Using the FireWire 800 port of a Digitus PCI adapter, we measured an average read rate VGP-BPS9/S of 62 MB/s, typical for a Windows computer. The Toshiba hard drives' maximum transfer speed is by no means reached here, rather the performance is limited by the port itself. Connecting the system via eSATA proved much faster, averaging 102 MB/s and reaching as high as 122 MB/s, while only during the last fifth of HD Tune Benchmark's run-through did the VGP-BPS9/B performance curve start to drop. For comparison we tested the system with the Dell Precision M4500 and the HP Probook 6540b via a Digitus eSATA ExpressCard, resulting in the difference of a mere 7 MB/s between the two computers. Even here it turns out that the eSATA port was at fault for not being able to harness the full power of the RAID configuration. Faster eSATA ports on desktop computers would be able rake in even faster transfer rates.

In the RAID 1 configuration—which serves primarily to back up data in case one of the HDDs goes out—only 320 GB of the total 640 VGP-BPS9 GB can be used because all data saved on one HDD is mirrored on the other. So, if one HDD is experiencing problems or no longer functioning, all data is still available via the other HDD. Here there's no need to worry about a complete loss of data like with RAID 0. The max read rate here comes to 93 MB/s and averages out at 72 MB/s—just about an even 30 MB/s VGP-BPS9A/B slower than with RAID 0, and therefore on par with the performance of a single HDD. In RAID 1, the write rate peaks at 82 MB/s and comes to an average of 68 MB/s. On average, the RAID 0 configuration managed about 10 MB/s more on average, that is:78 MB/s and a max of 86 MB/s.

The system is configured via the software RAID Master, VGP-BPS9A/S which may not present you with a great array of features but does a fine job of covering the basics. We have the two RAID modes: RAID 0 (acceleration without redundancy), RAID 1 (mirroring), SPAN (concatenation of two or more physical hard drives to make one logical drive) and JBOD (multiple hard drives accessed individually). It even supports HDDs totaling over 2 TB in capacity, although this statement should come with an asterisk, considering 1.5 TB HDDs are not yet sold individually. VGP-BPS2 The system is preset to JBOD mode and displays the HDDs attached as separate drives. To change the mode of concatenation, just choose your preferred mode and click "create RAID". After a few seconds, the new configuration shows up and is ready for use. We shortly tested all 4 modes and were able to use each without a VGP-BPS13S hitch.

Performance

We measured the maximum transfer rates using the brisk RAID 0 configuration, in which data is alternately saved on one VGP-BPS13/S disk, then the other. This comes with the benefit that data can theoretically pass twice as fast to or from the HDDs, not to mention that the entire combined capacity (640 GB) is usable. The downside is that if one HDD breaks down, it renders all the data on both drives completely inaccessible.

Hot Plugging our the HDD system via eSATA proved itself very unreliable, but in our experience this is a typical problem with eSATA. The port doesn't quite work the way you'd want it to here 100% of the time.

Raidsonic's "RAID to go" is as unusual as it is interesting. VGP-BPS13B/S The variety of ports allows for convenient use on both Macs and PCs. The two HDD slots placed alongside each other enable its compact design and the case proves itself to be of very good quality.

The type of HDDs and their combination is unlimited and even HDDs 12.5 mm in height and adding to a capacity over 2 TB are no problem for the ICY BOX. The broad scope of hardware complemented by its easy-to-handle design and simple software makes this unique device a winner across the board. Small imperfections like inconsistently recognizing the VGP-BPS10/B connection via eSATA has often been observed with many other external devices and is no unique flaw of the device here.

Unfortunately, the case and its great array of ports come at quite a lofty price. Currently costing at least 120 Euro, it's not exactly a penny-pincher deal, although we haven't yet found a suitable alternative with similar qualities and test results. Maybe there'll be a similar gadget with USB 3.0 coming out soon, offering a VGP-BPS10A good alternative to Windows users at least.

The keyboard overall provides good feedback, and a good layout with an alphanumeric keypad. The full surface touchpad (seesaw) however has a short travel, and is hard to press. In addition to this the all-sensitive surface causes entry errors from time to time when pressing VGP-BPS10A/B the "mouse buttons". The interfaces provide for satisfactory expansion options with ExpressCard34 and eSATA. A real professional would however also provide a DisplayPort, USB 3.0, and a docking port. The location of the ports towards the front on the left and right sides is particularly unfitting in our opinion. In case these are utilized, then a less than ideal mess of cables on the desktop is almost VGP-BPS10/S unavoidable.

The speakers in the ProBook sit above the keyboard, and sometimes make quite a racket when turned up to their VGP-BPS22 maximum. The playback during a presentation in a meeting room is therefore not a hurdle - even if the sound is not especially good or balanced.

The sound emphasizes the mid-range and partially also the high frequencies. The sound scape is not well defined and low frequencies are not audible. The connection to external speakers via the 3.5 mm socket is obligatory for listening to music. We tested this with two Yamaha speakers (YST-M20SD). The VGP-BPS22A IDT 92HD81B1X audio controller integrated into the chipset offers a high output signal, which contains hardly any noise.

The HP ProBook 4720s - WT237EA/WS912EA doesn't VGP-BPS21A/B seem to know exactly where it wants to go. With the ProBook in its name it actually alludes to full fledged business features, together with a high level of day to day suitability. What we have discovered though, is not significantly more than a consumer 17 inch notebook with a matte display.

The absence of many business features, such as a docking port, multiple interfaces, and first class input devices, didn't surprise VGP-BPS21 us due to the relatively affordable price. But a stubborn touchpad and glossy surfaces around the keyboard were certainly not necessary. Whether demanding consumers are Dell Akku keen on the glossy finish on the inside surfaces, or prefer more sober and scratch resistant surfaces, is not really a question of taste considering the device class. Our opinion is that a laptop with ProBook in its name doesn't require these types of "embellishments" without losing favor in the eyes of buyers.

The advantages include the high resolution non-reflective display HP Akku panel (1600 x 900 pixels), and the good performance combination made up of the Core i5, fast 7200 rpm hard drive, and entry level (consumer) graphics card. Unfortunately it is precisely the fast HDD that provides for constant vibrations which are transferred to the Sony Akku table top. These can be felt by the user in the forearms, while the faint droning can be heard.