Product Description

The VAIO FZ is a thin-and-light entertainment notebook featuring a 15.4¿ widescreen LCD with XBRITE-ECO technology and embedded A/V controls for one-touch access to your music, movies and pictures. Backed by Intel Centrino Duo processor technology and Intel Core 2 Duo processor, this lightning-fast, super-powerful PC is slim, lightweight, and packed with entertainment features. A built-in camera and microphone is seamlessly integrated into the lightweight and durable silver magnesium chassis, so you can video chat with friends, family and co-workers. Enjoy the convenience of a CD/DVD burner and the spectacular new look, instant search and automated security features of the Windows Vista Home Premium operating system.

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #2749 in Personal Computers
• Color: Silver
• Brand: Sony
• Model: VGN-FZ340E/B
• Dimensions: 1.40" h x 14.00" w x 10.02" l, 5.90 pounds
• CPU: Intel Core Duo 2 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
• 2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T7250 processor, 250 GB hard drive, 3 GB RAM (4 GB max), dual-layer DVD drive (8x DVD+/-R)
• Quad-mode Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g), 10/100 Ethernet, Bluetooth with stereo music streaming
• Connectivity: 3 USB, 1 FireWire, 1 VGA, 1 S-Video, ExpressCard 34, multi-format Memory Stick and Secure Digital slots
• Windows Vista Home Premium; Nvidia GeForce 8400M GT video card with up to 1535 MB total memory

Amazon.com Product Description
Thin and light and packed full of powerful entertainment features, the Sony VAIO VGN-FZ340E/B offers a 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. You can also listen to your music and movies wirelessly with the embedded Bluetooth A2-DP profile for stereo audio streaming.

This notebook is powered by the 2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T7250 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 a 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, 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 T7250 processor has a 2.0 GHz processor speed, super-fast 800 MHz front-side bus (FSB), and a large 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.)

  The Intel Core 2 Duo processor has two computational execution cores in a single processor, providing 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 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 (2 x 1024 MB DDR2) is an excellent start, and the additional capacity helps boost the amount of available video RAM that's shared with this notebook's video card. This notebook has a maximum 4 GB RAM capacity. It also offers a top-of-class 667 MHz speed. 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/-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 Nvidia GeForce 8400M GT graphics card, which provides up to 1535 MB of total RAM/video memory (256 MB dedicated video RAM) for unmatched HD video performance on a notebook PC. With support for Microsoft DirectX 10 Shader Model 4.0 and High Dynamic-Range Lighting (HDR), the 8400M lets you rip through all of today's most advanced and cutting-edge games and applications.

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). With the Bluetooth connectivity, you can communicate and synchronize with Bluetooth-enabled peripherals such as PDAs and cell phones, and it also includes the A2-DP profile for stereo music streaming to optional Bluetooth-enabled headphones and speakers.

This notebook also includes a next-generation ExpressCard 34 card slot (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

It also has an integrated 56K modem (V.90) and an RJ-45 LAN network port (for a 10/100 Ethernet connection to networks and DSL/cable modems).

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 DVD (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 2.5 and 5.5 hours (depending on usage).

What's in the Box
This package contains the VGN-FZ340E/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

Great value for a mid-price laptop.
I have been using this laptop for a couple of months now and so far I am very satisfied. I wanted something that was not too pricey but had good quality. So far my Sony has lived up to its reputation for excellent product value and design.

There are few things that could have been done better. One is the battery life. It is barely 1.4 hours and if you are watching a DVD an hour is tops. So depending upon your usage pattern you may have to buy a long-life battery. Then there is a minor irritant, viz., that when you close the thing there is no discernable click like the IBM I used to own. However the major drawback is the amount of garbage-ware that comes with the machine. I had to uninstall a bunch of rubbish before installing some of my personal apps. The webcam is ok. I love the full 1080P HD screen. Sound quality is a tad tinny but that is no big deal to me.

I notice that some reviewers got their machine for under $[...]. The best price I got was $[...] with a $[...] rebate. I did find some on [...] for under $[...] but I was not comfortable with the machine's provenance so I went with a reputable store instead.

All in all an excellent value for your dollar.

Vaio a pleasure
The Vaio has fulfilled all my expectations, I only have to find out now how to upgrade to Vista Ultimate without have to make a new install of the operating system and getting problems with the device drivers

Almost, but not quite....
I had waited several years before buying my sony. I wanted/needed a laptop. I love the freedom but have had some problems that I cannot seem to fix myself. First and most frustrating, my wireless internet stopped working out of the blue. I had to go out and buy a wireless usb adapter to use. Pain in the neck. I am disabled and it is difficult to think of returning machine. I will have to eventually, but I cannot do without my computer. It is family computer and I have been in the middle of getting my son into college and then paying for it with a multitude of financial mishaps. Anyway, I want to fix this wireless internet problem. It might even be something relatively simple, I have not been able to find the problem. I have talk via internet to sony help but it did not work. They wanted me to download the network driver again. I did, but it was not the cause of the problem. I also have a dislike for the speakers. I find it not a good system for watching moviess, TV...I have to plug in ear phones and/or speakers to have good sound. Third, my keyboard tends to lock up. I have to reboot or right click, left click multiple times to unjam.

For the most part, though I love my sony. If anyone can help with my technical issues, please do...

Karen O'neill

ps my keyboard locked up doing this...... jeez or man