• 5.75-pound laptop with magnesium allow body, dedicated multimedia controls above keyboard, and 15.4-inch LCD
• 2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T7250 processor, 200 GB Serial ATA hard drive, 2 GB RAM (4 GB max), 2x Blu-ray drive for disc playback/writing (also burns DVD/CD)
• Connectivity: 3 USB, 1 FireWire, 1 VGA, 1 S-Video, ExpressCard 34, Memory Stick/SD card slots
• Intel 4965 AGN wireless LAN connects to draft 802.11n routers (as well as 802.11a/b/g), 10/100 Ethernet
• Pre-installed with Windows Vista Home Premium (with Media Center capabilities); integrated 1.3-megapixel WebCam

With subtle sophistication and undeniable elegance, the lightweight Sony VAIO VGN-FZ280E/B notebook PC is crafted with an aesthetic touch and careful attention to detail. Offering a brilliantly colorful 15.4-inch XBRITE-ECO display, this 5.75-pound laptop maximizes LCD space with advanced space-saving engineering techniques, including a reconfigured battery and motherboard design. It's packed with entertainment features, including embedded A/V controls for one-touch access to your music, movies and pictures. A built-in 1.3-megapixel Webcam and microphone are seamlessly integrated into the durable silver magnesium chassis so you can video chat with friends, family and co-workers. It also offers a high-definition Blu-ray Disc drive, which writes to BD media as well as offers support for full 1080p HD video playback, 5.1 discrete channels of uncompressed digital audio, and backwards compatibility with standard DVDs and CDs (both reading and writing). For burning discs, it has up to a 2x write speed for Blu-ray Discs.

This notebook is powered by the 2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T7250 processor, which offers a top-of-the-line 800 MHz front-side bus speed and 2 MB L2 cache. The Core 2 Duo processor provides an optimized, multithreaded architecture for improved gaming and multitasking performance, as well as excellent battery management. It includes Intel's 4965 AGN wireless LAN, which will connect to draft 802.11n routers and offers compatibility with 802.11a/b/g networks as well. Other features include a 250 GB hard drive, 2 GB of installed RAM (4 GB maximum capacity), multi-format/dual-layer DVD+/-RW burner (also compatible with CDs), ExpressCard slot, and Nvidia GeForce 8400M graphics card (with up to 1 GB of available RAM/video memory).

This laptop also comes preinstalled with Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium, which includes all of the Windows Media Center capabilities for turning your PC into an all-in-one home entertainment center. In addition to easily playing your DVD movies and managing your digital audio library, you'll be able to record and watch your favorite TV shows (even HDTV). Vista also integrates new search tools throughout the operating system, includes new parental control features, and offers new tools that can warn you of impending hardware failures.

Entertainment Features
Imagine having the ability to enjoy your entertainment on your notebook without ever booting up. The VAIO FZ notebook with A/V Instant Mode lets you kick off your entertainment with a single push of a button. Go straight to watching a movie, playing music, or viewing photos without ever booting-up the operating system, thereby conserving a significant amount of battery life. The VAIO FZ notebook also includes a full set of dedicated multimedia controls just above the keyboard. A round A/V interface jumps out of the clean design of the VAIO FZ, adding a unique and practical touch to its sophisticated appearance. These intuitive music and video controls are user-friendly, so you can easily control your CDs, DVDs, pictures and home movies with the push of a button.

The Basics

• Processor: The Intel Core 2 Duo T7250 processor has a 2.0 GHz processor speed, super-fast 800 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. The FSB carries data between the CPU and RAM, and a faster front-side bus will deliver better overall performance.)

  The Intel Core 2 Duo processor has two computational execution cores in a single processor, providing greater system response when running multi-threaded applications simultaneously with no significant increase in power consumption. It's optimized for multitasking and is ready to support the Microsoft Windows Vista operating system. It can simultaneously run multiple demanding applications--such as graphics-intensive games or serious number-crunching business productivity applications--while downloading music or running virus-scanning security programs in the background. Some of the advanced Intel innovations of the Core 2 Duo processor include:

  • Smart Memory Access: Improves system performance by hiding memory latency, thus optimizing the use of available computer data bandwidth to provide data to the processor when and where it is needed.
  • Advanced Digital Media Boost: Effectively doubles the execution speed for instructions used widely in multimedia and graphics applications.
  • Dynamic Power Coordination: Coordinates Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology and idle power-management state (C-states) transitions independently per core to help save power.
  • Deeper Sleep with Dynamic Cache Sizing: Saves power by flushing cache data to system memory during periods of inactivity to lower CPU voltage.

• Hard Drive: The 250 GB Serial ATA hard drive is more than double the average size for notebook PCs, however its 4200 RPM speed is a bit slower than current standard hard drives. It provides more than enough capacity for storing documents, digital media files, and video editing software. This SATA hard drive also quickens the pace with a higher speed transfer of data--akin to FireWire and USB 2.0.

• Memory: The 2 GB of installed RAM (2 x 1 GB DDR2, PC5300) is an excellent start, but you'll want to add more RAM to handle today's demanding multimedia and productivity suites. It provides two DIMM slots and has a large 4 GB maximum RAM capacity. It also offers a top-of-class 667 MHz speed. To receive the faster data transfer benefits of the dual-channel DDR2 RAM, any RAM additions require memory modules of same capacity and clockspeed.

• DVD/CD Drive: This Sony notebook is capable of playing back Blu-ray Disc movies in stunning clarity, as well as playing your current library of purchased and burned disc content. It's also capable of burning HD Camcorder content in its original 1080p high-definition resolution and can store a massive amount of data on a single disc (25 GB single layer disc to 50 GB on a double layer disc). It offers the following speeds for Blu-ray discs: 2x read/write for BD-R/ROM/RE, 1.6x read/1x write for BD-R/RE DL (dual-layer). It features the following write speeds for the following disc formats: 4x for DVD+R DL, 4x for DVD-R DL, 8x for both single layer DVD+R/-R, 8x for single layer DVD+RW, 6x for single layer DVD-RW, 5x for DVD-RAM, and 24x/16x for CD-R/RW. It reads DVD-ROM discs at 8x and CD-ROMs at 24x.

• Keyboard & Mouse: This notebook has a standard 82-key keyboard (2mm stroke and 19.05mm pitch) and electro-static two-button touchpad. Playback controls include play/pause, stop, forward, rewind, AV mode, mute, volume +/-, capture, and display off.

Video is powered by the Nvidia GeForce 8400M graphics card, which provides up to 1 GB (1023 MB) of available RAM/video memory for unmatched HD video performance on a notebook PC. With support for Microsoft DirectX 10 Shader Model 4.0 and High Dynamic-Range Lighting (HDR), the 8400M lets you rip through all of today's most advanced and cutting-edge games and applications. Experience real-time photo editing, or immerse yourself in the most complex, true-to-life gaming environments.

The audio card includes Sony Sound Reality technology with DSD (Direct Stream Digital) support. It also includes a high-definition digital cable tuner with NTSC (standard) and ATSC (HD) support.

Networking, Connectivity & Expansion
Be ready for the next platform in wireless connectivity with the integrated Intel Wireless Wi-Fi Link 4965 AGN LAN chip. Based on the draft 802.11n Wi-Fi specification, it offers up to five times the performance and twice the wireless range as existing 802.11g wireless. It's also backward compatible with 802.11b/g networks (commonly found in home routers and Wi-Fi hotspots) as well as 802.11a networks (which has a higher throughput, but more limited range--great for closed office environments).

This notebook also includes a next-generation ExpressCard 34 card slot (replacing the PCMCIA slot), which lets you take advantage of thinner, faster, and lighter expansion cards for even more advanced wireless, networking, storage, and security features. Here's the full list of connectivity options:

• 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 HDMI output (for connecting to a compatible HDTV or home theater receiver for uncompressed digital audio and video via a single cable)
• 1 S-Video and 1 VGA out
• 1 ExpressCard 34
• 1 headphone jack, 1 microphone jack
• Memory Stick slot (supports optional Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, and Memory Stick DUO media)
• Secure Digital memory card slot (also compatible with MMC cards)

Operating System
Windows Vista Home Premium is the operating system for users with advanced computer needs, and it includes all of the Windows Media Center capabilities for turning your PC into an all-in-one home entertainment center for watching DVD movies and accessing your digital audio library. You can also use Windows Media Center to record and watch your favorite TV shows (even HDTV) and to access new kinds of online entertainment content. Computers that include Windows Vista Home Premium and an auxiliary Windows SideShow display will also allow you to access key data even when your computer is off. It is also easier than ever to share files between other PCs in your household and to manage your laptop computer settings to more securely connect via Wi-Fi.

Every edition of Windows Vista provides the essential tools and technologies to help protect you whether you are browsing the Internet, connecting to a wireless network, or just reading e-mail. All editions of Windows Vista include new tools that can warn you of impending hardware failures long before you have lost any important personal data. And, all Windows Vista editions include parental control features that allow you to manage and monitor your family's use of games, the Internet, instant messaging, and other activities.

Preloaded Software
Includes Sony Click to DVD (for easy DVD creation), Microsoft Works, Microsoft Office 2007 (60-day trial), Symantec Norton Internet Security 2007 (with 60 days of Live Update).

Dimensions & Weight
This notebook measures 14 x 10.02 x 1.4 inches (WxHxD) and weighs 5.75 pounds.

Power
It's powered by the VGP-BPS8 rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which has a battery life of between 2 and 4 hours (depending on usage).

What's in the Box
This package contains the VGN-FZ280E/B notebook PC, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, and operating instructions. It is backed by a one-year limited hardware warranty, and Sony offers 1-year of toll-free telephone technical assistance.

The VAIO FZ280 notebook is a thin-and-light Blu-ray Disc enabled notebook featuring a 15.4" widescreen LCD with XBRITE-HiColor technology. Watch Blu-ray Disc movies in stunning HD clarity and record content to a single 25-50GB Blu-ray Disc media. A built-in camera and microphone is seamlessly integrated into the lightweight and durable silver magnesium chassis, so you can video chat with friends, family and co-workers. Backed by Intel Centrino Duo processor technology and Intel Core 2 Duo processor, this lightning-fast, super-powerful PC is slim, lightweight, and packed with exciting entertainment features.t, and packed with exciting entertainment features.

I bought this because of the Blu-ray burner, which turns out to be a dud. Yes, from the get go you wonder what is the point of buying a machine with a Blu-ray burner when blanks are almost as expensive as movies. I did it with an eye to the future, thinking the blanks will come down in price. But after trying the machine for a week, I did not see any future for me and this Sony. The included blu-ray player software is also a dissapointment (yeah, it's "free" so what do I want, right?)... Don't update it off Corel's site or you'll end up visiting their DMR key page which is an absolute nightmare. After being in that black hole for a catch 21 endless ride, I could only get the player to work again by restoring the whole system from scratch. Which of course means you will have to do the bloatware pruning all over again. The worst thing about this machine is that it only comes with a WXGA screen, which is way too low of a resolution for playing Blu-ray movies on the go. I mean, your blu-ray movies won't look any better on this machine's LCD than any well made regular DVD. Another thing that drove me crazy is how sensitive the mouse pad is on this laptop. This makes it very annoying to navigate many sites where one careless slip of a finger can make you loose all the typing you've done up to that point. I really don't know what makes this machine worth the money. I got rid of this Sony after less than a week. Sure, it has an HDMI connection to make your blu-rays really come alive on your home 1080p screen. But don't you already have your standalone blu-ray player for that? I mean, no, this is pretty dissapointing product for the money... No wonder this model is such an obscure machine in Sony's lineup. I won't even go into talking about Vista and how Sony doesn't support XP on this machine. Why I even gave it 3 stars? The machine does look and feel sturdy, and if you clean it up the installation, and ignore the uselessness of paying extra for the blu-ray option, attach a real mouse to it, then this model is an okay performer.

My husband and son both have a Compaq and have both had major issues. My Sony beats them by a mile! Don't be tempted by the cheaper Compaq prices. This computer is fast and has enough memory for the standard home computer use and then some.

I felt great. screen was really bright.. the kind of sound (quality) was awsome very clear but to have volume you gotta put additional speakers.-
Cons: VISTA is AWFUL. and of course, lots of packages on trial or limited tryout...... BUT SONY IS SONY....

I purchased this laptop in January 2008. Everything worked well in the beginning and the all of a sudden everything would freeze after the laptop was idle for 20-30 minutes. It was happening 2 - 3 times a month and then it started happening more frequently (5 - 6 times a day). Every time it would freeze I would have to press the power button 6 seconds so the laptop would restart. The Sony technical support advise me to perform a Recovery. During the recovery process an error came up and after contacting the Sony Technical support I was told to send the laptop to one of their service centers because the hard drive had bad sectors and had to be replaced. I had the laptop serviced and the hard drive was replaced. Everything was working well for about one week when it started freezing again and crashing 4 - 5 times a day. I took it back to the service center and found out today that the motherboard has to be replaced. I tried to get a refund or a replacement but I was unable to do so. I only gave it one star because it's an expensive laptop and I find it unreliable.

This notebook is just outstanding, truly one of the best out there, but with just one caveat: you absolutely have to get rid of all the useless software and do a bit of optimization of the preloaded software first for you to see the true potential of this machine. Be aware that this does require some knowledge of PCs and some familiarity with adding and removing programs, however, so make sure you know what you're doing before you start deleting things.

Out of the box, I was impressed with the form factor: it's very thin, the case is metal (magnesium), and has a sort of understated elegance to how it looks. The screen is amazing -- easily the best or one of the best notebook screens I've ever seen, including Macbook Pros -- crystal clear, as bright as a desktop display, and with extraordinary color reproduction (essentially uses the same technology as their stellar Bravia TVs).

But when I booted it up for the first time, I was dismayed to see the sheer amount of advertisements, trial offers, and other "bloatware" it came with. Everything from Spiderman 3 movie downloads and wallpaper, to Sony's "toobars," it was unbelieveable, and it slowed down the machine unnecessarily. I spent probably about 30 minutes to an hour uninstalling all this; for the most part all you really need to do is use "add/remove" programs to clean up 95% of it. But once you get all this off the machine, you'll realize that it was worth the aggravation -- there is one seriously fast notebook underneath all this after all!

If you are a serious gamer, you will most likely want to pass (but you wouldn't be looking at Sony to begin, right?), but if you are a casual to moderate gamer, this machine actually does have some serious graphics chops to let you enjoy games when you feel like it. My machine was configured with the NVidia 8400 GT card, and with that and just 2 GB RAM I was actually able to run any game I had on hand with more than adequate frame rates. For example, I am a flight simulator fanatic and I'm actually able to play Flight Simulator X on high settings with 40 fps! Probably the most surprising was that I can actually run Crysis quite well (but only using DX9). This is amazing performance for a machine that's not dedicated necessarily to gaming.

But this model is not without its weaknesses and for this machine it is definitely the battery. On maximum energy saving mode, I am still only able to get approximately 1 hour, 40 minutes from a full charge -- not quite enough to get through a DVD movie on the plane, for example. This may or may not be a drawback for you, depending on what you'll use this notebook for, but for me it wasn't an issue as I don't travel with my PC that much. There is an extended battery pack available which will increase the battery life considerably, but it adds a lot of weight and bulk so I opted not to get it.

All said, I am very pleased with my purchase and would highly recommend this to anyone looking for a sleek mulimedia notebook. With all this performance in a thin, elegant package and with one of the best screens you can get, it has given me true pride of ownership. Just remember that you do have to spend some effort up front getting rid of the horrendous bloatware, but once you do, you'll have a truly excellent machine to take around with you.