VAIO design is every bit as much a reflection of your style as it is Sony's style. That's because VAIO's concept positions the user, you, at the centre of its design. So every surface and every curvature has meaning; to make VAIO ergonomically stylish, stress-free to work with, and a pleasure to look at. Poised on your desk, or anywhere you take it, the VAIO AR18GP has style. Your style.       The outer shell of the VAIO AR18GP combines the seemingly contradictory features of luxury and robustness. The secret is in the light and sturdy magnesium alloy used on both the top and bottom surfaces — the same type that is used in aerospace by virtue of its resistance to scratches and cracks, as well as the fact that it is a non-ferrous metal with superior resistance to electromagnetic interference and electrical shock. The Premium Black finish has a lustre like a fine car or a grand piano for impeccable looks, while its hard coating enhances scratch and scuff resistance. These characteristics assure extra protection for your data while making your VAIO, and you, look their best.   As thin as the VAIO AR18GP is, Sony designers managed to add sophisticated design details like the metal-plated side trimming, to give this model stunning looks. These details are not just for show, but actually reflect Sony's uncompromising commitment to quality. With a large 17" wide LCD screen and a myriad of high-powered capabilities this is the ideal desktop replacement model, but it keeps from getting bulky with a minimum thickness of a mere 33.5 mm.           The palm rest is slightly raised in relation to the keyboard, allowing you to comfortably position your hands without straining your wrists upward to reach the keys. This natural curved slope from palm rest to keyboard not only provides a distinctive look but also helps minimise stress and fatigue during typing, while the Premium Black surface offers smudge-resistance and durability. Interface connectors are also laid out to enhance usability, such as having both USB 2.0 connectors located together on the right side for increased accessibility.   In addition to the dominant VAIO logo on the top cover of the unit, there is another VAIO logo inside, located under the LCD screen. Turn on the power, and watch the logo glow as a gentle reminder that you have chosen the best. And while you're playing a BD, DVD or other content, the logo smartly extinguishes to that it won't interfere with your viewing pleasure.           The internal Microphone is located on the front of the unit so it can be as close to the user as possible, assuring maximum audio pickup. The MOTION EYE camera is located above the LCD screen to allow easy angle adjustment and encourage natural eye movement while video chatting on your VAIO. And the speakers are integrated just below the LCD screen so they point towards the listener instead of upward.   For the VAIO AR18GP, the MOTION EYE camera has been re-designed to offer a high degree of design-integration. So instead of extruding onto the bezel, it remains flush against the bezel surface so as not to distract from the overall design.   © 2006 Sony Corporation