Reviews (12)

A 5-star product in its class
A friend of mine from Minnesota bought it for me at a local shop and I got it here in Romania in mid December. I think the new Intel Pocket Digital PC Camera launched November 2001 at $... on Intel Direct Shopping site is a real wonder in its category. 16 Mb internal memory, plus expansion slot for Smart Media cards up to 128 Mb, buit-in flash and microphone (and speaker to hear click sounds during operation), two aperture lens (f2.8/f8.0), automatic or manual white balance control, USB connection to PC, fantastic software. The camera comes with a stand to fit on the computer, strap and traveling case. While connected to PC via USB to download pictures or be used as webcam it does not need battery power. Four AAA normal or alkaline batteries are required only when camera is used away from your PC as a digital still camera. Since there is no LCD screen on the back of the camera (in my view an extravagance anyway) to focus or preview shots, the battery life is amazing. I just replaced the original 4 (regular) batteries after emptying twice the 16Mb memory full of snapshots, most of them with flash! Nifty resolution and storage capabilities for a camera in this category: 256 pics at 640x480, or 96 pics at 1024x768, or 14 pics at 1280x960 (or combinations thereof). It can also accomodate 1 minute stored video with audio or 1 hour voice recording! Excellent webcam too. Vivid colors and working great with Yahoo Messenger, Camarades.com (have not yet tried the supplied software for Inetcam.com services). The included Intel Create and Share software is very imaginative and entertaining. The image editor program is called MGI PhotoSuite 4 Special Edition, but have had no patience to learn how to use it. I'm being faithful to my Corel Photo-Paint 10 that does the job just fine :). Although the camera appears to be in stock at major US online shops (....), it's a pitty the info provided on those sites is incomplete or incorrect and there's not even a product picture shown. Also, not selling in Europe yet, so I'm probably the first lucky European owning this pocket-sized rarity :). All in all a great buy, wholeheartedly recommended.

A Very Good Inexpensive Camera
I came across it from reading its review on a computer magazine and everything it said is true. Works fine with me. Very portable. When my wife gave birth to our second baby (my first boy!), I took my baby's first pictures (from the hospital) with it and immediately send it to my sister on the other side of the country via email. She was excited and very happy to see them. The pics came out very fine. Before, I made a video postcard for her son's birthday with the software that came with it and he never stops playing it again and again. My work (in the middle east) keeps me away from my family (in the Philippines) most of the time and communicating with them via video e-mails and video conferencing using this pc camera helps ease a little bit of the pain of not being there with them always. It is compact enough to fit almost anywhere in my bag/pocket. The software that came with it is okey, with games, photo editing etc. The model I got doesn't have a flash so I would have given it 5 stars if it had one. For me its The Family PC Camera For The Novice.

Best Camera I have found for the money
This camera for the monies spent is 10 times what I had anticipated but should have known better. Seeing what Intel has done with the Pentium Four, I would have expected none the less. I only wish that Intel gets back into manufacturing cameras again. It is a fantastic Web Camera with sound, it is a great recorder of sound and WOW to the concept of digital video making. It's the best investment I have made next to purchasing my home and my automobile.

Awesome camera, even for the photographic enthousiast
I just went to hawaii about 3 weeks ago and took my handy Intel camera with me. I set the camera on medium (so i could take a LOT of pictures) and it took the most beautiful pictures imaginable. Armed with 2 - 128mb smart media cards and the on board, i could take around 1700 pictures if i ever so desired.
I ended up taking about 250 picutres and about 25 videos.
the picture quality is EXCELENT and the videos are very smooth AND HAVE SOUND.

very highly recommended

great for non-techies
This is the perfect item for the average, non-technical person who just wants to take pictures to keep or send by computer to friends. It's simple to install and use and there's tons of great stuff in the program to play around with. I recommend it highly for people who don't want to get swamped with technicalities or complicated computer manipulation. It's simple, it takes great pictures and it's inexpensive. Great for beginners and amateurs like me. ... Read more

Product Description

The Intel Wireless Gateway combines an access point, router, and firewall into one low-cost device. To save money and share one DSL or cable modem among 32 users, use the Wireless Gateway, since it acts as the entrance and exit to the outside world, and can manage communications from multiple PCs. Intel's Gateway allows instant connectivity right out of the box. Set-up can be done in less than a minute, since it is optimized to work with Intel PRO/Wireless PC Cards. It also easily connects to other vendor's Wi-Fi cards. A wireless network pushes data at speeds up to 11 Mbps. This means rapid access to the Internet, printers, and other network-based resources. Intel Wireless Networking products are based on the IEEE 802.11b standard (certified products carry the Wi-Fi emblem). This lets you mix-and-match with network components from other Wi-Fi vendors. And future standards-compliant products will play nicely with existing equipment - helping to protect and extend the life of technology investments. ... Read more

Features

• Create a network over your existing phone lines
• Share files and printers, even surf the web from any computer on the network
• Features USB-connectivity, Internet sharing capability, and speeds of 1 Mbps
• Includes a 3-year warranty and 90-day free technical support
• One adapter required per computer; compatible with other AnyPoint Phoneline Home Network models

Product Description

The Intel PRO/1000 Gigabit Server Adapter provides a high-bandwidth server solution for upgrading Ethernet and Fast Ethernet infrastructures. Its highly integrated Intel-designed LAN controller and 32- or 64-bit PCI interface provides leading-edge performance through an array of advanced features, such as IP checksum offloading and an advanced PCI command set. The adapter is based on Intel's 82542 Gigabit Ethernet Controller, one of the most highly integrated Gigabit controllers on the market today, combining the media access controller (MAC), on-board RAM, and a high-performance 64-bit PCI interface into a single device. In addition, Intel has teamed with Compaq Computer, the industry leading server manufacturer, to deliver the highest possible performance, system compatibility, and server up-time with features like PCI Hot Plug and Intel's Adapter Fault Tolerance. The PRO/1000 Gigabit Server Adapter support IEEE 802.1p and 802.1Q standards. These standards help consolidate, control and maximize network traffic. When combined with features such as fault tolerance, link aggregation and redundant power supplies, Intel's Gigabit solution helps to ensure network connectivity to ''mission critical'' applications. The Intel Gigabit product family provides a comprehensive solution for network administrators seeking to deliver cost-effective, balanced computing performance across entire networks. ... Read more

Features

• Industry-leading Gigabit performance for servers and workstations
• Fully compatible with existing 10/100 networks
• Easy migration to faster networks
• Scalable to 16 Gbps with a capable switch
• Optimizes server bus performance

Features

• Create a network over your existing phone lines
• Share files and printers; even surf the web from any computer on the network
• Features PCI-connectivity, Internet sharing capability, and speeds of 10 Mbps
• Includes a 3-year warranty and 90-day free technical support
• One adapter required per computer; compatible with other AnyPoint Phoneline Home Network models

Reviews (1)

Good for the home
If you don't want the wires or have the knowledge to put in a network system, then this is a great program. you are capable of accesing files folders form another computer in the home. No more fighting over who uses the internet fist, because both computers can be online at the same time. Great product! ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

The Sony VAIO PCV-RS520 offers everything you need to wrangle your multimedia collection, as well as tremendous power for high-end multimedia software and PC games. Featuring a fast Hyper-Threaded 3.0 GHz Pentium 4 processor, the PCV-RS520 also offers a built-in DVD+/-RW writer, 512 MB installed RAM, a very generous 160 GB hard drive, and a wealth of digital audio, photo, and video software. With Click to DVD, you can import your camcorder's digital video and burn directly to DVD. For a step up in price, the Sony Vaio PCV-RS530G offers a PVR function that you can hook up to your TV to record programs.

The Basics

• Hard Drive: Though it's not the largest on the market, the large 160 GB Ultra ATA/100 hard drive (7200 RPM) offers a wealth of storage for all your media storage--from digital audio to TV programs.
• Processor: The 3.0 GHz Pentium 4 processor with Hyper-Threading technology (which allows a single CPU system to behave in some aspects like a dual-CPU system--see more in Tech Talk section below) is one of the fastest processors currently available on the market. It also has a 1 MB L2 cache
• Memory: The installed 512 MB of RAM (400 MHz DDR SDRAM) is sufficient for starting out, but you'll want to add more memory power to take full advantage of the PCV-RS520's multimedia capabilities (it's expandable to 2.0 GB). It also has an FSB (front-side bus) speed of 800 MHz.
• CD/DVD Drive: It is equipped with a combo DVD+/-RW and CD-RW drive. For DVD-RW discs, it has a 4x write/2x rewrite/2x read speed, while for DVD+RW discs it has a 4x write/2.4x rewrite/2.4x read speed. For CDs, it has a 16x write/10x rewrite/32x read speed.
• Keyboard & Mouse: It comes with a Sony Vaio keyboard and mouse (with PS/2 connector).

Connectivity and Expansion Slots
You get a wide range of connectivity options with the PCV-RS520 (including a floppy disk drive), such as three PCI expansion slots (one available), one 8x AGP (accelerated graphics port, occupied) slot and the following external ports:

• 8 USB 2.0 ports (4 in front, 4 in rear) for connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras to MP3 players
• 2 FireWire (also known as IEEE 1394 or i.Link; 1 4-pin in front and 1 6-pin in back) ports for connecting digital video camcorders and other peripherals
• 1 parallel port for connecting older printers and scanners
• 2 PS/2 ports for connecting keyboards and mice
• 1 RGB monitor port
• 1 headphone jack and 1 microphone jack

Preloaded System and Software
The PCV-RS520 comes with the Windows XP Home Edition operating system, and it also features Microsoft Works (for working with word processing and spreadsheet documents) as well as a 60-day trial for Microsoft Office 2003. Preloaded Sony software includes Click to DVD (DVD creation), PictureGear Studio (digital photo), DVgate Plus (digital video), SonicStage (digital music), and VAIO Media (Network file sharing). Other preloaded software includes InterVideo WinDVD, MoodLogic 2.5 Trial, Intuit Quicken 2004 New User Edition, Adobe Acrobat Reader, Apple QuickTime, RealNetworks RealOne Player, Norton Internet Security (90-day trial).

Dimensions and Weight
It measures 7.2 x 15.6 x 14.9 (W x H x D) and weighs 26.5 pounds.

What's in the Box
This package contains the Sony Vaio PCV-RS520 Digital Studio PC, keyboard, mouse, and set of two speakers.

Tech Talk
Hyper-Threading: A Hyper-Threading processor helps a PC to run multiple demanding applications at the same time. This technology enables the processor to execute two threads (a part of a program) in parallel, boosting performance during key high-drain procedures. This results in more efficient software performance (such as faster reaction times in gaming applications) and enhanced multitasking. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Some comments on Sony RS520
I purchased this computer one week ago. It works well so far. I have the following supplemental comments to previous reviews:
1. There is indeed NO recovery CD coming with the computer. However, SONY allocates a diagnostic partition on the hard drive for the backup. You can easily use the included recovery software to reinstall the whole system or create you own recovery disks (9 CDs or 1 DVDs+1 CDs). I am quite happy with this feature since it is more convenient and gives you more options.
2. There is NO DVD decoder in the pre-installed system. So you have to buy one.
3. Most pre-installed softwares are trash.
4. It is FAST and QUIET.

Great But It Has a Few Glitches
I bought this computer 10 days ago, and here are what I like and don't like:

What I like
===========
1. Fast, very fast - It speeds up everything on my computer, especially my graphics editing program.

2. Quiet - Unlike my previous HP, this computer is very quiet. The sound is also quite soothing.

What I don't like
=================
1. The modem has only one port. This is hard to believe because every modem on the market has two ports. Why two? Because I need the other one for auto-dialing my phone. I had to buy a new modem. Fortunately, it's quite inexpensive these days. I paid just $15 for a name brand.

2. The default hard drive partitions are C and D. Sony is dumb enough to put just 10 GB on C drive. Why?????? So I have to reformat the whole thing. Fortunately, the computer allows you to set partition easily. I gave 80 GB to each drive.

3. Unlike my previous HP and my Dell laptop, this computer does not let you play any movie. I got an error from the preinstalled DVD playback program. So I used the Intervideo program provided by Dell, and it worked. If you don't have the program, you would need to buy one.

If I could wait, I would have bought a Dell. But I couldn't. :(

Absolutely Incredible!
I bought this computer after buying my RS-310 about a year and a half ago. This computer is EXTREMELY fast and has many extra goodies like the capture card. The only thing i hate is that no Windows CD came with it, no backup cd and it came with software that is garbage. It didnt even come with microsoft office, it came with microsoft works which is a very low-budget version of office. Apart from that, this computer is very good and is recommended to new owners or people who just need a new computer!

Sony does video
I just have one thing to say: thank you Sony for putting a decent video card in this system. Nobody, not even Apple puts good video cards in retail computers (even high-end systems). They think the retail market is price driven so they cut every corner they can. The 128MB 9200 is a very good card. I hope other companies follow through. Otherwise companies like Dell are going to drive them all out of business.

I love mine
I ordered this exact system and I've had it about 3 weeks. No problems, easy setup, and man it screams. All the things I wanted to add to my old system are on this one. With Hyper-threading I can suft the web while I burn cds. No matter what system you buy, make certain it has hyper-threading!!! ... Read more

Product Description

Intel PRO/100+ Desktop Adapters improve network response with standards-based technologies that let you choose how to manage and speed traffic. ... Read more

Features

• Interface: PCI
• Data Transfer Rate: 10Mbps
• Data Transfer Rate: 100Mbps
• Port Type: RJ-45
• Number of Ports: 1

Reviews (2)

AAA KILLER
Prepare to replace the batteries(3AAA) every 2 weeks !

Battery eater
I liked this mouse a lot when I first got it, but it consumes batteries about every two weeks or so. It's getting expensive to maintain and recently (I've had it about six months) it's been sticking and acting up, even after cleaning and I have to pick it up and move it around it a lot to "unstick" it. I also have the keyboard, which has been fine - not a single problem, and I think I've only needed to change those batteries once or twice, but the mouse consumes A LOT of batteries. I am going to move on to an optical wireless mouse. ... Read more

Product Description

For customers who want basic, high-speed connectivity, the Intel PRO/100plus Adapter provides peak performance and leading reliability in a non-managed card. It includes a full driver suite that is backwards compatible with existing Intel PRO/100 desktop adapters - so the new drivers will support your installed base. Adaptive Technology is a silicon-based solution that optimizes adapter performance based on your existing network environments. In addition, packet spacing is increased to reduce collisions when traffic is heavy and decreased when traffic is light for optimal throughput. Adaptive Technology also enables easy software upgrades to the adapter microcode. This can increase adapter longevity by upgrading operation at the silicon level without costly hardware upgrades. ... Read more