Sony VAIO VGN-FZ280E/B 15.4-inch Laptop (Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T7250, 2 GB RAM, 250 GB Hard Drive, Blu-Ray DVD Drive, Vista Premium)

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Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 10 x 14 x 1.4 inches ; 5.8 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B000UTMDM4
• Item model number: VGN-FZ280E/B
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (43 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,732 in Computers & PC Hardware (See Bestsellers in Computers & PC Hardware)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: August 5, 2007

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description
With subtle sophistication and undeniable elegance, the lightweight Sony VAIO VGN-FZ280E/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 1.3-megapixel Webcam and microphone are seamlessly integrated into the durable silver magnesium chassis so you can video chat with friends, family and co-workers. It also offers a high-definition Blu-ray Disc drive, which writes to BD media as well as offers support for full 1080p HD video playback, 5.1 discrete channels of uncompressed digital audio, and backwards compatibility with standard DVDs and CDs (both reading and writing). For burning discs, it has up to a 2x write speed for Blu-ray Discs.

This notebook is powered by the 2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T7250 processor, which offers a top-of-the-line 800 MHz front-side bus speed and 2 MB L2 cache. The Core 2 Duo processor provides an optimized, multithreaded architecture for improved gaming and multitasking performance, as well as excellent battery management. 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 250 GB hard drive, 2 GB of installed RAM (4 GB maximum capacity), multi-format/dual-layer DVD+/-RW burner (also compatible with CDs), ExpressCard slot, and Nvidia GeForce 8400M graphics card (with up to 1 GB of available RAM/video memory).

This laptop also 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.

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 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 is more than 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). It offers the following speeds for Blu-ray discs: 2x read/write for BD-R/ROM/RE, 1.6x read/1x write for BD-R/RE DL (dual-layer). It features the following write speeds for the following disc formats: 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/16x for CD-R/RW. It reads DVD-ROM discs at 8x and CD-ROMs at 24x.

• Keyboard & Mouse: This notebook has a standard 82-key keyboard (2mm stroke and 19.05mm pitch) and electro-static two-button touchpad. Playback controls include play/pause, stop, forward, rewind, AV mode, mute, volume +/-, capture, and display off.

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 Wi-Fi 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 HDMI output (for connecting to a compatible HDTV or home theater receiver for uncompressed digital audio and video via a single cable)
• 1 S-Video and 1 VGA 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 (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-FZ280E/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
The VGN-FZ260E/B VAIO(R) FZ Series Notebook PC is a thin-and-light Blu-ray Writing enabled 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. With a built-in camera and microphone for video messaging, this lightning-fast, super-powerful PC is slim, lightweight, and packed with entertainment features. Blue-Ray Disc optical drive lets you record up to 50GB of video or data to a single Blu-Ray Disc Media. Blu-ray Disc media support also lets you playback HD Blu-ray Disc movies in stunning clarity. 802.11a/b/g/n wireless LAN technology offers a massive boost in wireless connection speed and range. Lightning-fast Intel Centrino Duo processor technology and super powerful Intel Core 2 Duo processor T7250 2GHz makes Windows Vista Home Premium easy-to-use. An HDMI output delivers video and audio to external sources via a single cable. 15.4 xBrite-Eco Technology WXGA LCD, 1280x800 Resolution nVidia GeForce 8400M GT GPU, 1GB Video RAM Audio Sound System - Sony Sound Reality - Audio Enhancer Fast Ethernet (RJ-45) 10Base-T/100Base-TX Integrated V.92/V.90 Modem RJ-11 Intel PRO 4965AGN Network 802.11a/b/g/n Wireless LAN Optical Drive - 2x BD-R Read, 2x BD-R Write, 2x BD-RE Write, 2x BD-ROM Read, 1.6x BD-R/E DL Read, 2x BD-R/E Write and 1x BD-R/E DL Write Inputs and Outputs - Ethernet Port, HDMI Connection Output, Headphone Jack, Memory Stick(R) Media Slot, Modem Jack, SD Memory Card Slot, Microphone Input, S-Video Output, 3x USB Ports, VGA Output and DC-In Standard Lithium-ion Battery (VGPBPS8), up to 5.5 hours battery life Operating System - Windows Vista Home Premium Dimensions - Width 14 x Depth 10.02 x Height 0.98-1.4 Weight - 5.9 pounds

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

98 of 115 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Why are new Windows computers vehicles for advertising?, December 1, 2007

By	Framecrash "Chemical artist type." (Denver, Colorado) - See all my reviews

As far as features go, it's hard to beat this notebook - the dual-core processor and 2 GB ram suggests that it should scream. But it doesn't, for two reasons:

The first is Vista. Compared to XP, there's nothing much new under the sun. Sure, there's some GUI candy, but that just makes it run slower. I've turned it off as much as I can. Indeed, I'm currently looking for a copy of XP to install.

My biggest complaint is the CRAP that's loaded on here. Sony has "utilities" that are nothing more than thinly-veiled 60 day trials. Microsoft doesn't get off the hook either: They've got trial versions of Office. This is all good, if you're new to computers, but if you just want to get down to business, expect to take about 3 hours to get all the bloatware off. Note to vendors: This is MY system, not yours. It is not another medium to sell me junk. So, this is the last Sony I'll buy.

Compare this to Apple's OSX: You start the system, personalize it, and you're working from a new install in 10 minutes.

Synopsis: Hardware's great! OS sucks (but functional)!

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars After cleaning, paring, and loading updates, it works great., January 13, 2008

By	KeithH (Boston, MA) - See all my reviews

Well, I agree with all the previous reviews except the poorly built comments. I am very impressed with the hardware, except the tolerances of the battery compartment. It does rattle, and I wouldn't travel with it as it is. I put a couple pieces of tape on the case under the battery, and voila, no rattle. With all the excrutiating design that Sony puts into these things, it does mystify me why this was overlooked. The case is solid otherwise, built of magnesium. The processor, memory, wireless adapter, and hard drive is a great value for the money. The 4800 rpm HDD is a bit slow, but once powered up works fine. On the other hand, the T7250 processor and 2 Gb of memory standard is a good value.

I actually bought a FZ220E for $999, but found the FZ240E at Circuit City for only $50 more. The 2.0 Ghz processor makes a big difference, not to mention the extra 50 Gb of storage. Everything else is the same.

I agree with all the extraneous trial software. I spent about an hour uninstalling it. Well worth the time, but I agree with other reviewers that it shouldn't be there, or should be on a trial CD. Once I removed the trial software, Office 2007, and Norton 360, it started working well. I use Mcafee for virus software, as I have found the Norton software takes a lot of space and slows everything down.

I have adapted to Vista from XP, and it has its short comings as well as some good things. But this isn't a Sony issue. I must say, the Wireless setup was one of the easiest I have been through. And the FZ series comes with a streaming media server, DLNA certified. For those of you what want to stream to your TV or stereo, this is a big plus. Not many other laptops in the price range do this.

Overall, I finally have it working well, and I am satisfied from a price and think it is a good value.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Could be perfect... but VISTA..., December 26, 2007

By	D. Hemond (Blackstone, MA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Short and simple... Everything about this laptop screams attention to detail. For those who are familiar with Sony's VAIO line, you are not going to be disappointed except one thing - Visa. Aside from that blemish, the 2 gigs of RAM is more than enough to multitask with minimal slowdown. The 200 gig hard drive is good for almost all your docs. and multi-media files. (If it's not, get a external drive) It's light, and durable for normal use, e.g., taking it to cafes, school, libraries, work in your backpack or satchel. Gaming is doable, however, for the hard core gamers you might want to take a pass. The best thing is the price. I went to the Sony web-site and even call Sony direct and they couldn't beat the price I got from Amazon, i.e., with tax and shipping added in. I'm still debating on reinstalling XP, but there is no doubt about getting this laptop. -D