Description:
As one of the least expensive models in Sony's wide-ranging FRV series of notebooks, the VAIO PCG-FRV31 is tailor-made for budget-conscious shoppers who need solid light- to medium-duty portable computing. Power users, gamers and fans of high-end 3D graphics will probably want to look elsewhere, but all others should find the unit quite appropriate. By today's ever-decreasing standards, the VAIO PCG-FRV31 Notebook is slightly larger than average at 13 by 10.8 by 2.26 inches and 7.7 lbs. Featuring a midlevel processor -- a 2.4 GHz Intel Celeron -- along with 512 MB RAM memory (upgradeable to 1024 MB), an ATI Radeon IGP 345M 3D graphics controller with 64 MB of shared (not dedicated) video memory and a smallish 40 GB hard drive, the unit is great for basic tasks such as spreadsheets, Internet surfing, email and 2D graphics design. It's also ready for multimedia work, via a convenient CD-RW/DVD-ROM combo drive through which you can burn audio CDs, archive data to long-lasting digital media, and enjoy the latest DVD movies. Nevertheless, the system is definitely less capable than the upscale members of the FRV family. 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 not supported. 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. You'll monitor your activities on a large 15-inch XGA TFT display capable of 1024 by 768 resolution. Sony has pre-installed an impressive variety of software, including Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition, Microsoft Money 2004, Microsoft Works 7.0, and a selection of audio, video and photo utilities.
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