CD-RW Drive)

Apple iBook Notebook 14.1

Apple iBook Notebook 14.1" M9388LL/A (933-MHz PowerPC G4, 256 MB RAM, 40 GB Hard Drive, DVD/CD-RW Drive)
Manufacturer: Apple Computer
Product Type: Personal Computer

Editorial Review:
Product Description
The world's best-loved consumer portable gets an impressive makeover with a superfast PowerPC G4 processor, a new architecture, a slot-loading optical drive and enhanced wireless networking capabilities.Perfect for everything from doing your homework to playing games, and from watching DVD movies to burning your own music CDs, the 4.9-pound iBook G4 fits snugly in your backpack - and your life.You'll never run out of cool things you can do with your iBook. Pop open the lid and you'll find everything you need to surf the Internet, create cool websites, share photos, build a music library, edit video movies, send and receive emails, solve math problems, write reports and more.
Amazon.com Product Description
If you've considered Apple's amazing new PowerBook G4 series of portable computers but can't quite justify the expense, you may want to check out PowerBook's less expensive, slightly less capable sibling, the iBook G4. Available in three flavors, the iBook G4 doesn't sport PowerBook amenities such as DVD burning and massive widescreen displays, yet all three models feature superb connectivity, subcompact dimensions, and impressive battery life. This particular unit, the 14-inch M9388LL/A, is the midlevel iBook and one of the best bang for the buck notebooks in the entire Apple roster.

Featuring a spry power section consisting of a 933 MHz PowerPC G4 processor and 256 MB RAM (expandable to 640 MB), the system packs enough raw muscle for most typical mobile computing tasks. However, the real surprise comes in its 3D rendering capabilities. Unlike many comparably equipped notebooks, the iBook G4 14-inch M9388LL/A features an ATI Mobility Radeon 9200 video chipset with 32 MB of dedicated DDR SDRAM memory. Thusly, it will efficiently handle many demanding 3D drawing and gaming applications too.

At just 12.7 by 10.2 by 1.35 inches and 5.9 pounds, the iBook G4 14-inch M9388LL/A is a pound heavier and a few square inches larger than its close cousin, the entry-level iBook G4 12-inch M9164LL/A. Nevertheless, it is smaller and more portable than many competing notebooks. Furthermore, this unit features a larger viewing screen than the 12-inch model, a 14.1-inch TFT XGA active-matrix display capable of 1024x768 resolution. For data handling, Apple has included a midsize 40 GB hard disk and a combination CD-RW/DVD-ROM drive through which you can burn audio CDs, archive files and play the latest Hollywood blockbusters.

Connectivity options include an integrated 56K modem for dial-up communications, a 10/100BASE-T Ethernet port for LAN and high-speed Internet and email, and two high-speed USB 2.0 ports and one FireWire 400 port for external high-tech toys such as scanners, digital cameras and digital camcorders. Users can also purchase an Apple AirPort Extreme Card for wireless communication and an internal Bluetooth module to interact with future cordless Bluetooth devices such as cell phones and PDAs.

Bundled software includes Apple's newest operating system, Mac OS X v.10.3 Panther, and a broad range of highly useable multimedia utilities. Under ideal conditions, battery life is estimated at a stunning six hours.

Average customer rating: 3.0

Vaio Premium Horrors
Great Laptop
careful with electric shock
Almost perfect!

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Sony VAIO VGN-SZ260P/C 13.3" Notebook PC (Intel Core Duo Processor T2400, 1024 MB RAM, 120 GB Hard Drive, DVD+R Dbl Layer/DVD+/-RW Drive)

Manufacturer: Sony IT
Product Group: Personal Computer
Binding: Personal Computers
ASIN: B000FLZD9W

Related Categories:

Notebooks

Refurbished Notebooks

Notebooks

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Notebooks

Product Description

Sony VAIO(R) VGN-SZ260P/C Notebook PC - This ultra-portable notebook PC comes in at only 1" thin, yet housed within it's tiny dimensions, you'll find many features that can easily handle your day-to-day tasks, as well as more demanding projects. For example, the Intel Core Duo Processor (1.83 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 Dual Layer DVD+R Writer. Optional Dual Layer DVD+Rs give you up to 8.5GB of storage space per disc. Perfect for backing up massive amounts of images and video files, or to use when you're creating your very own. Sony's revolutionary Hybrid Graphic System lets you set your graphics power. Simple hardware switch enables you to toggle between an internal graphics chip for optimal power consumption with excellent performance and an external graphics chip for more robust performance. 120GB 5400RPM SATA HDD Dual Layer DVD Writer - (write speeds) up to 2.4x DL DVD+R, 2x DVD-RAM, 4x DVD-R/+R, 2.4x DVD+RW, 2x DVD-RW, 24x CD-R, & 10x CD-RW Dual Layer DVD Writer - (read speeds) up to 8x DVD & 24x CD 13.3 Widescreen XBrite LCD Screen Native Resolution - 1280x800 NVIDIA GeForce Go 7400 with Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950 and 128MB of shared memory (memory is taken from the main system's RAM) Integrated Wireless 802.11a/b/g and Bluetooth connectivity Built-in Camera and Microphone Biometric Fingerprint Sensor - Fingerprint biometrics is a convenient and secure way to protect your computer and the information on it with a simple swipe of your finger 6-in-1 multi-card reader - Access all industry-standard storage cards for ultimate convenience and multi-purpose use 1 PCMCIA - Type I/II Card Slot / ExpressCard technology Ports - 10/100 Ethernet, 2 USB 2.0, 1 (4-pin) FireWire, 1 VGA Out, 1 Headphone, 1 Microphone, & 1 Port Replicator Bu

Amazon.com Product Description

The sleekly designed, lightweight Sony VAIO VGN-SZ260P/C notebook PC delivers intelligent mobile design while placing a priority on usability and performance. Coolly contemporary, it has a space-age carbon-fiber casing that's stylishly designed and constructed to last. It measures a mere 1.5 inches thin and features a superb 13.3-inch widescreen display with XBRITE LCD technology, long battery life, and a generous, comfortable keyboard. The integrated tri-mode 802.11a/b/g wireless LAN enables wireless connectivity on the fly. 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.

It comes preloaded with a suite of Sony multimedia software, enabling you to create, manage and view your multimedia files with ease. Use Sony's Click to DVD software to easily create high-quality customized DVDs with the DVD+R Double Layer drive, while Sony's SonicStage software makes managing your music files and making your own audio CDs a cinch. This notebook also features a powerful 1.83 GHz Intel Core Duo T2400 processor (with Centrino Mobile technology), 120 GB Serial ATA hard drive (with G-Sensor shock protection), 1 GB of installed RAM (with a 2 GB maximum), Bluetooth wireless capability, long battery life (up to 6.0 hours with included standard battery), advanced security/safety features that include a biometric fingerprint sensor, Windows XP Professional operating system, and a host of Sony multimedia software.

The Basics
<ul>

Hard Drive: The 120 GB hard drive is definitely 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. Sony's G-Sensor shock protection offers an advantage over traditional hard drives by safeguarding the notebook's internal mechanisms to protect against impact and help prevent a loss of data.

Processor: The Intel Core Duo T2400 processor is built with the Mobile Intel 945PM Express chipset, and it has a 1.83 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 (DL) DVD+R discs, which can store up to 8.5 GB of data. It offers the following write speeds: 2.4x DVD+R DL, 4x DVD+R, 2.4x DVD+RW, 4x DVD-R, 2x DVD-RW, 24x CD-R, 10x CD-RW.

Keyboard & Mouse: This notebook has a standard 86-key keyboard (3mm stroke and 19.05mm pitch) and electro-static two-button touchpad as well as a wireless LAN on/off button. </ul> Screen, Graphics and Sound
The VGN-SZ260P/C has a 13.3-inch LCD screen with anti-reflective coating has a widescreen 1280 x 800-pixel resolution. This XBRITE LCD provides higher brightness levels than standard displays, resulting in deeper blacks, brighter whites, true-to-life color, and razor-sharp detail. This notebook uses Sony's exclusive Hybrid Graphics System, which lets you set your graphics performance with a simple flick of a switch, enabling you to toggle between an internal graphics chip for optimal power consumption with excellent performance or an external graphics chip for even more robust performance. You can choose either the integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950 (with up to 128 MB of dynamically shared video RAM) and the installed Nvidia GeForce Go 7400 graphics card (with 128 MB of dedicated video RAM).

Nvidia's TurboCache feature increases the performance of this thin and light notebook PC without increasing its size or draining its battery. It's coupled with the PowerMizer 6.0 advanced power management technology, which significantly extends your notebook PC's battery life while minimizing the amount of heat it produces.

Connectivity and Expansion Slots
The Intel PRO wireless LAN 3945ABG provides a tri-mode network connection (supporting 802.11a/b/g), with throughput up to 54 Mbps at 5 GHz (802.11a) and 2.4 GHz (802.11g). The Intel Wireless Coexistence System helps reduce interference with certain Bluetooth devices. Speaking of which, this notebook also offers Bluetooth wireless connectivity, which enables you to synchronize and transfer files between the PC and peripherals such as cell phones and PDAs as well as use Bluetooth-enabled headsets for online audio chats. With the wireless WAN, you can access the Cingular Wireless national EDGE network to extend your wireless coverage beyond LAN access networks and hotspots, giving you the freedom to go farther, do more, and stay connected.

This notebook 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. comes with a basic selection of connectivity options, including: <ul>

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 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, Memory Stick PRO, Secure Digital, MultiMedia, and XD formats; also supports Memory Stick DUO with MagicGate functionality) <ul> It also has an integrated 56K modem (V.90) and an RJ-45 LAN network port (for a 10/100 Gigabit Ethernet connection to networks and DSL/cable modems).

Preloaded System and Software
This system comes with the Windows XP Professional Edition (which adds 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. 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 2006 New User Edition, Microsoft Works 8.5 (with word processing, spreadsheet, and calendar), Norton Internet Security (with 60-day subscription), Roxio DigitalMedia SE, InterMedia WinDVD, and TrendMicro Anti-Spyware (30-day trial).

Dimensions and Weight
This notebook measures 12.5 by 1.5 by 9.3 inches (WxHxD) and weighs approximately 4.07 pounds with the standard battery (included).

Power
It's powered by the VGP-BPS2C rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which provides 2.5 to 6.0 hours of battery life (depending on usage).

What's in the Box
This package contains the VGN-SZ260P/C 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.

Security & Safety Features
Sony's line of VAIO SZ notebooks take security seriously, employing a biometric fingerprint sensor and proprietary hard disk drive protection software to ensure your data is protected from unauthorized use as well as accidental damage. Fingerprint biometrics is a convenient and secure way to protect your computer and the information on it with a simple swipe of your finger. It also stores passwords to secure web sites you visit, so authentication and access are quick and easy--you only need your fingerprint.

The G-Sensor Shock Protection feature makes your data even less vulnerable to loss or damage. When the built-in 3D 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.

Built-in Camera
This VAIO notebook features an integrated camera with a microphone. Enjoy this feature to easily chat and video mail with family and friends. And the handy privacy filter masks the environment around you, so you can video chat without giving away your location or how disorganized you keep your desk.

Customer Reviews:

Vaio Premium Horrors.......2006-11-04

I was reasonably happy with my premium SZ260P despite some misgivings about the keyboard and the heat generated by it.

Within four months, keys on the keyboard have begun to fall out. Problems with the spacebar have been well documented...all in all, the build quality has basic design faults despite the beautiful screen and efficient processors etc.

Given that the new Core 2 range also use these keyboards, one couldn't recommend VAIO SZ's as long as the keyboard is made so cheaply. Also watch out for the fact that despite the thinness of the machine, the AC adapter is gigantic!

Great Laptop.......2006-09-29

I've had my SONY VAIO for a week and I love it. The screen is bright enough so that I can use it outdoors in the daytime, the battery is long lived, and it weighs about 4 pounds. These were the primary characteristics I was looking for and it was difficult to find all of them in the same unit. So far, I have used the VAIO primarily for word processing, number crunching, and web surfing. I have not used the DVD feature yet. I did hire a tech to set up the wireless connection to my desktop. Those of you who are more computer literate than I may not have to do that. The VAIO comes with an installed Wireless Install Wizard to help with that task.

I am comparing the VAIO to my previous (not so great, to say the least) laptop, a Dell Inspiron purchased in 2001. I'm sure any new laptop would be an improvement. I have no regrets in purchasing the VAIO.

Finally, I purchased the VAIO through Amazon because it was the lowest price I could find (also saving sales tax). The VAIO was delivered by UPS within a week (shipped from NJ to CA). It's been totally problem free so far. I plan to post another review here in the future should it fail or cause annoying problems potential buyers should know about.

careful with electric shock.......2006-09-25

This is a nice machine except for the fact that when it is plugged it gives an electric shock to the user. Please search your favorite engine with "sony vaio sz electrick shock" and you will see that this is a common event. In the next month or so I will try to see if this machine can be returned to Sony and/or file a complaint with my state's attorney general. This is completely unnaceptable.

Almost perfect!.......2006-07-23

Okay, so if you read any of my other reviews, this is the first laptop I've ever given a 5 to. I feel that this is all around a very great deal.

PROS:
- Intel Core Duo T2400 - 1.83GHz isn't the fastest, but a sweet spot when it comes to performance and price
- Massive 120GB HD - Very great brand hard drive, and pretty quiet
- Beautiful 13.3" TFT - I love Sony's screens
- Hybrid Graphics Card - Okay, there is a VERY amazing feature on this laptop. There is a switch allowing for either SPEED or STAMINA. STAMINA has the computer running an Integrated Media Accelerator. This is good for websurfing, listening to music, or casual everyday things. And then there's SPEED mode, which is taking advantage of the PCI-Ex16 nVidia 7400 128MB card also on board. This allows for medium-high game level settings, photo editing, fast DVD encoding, etc. This feature bring me to the next amazing part of this laptop:
- BATTERY LIFE - THIS IS WHAT I CALL A MARATHON RUNNER. The battery life from this laptop on Stamina mode was over 5 hours long! I was listening to music the whole time, blogging, streaming videos, doing e-mails, spreadsheets, and installed a few programs. What a machine. I haven't tested SPEED mode on its full capacity, but just the fact that it has that option is amazing. Manufacturer claims 7 hours I think, but I had Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on.
- Integrated 1.3 MegaPixel Webcam - very clear
- Full Sized Keyboard - Great sized keys for such a small laptop
- VERY LIGHT WEIGHT - Under 4 lbs, a breeze!
- Biometric Fingerprint Scanning - Great for the extra security
- Windows XP Professional - excellent
- DVD+R DL/DVD+/-RW Combo CD-RW Combo Drive... great
- Card Reader - Although limited, still great
- Carbon Fiber Casing - Very sturdy
- Excellent ports and connections for size
- Stays cool - Quiet fan when it heats up, doesn't ever get too hot that it become uncomfortable
- Bluetooth/Wi-Fi

CONS:
- Expensive - Perfection comes at a price
- Not as thin as expected - Kind of a thick case for the screen size, not as thin as the MacBook

I almost advise going to SonyStyle.com just so you can configure the 2.0GHz processor, but other than that, if they price is irking you, Sony has an outlet store online, and they offer this and many other laptops with 1 year waranties if it's refurbished. I know a couple people that did that, and they shipped fast and had the right order.

BOTTOM LINE: This laptop is near perfect. Although not the most powerful, definately the best in it's class. Performance meets functionality and portability in this FANASTIC notebook.

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