Mid-sized laptop: The Sony VAIO VGN-FZ298C/E is a mid-sized laptop, only 5.9 pounds and built to travel. This model features a powerful dual-core processor as well as premium features such as Bluetooth connectivity, built-in webcam and Windows Vista Home Premium.

Dual core/64-bit processing: The 1.66GHz Core 2 Duo T5450 has two processing engines that work in tandem, providing much more power than standard 1.66GHz processors. This processor is also capable of processing 64 bits of information at once, twice as much as standard 32-bit processors. Intel Centrino technology enhances mobile performance and extends battery life.

• This notebook features 2GB of DDR2 system memory—enough for all but the most demanding users, gamers and multimedia professionals. DDR2 is slightly faster than DDR, the previous standard in system memory.

• Data travels to the processor along the frontside bus. The faster data travels, the faster everything works. This laptops features a 667MHz frontside bus.

• Processors search for the same data over and over. L2 caches keep this data neat, organized, and nearby so it can be retrieved more quickly. This 2MB L2 cache is large, providing a potentially significant boost in performance.

Hard drive: This hard drive features a 160GB capacity—more than enough for robust collections of music, movies and multimedia. This drive’s data disks spin at 5400rpm. The faster they spin, the faster the data is read and written.

Blazing-fast wireless N: Built-in 802.11abgn wireless LAN lets you take advantage of the speed of the latest and fastest networks, as well as networks using the most popular standards.

Built-in Bluetooth: Enjoy easy communication with PDAs and other Bluetooth-enabled devices.

Burn DVDs and CDs: Enjoy DVD movies, or share your files, music mixes and home movies. You can even burn double-layer DVDs and even DVD-RAM discs—specially-formatted discs that let you drag and drop, or write and rewrite your files up to 100,000 times.

Widescreen display: This notebook features a bright 15.4" high-definition widescreen display with 1280 x 800 pixel (WXGA) resolution. XBRITE-ECO technology delivers razor-sharp details and bold colors while conserving battery life. Your documents and movies will look fantastic.

Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium (32-bit): This is the operating system for homes with advanced computer needs. And Vista Premium features the elegant new Aero interface. You’ll be able to use your notebook more effectively and enjoy new entertainment experiences—all with the benefit of added security and reliability.

Audio/video: This laptop features Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100 and 358MB shared memory, which is drawn from the main system memory. This video memory is perfect for everyday activities like casual movie watching or gaming. Sony Sound Reality Audio Enhancer gives your multimedia an extra kick.

Media card reader: Seamlessly transfer images from your digital camera or camcorder with the Memory Stick DUO media with MagicGate functionality slot and one Secure Digital slot.

ExpressCard/34 slot: This laptop supports ExpressCard, an emerging standard in smaller, faster PC card solutions. This slot is compatible with ExpressCard/34—use it to add memory, graphics upgrades, security devices and more.

Built-in webcam/mic: Video chatting face-to-face is easy with the built-in 1.3-megapixel MOTION EYE camera and microphone.

Software bundle:
Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium, Works SE 9.0, and Office 2007 Student and Teacher Edition (60-day trial)
Norton 360 All-In-One Security (60-day trial)
Sony Click to DVD
Sony LocationFree Player Software