A Product Review of the 15.4" Sony VAIO VGN-FZ420E/B Laptop

Sony is synonymous with high quality and performance, unfortunately when it comes to laptops they're also generally synonymous with high prices. That is why when Sony dropped their prices for the VGN-FZ420E/B Vaio they have flown off the shelves. I have been lucky enough to get my hands on one of these and have deiced to write up a review. I'll let you know how it performs for me as well as what type of consumer will get the most out of owning one of these black beauties. First let me start with a few of the basics.

Hardware:

Imaging: Integrated Web Cam

Processor: 1.83 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T5550

Storage Space: 200 GB hard drive

RAM: 3 GB RAM (expandable to a 4GB maximum)

Optical Drive: a multi-format/ CD R/RW with integrated 8x dual-layer DVD drive

Graphics Accelerator: An integrated X3100 video card (using up to 358 MB of shared video RAM)

Dimensions and weight: 14" x 10" x 1.4" and weighing in at 5.9 pounds.

One of the most noticeable things about this Sony, when comparing it to other notebooks in person is the wonderful 1280 x 800 XBRITE display. Sony is known for their displays and the VGN-FZ420E/B is no exception. This screen is bright, crisp and doesn't wash out in direct sunlight. In fact I'm typing this up outside mid day and having no trouble reading the screen. The notebook has plenty of power and does a great job performing routine duties. It opens multiple flash heavy web pages without problems and watches movies, plays music and runs Microsoft office like a breeze. The only problem is with playing games, you'll stretch it to its limits with those sorts of applications; however this is the case with most notebooks (unless they're designed as a desktop replacement).

Connectivity:

Integrated WiFi

3 2.0 USB ports (the gold standard of computer connectivity, use these with digital cameras, iPods and printers)

1 FireWire port (a high speed data transfer format to be used with digital camcorders, and other PC's)

1 VGA output (a standard monitor video output)

1 S-Video output (typically used with projectors and some compatible televisions)

1 ExpressCard slot (to be used to add peripherals like a Bluetooth adapter or cellular modem)

Memory card & SD card slots (which allow for direct insertion of solid state memory from compatible mobile devices)

1 audio out / 1 mic in

1 Ethernet port (to connect to wired LANs)

1 56k modem port (so you can dialup the Internet)

The connectivity in this notebook is great however mine didn't include an integrated Bluetooth adapter. This isn't a huge problem because they can be added for a nominal few however it did give the notebook an overall unfinished feeling. Overall this is a great notebook for the standard consumer. It will please the student heading off the college, as well as the professional. However for $1000 it may be a little over priced for what you get. It doesn't have all of the Sony perks, but unfortunately it still has that Sony premium price. I would look around for comparables and I would bet you could find something a little cheaper from another manufacturer.