Sony VAIO PCG-GRT360ZG Laptop (Mobile P4 3.06 GHz), 512 MB RAM, 80 GB Hard Drive, DVD+RW/CD-RW Drive)

by Sony

Product Details

Product Manual [948kb PDF]

• Shipping Weight: 15.5 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B00017H7SA
• Item model number: PCG-GRT360ZG
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: February 9, 2004

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Suitable for anyone who needs a powerful, versatile mobile computing solution but ideal for those who appreciate the latest multimedia and home entertainment technologies, the Sony VAIO PCG-GRT360ZG Notebook PC is a beefy, comprehensive rig that will outperform and out-convenience most desktops. Sporting desirable perks such as speedy Intel Hyper-Threading processing, DVD burning, advanced television functions and a handy wireless remote, the VAIO PCG-GRT360ZG is ready for virtually any circumstance.

At 14.1 by 11.9 by 1.9 inches and 7.72 pounds (with one battery) and 9.1 pounds (with battery and optical drive), the VAIO PCG-GRT360ZG cannot be considered a true lightweight. It therefore may not be the best notebook for everyday transport. However, if you prefer processing punch to portability, the unit is ready to oblige. Sporting a commanding 3.06 GHz Intel Pentium 4 CPU with Hyper-Threading technology for more efficient data throughput, a fast 533 front side bus and 512 MB DDR SDRAM memory, the VAIO PCG-GRT360ZG will easily power through any application. Sony has complemented this potent data processing "engine" with an impressive 64 MB nVidia GeForce FX Go 5600 3-D video accelerator to make quick work of graphics-intensive 3-D applications and all but the most demanding 3-D games. The unit's integrated 80 GB hard disk offers oodles of room to store important files and programs, and its detachable DVD+RW/CD-RW combo drive allows you to turn home videos into DVDs, watch the latest Hollywood releases, burn and play audio CDs and backup data.

Multimedia enthusiasts will appreciate the system's integrated stereo speakers and generous 16.1-inch SXGA+ viewing screen for its image-enhancing X-Brite technology and super-clean 1400 by 1050 maximum resolution. Other desirable amenities include a Memory Stick PRO media slot, three high-speed USB 2.0 ports, a fast IEEE 1394 port for data transfers from peripherals such as digital camcorders, and a cord-free television-style remote. To communicate with the outside world, the unit features a 56K modem for low-speed Internet and email access, a standard 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX Ethernet interface for high-speed connectivity, and a convenient IEEE 802.11b/802.11g wireless LAN.

Bundled software includes Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition, Sony's Giga Pocket personal video recording application (for simultaneous television viewing and video recording), and a truly expansive array of audio, video and photo utilities. Battery life is not one of the system's strong points -- it delivers 1.0 to 1.5 hours of usage with one battery attached and 2.0 to 3.0 hours with an optional second battery installed in the multi-purpose bay.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Powerful and Stylish Premium Laptop, May 18, 2004

By 

P. Scott Pope "Scott Pope" (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sony VAIO PCG-GRT360ZG Laptop (Mobile P4 3.06 GHz), 512 MB RAM, 80 GB Hard Drive, DVD+RW/CD-RW Drive) (Personal Computers)

I have been a fan of the VAIO since Sony released the first 16.1" UXGA laptop. When Sony broke the 3.0 GHz barrier, I decided to upgrade my 1.6GHz GRX 500 to the new GRT series. I have been very happy with my purchase.

Like Sony's other consumer products, VAIO notebooks offer complete product refinement, with exceptional attention to detail and aesthetics that are superior to offerings from Dell, HP and Toshiba. Before purchasing my first Sony, I was an owner of a top-of-the line Dell Inspiron. An analogous comparison of the shell build quality between the two machines is the comparison of a 2004 Honda Accord and a 1990 Buick Regal. The fit and finish are vastly superior on the Sony. With the latest generation GRT 390, Sony raises the bar.

At first glance, it is appears that Sony invested a great deal into the design and manufacture of the enclosure, layout of buttons and jacks as well as the screen hinges and frames. It is much sturdier than the competition with a metallic lid paired with a metallized plastic main body enclosure. The interface, from the tactile response of the keys to the clarity of the screen is superior to products from other manufacturers. Yet, the user must experience this firsthand. While it is difficult to describe on paper, the difference becomes apparent when comparing them side-by-side in a retail store. Sony strives to create a refined package with close integration of the various hardware components. One good example is Sony's first-to-market use an integrated flash memory slot.

Unfortunately, my original VAIO GRX 500 did not hold up to the abuse of my brutal travel schedule. It had to be sent back to their sole North American repair facility in San Diego. The single-facility repair limitation is(was) the biggest problem with Sony. The GRX was not as sturdy as the GRT. The GRX500 was quite thin for its large footprint, which was made me concerned about flex and potential damage to the large screen. In the GRT, Sony has beefed up the enclosure, increasing the overall thickness by 3/8" and the weight by two pounds.

While the GRT has been fairly problem free, I had one minor, yet disturbing problem. The internal speakers started crackling for couple of weeks and then went completely dead. However, after some time, they began to work again with no difficulties. This surprised me, because such problems typically get worse.

As a true desktop replacement, it is a very fast machine. The combination of the 3.06 GHz processor and 1 GB Ram makes the GRT noticeably faster than its 1.6GHz/512 MB predecessor. My one complaint with the configuration is the lack of a 7200 RPM drive, which first came to market last year. I decided to purchase a 7200 RPM Hitachi Travelstar 7K60 and installed it before transferring my files. It was well worth the time and expense. However, it identified a major complaint I have with the GRT, which is a lack of system disks or even system restore disks. It took me about three hours to create the three DVD's (I can't imagine how long it would take to create the 20+ CD's). In my opinion, a premium laptop like this should come both with restore disks and operating systems disks. Sony claims that Microsoft restrictions are preventing the former.

My initial motivation for purchasing my first VAIO was the 16.1" UXGA screen, which was the best I have seen. It obviated the need for a separate monitor. The XBRITE technology employed in the GRT has improved the screen quality over the previous generation. By the time this model was available, other vendors were selling machines with 17" WXGA screens. The image quality is superior on GRT.

While I opted for a non-mobile processor, I have started to question my decision. It is nice that Sony offers this as an option, but the battery life is as little as 1:10:00 with WiFi enabled. In addition, the rather loud fans kick in when the processor is going full steam.

The one major concern for any user should be Sony's repair policies and capabilities. Standard repair, which was their only option until recently, can take up to ten (10) business days. Sony's sole repair facility is in San Diego. Recently, Sony added onsite service for an additional fee, but terms and conditions of what specifically can be repaired onsite are too vague for critical business use.

Pro's
Best Available Screen
Integrated WiFi
Excellent build quality
Best screen on the market

Con's
Poor battery life

Heavy
Poor repair/customer service
Lack of system disks
No 7200 RPM factory drive

2 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars This Vaio is good but not great, May 15, 2004

By 

Caradoc Robertson "documnt" (Fitchburg, WI United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sony VAIO PCG-GRT360ZG Laptop (Mobile P4 3.06 GHz), 512 MB RAM, 80 GB Hard Drive, DVD+RW/CD-RW Drive) (Personal Computers)

The first one I bought was DOA. The replacement works fine except that the CD writer seems very picky. Note I have had no problems with DVD writing.
Pros The best screen I have ever seen until it gets dirty.
Huge hard drive.
Very fast.
Plays BF Vietnam better than my 2gh desktop.
Upgradeable to 2 Gig of memory if you can afford it.
If you want to do video editing on your laptop this one is
great.
Cons Very Heavy and requires a big bag.
Massive power supply needs a big bag.
4200 rpm Hard drive slows down an otherwise fast machine.
Odd design on lid leads to notebook opening in bag unless
well secured.
No PS2 ports.
Glossy screen is murder to clean.
Incredibly hot when running full bore. Will actually heat
up table top around it.
Sony's in general seem very well put together. I also own a PCG FX 190 and apart from Sony's famous lack of support for new operating systems, it is the only notebook I have owned for 3 years that did not require servicing. The top of the line Tosh Tecra and Dell latitude I owned failed in the first six months. It was really a shame that the first GRT360 was dead on arrival I wonder if this is a sign of the machine being made in China the other Sony I owned was made in the USA.