Product Description

The VAIO FZ notebook is a thin-and-light entertainment PC featuring a 15.4" widescreen display with XBRITE-ECO LCD technology and embedded A/V controls for one-touch access to music, movies and pictures. A CD/DVD burner, webcam and microphone are seamlessly integrated into the lightweight and durable silver magnesium chassis of the FZ notebook, making it easy to backup data and entertainment or video chat with friends, family and co-workers. Backed by Intel Centrino Duo processor technology, next-generation 802.11 wireless technology and Intel Core 2 Duo processor, this blazing-fast, super-powerful PC is slim, lightweight and packed with exciting features.

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1982 in Personal Computers
• Color: Silver
• Brand: Sony
• Model: VGN-FZ430E/B
• Dimensions: 1.40" h x 14.00" w x 10.02" l, 6.10 pounds
• CPU: Intel Core Duo 1.83 GHz
• Memory: 3000MB DDR2 SDRAM
• Hard Disk: 250GB
• Processors: 2
• Display size: 15.4

Features

• Thin-and-light entertainment notebook with 15.4-inch LCD, embedded A/V controls and a built-in camera with microphone
• 1.83 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T5550 processor, 250 GB hard drive, 3 GB RAM (4 GB max), 8x multi-format/dual-layer DVD drive
• Quad-mode Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n), 10/100 Ethernet, Intel X3100 video card with up to 358 MB of shared memory
• Connectivity: 3 USB, 1 FireWire, 1 VGA, 1 S-Video, ExpressCard 34, multi-format Memory Stick and Secure Digital slots
• Pre-installed with Windows Vista Home Premium (with Media Center capabilities)

Amazon.com Product Description
Thin and light and packed full of powerful entertainment features, the Sony VAIO VGN-FZ430E/B offers a 15.4-inch widescreen LCD with battery-saving XBRITE-ECO technology and embedded A/V controls. A built-in 1.3-megapixel web camera (with integrated microphone) is seamlessly integrated into the lightweight and durable silver magnesium chassis, so you can video chat with friends, family and co-workers. The instant AV Mode feature enables you to start watching a DVD or listening to music with the push of a single button--without having to boot up the system--and the convenient, built-in multimedia control buttons also let you control all playback functions.

This notebook is powered by the 1.83 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T5550 processor, which offers a 20 percent performance boost over its predecessor while using 28 percent less power--so you get the benefit of a powerful dual-core PC plus all the benefits of mobility. Other features include an extra-large 250 GB hard drive, 3 GB of installed RAM (4 GB maximum), quad-mode Wi-Fi LAN (802.11a/b/g/n), multi-format/dual-layer DVD±RW drive (which also burns CDs), ExpressCard 34 slot, Intel GMA X3100 graphics (with up to 358 MB of total available video memory), and both Memory Stick and SD memory cart slots.

It comes preinstalled with Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium, which includes all of the Windows Media Center capabilities for turning your PC into an all-in-one home entertainment center. In addition to easily playing your DVD movies and managing your digital audio library, you'll be able to record and watch your favorite TV shows (even HDTV). Vista also integrates new search tools throughout the operating system, includes new parental control features, and offers new tools that can warn you of impending hardware failures.

The Basics

• Processor: The Intel Core 2 Duo T5550 processor has a 1.83 GHz processor speed, fast 667 MHz front-side bus (FSB), and 2 MB L2 cache. (An L2, or secondary, cache temporarily stores data; and a larger L2 cache can help speed up your system's performance. The FSB carries data between the CPU and RAM, and a faster front-side bus will deliver better overall performance.)

  With two computational execution cores in a single processor, it provides greater system response when running multi-threaded applications simultaneously with no significant increase in power consumption. It's optimized for multitasking and is ready to support the Microsoft Windows Vista operating system. It can simultaneously run multiple demanding applications--such as graphics-intensive games or serious number-crunching business productivity applications--while downloading music or running virus-scanning security programs in the background. Some of the advanced Intel innovations of the Core 2 Duo processor include:

  • Smart Memory Access: Improves system performance by hiding memory latency, thus optimizing the use of available computer data bandwidth to provide data to the processor when and where it is needed.
  • Advanced Digital Media Boost: Effectively doubles the execution speed for instructions used widely in multimedia and graphics applications.
  • Dynamic Power Coordination: Coordinates Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology and idle power-management state (C-states) transitions independently per core to help save power.
  • Deeper Sleep with Dynamic Cache Sizing: Saves power by flushing cache data to system memory during periods of inactivity to lower CPU voltage.

• Hard Drive: The extra-large 250 GB Serial ATA hard drive (5400 RPM) provides more than enough capacity for storing a large audio and video library, as well as extra space required for video editing. This SATA hard drive also quickens the pace with a higher speed transfer of data--akin to Firewire and USB 2.0.

• Memory: The 3 GB of installed RAM (PC5300, 1 x 2 GB, 2 x 1 GB) helps boost the amount of available video RAM that's shared with this notebook's video card. It also offers a top-of-class 667 MHz speed. This notebook has a 4 GB maximum RAM capacity (2 x 2 GB). To receive the faster data transfer benefits of the dual-channel DDR2 RAM, any RAM additions require memory modules of same capacity and clockspeed.

• DVD/CD Drive: The dual-layer DVD drive is compatible with a wide range of formats, including both DVD+RW and DVD-RW discs, CD-RW discs, and dual-layer (DL) DVD+/-R discs, which can hold up to 8.5 GB of data--great for backing up your MP3 collection or your most important documents. It features the following speeds: 4x for DVD+R DL, 4x for DVD-R DL, 8x for both single layer DVD±R, 8x for single layer DVD+RW, 6x for single layer DVD-RW, 5x for DVD-RAM, and 24x for CD-R/RW. It reads DVD-ROM discs at 8x and CD-ROMs at 24x.

• Keyboard & Mouse: This notebook has a standard 86-key keyboard (2mm stroke and 19.05mm pitch) and electro-static two-button touchpad.

Screen, Video & Audio
You'll enjoy razor-sharp graphics and widescreen movies with the 15.4-inch WXGA high-definition screen, with its 1280 x 800-pixel resolution. The XBRITE-ECO technology delivers brilliant colors and stunning clarity with efficient power usage, and it features an anti-reflective coating to minimize reflection and ensure a beautifully clear image from any viewing angle.

Video is powered by the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100, which uses shared video memory (up to 358 MB allocated from the system memory) and provides Windows Vista Aero interface support and enhanced 3D graphics performance--delivering over 2x scores on 3DMark 06. Intel Clear Video Technology provides outstanding video playback with sharper image quality, increased clarity, and customizable color controls. It also enables enhanced visual quality of interlaced content on progressive displays.

Networking, Connectivity & Expansion
Be ready for the next platform in wireless connectivity with the integrated quad-mode Intel Wireless 4965AGN Wi-Fi chip. Based on the draft 802.11n Wi-Fi specification, it offers up to five times the performance and twice the wireless range as existing 802.11g wireless. It's also backward compatible with 802.11b/g networks (commonly found in home routers and wi-fi hotspots) as well as 802.11a networks (which has a higher throughput, but more limited range--great for closed office environments).

This notebook also includes a next-generation ExpressCard 34 card slot (though no PCMCIA slot), which lets you take advantage of thinner, faster, and lighter expansion cards for even more advanced wireless, networking, storage, and security features. Here's the full list of connectivity options:

• 3 USB 2.0 ports for connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras to MP3 players
• 1 FireWire (also known as IEEE 1394 or i.Link) port for connecting digital video camcorders and other peripherals
• Video output: 1 VGA, 1 S-Video
• 1 ExpressCard/34 slot
• Memory Stick/Memory Stick DUO slot (with MagicGate functionality)
• Secure Digital memory card slot (compatible with MMC cards)
• 1 headphone jack, 1 microphone jack
• 10/100 Fast Ethernet
• 56K modem (V.90)

Operating System
Windows Vista Home Premium is the operating system for users with advanced computer needs, and it includes all of the Windows Media Center capabilities for turning your PC into an all-in-one home entertainment center for watching DVD movies and accessing your digital audio library. You can also use Windows Media Center to record and watch your favorite TV shows (even HDTV) and to access new kinds of online entertainment content. Computers that include Windows Vista Home Premium and an auxiliary Windows SideShow display will also allow you to access key data even when your computer is off. It is also easier than ever to share files between other PCs in your household and to manage your laptop computer settings to more securely connect via Wi-Fi.

Every edition of Windows Vista provides the essential tools and technologies to help protect you whether you are browsing the Internet, connecting to a wireless network, or just reading e-mail. All editions of Windows Vista include new tools that can warn you of impending hardware failures long before you have lost any important personal data. And, all Windows Vista editions include parental control features that allow you to manage and monitor your family's use of games, the Internet, instant messaging, and other activities.

Preloaded Software
Includes Sony Click to Disc (for easy DVD creation), Microsoft Works SE 9.0, Microsoft Office 2007 (60-day trial), Symantec Norton 360 All-In-One Security (with 60 days of Live Update).

Dimensions & Weight
This notebook measures 14 x 10.02 x 1.4 inches (WxDxH) and weighs 5.9 pounds.

Power
It's powered by the VGP-BPS8 rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which has a battery life of between 2.0 and 4.5 hours (depending on usage).

What's in the Box
This package contains the VGN-FZ430E/B notebook PC, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, and operating instructions. It is backed by a one-year limited hardware warranty, and Sony offers 1-year of toll-free telephone technical assistance.

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Customer Reviews

Solid machine with few flaws
"I purchased this computer almost a month ago when my $1200 Toshiba (of less than 2 years) crapped out on me and CompUSA's takeover company lost my records for the replaceable warranty that I paid nearly $600 for. All this happened during my final week of college.

After 2 Toshibas, I was ready to try something else. When I saw this Vaio go on sale for $850, I knew it was a steal for the specs that it offered. Not convinced that Vista was better than XP, I took the chance anyway because of the roomy 3gigs of ram and 250gb HDD. Glad I did, because this machine runs Vista and all my regular apps really, really fast. Bootup time is less than a minute. I'm a heavy music/video user, so the external controls are a must (too bad not all Vaio's have external controls like other lower end brands). The media iPod-like "wheel" controls are solid. The speakers are a downgrade compared to my Toshiba's Harmon-Kardon speakers...the sound isn't that bad, but the volume is way too low. So I use external speakers or headphones.

The screen is the most beautiful thing I've ever seen on any laptop. It truly is amazing, and there's no flex at all to it. Coming from a 14.1", the 15.4" feels a little big but the relative thinness of the case makes up for that. The keyboard is nicely spaced out, however the 'backspace' and 'enter' keys seem a tad loose. Wish it had 4 USB ports instead of 3, it would've been nice to have one located on the back. The powerjack is too close to the DVD-drive. Can't say too much about the battery life since it's been plugged in most of the time.

The only thing annoyingly wrong with this laptop, and Sony Vaios in general is the bloatware and AOL software that comes bundled in. You can't even change the default homepage on IE7 because it'll revert back to Sony-AOL's homepage when you reboot. I don't want to do a clean install so I made the permanent switch to Firefox. Overall, this is a solid machine...well built, fast, silent, and aesthetically pleasing in a minimalist way. Highly recommended!"

Great computer - unless you want to connect to the internet
Sony VGN-FZ455E
If you're like me, you do as much research as necessary to get the biggest bang for the buck. On initial inspection, this machine seems to deliver. I have to say I was pretty fired up about getting this machine and eager to start work working with it. But after 3 days of having the machine, I'm sending it back to Amazon. Here's the good, the bad, and the deal breaker for why I'm sending this guy back. I DO NOT recommend buying it.
Pros:
You can read all the specs about hardware and I have to say, it doesn't disappoint. It's very good for the price considering what you get. I don't know about you but the machine really does have quite a bit over overkill. How long it will take you to fill up a 250GB hard drive? My older Dell has an 80 GB drive and I still haven't filled it up after 3 years of using it. But hey, we all got different needs. I was worried about the resolution of the screen but Sony has nailed it with their LCD technology that has clearly spilled over into this machine. The display is very sharp and very clear.
The BluRay player seems to work well and again is very crisp. HDMI port was hooked up to my 720p, 37" Vizio and it didn't seem to be overly impressive. I really wanted the HDMI output on this computer but I'm not as impressed with it as I thought I would be. I couldn't get the BR to play on the flat screen (the player would lock up when I would drag the window onto the extended monitor display) but I think there was an updated driver to fix. I loaded it but haven't got to see the fix yet.
Cons:
I know this seems trivial to talk about but here it is: the power adapter plug-in is at a 90 degree bend (not a straight plug). This is fine except when turned correctly or incorrectly, the plug interferes with the DVD/BR ejection tray and prevents the tray from fully ejecting. I have to laugh because for all the hardware thinking that Sony seemed to do with the machine they botched it with the AC power plug-in because of a 90 degree bend. Funny.

The Deal Breaker:
It seemed to take forever to get all the information loaded onto this machine. And yes, Sony did put lots of trial software on but it's easily uninstalled. However, I have worked for the last 3 days trying to get all information loaded and all the bugs worked out on this little darling. But here's the kicker: this little devil WILL NOT STAY CONNECTED TO THE INTERNET. It will not stay connected either by a wired or wireless connection. The ISP is confirmed to be working and I get all indications that there is a strong signal but there is some disconnect between the connected signal and Internet Employer or Firefox. These programs simply will not display information even though there is every indication that there is a connection and all hardware is working correctly. I've tried Sony tech support and other internet sources. I've tried to reconfigure the router to WPA (by the way Vista doesn't support WEP security), and I've tried connections on a non-secure network. Guess what? Nothing is dependable or stable. No amount of tweaking will correct the problem. Tech support wants me to wipe the entire system to start all over even thought all the drivers are up to speed. I'm thinking not so much. Delete all so I can just start all over to load up my information again? Great idea tech support! I'm not 100% sure but I think this a common problem with Vista (nice job MS). Big picture: It a great computer unless you need to connect to the internet. That's why it gets the shabby rating. I'm sending this guy back to Amazon and will try an Apple. I've avoided an Apple for years but I'm ready to dumb it down with the next machine and just want it to work.

Great Laptop !!
I purchased this laptop because my old one (also a VIAO) had neared its demise. This laptop is fast, sleek, and hasn't disappointed me one single bit. For under $1000 this is a great buy !