VGN-FW
Overview
The Sony VAIO VGN-FW series is a mid to high-end mainstream laptop computer range that was released by Sony in 2008. They were designed for home entertainment use.
The FW series were one of the first laptops that featured 1080p widescreen LCDs on certain models. They include "Penryn" Intel Core 2 Duo processors, and a optional middle-class ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3470/3650 that were later replaced by the HD 4650. At the time, people wanted the FW to have a better, higher-end GPU, however Sony didn't offer that. As usual for Sony, they also featured a Blu-Ray drive, either a reader or Blu-Ray writer on higher end models.
They featured Sony's iconic cylinder design power button, and were mostly built out of plastic for the common silver models, only on some models the lid was made of magnesium. However, Sony offered Signature and black variants that are so rare, we couldn't find any reviews about them. It is possible that the Nebula Signature editions are made of a metal build instead of plastic. The second Signature Edition that was offered was a standard FW with a special futuristic lid. The lid has a glossy finish, and the rest of the device is just a standard silver FW. There were also white models and black models with brown lid that appear only in Japan, so we can assume they were only sold there.
The FW series run on DDR2 RAM with support up to 8GB, so you could fill them with 2 4GB sticks that could break your bank. Earlier models shipped with Windows Vista while later models shipped with Windows 7.
No special security features or a fingerprint sensor were included, which makes sense for a laptop intended for home use.
Detailed Specs
Processor: "Penryn" Intel Core 2 Duo (not soldered)
Graphics: Intel GMA X4500MHD or ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3470, HD 3650, or HD 4650/4570
RAM: DDR2 (2 slots, upgradable to 8GB)
Display: 1600x900, or 1920x1080 16.4" widescreen Sony X-Black CCFL LCD
Storage: 2.5" SATA
OS: Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium/Ultimate (2008 models) or Windows 7 Home Premium/Professional (2009 models)
Weight: 3.1 kg
Daily Usage Today
The FW series is still very usable today. Depending on your model of dedicated GPU, you can do some very light gaming or play older games. Otherwise, they are excellent for content consumption, especially the models with the 1080p display. Web browsing and office tasks are easily done on these machines. Windows 11 runs correctly, however operating systems like Windows 7 or Linux are the best choices for these devices. However, Windows 10 will be usable with an SSD upgrade, especially if you have an ATI variant. Core 2 Quad upgrades are also possible on this model, with 2 modifications just like on the AW (guide coming soon)
The VAIO Library recommends to upgrade the HDD to an SSD, and to upgrade the RAM to at least 4GB, or 8GB if you want to break the bank.
Resources
YouTube videos:
The VAIO FW Wins Over Mother and Son in Microsoft Commercial, by Sony
The Sony VAIO FW Nebula Signature Collection VGN-FW590, by Martin L
Hands-on With The Sony VAIO FW Signature Collection VGN-FW590FFD, by sonyinsider
VGN-FW Recovery Disks --> These are model locked. Please use SVRP to unlock them, which can be found on the menu of the site.
Downloads
Follow our guides to download and install drivers. Recovery discs are also avaliable, and will be downloadable very soon.
Sources
Sony, Wikipedia, and NotebookCheck