Sony VAIO VGN-SZ120P/B 13" Laptop (Intel Core Duo Processor T2400, 1024 MB RAM, 100 GB Hard Drive, DVD+R Dbl Layer/DVD+/-RW Drive)

With an integrated DVD+R Double Layer/DVD+/-RW drive, you can store up to 8.5 GB of data on one Double Layer DVD disc, making it easy to share and save your data and media files. This notebook also features a powerful 1.83 GHz Intel Core Duo processor (with Centrino Mobile technology), 100 GB hard drive, 1 GB of installed RAM (with a 2 GB maximum), Bluetooth wireless capability, long battery life (up to 5.5 hours with included 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

• Hard Drive: A welcome size for road warriors, the 100 GB hard drive is definitely above average in size for notebook PCs--great for storing a digital medial library or graphics-intensive presentations--and faster than average at 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: This VAIO is powered by a 1.83 GHz Intel Core Duo processor T2400, which sits in the middle of the speed spectrum for this processor (as of February 2006). It has a fast 667 MHz front-side bus (FSB) and a 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.)

  With its two execution cores, the Intel Core Duo is optimized for multi-threaded applications and multitasking. You can simultaneously run multiple demanding applications--such as graphics-intensive games or serious number-crunching programs--while downloading music or running virus-scanning security programs in the background. Thanks to Intel Dynamic Power Coordination and Enhanced Intel Deeper Sleep with Dynamic Cache Sizing features, the Core Duo is able to transfer power only to those areas of the processor that need it. Featuring Intel Digital Media Boost, the Core Duo also provides 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 a very good start for power users, and it offers a very fast 533 MHz speed. It has two memory slots, enabling you to add more power to handle graphics-intensive presentations and multiple open business productivity applications--up to 2 GB (2 x 1 GB).
  
• 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 DVD-R/RW discs, it has a 4x write/2x rewrite speed, while for DVD+R/RW discs it has a 4x write/2.4x rewrite speed. For double-layer DVD+R, it has a 2.4x write speed. For CDs, it has a 24x write/10x rewrite speed. It also offers an 8x DVD-ROM read speed.
  
• Keyboard & Mouse: This notebook has a standard 86-key keyboard (with 3mm stroke and 19.05mm pitch) and electrostatic touchpad.

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 PCOs battery life while minimizing the amount of heat it produces.

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 with free AOL AIM service 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.

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.

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:

• 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 Memory Stick slot (with support for Memory Stick DUO media with MagicGate functionality)
• 1 PCMCIA (Type II/Type I) card slot with CardBus support
• 1 port replicator connector
• 1 headphone jack
• 1 microphone jack
  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), SonicStage Mastering Studio (for remastering audio), Vaio Media (network file sharing), DVgate Plus (digital video), and Image Converter (for PSP transfer). Other preloaded software includes Adobe Photoshop Album Starter Edition, Quicken 2005 New User Edition, Microsoft Works 8.5 (with word processing, spreadsheet, and calendar), Norton Internet Security (with 60-day subscription), TrendMicro Anti-Spyware (with 30-day trial), Roxio DigitalMedia SE, and SpySubtract.

  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 5.5 hours of battery life (depending on usage).

  What's in the Box
  This package contains the VGN-SZ120P/B notebook PC, AC adapter, rechargeable battery, and memory card adapter. It is backed by a 1-year limited hardware warranty and 1 year of toll-free technical assistance.