Toshiba BTO TECRA S1 PM-1.4 256MB 40GB ( PT831U-103JX0 )

Toshiba BTO TECRA S1 PM-1.4 256MB 40GB ( PT831U-103JX0 )
Manufacturer: Toshiba America Info Systems
Product Type: Personal Computer

Editorial Review:
Product Description
The Tecra S1, with Intel Centrino mobile technology and ATI Mobility Radeon 9000 GPU with 32MB DDR memory, rivals many desktops in power and scalability. With memory expandable to 2GBs, this system is perfect for special applications and multi-tasking.

Average customer rating: 4.0

Love Love Love
Poor Sound Quality
raves for Sony
Not so bad
Missing driver for the DVD Rom on a new Vaio VGN-FE670G

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Sony VAIO VGN-FE670G 15.4" Notebook PC (Intel Core Duo Processor T2300, 1 GB RAM, 100 GB Hard Drive, DVD+R Dbl Layer/DVD+/-RW Drive)

Manufacturer: Sony IT
Product Group: Personal Computer
Binding: Personal Computers
ASIN: B000FL3T4I

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Product Description

Sony VAIO(R) VGN-FE670G Notebook PC - This notebook PC features technology that will enhance your mobile computing experience. Like the Intel Core Duo Processor (1.66 GHz). With two processing cores, it's almost like having two CPUs in one. Drastically improving the speed of applications that take advantage of its capabilities. You also get a large, 15.4" widescreen display that utilizes Sony's XBRITE(TM) technology. Giving you stunning visuals, even in the bright light of the day! There's even a built-in camera and microphone, so you can conduct VOIP calls and video chats, keeping in touch with home while you're on the road. 100GB 5400RPM SATA HDD Dual Layer DVD Writer - (write speeds) up to 4x DL DVD+R, 4x DL DVD-R, 8x DVD-R/+R, 8x DVD+RW, 6x DVD-RW, 24x CD-R, & 16x CD-RW Dual Layer DVD Writer - (read speeds) up to 8x DVD, 5x DVD-RAM, & 24x CD 15.4 Widescreen LCD Native Resolution - 1280x800 Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950 and 128MB of shared memory (memory is taken from the main system's RAM) Built-in Camera & Microphone Integrated 802.11a/b/g Wi-Fi Wireless Network Adapter Multimedia Card Reader - supports Memory Stick(R) DUO with MagicGate 1 PCMCIA - Type I/II Card Slot Ports - 10/100 Ethernet, 3 USB 2.0, 1 (4-pin) FireWire, 1 S-Video, 1 VGA Out, 1 Headphone, & 1 Microphone Built-in 56k Modem Color - White

Amazon.com Product Description

Elegantly styled, the Sony Vaio VGN-FE670G notebook PC is more than just a pretty face. It offers cutting-edge processing power from Intel's new Core Duo line for outstanding multi-tasking performance as well as a tri-mode wireless LAN, enabling you to connect to a full assortment of 802.11a/b/g networks. A 5400rpm Serial ATA hard drive and advanced DDR2 memory enable high-speed computing, resulting in sizzling performance for work and multimedia activities. It also features a bright widescreen 15.4-inch XBRITE-ECO LCD screen that offers excellent color purity even in the brightest daylight. And communicate with pals all around with world via VoIP calling and video conferencing using the built-in microphone and camera (with zoom function).

It's powered by Intel's groundbreaking processor--the powerful Core Duo T2300--which provides an optimized, multithreaded architecture for improved gaming and multitasking performance and a more efficient power consumption. The dual execution core T2300 has a 1.67 GHz processor speed and 2 MB L2 cache. Other hardware features include a 100 GB hard drive, 1 GB of installed RAM (2 GB maximum), multi-format, dual-layer DVD burner, Intel Graphic Media Accelerator 950 card with 128 MB of shared video RAM, memory card reader, ExpressCard/34 slot, and a wide selection of preloaded Sony multimedia software titles.

The Basics
<ul>

Hard Drive: The 100 GB hard drive is above average in size for current notebooks (as of May 2006) and it offers a fast speed of 5400 RPM. This Serial ATA (SATA) hard drive also quickens the pace with a higher speed transfer of data--akin to FireWire and USB 2.0.

Processor: The Intel Core Duo T2300 processor is built with the Mobile Intel 945GM Express chipset, and it has a 1.67 GHz processor speed, super-fast 667 MHz front-side bus (FSB), and 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 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 next version of Microsoft Windows, code-named Vista. 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. It's more efficient, thanks to Intel's Power Coordination and Deeper Sleep, which help to transfer power only to those areas of the processor that need it. It also features Intel's Digital Media Boost, which delivers enhanced performance on floating point-intensive applications such as CAD tools, 3D and 2D modeling, video editing, digital music, digital photography and gaming.

Memory: The 1 GB of built-in memory (PC4200, DDR2 SDRAM) is an excellent start for power users, and it offers a very fast 533 MHz speed. It has two memory slots that can handle up to 2 GB of RAM, enabling you to add more power to handle graphics-intensive 3D games, video editing, and multi-tasking across several RAM-hungry applications.

CD/DVD Drive: Offering the latest in DVD writing technology, the multiformat DVD/CD drive is compatible with both DVD+ and DVD- disc formats as well as dual-layer DVD+R discs, which can store up to 8.5 GB of data. For both standard, single-layer DVD-R and DVD+R discs, it has a 8x write, while double-layer DVD+R and DVD-R discs have a 4x write speed. For rewritable DVDs, it has 8x DVD+RW, 6x DVD-RW, and 5x DVD-RAM speeds. For CDs, it has a 24x write/16x rewrite speed.

Keyboard & Mouse: This notebook has a standard 86-key keyboard (2.5mm stroke and 19.05mm pitch) and electro-static two-button touchpad. </ul> Screen, Graphics and Sound
The 15.4-inch WXGA LCD offers Sony's XBRITE-ECO display technology and has a resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels. The widescreen display gives increases the width of the notebook's display while giving the computer the form factor of a smaller computer, so it takes up less space on your desk or in your briefcase. Video is powered by the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950, which uses Intel Dynamic Video Memory Technology (DVMT) and provides up to 128 MB of shared video memory. It also has an integrated audio card with Microsoft Windows sound system compatibility.

Connectivity and Expansion Slots
The FE670G features an integrated PRO/Wireless 3915ABG wireless LAN that's 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). It also includes a next-generation ExpressCard/34 card 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 connection options: <ul>

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 PCMCIA (or PC Card) slot (one Type II/Type I card)

1 ExpressCard/34 slot

1 VGA monitor out

1 S-Video out

Stereo headphones/speakers/line-out

Microphone/line-in

5-in-1 memory card adapter (Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, Secure Digital, MultiMedia, XD) </ul>

Preloaded System and Software
The pre-installed Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 (Update Rollup 2) is essentially Windows XP Professional Edition with a variety of tools to help you to create, organize, and enjoy digital media ranging from music to home movies to photo slide shows. The Update Rollup 2 upgrade offers support for the Windows Media Center Extender technology built into XBox 360 game consoles, which lets you access entertainment from your Media Center PC--whether it's live and recorded TV and movies, music, photos or Online Spotlight--on any TV in the house.

It also comes loaded with a bevy of Sony multimedia software: Click to DVD (DVD creation), SonicStage (digital music), Vaio Media (network file sharing), DVgate Plus (digital video), and Image Converter (for PSP transfer). Other preloaded software includes Quicken 2005 New User Edition, Microsoft Office 2003 Student/Teacher Edition, Microsoft Works 8.5 (with word processing, spreadsheet, and calendar), Norton Internet Security (with 60-day subscription), Roxio DigitalMedia SE, InterVideo WinDVD, and TrendMicro Anti-Spyware (30-day trial).

Dimensions and Weight
This notebook measures 14.4 x 10.8 x 1.4 inches (WxDxH) and weighs 6.2 pounds.

Power
It's powered by the VGP-BPS2B 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-FE670G 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.

Customer Reviews:

Love Love Love.......2007-03-16

I love this computer! I have had it since June of last year, nearly 10 months and will agree that if used at full strength, the battery does poop out rather quickly. To combat this problem, I adjusted the power save settings by right clicking on the little battery and choosing "adjust power properties." Plugged in, the monitor is at its brightest, but unplugged it automatically switches to the "VAIO Ultimate Battery" setting, which dims the monitor a bit. This usually gives me about four or five hours of uninterrupted usage as compared to one hour on the brightest setting. It might seem a little dark at first, but it is not that bad. Actually, in a semi-lit room, dim is much better on my eyes than bright.

My only real complaint is that the speakers are pretty awful. If I am going to listen to music, watch movies, or whatever for more than a few minutes, I plug in my iPod earbuds (with the little rubber noise filters) or desktop speakers. The built-ins are very quiet and somewhat high-pitched. Other than that, the computer is great.

I would definitely recommend this computer to anyone!

Poor Sound Quality.......2007-01-04

The computer is fine except for the sound volume and sound quality.

raves for Sony.......2006-11-10

I bought my first Sony VAIO in 2001 and over the subsequent 5 years I took it all over Africa with me. She held up perfectly with all of the dust and bumpy roads. When I came back to the USA I decided to retire my old one and buy a new one. I think I made the right decision. I love it. I use it constantly now that I am a graduate student. I usually have students ask me what kind of laptop it is because it is so stylish, has a great size screen and most of all, the resolution is superb.
I carry this computer with me everywhere and I use it at least 8 hours a day. I do not have any scratches, unlike many of my friends with Dells. I am very pleased with it and would recommend it to anyone.

Not so bad.......2006-11-05

Okay, so it's not perfect but I've had my VAIO for two years and I'd seriously consider getting another one in the future (have you seen the gorgeous new pink ones?)

Yes, it gets hot sometimes. Cleaning with compressed air generally sorts that out.

Yes, it has poor battery life. Depends how you use your laptop how important that is to you. I always have mine plugged in, so I don't care.

It's still fast, still efficient. I've never lost power or data. And it looks great.

Missing driver for the DVD Rom on a new Vaio VGN-FE670G.......2006-10-01

I purchased this Sony vaio VGN-FE670G from Office Depot about 1 month ago. I was surprised that from day 1, the DVD / Cd player does not work, it makes spinning sound but nothing comes out of it. After lots of back and forth with Sony technical support, they send out a technician to my office and after a few hours, told me that the driver is missing! They do not know the reason. But since the DVD / CD drive does not have a driver, they cannot install it becuase to install it YOU NEED A WORKING DVD / CD DRIVE!!! They have also downloaded via internet the driver and tried to install it and still does not work. Therefore, they are sending me a set of "reformat" disks and I should reformt my computer so back up all my stuff and wait for the disks.

I should be getting the disks early next week and may have to reformat my HD. I am unsure if this will work even after that, we shall see.

Question that comes to my mind is whether this is a hassle I need for a new laptop which I have spent lots of money?? REFORMAT takes a lot of my time, and lots of hassle. Who is gonna pay for that???

Also I do not understand why Sony puts the model name on the lower right horner of the screen in almost "invisable" ink so it is impossible to read.

Also I think the case / surface of this Vaio , like many others, will scratch easily. They should better change the surface to make it more scratch resistent.

I was disappointed with my experience with Sony Vaio. Perhaps better to consider another supplier!!!

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