Sony VAIO PCG-K45 15.4" Laptop (Mobile Intel Pentium 4 Processor 538, 512 MB RAM, 80 GB Hard Drive, DVD/CD-RW Drive) | 
 enlarge | Brand: Sony
Category: Personal Computer
This item is no longer available
Avg. Customer Rating:  16 reviews
Sales Rank: 1614
Hardware Type: Notebook Computer
Platform: Windows Xp Home Edition
Media: Personal Computers
Operating System: Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
CPU Manufacturer: Intel
CPU Speed: 3.2
CPU Type: Mobile Intel Pentium 4 Processor
Processors: 1
System Bus Speed: 533
System Memory: 512
Memory Type: DDR SDRAM
Secondary Cache Size: 1
Keyboard: QWERTY, 82 keys with 2mm stroke and 18.05mm pitch
Battery Type: Lithium Ion
Hard Drive Size: 80
Floppy Disk Drive: None
Graphics Card: ATI Radeon IGP 345M
Graphics RAM: 64
Native Resolution: 1280-by-800
Modem: 56 Kbps
Network Interface: Integrated WIRELESS LAN IEEE 802.11b/g ,10Base-T/100Base-TX Ethernet
Free Memory Slots: 1
Includes Software: Adobe Acrobat Reader, Intuit Quicken 2005 New User Edition, InterVideo WinDVD, Microsoft Works 8.0, Microsoft Office 2003 60-Day Trial (Student/Teacher Edition)
Display Size: 15.4
Shipping Weight (lbs): 8.2
Dimensions (in): 14.1 x 10.9 x 2.2
Warranty: 1 year warranty
MPN: PCG-K45
Model: PCG-K45
UPC: 027242668836
EAN: 0027242668836
ASIN: B00079F43M
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Product Description
The VAIO PCG-K45 notebook is beautifully designed and equipped with a 15.4" wide screen, XBRITE technology, integrated wireless capabilities and CD burning features. It's a totally versatile notebook that combines the technology you need for workday survival, plus the essential features to keep you entertained wherever you go.The VAIO PCG-K45 is a full-sized, portable notebook that comes loaded with features essential for everyday computing. Featuring Sony exclusive entertainment software like PictureGear Studio for your digital photos and SonicStage for your digital music.
Amazon.com Product Description
Sleekly styled and comfortably ergonomic, Sony's K Series notebooks offer affordable, all-purpose portability for home computing, home office needs, and students. The PCG-K45 balances your productivity and entertainment needs, with an integrated 54G wireless LAN to keep you connected inside and outside your home and a suite of preloaded Sony multimedia applications for managing your digital audio and photo collections. Other features include a 15.4-inch XBRITE screen, 80 GB hard drive, 512 MB of installed RAM, a combo DVD-ROM/CD-RW drive, and a Memory Stick slot. The Basics
- Hard Drive: The 80 GB hard drive is larger than the average notebook's, enabling road warriors more than enough capacity for storing documents, digital media files, and productivity software.
- Processor: The 3.2 GHz Mobile Intel Pentium 4 is a powerful processor that was designed to be used with notebooks used as a desktop replacement PC. It includes Intel's Enhanced SpeedStep technology, which helps cut the power used by the chip and conserves battery power. It has a front-side bus (FSB) of 533 MHz and a 1 MB L2 cache. (An L2, or secondary, cache temporarily stores data; and a larger L2 cache can help speed up your system's performance.)
- Memory: The 512 MB of installed RAM (2 x 256 MB, PC2100, 266 MHz DDR SDRAM) has become standard with notebooks, and it's a good start. But you'll want to take advantage of the 1 GB expandability to get the most out of this computer.
- CD/DVD Drive: The combo CD-RW/DVD-ROM drive can read CDs at 24x, write at 24x, and rewrite at 24x speeds. It can read DVDs at 8x.
- Keyboard & Mouse: This notebook has a standard 86-key keyboard with electrostatic touchpad.
Screen, Graphics and Sound
The included ATI Radeon IGP 345M video/graphics card provides competent, but not overpowering, 3D graphics. It features 64 MB of shared video memory. This is taken from the main system memory, so you'll want to increase your RAM from the installed 512 MB if you plan on doing much gaming or video work. The enhanced widescreen format function (1280 x 800 pixels) lets you watch DVDs in full cinema mode as well as easily view spreadsheets and Web browsers side-by-side. It also offers an integrated audio card, built-in speakers, A/V connection out, and the ability to drive an external monitor. Connectivity and Expansion Slots
This PCG-K45 model has an integrated 802.11g wireless LAN (which is compatible with the more widespread 802.11b and offers faster data transmission rates). You get a standard offering of connectivity options, including both high-speed USB 2.0 and FireWire: - 3 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 PCMCIA (or PC Card) slot (Type I/II)
- 1 headphone jack and 1 microphone jack
- 1 Memory Stick slot (Memory Stick Pro compatible)
It also has an integrated 56K modem (V.90) and an RJ-45 LAN network port (for a 10/100 Ethernet connection to networks and DSL/cable modems). Preloaded System and Software
This system comes with the Windows XP Home Edition Service Pack 2 operating system with 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: Vaio Zone with WinDVD (for watching DVD movies), PictureGear Studio (digital photo), SonicStage (digital music), Vaio Media (network file sharing), and DVgate Plus (digital video). Other preloaded software includes Quicken 2005 New User Edition, Microsoft Works 8.0 (with word processing, spreadsheet, and calendar), Norton Internet Security (with 90-day subscription), and SpySubtract. Dimensions and Weight
Measuring 1.6-2.2 x 14.1 x 10.9 inches (H x W x D) and weighing 8.2 pounds, the PCG-K45 is bit larger than other notebooks in its range. It's best used as a desktop replacement while offering portability when you need it. Power
The included rechargeable lithium-ion battery (PCGA-BP2NY) offers an average battery life range of 1.5 hours (depending on usage). What's in the Box
This package contains the Sony Vaio PCG-K45 notebook PC, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, and operating instructions. It's backed by a 1-year warranty for parts and labor, and 1 year of toll-free phone support.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 11 more reviews...
 really bad investment February 28, 2007
I bought this laptop because I thought a Sony Vaio was top quality.--I was wrong. This computer is entirely too heavy to be considered even remotely portable. It's slow, noisy, and doesn't hold a charge. My laptop overheats constantly...I even purchased a "chill mat" in hopes of alleviating the problem. The computer gets so hot, it actually burnt out one of the fans in the chill pad. Also, the computer freezes constantly--I can hardly get through an essay without having to save and re-boot. Don't waste your time/money/energy!
 Good for work, Bad for gaming December 14, 2006
If you work alot at home and use the programs like Word or Access, then this is the computer for you. If you enjoy gaming then you need a different computer. The Video card cant hold up to the newer games. I tried playing Civilzation III on it, and it wouldnt even start the game.
Like I said, regular programs are great on here, I make powerpoint slides all the time, and it does awesome for it.
Pro's:
Great screen, one of the best I've ever seen.
Excellent ability to run Office Program
Mouse Pad, never had a problem
Wireless Card, picks up great. I just love connecting to other peoples wireless routers without them knowing.
Con's:
Battery, sucks, really sucks, 1hr max
USB ports, all on one side
Video Card, needs updated
Fan is loud, it can be heard over 30 feet away
Overall: Except for gaming, this is an awesome computer. If you just want something for Work or School, then this computer is great.
 Powerful Notebook May 23, 2006
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Pros:
This is a very powerful notebook. It's a PC in a smaller package. If you run processor hungry apps this is the notebook for you.
Multiple office software can be run on this set up without any lag, it's perfect for those who care more about the "guts" of the system rather than what's "in".
I've found some reviewers who say this system runs hot. Never had a problem with that. And I run it for long periods of time 8+ hours. Crashes? None so far. The sound system is surprisingly adequate given the lack of speakers. The prize in this system is the graphical display. It's top notch!
Cons: It is very true what people say about the battery run time being ridiculous. You can get just over an hour from the battery if you're lucky. But given the immense power of this system it isn't beyond the realm of comprehension as to why it has a short battery life.
It's also quite heavy. But let's face it, if you're bringing this to the office, or library you'll have access to outlets and a surface to lay it on.
Conclusion:
Unless you're a teenager looking to show off your new laptop and all the games you can play, I highly recommend this laptop for serious work.
Heavy, slower than it sounds, cheap construction, non-standard hardware ... December 22, 2005
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
I have to chime in on this one. My PCG-K45 was an unsolicited, and much appreciated, gift. You get some bang for the buck with this laptop. And the screen is really nice. But in many other ways, you can see how you get what you pay for:
1) The "mobile pentium" must be one of the slowest processors for the given clock speed. My HT 2.4Ghz Pentium desktop is about as fast. Don't get fooled into thinking this is some speed demon. It's fast, sure. But it won't blow you away if you're used to other fairly recent computers.
2) Despite the "speedstep" technology, in actual use I can't get better than about 75 minutes battery life.
3) It weighs over eight pounds, and because of the short battery life, you'll end up carrying the brick-sized AC adapter with you, which weighs almost 2 lbs. Ten lbs. is more "luggable" than "portable."
4) The trackpad is not as nice as most others I've used. A little small, and too-sensitive sometimes, not sensitive enough other times. I can't get the settings right and mostly use a mouse instead.
5) The video uses "shared" (i.e., "stolen") RAM, meaning your 512Mb is really 448Mb, or 384Mb if you go to 128Mb vram like others have suggested.
6) The case is made of a plastic that feels flimsy and scratches easily.
7) The firewire port is the irritating smaller S400, so you'll probably need a special cable. This thing is huge, there's plenty of room for a regular port--I don't get it. Bad design, I guess.
8) All the USB ports are on the same side (the left) of the case, so you'll end up snaking some cables all the way around. A mess.
9) When will Sony just get over their memory stick fixation? Again, it's the money: I suppose this helps them sell cameras to people with Sony computers, and vice-versa, but lock-in is BAD FOR CUSTOMERS. Just stop.
You get the idea. It might make a good desktop replacement, in some cases, but its weight, lack of durability, and lack of battery life mean it's really not a portable.
Great desktop replacement August 23, 2005
5 out of 5 found this review helpful
The sheer magnifigence of this notebook always puts a smile on my face when I turn it on. The screen is very beautiful. I see a lot of copycats whenever I go to BestBuy or Compusa, but this screen (X-brite technology, I think) will always be better than the competition. Also, there is a decent video card(ATI Radeon 64MB, good networking, and conveniently located USB ports (3 total). This notebook also packs a lot of power with it's Pentium 4 processor, which makes it quite loud, however.
Some drawbacks:
1.)Loud (emabrassing when you are tyring to access wireless at the libary)
2.)Poor battery performance (only 2 hours at most)
3.)Poor sound system (Definitely get a set of decent speakers and an external sound card if you can afford it.)
4.)Only 512 MB RAM. This may be good only for about another few months until I have to upgrade it. They max is 1028 by the way.
5.)No recovery CD. Mine didn't come with one. Others may be different.
6.)No serial port
Overall, a good, solid laptop. It is very powerful and can be quite a beast with a set of good speakers, memory upgrade, and an extra battery.
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