Sony VAIO VGN-FS830/W 15.4" Laptop (Intel Pentium M Processor 740, 512 MB RAM, 80 GB Hard Drive, DVD+R Dbl Layer/DVD+/-RW Drive)

by Sony

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 10.4 x 14.3 x 1.4 inches ; 6.3 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 9.4 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B000DZSJIM
• Item model number: VGN-FS830/W
• Average Customer Review: 2.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: December 20, 2005

Product Description

Amazon Product Description

The Basics:
Sony describes its wide-ranging "FS" series of VAIO notebooks as "well-balanced", and few could argue the point. Unlike some portable computers, the FS series is sensibly designed from top to bottom with well-matched components and an eye on important facets such as portability, ease of use, and price. Sitting in the midst of the FS series lineup is this model, the VAIO VGN-FS830/W 15.4" Notebook PC, an affordable machine that delivers many of the attributes the modern notebook user requires but does not go overboard in any one area. Serious gamers may want better 3D graphic capabilities than the unit can provide, and its battery efficiency figures aren't quite as strong as other notebooks using Intel Pentium M processors, but the VAIO VGN-FS830/W should otherwise appeal to most.

Processor:
At the heart of any computer lies the CPU (or processor), a massive collection of miniature transistors that governs the speed and power of the entire unit. Some of today's notebooks are equipped with high-end CPU's on par with those found in top-of-the-line desktop PCs, while others are quick enough only for basic duties such as word processing, email and the like. The VAIO VGN-FS830/W is equipped with an Intel Pentium M processor 740 running at 1.73 GHz. This is one of three components comprising Intel's efficient Centrino system (the others being a specialized Intel chipset and integrated wireless support). Centrino-equipped notebooks are generally smaller, easier on the batteries (though not so with this particular model), and more versatile than their non-Centrino counterparts. This particular CPU is part of Intel's upgraded Pentium M lineup, featuring a whopping 2 MB of Level 2 cache for extremely fast access to your most utilized information. Though its rated clock speed is clearly not on par with that of a high-end Intel Pentium 4, this CPU will easily handle most common mobile tasks.

Memory:
Computers typically store information on their hard drive, but they also keep frequently and recently accessed data in Random Access Memory (RAM) for faster retrieval. More RAM means more efficient computing, superior multitasking and less strain on your hard drive. The VAIO VGN-FS830/W incorporates 512 MB of super fast PC2-4200 533 MHz DDR2 memory. This is a typical allotment and a higher speed than the memory in many other midlevel notebooks, and is certainly quite adequate for virtually any application or multitasking situation you're likely to encounter in the foreseeable future. That said, the unit does permit upgrades to its maximum of 2048 MB (2 GB) RAM.

Video:
CPUs are usually so busy with basic calculations that they need help translating visual output to the viewing screen. This is the duty of the graphics card (or graphics controller). Generally, a controller with dedicated video memory is far preferable to one with "shared" video memory, wherein the graphics controller appropriates a portion of the main system memory. Nevertheless, many notebooks utilize shared memory controllers to keep the overall cost in check and because of obvious space restrictions. Such is the case with this system, which incorporates an Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900. The advantage of this comparatively new controller over other shared memory controllers is twofold-it utilizes more refined components, and it commandeers more of the system's memory (up to 128 MB). Still, though it will effectively display 2D and the majority of 3D applications and games, the system won't satisfy hardcore gamers or demanding 3D graphic artists who need powerful 3D performance.

Display:
The VAIO VGN-FS830/W features a 15.4-inch WXGA widescreen display that allows you to watch DVD movies and play the latest games in their full panoramic glory. Its 1280 by 800 maximum resolution offers enough detail for even the pickiest digital photo tweaker, and Sony's XBRITE Technology provides a brighter, more compelling picture than older and/or less efficient notebooks.

Hard Disk:
The integrated 80 GB hard disk, equivalent to what you'll find in some of today's budget-priced desktop PCs, is a welcome perk indeed for those who require a smaller notebook but need to load a broad range of applications and also keep a library of space-gobbling music and/or multimedia files.

Optical Drive:
An optical drive is essential in today's computing environment. A "CD-ROM" drive allows you to install CD-based applications and play music CDs. A "CD-RW" drive adds CD burning, so you can also backup your important files to long lasting discs and create personalized music CDs. With a DVD-ROM drive you can watch DVD movies, and a DVD-RW drive allows you to "write" home movies to durable discs and archive files to DVD (DVDs boast more than seven times the storage capacity of a CD). The latest optical drive technology involves double-layer DVDs, each of which sports double the capacity of a standard DVD. This system features a DVD+R Double Layer/DVD±RW drive that will make quick work of all of the above.

Audio:
The VAIO VGN-FS830/W is equipped with two miniature stereo speakers, a mini microphone jack and a stereo mini headphone jack.

Keyboard and Controls:
You'll control your notebook via an 86-key keyboard and standard electro-static touch pad.

Connectivity and Expansion:
The VAIO VGN-FS830/W offers a wide variety of ways to keep in touch, including a 56K modem for low-speed dial-up Internet and email access, a 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX Ethernet port for high-speed wired network and Internet, and an integrated Intel PRO/Wireless 2200b/g Network Connection (802.11b/g) for fast cord-free e-communication at home, at the office or on the road via today's two most popular wireless formats, Wireless-B and Wireless-G. Other key amenities include three high-speed USB 2.0 ports for plug and play devices such as external drives and digital cameras, an IEEE 1394 FireWire port (commonly used for data uploads from digital camcorders), a Memory Stick media slot for reading Memory Stick memory cards, and provisions for a Port Replicator interface (3 USB 2.0, Ethernet, VGA, DVI-D, printer, DC in).

Operating System and Software:
Sony will preload Microsoft's most popular operating system, Windows XP Home Edition, and a versatile application package that includes Microsoft's Works 8.5 productivity suite, Intuit's Quicken 2005 New User Edition financial package, Adobe Photoshop Album Starter Edition, and an impressive assortment of Sony's highly-respected photo, music and video utilities.

Dimensions and Weight:
Notebook computers are manufactured in a wide variety of sizes and weights. Many of today's most powerful notebooks are also the largest, weighing ten or twelve lbs or more and therefore too big and cumbersome for extensive, continuous traveling. These are often referred to as "desktop replacements". On the other extreme are "thin and lights" or "ultra-portables", super-miniaturized units that typically aren't as powerful as their larger brethren but weigh as little as two lbs and will often fit comfortably inside a large purse. The VAIO VGN-FS830/W is marginally smaller than today's median notebook size at 6.28 lbs (with standard battery) and a mere 14.33 by 10.41 by 1.0-1.41 inches.

Power:
The unit is equipped with a Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery that delivers 2.0 - 3.0 hours between charges. This is about average for a notebook featuring an efficient Pentium M CPU.

Product Description

Includes: AC adapter, lithium-ion battery, Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition with Service Pack 2. Sony VGN-FS830/W VAIO(R) Notebook PC - Powered by an Intel Pentium M Processor 740 (1.73 GHz), and 512MB of DDR2 Memory, this notebook can handle most, if not all, of your daily tasks. It even features a built-in 802.11b/g Wi-Fi wireless networking adapter. So you can surf the Internet and check e-mail from any one of a number of Wi-Fi Hot Spots around the world. 80GB EIDE Hard Drive Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900 with up to 128MB of shared video memory (memory is taken from the main system's RAM) Double Layer DVD Writer - supports Double Layer DVD+R, DVD-RW, & DVD+RW media Integrated 802.11b/g Wi-Fi Wireless Network Support

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars the big bright beautiful screen is the only good thing on this laptop, June 22, 2006

By 

Brillat-Savarin "david" (houston, texas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sony VAIO VGN-FS830/W 15.4" Laptop (Intel Pentium M Processor 740, 512 MB RAM, 80 GB Hard Drive, DVD+R Dbl Layer/DVD+/-RW Drive) (Personal Computers)

My gf brought this laptop when it just came out and paid a hefty price. after several month of use here is my review:

goods:

1. beautiful, realistic, and very clear screen. i own a HP laptop and i have to admit that sony's screen is clearer, more realistic, and easier on the eyes. the light is "natural" and it's simple a wonderful LCD screen.

2. design. the color combination is very pleasing and the silver VAIO logo is modern and elegant. my HP is the typical all black laptop; it's ugly compare to sony.

bads.....

1. HORRIBLE battery life.... this is a 4 cell battary.. which means the laptop needs to be recharged every 2 hours or so. THIS IS SIMPLY UNACCEPTABLE. my HP's battery can last over 6 hours (it's a 6 cell) with this price level, sony should throw in a 6 cell battery. simply put, you can't even finish a movie on airplain with this laptop.

2. replacement battery is very very expensive. it runs around 150 bux.

3. the laptops runs hot. my HP laptop, after using it for a whole day is only warm. on the other hand the sony laptop is burning after about 2 hours of use. i can't even put it on my laps without using a thick book to insolate the heat after about a hour of use.

4. very limited transfer, communication ability. the sony laptop has no infared port, no SD, SC, CM or other flash memory card slots. it only accept MS cards. i found the lack of infared port troubling since i am so used to "beam" files at work. with sony, it's a no no.

5. no S-video output... i simply HATE this. with all my other computers, they all have S-video output. and i love to play some music files i downloaded from internet on tv. but i can't do it on sony coz it doesn't have a S-video port.

6. flaky wireless connection. everytime the computer goes to standby, i will have a hard time turn back the wireless connection back on. this never happened on my HP and my old dell. everything just connected automatically.

bottom line.... it's a pretty laptop to look at.. but i believe the bads out weigh the goods.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars beautiful screen, pitiful system, September 26, 2006

By 

Jayakumar "Jay" (Tampa) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sony VAIO VGN-FS830/W 15.4" Laptop (Intel Pentium M Processor 740, 512 MB RAM, 80 GB Hard Drive, DVD+R Dbl Layer/DVD+/-RW Drive) (Personal Computers)

The good :

0) very beaufiful, cool screen. Nice ergonomics and cool white keyboard. Rugged, reliable and strong.

The bad :

1) No multimedia keys. Though it initially looks smart, it depends on service exes, they work slow.Worse is they make the system slow and occupy RAM a lot.

2) Heavy. The weight shown excludes battery. The basic battery is more than a pound and would last hardly an hour. Sony will rip you off $150 for a better battery.

3) Poor softwares installed and support. They make system run even slower and if you install better system by yourself, you are screwed. Device drivers, brightness, volume, 802 wirelss, network interfaces all are gone. You must download one by one (but without net connection as it did not work for me).

4) The system won't allow you to create recovery disk. You have to buy from sony.

5) wireless will drop connection every 30 minutes except for very few routers.

6) Slow despite 1 GB ram installed. All programs run slow. DVD writer copied a movie DVD for 5 (278 minutes) hours.

7) No SD/MMC card slot. You are encouraged to buy only sony products with strange memory stick.

5 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect Graduation Gift, April 15, 2006

By 

Saeed A. Siddiki "Homer KSA" (Riyadh, Dubai, Fredericksburg!) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Sony VAIO VGN-FS830/W 15.4" Laptop (Intel Pentium M Processor 740, 512 MB RAM, 80 GB Hard Drive, DVD+R Dbl Layer/DVD+/-RW Drive) (Personal Computers)

this was requested as a graduation gift by my little brother who just finished college thank GOD! He wanted something that closely resembled a Mac but not a Mac! He loved this light weight notebook with all the trimmings. It was a fantastic bargain for the features it offers.

The screen size is nice and is perfect for carrying around. Even works internationally for those voltage differences. Looks incredibly prestigious and slick!