The Bottom Line
- Multiformat DVD Burner
- Stylish
- Expensive
- Mediocre Graphics
Description
- Intel Pentium 4 2.66GHz Desktop Processor
- 512MB PC2700 DDR Memory (1GB Maximum)
- 60GB Hard Drive
- Multiformat DVD+/-RW Optical Drive
- 15" XGA (1024x768) Display and NVIDIA GeForce4 420 Go with 32MB Memory
- AC'97 Audio
- v.92 56Kbps Modem, 10/100 Ethernet and 802.11g Wireless
- Three USB 2.0 Ports, One FireWire (iLink) Port, Memory Stick Slot and One Type II PC Card Slot
- 12.9" x 10.7" x 2.0" @ 8.0 lbs.
- Windows XP Home Operating System
Guide Review - Sony VAIO PCG-GRT240G
1/22/04 - Sony has been a big player in the portable market for the style of their systems. The PCG-GRT240G is the latest version of their long line of GRT desktop replacements and the series is really starting to show its age.
The GRT240G is powered by a Pentium 4 2.66Ghz desktop processor that is matched up with 512MB of PC2700 DDR memory. This puts the system about average in terms of its processing power. With the price tag on the system, it would be nice to see something a bit more powerful.
Storage is a bit more impressive. Sony is one of a few companies that offers a multiformat DVD burner in their portable systems. This allows the GRT240G to burn to either the DVD+R/RW or DVD-R/RW format discs. Fixed storage is provided by a 60GB hard drive and a standard Sony Memory Stick slot is also included.
Graphics on the system are much lower than normal for the desktop replacement market. Most systems now feature wide screen LCD displays with higher resolutions, but the GRT240G uses a 15" LCD with a 1024x768 display. The graphics processor running the display is an older NVIDIA GeForce4 420Go with 32MB of memory. While it can handle 3D acceleration, it will be severely limited in most applications.
Sony in general is on the high-end of the price range for computers. This is typically passed off in the form of stylish designs, but the GRT240G uses an older design case which really shows its age. The price and features make this a below average system.
