeters higher.
We repeatedly praised the build of the Vaio T13 model in the previous three tests (pre-series, series, touch version). The surfaces of (partly brushed) aluminum, low overall height and rigid chassis let the hearts of laptop friends beat faster.
Sony adopts the looks, material and feel but the user has to accept cutbacks in stability. The biggest factor is the somewhat less rigid lid. The stiffness is still considerably better than seen in many contenders. Sony VGP-BPL19 Battery
The base is five millimeters higher than that of the T13 (T15: 23 mm without feet, 28 mm with feet at the rear), but it has to manage with an optical drive when opened. The keys yield a bit over the drive and the base plate can be dented evidently at the edge. Potential buyers cannot expect the rigidness of an aluminum unibody, which the T range never had anyway. The battery is removable, but that does not affect the 15-incher's stiffness. In return, the feel-quality is very high standard, as was the case in the T11 and T13.
The display lid features an edge-to-edge design. The surface-covering pane is adequately pressure resistant, though not as solid as in most tablets. Unlike the non-touch version of the T13 where the testers criticized the pliable, thin lid, the edge-to-edge design supports the lid's stiffness.
The hinges are pulled tighter than in the non-touch T13 and both hands are now needed to open the ultrabook because the base would lift otherwise. This is intentional because the TFT shouldn't be pushed back too easily when tapping on the screen with a finger. Regrettably, the hinge allows the lid to rock, which quickly gets annoying when tapping hectically. VGP-BPL19A/B
