The Sony Vaio EC Series laptops are designed as desktop replacement machines. The large 17.3 inch screen provides a lot of screen real estate for high-end applications, but it may make the machine a bit large for some buyers. Its sleek design and excellent performance make it a good value, though its price is a bit higher than some competing models.

Speaking of the design, this has always been a strong point for the VAIO series. With thin, great-looking designs, Sony tends to provide some of the sharpest laptops in the Windows world. Unfortunately, this does come at a bit of premium, as the design is often a major reason why VAIO machines are more expensive than similarly equipped competing models. One of the benefits of the laptop’s larger size and roomier screen, however, is the inclusion of a full keyboard with a number pad, something uncommon in most laptops.

At the heart of the EC series is an Intel Core i3 processor, which provides great performance, and 4 GB of RAM, which should be enough for most users. There is a 500 GB hard drive for those with large storage needs, and a Blu-Ray drive which also read and burn DVDs.

The large 17.3 inch display is certainly the wow factor for this model, however. It has a widescreen resolution of 1600×900, and it is powered by the ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5470 graphics engine to produce sharp graphics and smooth motion. In fact, it will perform quite well as a gaming machine.

Overall, the Sony Vaio EC series is a great entry in the desktop replacement class of laptops, and its gorgeous screen and great design aesthetics make it a model worth considering. Buyers will have to decide for themselves if the aesthetics are worth the extra price over competing models.