The Bottom Line
- Low Cost
- No Dedicated Graphics
- Slower PC2100 DDR Memory
Description
- Intel Pentium 4 2.8 GHz Processor
- 512MB PC2100 DDR Memory (2GB Maximum)
- 60GB Hard Drive
- 24x CD-RW Combo Optical Drive
- 15.4" WXGA (1280x800) Wide Screen LCD and ATI IGP 345M Integrated Graphics with 32MB Shared Memory
- AC'97 Audio
- v.90 56Kbps Modem, 10/100 Ethernet and 802.11g Wireless
- Three USB 2.0 Ports, One iLink (FireWire), One Type II PC Card Slot and Memory Stick Pro Slot
- 14.1" x 10.9" x 2.2" @ 8.1 lbs.
- Windows XP Home, Microsoft Works 7.0 Suite, Quicken and Sony Digital Software Suite
Guide Review - Sony VAIO PCG-K23
7/22/04 - Sony has been a fairly big name in the notebook computer market for a while now, but the name also brings along with it a fairly high price tag. Sony is trying to change that image with the new VAIO PCG-K23 desktop replacement notebook computer.
The K23 system is powered by a Intel Pentium 4 2.8GHz desktop processor. This in itself should make it pwoerful enough to handle most desktop applications, but the choice to match it with PC2100 DDR memory causes the system to be much slower than competing desktop replacements.
Storage is average for the desktop replacement segment. The K23 features a 60GB hard drive for ample storage space and a 24x CD-RW combo optical drive. It's not particularly outstanding but not below average either. It also features a Memory Stick Pro slot for use with Sony digital consumer products.
Graphics are one of the down sides to the K23. The system does have a nice 15.4" wide screen LCD display, but unlike competing desktop replacements, the K23 uses an integrated ATI graphics solution. This severely limits the 3D capabilities of the K23 system.
Sony makes up for some of these pitfalls with its digital software suite. Also included is the Microsoft Works 7.0 productivity suite and Intuit's Quicken.
In the end, the VAIO PCG-K23 isn't a terribly bad system, it just lacks a number of features that can be found on competing systems. It does have the bonus of being fairly low in cost.
