Sony VAIO PCG-FRV27 Notebook (2.66-GHz Pentium 4, 512 MB RAM, 40 GB Hard Drive, DVD-RW/CD-RW Drive)
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Description
Although it isn't the smallest mobile computer in Sony's notebook lineup, the VAIO PCG-FRV27 is nevertheless extremely powerful and very nicely equipped. Distinguished from its slightly less pricey sibling, the VAIO PCG-FRV25, by virtue of its DVD writing capabilities, the VAIO PCG-FRV27 is a wise and flexible choice for those who don't require the latest example of micro-miniaturization. By today's ever-decreasing standards, the 13 by 10.8 by 2.26 inches, 7.72 pound VAIO PCG-FRV27 is of slightly above-average size. It is, however, more powerful than many desktops. Featuring a muscular 2.6 GHz Intel Pentium 4 processor with 512 KB Level 2 cache, a 533 MHz system bus, 512 MB DDR SDRAM memory (upgradeable to 1024 MB) and a 64 MB ATI Radeon IGP 345M graphics chipset, the unit will quickly carve through most any task it is given, including many 3-D games and applications. Sony has fitted the system with an adequate 40 GB hard disk and a versatile CD-RW/DVD-R drive, the latter of which allows you to burn and listen to audio CDs, backup important files to either CD or DVD, archive and enjoy your home movies on DVD, and watch the latest Hollywood blockbusters. To enhance your activities, the VAIO PCG-FRV27 features a large 15-inch XGA TFT display capable of 1024x768 resolution and a pair of integrated stereo speakers with surround-sound imaging. Other desirable amenities include an internal V.90 modem for low-speed e-communications, an Ethernet interface for high-speed connectivity, headphone and microphone ports, and an 86-key QWERTY keyboard with electro-static touchpad. Home movie and digital picture buffs will appreciate the unit's two high-speed USB 2.0 ports and single IEEE 1394 interface, through which they can quickly transfer video and still images. Sony has pre-installed an impressive variety of software, including Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition, Microsoft Money 2003, Microsoft Works 7.0, and a broad array of audio, video and photo utilities.
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Good Desktop ReplacementTuesday, March 02, 2004
Great computer. I had trouble with the cd drive but the retailer exchanged for a new one. A friend with the same computer had the exact same problem bought at the same place at nearly the same time. Maybe just a bad lot. Since then its been great.
A Workhorse!Thursday, January 15, 2004
It was with some scepticism that I bought Sony FRV27, more swayed in its favour by the solid brand name. But I have had no difficulty in setting it thru its paces. It is fast, the display is excellent, and a well laid out keyboard and its ports. A tad bit heavy and with an extremely poor battery life. The charger is a bit too heavy particularly when you have to lug it around. The bundled software for making DVDs' is intuitive and easy to work with. You dont miss Nero too much. It could have done with an Infrared port and a S-video out for TV output. But all in all a wonderful package and a joy to work with.
16 out of 16 people found the following review helpful:
Not quite.Saturday, November 15, 2003
Sony has always made quirky computers, not bad mind you but their products remind me of Saabs. Anyway, this one is certainly a powerhouse, with a bigger processor than most home systems today, coupled with a mediocre sized hard drive (especially when one considers this PC is designed to be a media center, with its very good graphics and CD & DVD burner) and a very crisp display.
The drawbacks here are important:
1) The 2.66 P4 processor is not ideal for mobile use. It throws off a lot of heat and it uses batteries recklessly.
2) The addition of another battery is a pretty steep investment, and in true Sony style, it's proprietary, so make that check out to S O N Y.
3) The weight of this machine is a killer if you're traveling, especially through huge airports where your flight is almost guaranteed to land at the gate farthest from civilization.
4) The absence of an integrated wireless modem these days is unforgivable. Wireless is commonplace, especially for travelers & students (airports, hotels, convention centers, schools, libraries, etc.), and in the next few years it will be virtually ubiquitous.
Anyway, it's not a bad computer, but I think it firmly meets the needs of no particular market segment. I have no doubt that today's buyer can do better at Dell or Gateway, or, for the traveler on a budget, at Averatec.
12 out of 12 people found the following review helpful:
Great Computer Few ProblemsThursday, October 30, 2003
This is a great computer. Very Fast can play a few games that ask for a 3d card. The Dvd burner is a great plus so is the included software such as works and Age of Empires 2. Sony offers many great media software titles. This is my 2nd sony Viao my other one is 5 years old and still works. I haven't ever had a problem with anything sony. I have a cd player thats over 12 years old and it is still working. Ok the bad about this computer. 1. It's heavy 2. Bad Bad Bad Batery life only last maybe an hour and another battery costs 245.00 so this isn't for travelers. Also sony sections their hard drive in two sections that dosent add up to 40 gb more like 37. Besides these problems this is a great computer just get reddy to lug the brick sized power converter with you.
9 out of 10 people found the following review helpful:
Nice laptop, bad bad battery life.Thursday, September 18, 2003
I really like this laptop, but the battery life is very very poor. I get about an hours worth of use out of it.
If I do any file copies, the battery immediately moves to 50% the rest of the laptop is just fine. I like the 64mb of video.
But how can you watch a DVD in 1 hour when the battery is just going to die????