Delivering all the power and most of the capabilities of a bulky desktop replacement notebook but in a less cumbersome package, Sony’s freshly unveiled VAIO PCG-FRV37 Notebook is a smart choice for those who need a fast, cost-effective mobile computer.

By today’s ever-decreasing standards, the VAIO PCG-FRV37 Notebook is slightly larger than average at 13 by 10.8 by 2.26 inches and 7.7 pounds It is, however, more powerful than many fixed PCs. Featuring a brawny 2.8 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 (with 64 MB shared video memory), the unit will quickly carve through most any task it is given, including many 3-D games and applications.

The new VAIO PCG-FRV37 Notebook sports several advantages over older models in Sony’s FRV series, including a larger 60 GB hard disk and both CD and DVD recording. You’ll monitor your activities on a large 15-inch XGA TFT display capable of 1024×768 resolution.

Other amenities include an internal V.90 modem for low-speed e-communications, an Ethernet interface for high-speed connectivity, headphone and microphone ports, an 86-key QWERTY keyboard with electro-static touchpad, and a pair of stereo speakers with surround-sound imaging. Wireless connectivity is supported with an add-on wireless card. Home movie and digital picture buffs will appreciate the unit’s trio of high-speed USB 2.0 ports and single IEEE 1394 interface, through which they can quickly transfer large amounts of data from external devices such as camcorders, digital cameras, scanners and external drives.

Sony has pre-installed an impressive variety of software, including Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition, Microsoft Money 2004, Microsoft Works 7.0, and a broad array of audio, video and photo utilities. Potential users should note that the system is not particularly battery efficient — maximum battery life expectancy is estimated at just 1.5 — 2.0 hours.

Product Features

• 2.80-GHz Pentium 4
• 512 MB RAM (Memory)
• 60 GB Hard Drive
• DVD-RW/CD-RW Drive