Sony VAIO PCG-K33 15.4" Laptop (Mobile Intel Pentium 4 Processor 532, 512 MB RAM, 60 GB Hard Drive, DVD/CD-RW Drive) | 
 enlarge | Brand: Sony
Category: Personal Computer
Buy Used: $1,499.99
Rating:  13 reviews
Sales Rank: 1495
Hardware Type: Notebook Computer
Platform: Windows Xp Home Edition
Media: Personal Computers
Autographed: No
Memorabilia: No
Operating System: Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
CPU Manufacturer: Intel
CPU Speed: 3.06
CPU Type: Intel Pentium 4
Processors: 1
System Bus Speed: 533
System Memory: 512
Memory Type: DDR SDRAM
Secondary Cache Size: 512
Keyboard: QWERTY, 86 keys with 2.7mm stroke and 19.19mm pitch
Battery Type: Lithium Ion
Hard Drive Size: 60
Floppy Disk Drive: None
Graphics Card: ATI Radeon IGP 345M
Graphics RAM: 64
Native Resolution: 1280-by-800
Modem: 56 Kbps
Network Interface: 10-Mbps/100-Mbps Ethernet and (Wi-Fi) Wireless Ethernet IEEE 802.11b/g
Free Memory Slots: 1
Includes Software: Sony VAIO Update software, Sony VAIO Recovery Wizard software, Sony VAIO Help and Support software, Adobe Acrobat Reader, Google Toolbar, Intuit Quicken 2004 New User Edition, InterVideo WinDVD, Microsoft Works 7.0, Microsoft Office 2003 60-Day Trial (Student/Teacher Edition), VAIO Creation Suite Software : Sony DVGate Plus Software, Sony SonicStage software, Sony Picture Gear Studio software, Sony VAIO Media software , Norton Internet Security 90-Day Subscription, AOL Online 90-day
Display Size: 15.4
Shipping Weight (lbs): 8
Dimensions (in): 14.1 x 10.9 x 2.2
Warranty: 1 year warranty
MPN: PCG-K33
Model: PCG-K33
UPC: 027242658073
EAN: 0027242658073
ASIN: B0002XRGWK
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Condition: INCLUDES AC-ADAPTER
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Amazon.com Product Decription
The Basics
A capable portable computer best suited to power users, businesspeople, and anyone who appreciates potent 2D performance and a widescreen display, the Sony VAIO PCG-K33 crunches numbers and data faster than the majority of desktops yet won't drain your pocketbook. Its 3D graphics speed is not exceptional, nor is it recommended for those who require maximum portability or extremely long battery life. Yet at this price point, the VAIO PCG-K33 is a good bet for cost-conscious consumers who need PC-level speed in a mobile format.
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The PCG-K33 features a 15.4-inch WXGA widescreen display that is perfectly tailored to the aspect ratio favored by DVD movies. | Processor
At the heart of any computer lies the CPU (or processor), a massive collection of miniature transistors that governs the speed and power of the entire unit. Some notebooks are equipped with high-end CPU's on par with those found in top-of-the-line desktop PCs, while others are fast enough only for basic duties such as word processing, email and the like. Equipped with an Intel Pentium 4 532 processor, the VAIO PCG-K33 is near the top end of the scale. Running at a lightning quick 3.06 GHz this particular processor delivers all the raw speed any user is likely to need. However, it's important to note that the overall performance of any computer is also influenced by the speed and quantity of its memory and the quality of it graphics card. And as you'll see, the VAIO PCG-K33 is not exceptional in either of these categories. |
Memory
Computers typically store information on their hard drive, but they keep frequently and recently accessed data in Random Access Memory (RAM) for faster retrieval. More RAM means more efficient computing, superior multitasking and less strain on your hard drive. The VAIO PCG-K33 is equipped with 512 MB of RAM. This is an average allotment of memory for a notebook at this price point. However, it is not especially fast memory at just 266 MHz. Nevertheless, the system's CPU is strong enough to offset these minor memory shortcomings, and users should therefore expect satisfactory multitasking and only minor delays during complex tasks. If more memory is required, the system supports a total of 1 GB. | 
| | Sony VAIO PCG-K37
3.20 GHz Pentium 4
1 GB RAM
80 GB HD | Sony VAIO PCG-K35
3.067 GHz Pentium 4
512 MB RAM
80 GB HD | Sony VAIO PCG-K33
3.20 GHz Pentium 4
512 MB RAM
60 GB HD | Video
CPU's are usually so busy doing basic calculations that they need help translating visual output to the viewing screen. This is the duty of the graphics card (or graphics controller), the best of which include their own "dedicated" built-in video memory rather than "sharing" portions of the system's valuable main memory. Sony has equipped the VAIO PCG-K33 with an ATI Radeon IGP 345M graphics controller that shares 64 MB of main memory. Though this unit's CPU is so powerful that the lack of a high-end video controller isn't as essential as it otherwise might be, users who deal primarily with taxing visuals such as those found in 3D games and 3D animation may want to explore another Sony notebook. Display
The VAIO PCG-K33's 15.4-inch WXGA display may be smaller than the 17-inch monsters found in today's notebook heavyweights, yet it's larger than that of most notebooks and even some desktops. Furthermore, its widescreen format is perfectly tailored to the aspect ratio favored by DVD movies. It's highly sophisticated too -- sporting Sony's new XBRITE Technology for better contrast and a brighter picture, and a crisp 1280 by 800 maximum resolution. Hard Disk
At 60 GB, the integrated hard drive will easily store a broad range of applications and user data files, and a sizable library of space-gobbling music and/or multimedia files too. Optical Drive
An optical drive is essential in today's computing environment. A "CD-ROM" drive allows you to install CD-based applications and play music CDs. A "CD-RW" drive adds CD "burning", so you can also backup your important files to long-lasting discs and create personalized music CDs. With a DVD-ROM drive you can watch DVD movies. And with a DVD-RW drive, you can "write" home movies to durable discs and archive files to DVD (DVDs boast more than seven times the storage capacity of a CD). Some drives allow you to do a combination of all of these tasks. This system features a DVD-ROM/CD-RW drive, through which you can do everything above but burn DVDs. Audio
The unit is equipped with high-grade speakers and a powerful audio amplifier. Keyboard and Controls
You'll control your notebook via an 86-key keyboard and a standard electro-static touch pad. | Connectivity and Expansion
The VAIO PCG-K33 features a bevy of connectivity facilities, including a 56K modem for low-speed dial-up Internet and email access, a 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX Ethernet port for high-speed wired network and Internet, and an integrated IEEE 802.11b/g3 wireless connection for cord-free e-communication at home, at the office or on the road via a local public hotspot. Other key amenities include three high-speed USB 2.0 ports for plug and play devices such as external drives and digital cameras, an IEEE 1394 FireWire port (commonly used for quick data uploads from digital camcorders), and a Memory Stick PRO media slot for Sony's proprietary Media Stick memory cards. Operating System and Software
Sony has fitted the system with Microsoft's Windows XP Home Edition operating system, Intuit Quicken 2005 New User Edition financial center, Microsoft's Works 8.0 productivity suite, and a broad range of digital photo, audio and video utilities. | 
The PCG-K33 features a full suite of software applications, including SonicStage, which enables you to listen to, manage, and transfer your music library.
| Dimensions and Weight
Many of today's most powerful notebooks are also the largest, weighing ten or twelve lbs or more and definitely too big and cumbersome for extensive, continuous traveling. These are often referred to as "desktop replacements". On the other extreme are "thin and lights" or "ultra-portables", super-miniaturized units that are typically less powerful than their larger brethren but weigh as little as two lbs and will often fit comfortably inside a large purse. The VAIO PCG-K33 is of medium size at 8.2 lbs. and 14.1 by 8.2 by 1.6 - 2.2 inches. Power
Battery life is not the system's strong suit. You can expect 1 - 2 hours continuous use with the enclosed lithium-ion cell.
Product Description
The Sony VAIO K33 notebook is beautifully designed and packed with useful features. With XBRITE LCD technology, integrated wireless capabilities and an integrated optical drive, it can handle almost all of your work or leisure needs. Its versatility combines the technology you need for workday survival with the essential features to keep you entertained at home or on the road.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 8 more reviews...
 BAD BATTERY / OVERHEATS September 4, 2007
I have had this computer for 2 years and from day 1 it's been below average. I should have returned it when it only worked for an hour on battery and was overheating. I just ordered a new cpu which I cant wait for because I can't use this Sony because the overheating causes the computer to turn off at random ...and I am on my 2nd cooling dock. To be fair I will say that when it works it's fine but it only works properly 15% of the time, the remaining 85% of the time I am waiting for a website to pull up staring at a blank screen.
Please do not buy this computer, you will regret it...and oh by the way all of the decals on the top and bottom of the computer have melted off so I don't know the serial number or anything about the cpu!
 Outstanding Laptop While In Iraq May 25, 2007
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I've been in Iraq now for over a year, had this laptop the entire time. I actually purchased it in January of 2005, and have used it for AT LEAST 4 hours each day since.
What compelled me to write this review, was the ignorant reviews made by some other individuals, stating things like "the battery life is short" "it gets hot" etc.. This is a DESKTOP REPLACEMENT, it's not meant for mobility. Hence why it dosen't have a MOBILITY processor, (ie: Pentium M, / AMD Mobile).
Furthermore, it's a widescreen, 15.4" dosen't sound like much, but when you factor in the widescreen aspect of it, it's a fantastic display.
I actually use my laptop for graphic design, (making images for my webisite), programming, (C++ and C#), movies, (inter video, winDVD), and games, (AOE III, Stronghold Ledgends, C&C, Fallout Tactics, etc..). Never had any problems, except for one:
I recently installed windows vista ultimate on this machine, (after of course installing a 512MB memory stick). The one issue I had after installing Vista, was with the ATI Radeon Mobility driver. You need to download the new ati3duag.dll file, (you can find it on the 'net or on sony's website), and change your driver in the device manager, (windows key & pause key), to the radeon mobility 9000 driver. That's the only one that will enable you to play games under vista.
Perhaps the only suggestion I would make to anyone thinking about buying this fantastic machine, is purchase an extra 512 - 1GB of memory, make sure it's PC2100 DDR SDRAM SODIMM, and partition your hard drive, first off. The drive is 60 or 80GB, (don't recall just now), if you split it into two drives, and install your programs and important data on the second one, you can re-install windows as many times as you like without fear of data loss.
Once more, i've used this laptop during my DEPLOYMENT, and let me tell you, sand and dirt get into everything, each day I blow out a good two or three tablespoons of dust and what not, (using compressed air). The optical drive gives me problems from time to time, but that's because the lens is dirty. The fan is also starting to fail, but again, it's due to dirt and grime.
With the one persons comment about the keyboard keys wearing off, and then saying they're going to get an IBM, (Lenovo), at one of the MWR's, (internet centers), almost all the keys have worn off, guess what, they're IBM's. It has nothing to do with the "quality" of the machine, it has more to do with how much and in what way you use your technology.
Right now, my "N" key is missing 3 small flakes, on the left part of the key, other than that, i've got no problems with it, instead of sliding your fingers around on it, (as I do with my right thumb - it's near the "N" key), you should learn to type while pressing down firmly on each key, it will increase the longevity of it.
Oh, one final note that I should mention about the ruggidity of the PCG-K33, I had a bag or plate of something hot, I forget what it was now, but I had set it on the keyboard to do something or other, when I came back, I realized that it had warped one of the arrow keys, and the ctrl key. Both still work, and it just makes for an interesting conversation piece, but that shows how sturdy the machine actually is. I also have dropped a flashbang on the keyboard, broke one side of the plactic spring mechanism on the pause/break button, but it still works. Besides, after having two warped keys, I need a new keyboard anyways.
Endorsed by GI Joe.
Keyboard letters fade. Battery good for less than 2 hours. March 13, 2007
I've had my computer since earl;y 2005 or late 2004. It has been a wonderful computer in every way. I am completely satisfied with the exception of (1) the letters on the keyboard have faded a lot... a few of them are not even visible. I believe the solutions are to buy a replacementr keyboard for $60 or more or to find stickers that go on the keyboard to replace the original lettering. It may be possible to get key replacements but from what I can tell the cost is very high.
The other problem is a battery that only last 1 1/2 to 2 hours, not good for much of anything.
Just because of the keyboard, I doubt that my next computer will be a Sony in spite of everything else working fine. This seems like a real defect in the design.
 great laptop, with one minor annoyance December 13, 2006
Have had mine for two years now. Granted, the battery life is fairly low, and it's big for a laptop, but this is a desktop replacement, so that was to be expected.
The display is nothing short of fabulous and the entire machine seems very robust. It has yet to freeze or crash on me like past computers have and like others have described. Perhaps because mine has 1 GB RAM installed.
The one thing that bugs me is the loud fan. Other than that, this is a great machine.
The worst laptop ever March 20, 2006
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
Ok, first I think giving a single star to this one is a mistake. But i had no option as I had to choose some thing.
The cons:
1. Extremely bulky! At 8 lbs this one is one heavy laptop
2. Terrible battery life! I am not exaggerating but the current life I get for this laptop (mind u..its jus plain browsing) is around 15-20min. ( I am not playing any songs...videos or anything)
3. Extrmely noisy - The fan gives out so much noise that it is really embarresing to take this one to a class or even a meeting!
4. Too much heat! - put this on your lap for more than 15-20min and it surely is a pain!
5. Freezes often! - The system just freezes out of no whr quite often
Pros:
1. It has one hell of a display! U can just look at it for years without hurting ur eyes!
2. Cant think of anymore
Plz dont go for this one! It surely isnt worth anywhere near the $1500 you would end up paying.
I just got pissed off with this and bought myself a Thinkpad t-43 and yeah I am really happy with it!
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