Description:
The Basics
A capable portable computer best suited to power users, businesspeople, and anyone who appreciates potent 2D performance and a widescreen display, the Sony VAIO PCG-K33 crunches numbers and data faster than the majority of desktops yet won't drain your pocketbook. Its 3D graphics speed is not exceptional, nor is it recommended for those who require maximum portability or extremely long battery life. Yet at this price point, the VAIO PCG-K33 is a good bet for cost-conscious consumers who need PC-level speed in a mobile format.
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The PCG-K33 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 fast enough only for basic duties such as word processing, email and the like. Equipped with an Intel Pentium 4 532 processor, the VAIO PCG-K33 is near the top end of the scale. Running at a lightning quick 3.06 GHz and featuring Intel's Hyper-Threading technology -- Hyper-Threading allows a single CPU system to behave at times like a dual CPU system and thus make quicker work of power-hungry applications -- this particular processor delivers all the raw speed any user is likely to need. However, 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, the VAIO PCG-K33 is not exceptional in either of these categories. |
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-K33 is equipped with 512 MB of RAM. This is an average allotment of memory for a notebook at this price point. However, it is not especially fast memory at just 266 MHz. Nevertheless, the system's CPU is strong enough to offset these minor memory shortcomings, and users should therefore expect satisfactory multitasking and only minor delays during complex tasks. If more memory is required, the system supports a total of 1 GB. | 
| | 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), the best of which include their own "dedicated" built-in video memory rather than "sharing" portions of the system's valuable main memory. Sony has equipped the VAIO PCG-K33 with an ATI Radeon IGP 345M graphics controller that shares 64 MB of main memory. Though this unit's CPU is so powerful that the lack of a high-end video controller isn't as essential as it otherwise might be, users who deal primarily with taxing visuals such as those found in 3D games and 3D animation may want to explore another Sony notebook. Display
The VAIO PCG-K33's 15.4-inch WXGA display may be smaller than the 17-inch monsters found in today's notebook heavyweights, 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 60 GB, the integrated hard drive will easily store a broad range of applications and user data files, and a sizable library of space-gobbling music and/or multimedia files too. 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-ROM/CD-RW drive, through which you can do everything above but burn 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 86-key keyboard and a standard electro-static touch pad. | Connectivity and Expansion
The VAIO PCG-K33 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 IEEE 802.11b/g3 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 three 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 a Memory Stick PRO media slot for Sony's proprietary Media Stick memory cards. Operating System and Software
Sony has fitted the system with Microsoft's Windows XP Home Edition operating system, Intuit Quicken 2005 New User Edition financial center, Microsoft's Works 8.0 productivity suite, and a broad range of digital photo, audio and video utilities. | 
The PCG-K33 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. The VAIO PCG-K33 is of medium size at 8.2 lbs. and 14.1 by 8.2 by 1.6 - 2.2 inches. Power
Battery life is not the system's strong suit. You can expect 1 - 2 hours continuous use with the enclosed lithium-ion cell.
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