Home > Consumer Reviews > Sony VAIO PCG-FRV28 Laptop (2.8-GHz Pentium 4, 512 MB DDR RAM, 40 GB hard drive, DVD-RW/CD-RW Drive)

Sony has superbly designed this desktop replacement with beautiful cover design and great speed performance. The Sony FRV28 is fine choice for any laptop enthusiast.

The good: Blazing fast performance, 15-inch, crystal clear display; includes Memory Stick Slot for digital photos transfer; 3 USB 2.0 ports, CD/DVD player/writer (DVD writer uses - R format)

The bad: Battery life is very limited. I have tested and while Playing DVD battery lasts for about 45 - 50 minutes. Working non-stop with applications without playing DVD will extend battery life to about 90 minutes

Sony's awesome 15.-inch, display will have you watching DVD movies all night. You have to be plugged in to AC power outlet because unfortunately battery won't last long. The lack of integrated wireless connectivity is no big deal. I just added Netgear MA401 802.11b Wireless PC Card for about $38 (after rebate) from Amazon and I was flying on my DSL internet with the speed of light.

What I like the most about this laptop is a Memory Stick slot. I don't need those cables anymore to transfer photos from my digital Sony Cybershot DSC F717 camera.

Sony's laptop comes with 512 RAM memory. Video takes 64 MB ( it can be adjusted in BIOS to use less memory for Video) but there is plenty memory left even for transferring Videos. Maximum video resolution that can be used is 1024 by 768 pixels which is great for this size of display. I have on my desktop PC 17" Viewsonic LCD with 1280x1024 optimum resolution and sometimes it is very hard to read small print on web pages where you cannot change the text size. On the left hand side there is a video jack which lets you connect your laptop to a TV.

Sony included variety of software for CD and DVD burning, Microsoft Works 7.0 and other applications.

In conclusion, I would say this is a great laptop worth every penny. Hope this review will help anyone considering buying this laptop. If you have any questions regarding this review feel free to email me at johndoethe1@bellsouth.net

It was the most terrible experience to own this one.
Soon the keyboard started falling and the connection cord had problems as it got loosened up.
After couple of months i had trouble closing the laptop as the screren would remain on.
When I got to the service folks they refused to admit any problems and tried to push every thing on me. the battery drains in just 45 minutes. the laptops starts tomake lout fan noice after couple of months.
GUys this is a terrible the whole customer service from best buy was rude. I wud just say u buy this product and pray that it turns out ok the whole service warranty etc is to drain further money out of you.

After I bought my laptop I sent it 3 times to the factory. I had to wait and spend long time without having my computer while I was waiting for it. Immediately after my purchase the DVD player and the power button was out of order. Just before I present in a conference the power button stop functioning. I was unable to reach my documents. The fan system operates loudly. Sony technical service doesn't accept that this is a complete failure of their design. It is impossible to hear the instructor if you are using the laptop in the class. It is a headache. Its warranty is over. The screen is not working properly and DVD player is not working too. If I would be able to find the person who designed this laptop I would smash that person on the face. The technical service is not helpful too. They created lots of problem during the warranty period. I am very regretful since I bought this laptop. A horrible work of Sony!

P>If you need to bring your work home, this is the notebook for you. But, if you're looking for a more whole experience including watching movies, playing games, and listening to music, etc..., then this Notebook is not for you.
I bought it a week ago from (a local store), but ended up returning it because it was a "barebone" system in that it has a blazing fast processor, bus speed, and memory; but that's about all it has!

Don't get me wrong. Sony Notebooks are excellent in quality. About 6 months ago, i bought the 505BX (12.1") display, and it was a great performer as well.

But the problem here is that this FRV26 has no Wireless Internet, which is becoming so important these days. Also, it has Shared Video Memory which takes from your 512 MB of memory, leaving you with 448 MB of main memory.

Also, it has no memory stick slot, no floppy drive, and WORST OF ALL, a horrible graphics set with only 1024 X 760 resolution which, although common, is more suitable for a child.

Basically, they stripped it of every bell and whistle to offer it for a cheap(price). It's a good deal, again, if you need business performance, otherwise....