Sony VAIO VGN-SZ645P2 13.3" Laptop (Intel Core 2 Duo T7250 Processor, 2 GB RAM, 120 GB Hard Drive)

It's powered by the 2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T7250 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 also offers the revolutionary Hybrid Graphics System lets toggle between internal and external graphics chips, enabling you to choose lighter battery consumption or better performance depending on the situation. The integrated quad-mode 802.11 a/b/g/n wireless LAN enables wireless connectivity on the fly, while the Bluetooth connectivity makes it easy to wirelessly transfer files to peripherals or chat via a headset. Other features include a 120 GB Serial ATA hard drive, 2 GB of installed RAM (maxing out capacity), long battery life (up to 4 hours with included standard battery), both ExpressCard/34 and PCMCIA slots, and a multi-format memory card reader. It's preloaded with Microsoft Windows XP Professional as well as Norton 360 All-In-One Security with 60 days of Live Update.

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 120 GB hard drive (5400 RPM) offers enough to room to hold a digital audio library of over 20,000 songs and still have room left over for movies, games, and a large collection of software. This Serial ATA (SATA) hard drive also quickens the pace with a higher speed transfer of data--akin to FireWire and USB 2.0.

  The G-Sensor Shock Protection feature makes your data even less vulnerable to loss or damage. When the built-in 3-D acceleration sensor detects a risky movement like being dropped, the HDD-head will lock up to secure its position and protect the disc from scratching. An intelligent algorithm, unique to VAIO PCs, judges whether or not a movement is risky, activating disk drive protection only when your hardware is at risk.

• Memory: The 2 GB of installed RAM (2 x 1024 MB DDR2) is an excellent start, and the additional capacity helps boost the amount of available video RAM that's shared with this notebook's video card. This notebook has a maximum 4 GB 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: The dual-layer DVD drive is compatible with a wide range of formats, including both DVD+RW and DVD-RW discs, CD-RW discs, and dual-layer (DL) DVD+/-R discs, which can hold up to 8.5 GB of data--great for backing up your MP3 collection or your most important documents. It features the following speeds: 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 for CD-R/RW. It reads DVD-ROM discs at 8x and CD-ROMs at 24x.

• Keyboard & Mouse: This notebook has a standard 86-key keyboard (2mm stroke and 19.05mm pitch) and electro-static two-button touchpad.

The Nvidia GeForce 8400M GS graphics card provides 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.

The Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100 provides Windows Vista Aero interface support and enhanced 3-D graphics performance--delivering over 2x scores on 3-DMark 06. Intel Clear Video Technology provides outstanding video playback with sharper image quality, increased clarity, and customizable color controls. It also enables enhanced visual quality of interlaced content on progressive displays.

Networking, Connectivity & Expansion
Be ready for the next platform in wireless connectivity with the integrated quad-mode Intel Wireless 4965AGN Wi-Fi 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). You also get super-fast wired connectivity via the Gigabit Ethernet port (10/100/1000).

With the Bluetooth connectivity, you can communicate and synchronize with Bluetooth-enabled peripherals such as PDAs and cell phones. This notebook also includes a next-generation ExpressCard 34 card slot (in addition to a standard 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:

• 2 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 ExpressCard/34 slot
• 1 PCMCIA (Type II/Type I) card slot with CardBus support
• 1 port replicator connector
• 1 headphone jack, 1 microphone jack
• 5-in-1 memory card adapter compatible with Memory Stick and Memory Stick PRO (supports Memory Stick DUO with MagicGate functionality), Secure Digital, MultiMedia, and XD Picture Card formats; also supports Memory Stick DUO with MagicGate functionality)
• RJ-45 Ethernet network port
• 56K modem port (V.90/V.92)

  Operating System
  This system comes with the Windows XP Professional Edition (which includes Microsoft's IIS Web server, back-up and recovery utilities, Remote Desktop, and other enhanced business features) with Service Pack 2 featuring Advanced Security Technologies, which helps to reduce unwanted downloads and pop-ups while surfing the Web.

  Preloaded Software
  Includes Sony Click to DVD (for easy DVD creation), Microsoft Office 2007 (60-day trial), Symantec Norton 360 All-In-One Security (with 60 days of Live Update).

  Dimensions & Weight
  This notebook measures 12.5 by 1.5 by 9.3 inches (WxHxD) and weighs approximately 4.2 pounds with the standard battery (included).

  Power
  It's powered by the VGP-BPS9A/B rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which has a battery life of between 2.5 and 4 hours (depending on usage).

  What's in the Box
  This package contains the VGN-SZ645P2 notebook PC, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, memory card adapter (VGP-MCA20), 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
  Get the ultimate mobile experience with unparalleled processing speeds, enhanced wireless connectivity and the convenience of Microsoft Windows XP Professional operating system. The VAIO SZ Notebook features Intel Centrino Duo processor technology, Intel's latest and best notebook technology to date. Powered by an Intel Core 2 Duo processor, this state-of-the-art technology provides lightening-fast performance and the mobility and power you need for high-speed, wireless computing on-the-go.The slim, lightweight VAIO SZ Notebook delivers an inspiring blend of mobile design, cutting-edge performance and contemporary style. With a 13.3" widescreen display, an Intel Core 2 Duo processor, a revolutionary Hybrid Graphics System and more, you can work faster, play longer and get more from every moment.