Then, I tested the notebook in Quake 3 in two graphics quality modes:

• 640x480; 16 bit; Lighting:Vertex; Detail:Low; Texture Quality:16 bit; Texture Filter:Bilinear;
• 1024x768; 32 bit; Lighting:Lightmap; Detail:High; Texture Quality:32 bit; Texture Filter:Trilinear.

The performance of the notebook is about 77 percent higher with the low quality settings, because it is the graphics subsystem that bears the main load at the high quality settings rather than the system at large.

The diagram below helps to make a visual comparison:

The results of my testing the notebook in Unreal Tournament 2003 are expectedly average. The performance of the computer was 1.5 times lower when it was working on its own battery.

And the diagram:

Next, I measured the battery run-down time of the Sony VAIO VGN-S2HRP with the help of Battery Eater Pro 2.50 in three test modes:

• Classical – the system bears the maximum load;
• Readers' test;
• DVD viewing test.

So, this notebook can last on its own battery as long as 2 hours 34 minutes in the classic mode, 4 hours and 4 minutes in the reader’s mode, and 2 hours and 55 minutes in the DVD watch mode – at the maximum screen brightness.

I think that’s really good. Considering that the notebook ideally suits the definition of portability and seems to be made for work in the field, these numbers only add it more appeal.