Sony VAIO VGN-FZ180E/B 15.4-inch Laptop (Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T7300, 2 GB RAM, 200 GB Hard Drive, Vista Premium)

by Sony

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 10 x 14 x 1.4 inches ; 5.8 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 9.4 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B000Q5INNU
• Item model number: VGN-FZ180E/B
• Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: May 6, 2007

Product Description

Model: VGN-FZ180E/B

Amazon.com Product Description

With subtle sophistication and undeniable elegance, the lightweight Sony VAIO VGN-FZ180E/B notebook PC is crafted with an aesthetic touch and careful attention to detail. Offering a brilliantly colorful 15.4-inch XBRITE-ECO display, this 5.75-pound laptop maximizes LCD space with advanced space-saving engineering techniques, including a reconfigured battery and motherboard design. It's packed with entertainment features, including embedded A/V controls for one-touch access to your music, movies and pictures. A built-in camera and microphone is seamlessly integrated into the durable silver magnesium chassis so you can video chat with friends, family and co-workers. It also offers high-definition Blu-ray Disc capability, which supports full 1080p HD video playback as well as up to 5.1 discrete channels of uncompressed digital audio. For burning discs, it has up t a 2x write speed. The Blu-ray system is backwards-compatible with standard DVDs and CDs, enabling you to enjoy your digital library for years to come, and the drive will also burn the full gamut of DVD and CD discs.

This notebook is powered by the 2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T7300 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. It provides an optimized, multithreaded architecture for improved gaming and multitasking performance. It includes Intel's 4965 AGN wireless LAN, which will connect to draft 802.11n routers and offers compatibility with 802.11a/b/g networks as well. Other features include a 200 GB hard drive, 2 GB of installed RAM (4 GB maximum capacity), multi-format/dual-layer DVD+/-RW drive (which also burns CDs), ExpressCard slot, and Intel GMA X3100 graphics card.

This laptop also comes pre-installed with Microsoft Windows Vista Business, which has a new user interface, named Windows Aero, that makes it easy to navigate through the operating system and from application to application. For instance, Windows Aero helps you juggle multiple tasks at once by providing a three-dimensional, real-time, animated view of all your open applications and documents. 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.

Entertainment Features
Imagine having the ability to enjoy your entertainment on your notebook without ever booting up. The VAIO FZ notebook with A/V Instant Mode lets you kick off your entertainment with a single push of a button. Go straight to watching a movie, playing music, or viewing photos without ever booting-up the operating system, thereby conserving a significant amount of battery life. The VAIO FZ notebook also includes a full set of dedicated multimedia controls just above the keyboard. A round A/V interface jumps out of the clean design of the VAIO FZ, adding a unique and practical touch to its sophisticated appearance. These intuitive music and video controls are user-friendly, so you can easily control your CDs, DVDs, pictures and home movies with the push of a button.

The Basics

• Processor: The Intel Core 2 Duo T7300 processor has a 2.0 GHz processor speed, super-fast 800 MHz front-side bus (FSB), and an enormous 4 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 200 GB Serial ATA hard drive is about double the average size for notebook PCs, however its 4200 RPM speed is a bit slower than current standard hard drives. It provides more than enough capacity for storing documents, digital media files, and video editing software. This SATA hard drive also quickens the pace with a higher speed transfer of data--akin to FireWire and USB 2.0.

• Memory: The 2 GB of installed RAM (2 x 1 GB DDR2, PC5300) is an excellent start, but you'll want to add more RAM to handle today's demanding multimedia and productivity suites. It provides two DIMM slots and has a large 4 GB maximum 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: This Sony notebook is capable of playing back Blu-ray Disc movies in stunning clarity, as well as playing your current library of purchased and burned disc content. It's also capable of burning HD Camcorder content in its original 1080p high-definition resolution and can store a massive amount of data on a single disc (25 GB single layer disc to 50 GB on a double layer disc). This desktop also comes with a secondary standard DVD-ROM drive. The BD drive offers 2x speed for reading and writing BD-R/RE discs and 1x BD-R/RE DL (dual layer) write speed. It also offers the following write speeds for standard DVD and CD discs: 4x DVD+R DL, 4x DVD-R DL, 8x for single-layer DVD+R and DVD-R, 8x DVD+RW, 6x DVD-RW, 24x CD-R, 16x CD-RW, and 5x for DVD-RAM.

• Keyboard & Mouse: This notebook has a standard 82-key keyboard (2.0mm stroke and 19.05mm pitch) and electro-static two-button touchpad.

Screen, Video & Audio
The 15.4-inch WXGA LCD display has a widescreen resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels. And thanks to Sony's XBRITE-HiColor panel technology, the flat-panel screen will deliver dazzling colors and sharp images whether displaying a DVD movie, television show, or web content. It delivers deep blacks and bright whites, true-to-life color, and razor-sharp detail. And with a glare filter and anti-reflective coating to minimize reflection, you'll experience a beautifully clear image.

Video is powered by the Nvidia GeForce 8400M graphics card, which provides up to 1 GB (1023 MB) of available RAM/video memory 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. Experience real-time photo editing, or immerse yourself in the most complex, true-to-life gaming environments.

The audio card includes Sony Sound Reality technology with DSD (Direct Stream Digital) support. It also includes a high-definition digital cable tuner with NTSC (standard) and ATSC (HD) support.

Networking, Connectivity & Expansion
Be ready for the next platform in wireless connectivity with the integrated Intel Wireless WiFi Link 4965 AGN LAN 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 (replacing the 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
• 1 VGA monitor port
• 1 S-Video out
• 1 ExpressCard 34
• 1 headphone jack, 1 microphone jack
• Memory Stick slot (supports optional Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, and Memory Stick DUO media)
• Secure Digital memory card slot (also compatible with MMC cards)

It also has an integrated 56K modem (V.92) and an RJ-45 LAN network port (for a 10/100 Fast 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, Microsoft Office 2007 Student and Teacher Edition (60-day trial), Symantec Norton Internet Security 2007 (with 60 days of Live Update).

Dimensions & Weight
This notebook measures 14 x 10.02 x 1.4 inches (WxHxD) and weighs 5.75 pounds.

Power
It's powered by the VGP-BPS8 rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which has a battery life of between 2 and 4 hours (depending on usage).

What's in the Box
This package contains the VGN-FZ180E/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.

Product Description

5.75-pound laptop with magnesium body dedicated multimedia controls above keyboard and 15.4-inch LCD2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T7300 processor 200 GB Serial ATA hard drive 2 GB RAM (4 GB max) 2x Blu-ray DVD driveConnectivity: 3 USB 1 FireWire 1 VGA 1 S-Video ExpressCard 34 Memory Stick/SD card slotsIntel 4965 AGN wireless LAN connects to draft 802.11n routers (as well as 802.11a/b/g)Pre-installed with Windows Vista Home Premium (with Media Center capabilities); integrated WebCam

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Great computer but packed full of crappy software, August 8, 2007

By 

Ty Justice (Sausalito, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sony VAIO VGN-FZ180E/B 15.4-inch Laptop (Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T7300, 2 GB RAM, 200 GB Hard Drive, Vista Premium) (Personal Computers)

I just bought this computer about three weeks ago. Love the screen, bluray player is beautiful, super fast. I upgraded it to 4gb of ram but it was fast without it. I bought it for design work. Runs the entire Adobe CS3 Suite super fast.

Cons: Took me two days to uninstall all of the trial and other junk software installed by Sony. Battery life is horrible. I bought another power supply so I have one at work and one at home. The minute I unplug the thing from the wall it says 91% battery life remaining. ??? I have never seen such horrible battery life. I got used to my old Gateway that gave me 4 hours of battery life. I'm lucky if I get an hour just browsing the internet. This above all is the only thing that is bad about this machine. If the battery were better I would give it five stars.

15 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Love the computer, but its unusable out of the box, July 25, 2007

By 

Tobin Titus (Redmond, WA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sony VAIO VGN-FZ180E/B 15.4-inch Laptop (Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T7300, 2 GB RAM, 200 GB Hard Drive, Vista Premium) (Personal Computers)

I purchased a computer and it arrived. Taking the machine out of the box, I was very pleased with the look and feel and design of the computer itself. However, after the computer booted up, I realized just how unusable this product was out of the box. The machine comes with more trialware installed than any reasonable person should have to put up with. The software was so overrun with trialware that the machine crawled after booting up. All of the trialware started popping up dialogs asking me to update my software and and asking me to purchase full versions. The computer was utterly useless. I had to format the computer and put a clean version of Windows Vista on the box. However, this machine doesn't come with ANY disk -- not even a recovery disk. If you want a recovery disk, you have to pay for it. The downside to that is, even if you had a recovery disk, you'd still end up installing all of the trialware again.

Sony did a great job with the computer, but their execution on the full user experience makes me rate this computer poorly. Had Sony at least given me the ability to completely wipe the computer to a clean Vista install, I would have rated it a 2. Had they simply supplied installation CDs for the trialware and shipped the clean machine without anything pre-installed, I would have given this computer a 4 our of 5. Thanks for listening.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars New Vaio Rocks, July 9, 2007

By 

CS "CS" (Madison, WI) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sony VAIO VGN-FZ160E/B 15.4-inch Laptop (Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T7300, 2 GB RAM, 200 GB Hard Drive, Vista Premium) (Personal Computers)

I was nervous about buying a new computer with Windows Vista, but, this computer is sweet! It is fast and has improved my ability to communicate with my office significantly. Other than a blip with one program, which I was able to fix with an upgrade to the program, Vista has worked fine.

The computer itself is thin, lightweight, and a great performer. I was able to watch feeds from Live Earth this past weekend -- it was able to keep up and give me a very decent screen to watch. I look forward to taking it on the road and viewing DVDs. The touchpad mouse is an improvement from my last laptop as it is not quite as smooth and responds better to my movement. To-date the battery life has been better than my previous model as well.

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