Sony VAIO PCG-K33 15.4" Laptop (Mobile Intel Pentium 4 Processor 532, 512 MB RAM, 60 GB Hard Drive, DVD/CD-RW Drive)

Other products by Sony

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 14.1 x 10.9 x 2.2 inches ; 8 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 13 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B0002XRGWK
• Item model number: PCG-K33
• Average Customer Review: 3.1 out of 5 stars See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,122 in Computers & PC Hardware (See Bestsellers in Computers & PC Hardware)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: October 17, 2004

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Decription
The Basics
A capable portable computer best suited to power users, businesspeople, and anyone who appreciates potent 2D performance and a widescreen display, the Sony VAIO PCG-K33 crunches numbers and data faster than the majority of desktops yet won't drain your pocketbook. Its 3D graphics speed is not exceptional, nor is it recommended for those who require maximum portability or extremely long battery life. Yet at this price point, the VAIO PCG-K33 is a good bet for cost-conscious consumers who need PC-level speed in a mobile format.

The PCG-K33 features a 15.4-inch WXGA widescreen display that is perfectly tailored to the aspect ratio favored by DVD movies.

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 notebooks are equipped with high-end CPU's on par with those found in top-of-the-line desktop PCs, while others are fast enough only for basic duties such as word processing, email and the like. Equipped with an Intel Pentium 4 532 processor, the VAIO PCG-K33 is near the top end of the scale. Running at a lightning quick 3.06 GHz this particular processor delivers all the raw speed any user is likely to need. However, it's important to note that the overall performance of any computer is also influenced by the speed and quantity of its memory and the quality of it graphics card. And as you'll see, the VAIO PCG-K33 is not exceptional in either of these categories.

Memory Computers typically store information on their hard drive, but they 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 PCG-K33 is equipped with 512 MB of RAM. This is an average allotment of memory for a notebook at this price point. However, it is not especially fast memory at just 266 MHz. Nevertheless, the system's CPU is strong enough to offset these minor memory shortcomings, and users should therefore expect satisfactory multitasking and only minor delays during complex tasks. If more memory is required, the system supports a total of 1 GB.
	Sony VAIO PCG-K37 3.20 GHz Pentium 4 1 GB RAM 80 GB HD	Sony VAIO PCG-K35 3.067 GHz Pentium 4 512 MB RAM 80 GB HD	Sony VAIO PCG-K33 3.20 GHz Pentium 4 512 MB RAM 60 GB HD

Video
CPU's are usually so busy doing basic calculations that they need help translating visual output to the viewing screen. This is the duty of the graphics card (or graphics controller), the best of which include their own "dedicated" built-in video memory rather than "sharing" portions of the system's valuable main memory. Sony has equipped the VAIO PCG-K33 with an ATI Radeon IGP 345M graphics controller that shares 64 MB of main memory. Though this unit's CPU is so powerful that the lack of a high-end video controller isn't as essential as it otherwise might be, users who deal primarily with taxing visuals such as those found in 3D games and 3D animation may want to explore another Sony notebook.

Display
The VAIO PCG-K33's 15.4-inch WXGA display may be smaller than the 17-inch monsters found in today's notebook heavyweights, yet it's larger than that of most notebooks and even some desktops. Furthermore, its widescreen format is perfectly tailored to the aspect ratio favored by DVD movies. It's highly sophisticated too -- sporting Sony's new XBRITE Technology for better contrast and a brighter picture, and a crisp 1280 by 800 maximum resolution.

Hard Disk
At 60 GB, the integrated hard drive will easily store a broad range of applications and user data files, and a sizable library of space-gobbling music and/or multimedia files too.

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 with a DVD-RW drive, you can "write" home movies to durable discs and archive files to DVD (DVDs boast more than seven times the storage capacity of a CD). Some drives allow you to do a combination of all of these tasks. This system features a DVD-ROM/CD-RW drive, through which you can do everything above but burn DVDs.

Audio
The unit is equipped with high-grade speakers and a powerful audio amplifier.

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

Connectivity and Expansion The VAIO PCG-K33 features a bevy of connectivity facilities, 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 IEEE 802.11b/g3 wireless connection for cord-free e-communication at home, at the office or on the road via a local public hotspot. 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 quick data uploads from digital camcorders), and a Memory Stick PRO media slot for Sony's proprietary Media Stick memory cards. Operating System and Software Sony has fitted the system with Microsoft's Windows XP Home Edition operating system, Intuit Quicken 2005 New User Edition financial center, Microsoft's Works 8.0 productivity suite, and a broad range of digital photo, audio and video utilities.

The PCG-K33 features a full suite of software applications, including SonicStage, which enables you to listen to, manage, and transfer your music library.

Dimensions and Weight
Many of today's most powerful notebooks are also the largest, weighing ten or twelve lbs or more and definitely 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 are typically less powerful than their larger brethren but weigh as little as two lbs and will often fit comfortably inside a large purse. The VAIO PCG-K33 is of medium size at 8.2 lbs. and 14.1 by 8.2 by 1.6 - 2.2 inches.

Power
Battery life is not the system's strong suit. You can expect 1 - 2 hours continuous use with the enclosed lithium-ion cell.

Product Description
Includes: lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, power cord, Microsoft Windows XP Home, Quicken 2005 New User Edition, Works 8.0, WinDVD, Norton Internet Security, & more. Sony PCG-K33 VAIO(R) Notebook PC - This eye-catching notebook computer is packed with powerful features that will make your mobile computing experience more productive, and more entertaining. Increase productivity with the powerful Mobile Intel Pentium 4 Processor 532 (3.06GHz) and 512MB of PC2100 DDR SDRAM. Combined, they give you the speed to handle nearly any task and application. When work is done, you can sit back and enjoy a DVD movie on the impressive 15.4" LCD. Its widescreen format is perfect for DVD viewing. LCD Native Resolution - 1280 x 800 60GB HDD ATI Radeon IGP 345M graphics with 64MB of shared video memory (memory is taken from the main system) DVD-ROM/CD-RW Combo Drive - up to 24x CD-R, 24x CD-RW, 8x DVD-ROM 56k v.90 Fax Modem Windows Sound System with 2 built-in speakers Memory Stick Media Slot - supports Memory Stick(R) & Memory Stick(R) PRO 1 Type I/II PC Card Slot with CardBus support Ports - 10/100 Ethernet, VGA Monitor Out, Monaural Mini Microphone, Headphone, 1 FireWire, 3 USB 2.0, & 1 Parallel

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

46 of 55 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Not recommended at all, freezes after hibernation, December 22, 2004

By	Raul Saavedra (Caracas, Venezuela) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Last Friday I went ahead and purchased a Vaio K35 from a BestBuy. The screen is really great, and they had 24 months no interest plan to pay the $1350 after rebates. That all sounded like a good deal back then...

The Vaio K35 froze on me the first day after sending the notebook to hibernation. Needless to say I started testing how it did with hibernation/standby. The freeze didn't happen always, but it happened close to half the times it came from hibernation, never from standby it seems. I made sure the BIOS was not doing any power management, just Windows. Even the VAIO Power Management was disabled inside windows power management control panel. Also, I had the lattest drivers from Vaio Update. Still, it was freezing some times after hibernation.

Installed Windows XP Pro + Service Pack 2 + All the Vaio Drivers and Updates, and still the same thing. It didn't happen always, but yesterday night it froze again coming back from hibernation. Enough for me.

This morning I took the notebook to Bestbuy in the frozen state actually, so they could see it. The technician's verdict: "There's no mechanical problem, this is Microsoft's fault, the laptop is within Sony specifications." There was no appeal to this incompetent verdict despite my several attempts. I've used IBM notebooks for a long time at work, with no hibernation problem. And my brother has a Vaio S260 without that problem.

Since I didn't want the laptop, I was going to be charged the 15% restocking fee, $240, or I had to replace it with another laptop. Chose to return it, and already sent an email to BestBuy's Customer Service directly, to fight for this unfair restocking fee applied in this case.

These Vaios have a nice screen, but basicaly that's it. Battery doesn't last too long, just one hour watching a DVD. Fan is a bit noisy, and the laptop freezes whenever it feels like after hibernation. Definitely not recommended.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very good choice for a desktop replacement, March 6, 2005

By	Len "dewyduster" (Connecticut) - See all my reviews

The Sony PCG-K33 is a powerful laptop at a reasonable price. With its 3.06 P4 and a decent ATI graphics card, it has the punch to run many of the games out today. The built in wireless is nice for those who use this type of networking, although it took a little wrangling to get it to work with my router.

OK - you don't want to hear me ramble, you just want to know the nitty-gritty. So here it is:

Positives:

1) Speed. Although you will probably want to go up to a gig of memory to get all the speed out of this puppy.

2) Full sized keyboard - I am used to an ergo, but this isn't bad.

3) Looks - Sony has the fashion edge. The thing is sexy.

4) Monitor - X-Brite and wide screen. One word: gorgeous.

5) Built-in wireless. Very good range.

6) Video card - You can adjust the memory allocated to the card. It does a good job with games and a great job with DVDs.

Negatives:

1) Battery life - it's just stupid short.

2) Size and weight - Like I said, this is a desktop replacement. It barely qualifies as a portable. Unless you're a steroid taking baseball player, this thing gets heavy very fast.

3) Heat - I recommend a laptop cooling pad to aid in cooling the Vaio. It gets very hot.

4) Memory stick port - Come on Sony, this is a ploy to sell us another one of your products. I have nothing else that uses a memory stick. I don't ever see using this.

5) Hard drive size - For the price, it should come with at least an 80 GB drive.

Bottom line is... if you are looking for a portable look elsewhere. If you like the idea of being able to surf the web and/or play a game while watching TV or laying in bed, the PCG-K33 is worth consideration. I am happy with the purchase and can deal with the machine's quirks.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Sony vaio PCG-K33, January 14, 2005

By	Matrix - See all my reviews

I purchased a Sony VAIO PCG-K33 after my A10 Toshiba laptop broke down in less than a year! The Sony laptop is very powerful, I am crunching numbers while writing papers and it works very good. However, it is a little heavy and the fan is noisy.