Sony VAIO PCG-K37 15.4" Notebook PC (Intel Pentium 4 Processor 538, 1 GB RAM, 80 GB Hard Drive, DVD+/-RW Double Layer Drive)
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Description
The Basics
A superb portable computer for businessmen on the move, the Sony VAIO PCG-K37 will crunch numbers and data faster than the vast majority of desktops yet won't break your back when you cart it from place to place. Its 3D graphics speed is not exceptional, nor is it recommended for anyone who requires extremely long battery life. Yet at this price point and with this level of raw speed, the VAIO PCG-K37 is a solid buy for the power user.
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The PCG-K37 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 quick enough only for basic duties such as word processing, email and the like. The VAIO PCG-K37 is on the top end of the scale, equipped with a blazing 3.2 GHz Intel Pentium 4 538 processor featuring Intel's Hyper-Threading technology. Hyper-Threading allows a single CPU system (which most are) to behave at times as a dual CPU system, thus adding substantially more speed to some high-end applications. Running at a lightning fast 3.2 GHz, this particular processor would be one of the beefiest in any notebook, but with integrated Hyper-Threading it's nothing short of spectacular. 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, Sony has effectively dealt with the former but somewhat neglected the latter. |
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 VAIO PCG-K37 incorporates a startling one GB of RAM. This is a massive allotment for any notebook and substantially more than that of most desktops as well. Thusly, users can expect superb multitasking and virtually no slowdowns even during ultra-complex tasks. | 
| | 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), which in this case is an ATI Radeon IGP 345M with 64 MB of "shared" video memory. Dedicated video memory is preferable to "shared" video memory (where the graphics controller appropriates a portion of the main system memory), because it takes much more of the load from the processor and thus frees it to handle other tasks. Nevertheless, this system's processor is so powerful that the lack of a high-end video controller isn't as essential as it otherwise might be. Demanding 3D games and 3D animation may cause the graphics to bog down somewhat, but most everything else should look quite smooth. Display
The VAIO PCG-K37's 15.4-inch WXGA display may be smaller than the 17-inch monsters found in today's top-of-the-line models, 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 a spacious 80 GB, the enclosed hard drive is a welcome perk for those who need to operate a broad range of applications and also keep a large library of space-gobbling music and/or multimedia files. 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+R Double Layer/DVD±RW Drive, through which you can do all of the above. The drive also supports today's hot new double layer DVD format that utilizes discs with double the capacity of traditional 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 82-key keyboard and a standard electro-static touch pad. | Connectivity and Expansion
The VAIO PCG-K37 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 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 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 Sony's usual high-end array of audio and video ins and outs. Operating System and Software
Sony has fitted the system with Microsoft's Windows XP Home Edition operating system, a variety of productivity and business applications, and a broad range of digital photo, audio and video utilities. | 
The PCG-K37 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. Despite its impressive power, the VAIO PCG-K37 tips the scales at just 8 pounds. It is, however, rather hefty at 16.1 by 14.2 by 8.2 inches. What's in the Box
This package contains the Sony Vaio PCG-K37 notebook PC, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, and operating instructions. It's backed by a 1-year warranty for parts and labor, and 1 year of toll-free phone support.
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