Great value/price notebook for photo and video editing.

This line of Sony VAIO notebooks has Pentium 4 and one of the fastest processors available. 512 M RAM plus a 3.06 GhZ processor and 80 G hard drive allow for extensive use in graphics and photo editing, including large Photoshop files.
It also burns CDs and DVDs (check on the version because the K45 does not burn DVDs) and the total price with rebates is around 1100 USD an amazing price for such a good piece of equipment.

RAM:
The only drawback I found is that both memory slots are used by 256 M each and therefore if one wants to increase memory, one of them must be discarded. However the difference in price makes up for the cost of buying more memory.

Great photo editing capabilities:
I have tried the limits on mine, editing photographic images of up to 40 Megabytes using Photoshop and still didn't manage to reach its limit.

Good desktop replacement:
The screen is bright and wide with 15.4'and a max resolution of 1280*800 and colors are bright and clear. The keyboard is full size, so it's very comfortable for typing too.

Having the fastest processor has its costs:
The laptop larger than the average although it is the standard size for those with processors of more than 3Ghz.
The processor also generates heat and makes it necessary for a fan to be generally working, which to some may be a little annoying, uses up battery after around an hour and a half and it has a huge AC adapter too.
The buyer must measure the benefits of less portability vs better performance... and see whether it is worth the extra weight.

All in all, this is a wonderful notebook for those needing a powerful processor at a reasonable price. If I didn't need portability, I would probably recommend a desktop, but if portability is a must and one is willing to take some extra weight in order to have the best image processing hardware, then this is the way to go.

Communications:
The computer has wireless capability included, 3 USB ports, Firewire port, VGA out, parallel port, RJ-11, and RJ-45, plus a PC Card Type I/II Slot, and 2 memory stick slots. This rates 5 stars in terms of the competing brands.

Overall assessment:
Within its category (fastest processors in the market) this notebook excels in terms of price, quality and design. It is larger than the average laptop as are all laptops with fast processors but has the advantage of VAIO's sleek design to make up for it. You will find very similar computers costing 500 dollars more. It's value is well worth the investment if you need a fast processor for photo or video editing. As for myself, I love it!