I picked up a VPCW211AX last month primarily because of the screen res. I gave my "not too old" Asus 1009he mini to my father. I wanted to install my Canon software in the Asus and it wouldn't install in a PC with less than 1024x768 screen res. That low res has always been a thorn in my side, you know, scrolling around on web pages was getting old. This new Sony has that problem beat, but has other problems. The glossy screen is not what I would have chosen, the "green" top collects greasy hand prints like you wouldn't believe and they don't wipe off easily either. Sony's intrusive software controls things you wouldn't expect. The big ass (on this small laptop) battery reduces how far the top can open (140 deg. vs. 180,) looks ugly but provides airflow on a hard surface. Upgrading the memory required more of a teardown than you would normally expect, it's not just a little door.

Windows 7 starter was in here for about 20 minutes before I got Home premium, I thought the update would take several hours but Starter must include software for all versions, because the upgrade went in very quickly. I had no idea that this was a green computer and I guess that is the way it should be. I have gotten more than 9 hours battery life by reducing power settings and lowering screen brightness, shutting off the wireless. The screen still looked great at the reduced brightness BTW.

Once I figured out Sony's grand plan (software), I really like this thing. The fact that it is "green" makes no difference at all to me, it reads ebooks and lets me stick my photos and movies into it when I'm on the road, and has a hires screen that makes this mini much more user friendly than your run of the mill netbooks.