Product Description

V517G MT P4/3.0 512MB 200GB DVDRW 17IN WXPH ... Read more

Product Description

Cutting-Edge Sony Media Center! Intel P4 3.4EGHz HT Technology CPU! 1GB DDR, 320GB SATA HDD, DVD Burner! The Sony VAIO VGC-RA830G Digital Studio Media Center was developed with your lifestyle in mind. Providing the multimedia muscle for your next-generation A/V demands, the VAIO VGC-RA830G gives you the power to edit high-definition camcorder video, master your own music recordings, and turn your home movies into high-quality DVDs. The unique liquid-cooling system and advanced noise-reduction technology deliver powerful, reliable performance from an incredibly cool, quiet system. The wireless keyboard, mouse and remote control eliminate cable clutter, and allow you to work from your easy chair. The VAIO VGC-RA830G Digital Studio Media Center lets you turn your living room into a home theater. Bring Sony’s professional audio, video and broadcast expertise directly to your desktop. Now you can create, manage, edit and archive video, music and photos just like a Pro. Capture and edit high-definition camcorder video. Turn your old VHS and 8mm videos into professional-quality DVDs. Watch and record high-quality TV. Master your own audio recordings, or digitize your old records and tapes, with Sony’s original SonicStage Mastering Studio software. The power you need for the most demanding A/V applications. Sony has truly outdone themselves with 320GBs of unimaginably massive hard drive space as a result of two 160GB Serial-ATA 7200RPM hard drives combine ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Nice package
The RA8xxx Series from Sony is very nice.Big plus is the cooling system.The machine is super quiet.The integrated Home Media support is a nice bonus.I don't think I'd want to use one of these as a TiVo replacement but for a home machine it's tough to beat from a combination of style, power, features and performance.

Negatives are the crappy mouse and keyboard and having to burn your own Recovery software.

buyer beware!!
Just bought this yesterday at compusa. Will be taking it back tomorrow morning. This is the 5th computer I have owned and the worse I have ever seen. Sony has allot of wonderful software on this system and impressive 5.1 speakers that come with it. But you are screwed if you have to do a system recovery. Followed the directions and spent 2 hours making recovery disks before putting any of my software on it, only to find out that when it tries to recover your system it prompts you to insert disk #1 and press ok. Guess what? You can't press ok because your wireless mouse and keyboard are no longer functional. And turning off the computer wiped out ALL my system restore checkpoints. So I couldn't even restore to a earlier time. When I tried it again I then got a message that it couldn't locate the recovery partion. And forget about any type of help from the website or the non-existant user manual. The only help they had was to change the batteries in the mouse and keyboard (they already had brand new batteries). ... Read more

Amazon Product Description

The VAIO W Series pioneers new territory in desktop PCs. The all-in-one design makes it ideal when space is hard to find. It covers your computing needs and knows how to entertain, with three different modes to choose from. You can be checking stock quotes on-line one minute, and be digitally recording a football game the next.

  The W700G comes with a 17.5-inch LCD WXGA screen in a compact, all-in-one design.

The Basics Sporting a distinctive style that liberates valuable desktop real estate from annoying cables and wires and clunky computer boxes, the Sony VAIO PCV-V700G is far removed from a typical PC. If space is an issue or you merely need a computer that doubles as a television recorder and multimedia center, you need look no further than this sleek and very unique machine. Unlike standard desktop computers, the VAIO PCV-V700G features an elegant all-in-one design that mates a large 17.5-inch DVD-friendly widescreen display, speakers, and internal components inside a single futuristic module. The system also includes a foldaway keyboard, thereby freeing your work surface from even more clutter. Whether used in the office or in other environments where its massive 200 GB hard disk, DVD burner, and built-in TV tuner might just make your home entertainment center dispensable, the VAIO PCV-V700G is ready for the job. Sound The VAIO PCV-W700G produces sound via an audio chip integrated on the motherboard and two speakers mounted on either side of its display. The system takes advantage of Sony's SRS WOW technology to simulate surround sound. However, if big, room-rattling audio and true surround sound is a requisite, you'll need to purchase a separate amplified speaker system.

Video CPUs are usually so busy doing basic calculations that they need help translating visual output to the screen. This is the duty of the video card (or video controller). The VAIO PCV-W700G features an SIS 651 graphics controller--a chipset that's integrated onto the unit's motherboard and shares 32 MB of the system's main memory. This is not an ideal setup for gamers, video artists, or anyone who needs smooth 3-D graphics. If you require top-level 3-D graphics support, you may be best served by investigating other Sony computers, such as the Media Center series. The built-in 17.5-inch display sports a comparatively large viewing area and a widescreen format well suited to the aspect ratio favored by Hollywood. As such, it's not only great for displaying standard computing tasks, but also for watching DVD movies. Performance The VAIO W Series is quite powerful. With an Intel Pentium 4 2.80 GHz processor and up to 512 MB of RAM, it's more than capable of handling the demands of digital video and Internet downloads. A large 160 GB hard drive comes standard and provides plenty of space for storing digital music and video files or working with multiple applications. This series was created to provide everything needed for home computing and entertainment.

With Giga Pocket software you can record, manage, and play your favorite TV shows anytime.

Hard Drive
The built-in 200 GB hard drive is considered generous in any price range, sporting enough storage space for a massive allotment of files and applications and a huge music or multimedia collection too. Most users will have a hard time ever filling this hard drive.

Optical Drive
An optical drive is essential in today’s computing environment. A CD-ROM drive allows you to install CD-based applications and play music CDs. A CD-RW drive adds CD burning, so you can also back up your important files to long-lasting discs and create personalized music CDs. With a DVD-ROM drive you can enjoy all of the above plus watch the same big-budget DVD movies you watch on your home entertainment system. And with a DVD-RW drive, you can also write home movies and archive files to durable DVDs, which boast more than seven times the storage capacity of CDs.

The VAIO PCV-W700G features a DVD+RW/-RW/CD-ROM drive that's ready for virtually any form of CD or DVD recording or playing.

Operating System and Software
The VAIO PCV-W700G features an impressive software package headed by Microsoft’s Windows XP Home Edition operating system. Sony will also preinstall Microsoft’s Works 7.0 word processing and productivity suite, Adobe's Photoshop Elements 2.0 photo- and graphic-editing application, Sony's Giga Pocket personal video recorder, and an array of multimedia utilities.

Accessories The VAIO PCV-W700G is wonderfully easy to operate via the foldaway VAIO keyboard, optical wired mouse and ultra-convenient infrared remote control. Connectivity and Expansion With four high-speed USB 2.0 ports at your disposal, you’ll have sufficient room for a small batch of plug-and-play gadgets such as printers, scanners, and joysticks. The system also includes an IEEE 1394 FireWire port (commonly used for fast data transfer from digital camcorders), a variety of high-end audio and video connections, and a convenient television tuner. Communication options include an integrated networking interface for Internet and network communication, a V.92 data/fax modem for low-speed dialup connections, and a Sony VAIO 802.11 a/b/g wireless card for wireless networking.

The W700G provides a number of ports for all your expansion and interface needs.

... Read more

Product Description

Sony VAIO RA834G Desktop PC The VAIO® RA834G Digital Studio Desktop Computer was developed with your lifestyle in mind. Providing the multimedia muscle for your next-generation A/V demands, the RA834G gives you more power to edit high-definition camcorder video, master your own music recordings, and turn your home movies into high-quality DVDs1. The unique liquid-cooling system and advanced noise-reduction technology deliver powerful, reliable performance from an incredibly cool, quiet system. The wireless keyboard, mouse and remote control eliminate cable clutter, and allow you to work from your easy chair. ... Read more

Product Description

Cutting-Edge Sony Style & Performance! Intel Pentium 4 3GHz HT Technology Processor! 512MB of DDR RAM, 200GB SATA HDD, DVD+/-RW Dual-Layer Burner! The Sony VAIO VGC-RB30 desktop is ready for your digital lifestyle. Loaded with exclusive Sony software, the VAIO VGC-RB30 will be able to support and grow with your expanding multimedia demands and essential computing needs. Versatile and empowering, the VGC-RB30 lets you create, manage, share and enjoy your digital photos, home videos, movies and music. The massive 200GB Serial-ATA hard drive and 512MB of DDR memory ensure you never run out of room to expand your collection of memories. It's also loaded with software and hardware to help you create professional quality DVDs and CDs with up to 8.5GB recording capacity using advanced DVD+/-RW Dual-Layer technology and Sony Click to DVD software. The sleek design of the VAIO VGC-RB30 will integrate easily into any room, adding style without clutter. Ready for your creativity. The Sony VAIO VGC-RB30 desktop comes loaded with the tools you need to create, manage, share and enjoy your digital photos, home videos, movies and music. Intuitive and versatile, the VGC-RB30 is ready for your digital lifestyle. The power to create professional-quality DVDs is at your fingertips with the Sony Click to DVD creation software. Create or record up to 8.5GB of home videos, movies, TV shows, music or digital photos – up to 4 hours of MPEG-2 video – on one Dual-Layer DVD disc. ... Read more

Amazon Product Description

The BasicsHardcore gamers and people who absolutely must have the most power and finest state-of-the-art amenities that money can buy will want to check out other PCs such as the Sony VAIO VGC-RA826G Digital Studio PC, but everyone else should find the Sony VAIO PCV-RS720G Desktop PC is all the computer they need. Featuring such desirable perks as double-layer DVD burning, built-in TV and video recording and a spacious 200 GB hard drive, the system is especially ideal as the centerpiece of a home entertainment center -- merely add a set of surround sound speakers and a viewing screen and you're good to go. If multimedia is in your future, the VAIO PCV-RS720G is a superb midlevel alternative.

Processor
At the heart of any computer lies the CPU (or processor), a massive collection of miniature transistors that governs the speed and power of the entire unit. For the VAIO PCV-RS720G, Sony balanced speed with affordability by installing an Intel Pentium 4 530. New for 2004, this is one of the recently upgraded series of Pentium 4 chips -- nicknamed "Prescott" -- featuring one full MB of Level 2 cache and a more generous data "pipeline" than prior models. Operating at a speedy but not record-breaking 3.0 GHz and of course sporting Intel's Hyper-Threading technology (Hyper-Threading allows a single CPU system to behave at times as a dual CPU system, thus adding substantially more speed to some high-end applications), this CPU delivers more than enough power for most applications and environments.

Memory
Computers typically store information on their hard drive, but they keep frequently and recently accessed data in Random Access Memory (RAM) for faster retrieval. More RAM means more efficient computing, superior multitasking and less strain on your hard drive. Though some of Sony's pricier units feature a whopping 1 GB of RAM and are therefore ready for anything the future may bring, the VAIO PCV-RS720G sports half that amount, 512 MB. Still, this is a typical allotment for most midlevel and high-end computers, and is certainly enough for most multitasking situations and/or complex applications. Moreover, it's fast PC3200 400 MHz DDR memory, and can be upgraded to a whopping 2 GB.

Video
CPU's are usually so busy doing basic calculations that they need help translating visual output to the viewing screen. This is the duty of the graphics card (or graphics controller). A graphics controller with "dedicated" video memory is preferable to a controller that's integrated on the mainboard and "shares" the system's main memory, as it will better handle complex procedures.

The VAIO PCV-RS720G features a new style of video controller -- a hybrid of sorts between high-end standalone "dedicated memory" cards and less capable integrated "shared memory" controllers. It's called the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900, a module that is indeed integrated on the motherboard but features more refined components. It also commandeers more of the system's main memory -- up to 224 MB -- than traditional integrated controllers. Ultimately, this controller is sufficient for all 2D and most 3D tasks (including most 3D games) and is far superior to a standard integrated controller, though a dedicated video card with 256 MB or more of built-in memory would deliver smoother imaging and more realistic textures in super-high-end applications such as the latest 3D games and 3D animation packages.

Display:
Sony has not included a display screen, thus allowing you to continue using your current monitor or select from today's many alternatives.

Sound
The VAIO PCV-RS720G generates stereo and surround sound via an Intel High Definition Audio chipset.

Hard Drive
The unit's large 200 GB internal hard drive is spacious enough for a massive allotment of files and applications and a comprehensive music, video/photo and multimedia library too. Furthermore, this particular hard drive is exceptionally quick -- sporting a fast 7200-RPM speed, an 8 MB buffer, and a futuristic Serial ATA connection. These are all comparatively recent innovations, each increasing the overall speed and performance of the system.

Optical Drive
An optical drive is essential in today's computing world. A "CD-ROM" drive allows you to install CD-based applications and play music CDs. A "CD-RW" drive adds CD "burning", so you can also backup your important files to long-lasting discs and create personalized music CDs. With a DVD-ROM drive you can enjoy all of the above plus watch the same big budget DVD movies you watch on your home entertainment system. And with a DVD-RW drive, you can also "write" home movies to durable discs and archive files to DVD (DVDs boast more than seven times the storage capacity of CDs).

This unit features two optical drives -- a DVD-ROM drive for playing music and data CDs and DVD movies, and a DVD +/- RW Double Layer Multi-Format drive through which you can not only do everything above but also take advantage of new double layer DVDs (twice the capacity of traditional DVDs). Moreover, this two-drive setup allows you to create extremely fast CD or DVD copies.

Connectivity and Expansion
With no less than seven high-speed USB 2.0 ports, you'll have lots of room for plug and play gadgets such as digital cameras and printers. Sony has also installed an IEEE 1394 "FireWire" port (often used for fast data transfer from digital camcorders), an S/PDIF jack for crystal clear digital audio, two S-Video inputs for lossless digital video, and a memory card reader for uploading data from today's most popular memory cards from devices such as digital cameras, PDAs and more. Communication options include a standard Ethernet LAN interface for fast network and Internet access and a 56K data/fax modem for low-speed dial-up connections

Operating System and Software
The VAIO PCV-RS720G features a software package headed by today's most accepted and commonplace operating system, Microsoft's Windows XP Home Edition. Also bundled with the system is Microsoft's Works 8.0 productivity pack, Intuit's Quicken 2005 New User's Edition financial suite, a half dozen of Sony's own top notch multimedia tools, and several time-limited trial editions of popular security and Internet utilities.

Control
The system includes a VAIO Keyboard and a no hassle PS/2 optical mouse. To help you better operate your system when you can't or don't want to hover over the keyboard, Sony will also enclose a convenient wireless remote control. ... Read more

Product Description

VAIO RB38G Minitower, Intel Pentium 4 Processor 550, 3.4GHz, with Hyper-Threading Technology, 1GB RAM, 250GB Hard Drive, 16X DVD+/-RW and 16X DVD Drives, Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 ... Read more

Product Description

Cutting-Edge Sony Media Center! Intel Pentium 4 3.2GHz HT Technology Processor! 512MB of DDR RAM, 200GB SATA HDD, DVD+/-RW Dual-Layer Burner! The Sony VAIO VGC-RB34G Media Center can handle your professional needs and cater to your digital lifestyle. It comes loaded with exclusive Sony software that allows you to easily create, manage, share and enjoy your digital photos, home videos, movies and music. Convert old VHS and 8mm videos to DVD with Click to DVD software and create an extensive digital library for your personal viewing entertainment. The massive 200GB Serial-ATA hard drive and 512MB of DDR memory ensure you never run out of room to expand your collection of memories. The tools you need for your expanding multimedia demands and everyday computing needs are centralized in one powerful media center machine. The expanded hard drive space and improved memory give you the power to do more, save more, create more. The Sony VAIO VGC-RB34G Media Center comes loaded with the tools you need to create, manage, share and enjoy your digital photos, home videos, movies and music. Intuitive. Versatile. Empowering. Ready for your digital lifestyle. The power to create professional-quality DVDs is at your fingertips. With the Sony Click to DVD creation software and the Dual-Layer DVD+/-RW drive, it’s just one click away. Create or record up to 8.5GB of home videos, movies, TV shows, music or digital photos – up to 4 hours of MPEG-2 video – on one Dual-Layer DVD disc. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

The Sony VAIO PCV-RS530G offers the next step in the home digital media hub with its personal video recording capabilities and built-in DVD+/-RW writer. It also sports tremendous power for high-end multimedia software and PC games. Featuring a fast Hyper-Threaded 3.2 GHz Pentium 4 processor, the PCV-RS530G also offers 512 MB installed RAM, a very generous 160 GB hard drive, and a wealth of digital audio, photo, and video software. With Sony's Giga Pocket, you can record TV programs to the hard drive and save them for later viewing. With Click to DVD, you can import your camcorder's digital video and burn directly to DVD. For a step down in price, the Sony Vaio PCV-RS520 subtracts the personal video recording functions of the PCV-RS530G.

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 3.2 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 512 KB 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-RS530G'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-RS530G (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:

• 7 USB 2.0 ports (3 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
• 2 TV-out (S-Video) (1 front, 1 rear)
• 2 composite video/audio inputs (1 front, 1 rear)
• Stereo (RCA jack) input/output
• Coaxial input
• Multi-format memory card reader that is compatible with CompactFlash (Type I/II), MicroDrive, Memory Stick, and SmartMedia cards.
• 1 headphone jack and 1 microphone jack

Preloaded System and Software
The PCV-RS530G 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 Giga Pocket (Personal Video Recorder), 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-RS530G Digital Studio PC, keyboard, mouse, IR remote control and receiver, 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 (2)

A hidden Gem!
This really is an excellent system. Let me say it again this is a great system when you get it home and see the sum of all its parts. This system has a fast processor,lots of memory,a huge hard drive and tons of goodies that you just wont find on alot of other brand name computers. I really wanted a dell like alot of you. I heard only great things about dell computers. My computer recently died(moment of silence)and I needed a replacement in a hurry for our home business. The dell just took to much time to get, and now that I compare the two I find that I have alot more computer for a much cheaper price. I went to Best Buy and bought the PCV-RS530G and have been on cloud nine ever since. Now I know that I sound like a Sony employee, which I am not,but this system really grows on you as you spend more time with it. The first reviewer got a bad apple, and they are upset but this happen to someone no matter what brand you buy, there will be that one person you hear about that had a terrible time. I felt compelled to write this review because I really feel this is one of the best computers that you can buy for around $1300.00 Its has tons of software for editing photos,making DVD movies,recording tv programs (kinda like a tivo only cheaper)and many other useful programs which I still am exploring. Sony may not be the first brand that you consider when looking for a new PC, but you know what, they always make sound products that last a long time. I am writing this review on my Sony laptop which I have had for 6 years now and you know what? It still works like the day I first bought it. Now the one feature that really make this computer stand out from all the others is the Giga Pocket software. I really like being able to record my favorite TV programs and watching them whenever I am able. I can even archive them to a DVD should I wish. There also is an application included so that you can click on a menu and the software will automatically record the program of your choice from start to finish, with just one click. The video card is a ATI Radeon 9200 which is a good card for most of us, however you die hard gamers will probably want to upgrade to a top of the line card. This system has a DVD+/- Rewritable Drive and a DVD drive for watching your favorite movies and loading software. I could go on and on but please just trust me and go to your favorite computer store (best buy) and play with the system for a few minutes. I am sure that you will be as impressed as I was with my hidden gem. I say this because this system is so new that reviews are unfortunately hard to come by and this system deserves an honest review. Dont believe me? Try to find a system with as much as this system has, and compare prices. I think you will come to the same conclusion I did.

Where do you want to go today? Parts or customer service?
Buying a PC off the shelf is never ideal, but I was stuck, so I bought the best they had, a Sony PCV-RS530G. I like Sony; I keep saying that, not sure why anymore. It has a great processor, adequate RAM, and a so-so video card. The power supply is underpowered and not a standard size. The big problem is the hard drive, it's so slow! It's a Seagate, which makes a very quiet drive, quiet because it barely moves, and Sony makes it all worse with a really odd partition scheme. The drive also features an obsolete 2mb cache and no acoustic management tools; it can't be speeded up. The high end processor and the RAM spend all their time playing solitaire waiting for the hard drive to produce data, it's terrible. No big deal, I bought a new fast hard drive. Before cloning I went to use the back-up utility, and it wouldn't burn the discs: that's right $1,500.00 and you don't get a back-up disc, you have to purchase one, and the onboard Vaio back-up software is useless. I went ahead with the clone, but something went wrong and now I have a brand new $1,500 rectangle; joy. To get a recovery disc I had to go to Sony's parts department, which is a very slow moving place (U.S. based; somehow Sony Japan gets things to me in Maryland, USA within 3 days, Sony U.S. takes weeks), and I ordered what may, or may not be the right one for my dead machine, it only said RS500 series on the site and even that took a lot of searching to find. I'm having it overnighted, it won't speed things up much though. So here I sit, with a ton of work to do and no new PC. The discs have not shipped and nobody has answered my inquiry as to whether I had ordered the right recovery kit. I have had similar experiences with other Sony products recently - it took a long time, but they have finally earned my contempt.
UPDATE 4/29/04: I still hate it. The display drivers keep going south on me. Multiple system wipes, updates, new monitor, new video card, nothing helps. I use my computer to run a business and don't have time for this mess. I have owned PC's made by Gatewy, eMachines, HP, and Acer; this one is the worst. I am giving up and will be buying a new PC from a different company this week. What a complete waste of time and money. ... Read more

Product Description

Cutting-Edge Sony Style & Performance! Intel Pentium 4 3GHz HT Technology Processor! 512MB of DDR RAM, 200GB SATA HDD, DVD+/-RW Dual-Layer Burner! The Sony VAIO VGC-RB31P desktop can handle your professional needs and cater to your digital lifestyle. Microsoft Windows XP Professional Edition gives you the power to create and manage all your data and documents, while the exclusive Sony software will support and grow with your expanding multimedia demands. Versatile and empowering, the VGC-RB31P lets you create, manage, share and enjoy your digital photos, home videos, movies and music. It's also loaded with software and hardware to help you create professional quality DVDs and CDs with up to 8.5GB recording capacity using advanced DVD+R Double Layer technology and Click to DVD software. This powerful tool is housed in the sleek VAIO tower and will integrate easily into any room, adding style without clutter. Ready for your creativity. The VAIO VGC-RB31P desktop comes loaded with the tools you need to create, manage, share and enjoy your digital photos, home videos, movies and music. Intuitive and versatile, the VGC-RB31P is ready for your digital lifestyle. The power to create professional-quality DVDs is at your fingertips with Click to DVD creation software. Create or record up to 8.5GB of home videos, movies, TV shows, music or digital photos – up to 4 hours of MPEG-2 video – on one Double Layer DVD disc. Give new life to great memories by converting your VHS ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

Sporting a distinctive style and a design that liberates valuable desktop real estate from annoying cables and wires and clunky computer boxes, the Sony VAIO PCV-V100G is far removed from the typical PC. The VAIO PCV-V100G features an elegant all-in-one design that combines a 15-inch flat-panel LCD viewing screen, speakers and all internal components inside a single futuristic module. The PCV-V100G also features an 80 GB hard drive, 512 MB of installed RAM, a DVD-ROM/CD-RW combo drive, and a wide array of pre-installed multimedia software--including the Giga Pocket TV recording application.

The Basics

• Hard Drive: Whether used in the office or in other rooms, the 80 GB hard drive(ATA-100 Ultra) is roomy enough for your multimedia needs--from digital audio and images to recorded TV programs.
• Processor: The 2.4 GHz Intel Pentium 4 processor offers enough speed for your work today, though it is at the midrange of speeds for this processor. It has a rather fast front-side bus (FSB) of 533 MHz and a 512 KB L2 cache.
• Memory: The 512 MB of built-in memory (PC-2700, DDR SDRAM) is a good start for power users. It has two memory slots in total, with a maximum memory expansion up to 1 GB (2 x 512 MB).
• CD/DVD Drive: It comes equipped with two drives: a DVD-ROM (8x speed) and a CD-RW for saving data to disc and burning your favorite playlists to CD. The CD-RW drive has 8x write, 4x rewrite, and 24x read speeds.
• Keyboard & Mouse: The system also includes a wireless keyboard and wireless mouse, thereby freeing your working surface from even more clutter.

Connectivity and Expansion Slots
You get a decent (but not overpowering) range of external connectivity options with the PCV-V100G, including:

• 4 USB 2.0 ports (1 in front, 2 in rear) for connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras to MP3 players
• 1 FireWire (also known as IEEE 1394 or i.Link) ports for connecting digital video camcorders and other peripherals
• 1 line in VHF/UHF
• 1 S-Video in
• 2 PS/2 ports for connecting keyboards and mice
• 1 composite A/V in
• 1 headphone jack and 1 microphone jack

Preloaded System and Software
This PCV-V100G comes with the Windows XP Home Edition operating system, and it features Microsoft Works (for working with word processing and spreadsheet documents). Preloaded Sony software includes PictureGear (digital photo), DVgate (digital video), SonicStage (digital music), VisualFlow, DigitalPrint, and Smart Capture. Other preloaded software includes Intuit Quicken 2002, Adobe Photoshop Elements and Acrobat Reader, Norton Internet Security (with 90-day trial), Apple QuickTime, RealNetworks RealOne Player, and CyberLink PowerDVD.

Record and watch your TV programs with the Personal Video Recorder powered by Giga Pocket Engine. With the pre-installed Click to DVD software, you can turn your digital photos into a slideshow and burn it to DVD. You can plug in your analog video source (camcorder or VCR) and transfer video to DVD, or store it on the hard drive as a digital file.

Dimensions and Weight
The compact PCV-V100G measures 15 x 13 x 7 inches (W x H x D), making it the perfect desktop companion. It weighs 16.8 pounds.

What's in the Box
This package contains the Sony Vaio PCV-V100G desktop PC, wireless keyboard and mouse. ... 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

Amazon Product Description

The BasicsTargeting multimedia enthusiasts who relish the thought of manipulating photos, editing home movies, burning and playing digital music and building a library of all of the above, the Sony VAIO VGC-RB42G Desktop PC is in reality a capable and versatile machine ideal for most computing environments. Though it isn't adorned with a top-notch 3D graphics card, the unit does feature a solid processor, excellent optical drive facilities and oodles of data storage space. Serious gameplayers and 3D animators will probably want to add a dedicated graphics card but the VAIO VGC-RB42G is otherwise a strong yet cost-effective choice for those who know they can't quite afford state-of-the-art computing but don't want to settle for middle-of-the-road.

Processor
At the heart of any computer lies the CPU (or processor), a massive collection of miniature transistors that governs the speed and power of the entire unit. For the VAIO VGC-RB42G, Sony balances power with affordability by incorporating an Intel Pentium 4 630. This is one of Intel's recently upgraded Pentium 4 chips, featuring two full megabytes (MB) of Level 2 cache for even faster real world operation than last year's model, which sported an already impressive one MB Level 2 cache. Operating at a snappy but not top-of-the-line 3.0 GHz and of course sporting Intel's Hyper-Threading technology (Hyper-Threading allows a single CPU system to behave at times as a dual CPU system, thus adding substantially more speed to some high-end applications), this CPU delivers enough raw horsepower for most any home, home office, business and entertainment purpose.

Memory
Computers typically store information on their hard drive, but they keep frequently and recently accessed data in Random Access Memory (RAM) for faster retrieval. More RAM means more efficient computing, superior multitasking and less strain on your hard drive. Currently, 512 MB of RAM is considered sufficient for most applications and multitasking situations, though demanding users will want more. Fitted with a full one gigabyte (1034 MB) of high-speed PC3200 400 MHz RAM, the VAIO VGC-RB42G will deliver instant response even when you're running several programs simultaneously.

Video
CPU's are usually so busy doing basic calculations that they need help translating visual output -- particularly the demanding 3D visual output of games and 3D animation packages -- to the viewing screen. This is the duty of the graphics card (or graphics controller). A graphics controller with "dedicated" video memory is preferable to a controller that's integrated on the motherboard and "shares" the system's main memory, as it will better handle complex procedures and display a more sophisticated, smoother image.

The VAIO VGC-RB42G features a relatively new style of video controller -- a hybrid of sorts between high-end standalone "dedicated memory" cards and less capable integrated "shared memory" controllers. It's called the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900, a module that is indeed fitted to the motherboard but features more refined components than older integrated controllers. It also commandeers more of the system's main memory -- up to 224 MB -- than traditional integrated controllers. Accordingly, the system's huge 1 GB allotment of main memory really comes in handy.

Ultimately, this controller is sufficient for all 2D and most 3D tasks (including most 3D games) and is far superior to a standard integrated controller. However, a dedicated video card with 256 MB or more of built-in memory is a smart upgrade if you want to experience a truly smooth frame rate and all the high-end visual effects of the latest, greatest 3D games.

Display
Sony has not included a display screen, thus allowing you to continue using your current monitor or select from today's many alternatives.

Sound
The VAIO VGC-RB42G generates stereo and surround sound via an audio chip integrated on the motherboard. This arrangement doesn't offer the power or the sophistication of a dedicated sound card, but it's more than sufficient for the enclosed set of stereo desktop speakers.

Hard Drive
Hard drives have experienced a real growth spurt in the last year. As such, current mid-priced drives are significantly more spacious than they were even twelve months ago. This system's 250 GB drive is one of the largest currently available and offers more than enough room for a massive allotment of files and applications and a comprehensive music, video/photo and multimedia library too. Furthermore, this particular hard drive is quick -- sporting a fast 7200-RPM speed, an 8 MB buffer, and a cutting-edge Serial ATA connection. These are all comparatively recent innovations, each increasing the overall speed and performance of the system.

Optical Drive
An optical drive is essential in today's computing world. A "CD-ROM" drive allows you to install CD-based applications and play music CDs. A "CD-RW" drive adds CD "burning", so you can also backup your important files to long-lasting discs and create personalized music CDs. With a DVD-ROM drive you can enjoy all of the above plus watch the same big budget DVD movies you watch on your home entertainment system. And with a DVD-RW drive, you can also "write" home movies to durable discs and archive files to DVD (DVDs boast more than seven times the storage capacity of CDs).

This unit features two optical drives -- a CD-ROM drive for playing music and data CDs, and a DVD+R Double Layer/ DVD±RW drive through which you can not only do everything above but also take advantage of new double layer DVDs (twice the capacity of traditional DVDs). Moreover, this two-drive setup allows you to make extremely fast CD copies.

Connectivity and Expansion
Featuring an S-Video input, VGA output, composite audio-video inputs and a coaxial input, the VAIO VGC-RB42G offers all the connectivity you'll need to integrate your PC into your home entertainment world. The system also sports all the latest data connections, including six high-speed USB 2.0 ports (two on the front, two on the rear) for plug and play gadgets such as digital cameras and printers, two IEEE 1394 "FireWire" ports (commonly used for fast data transfer from digital camcorders), and a multimedia card reader for uploading data from today's most popular memory cards. Communication options include a standard Ethernet LAN interface for fast network and Internet access and a 56K data/fax modem for low-speed dial-up connections.

Operating System and Software
Sony will equip the VAIO VGC-RB42G with today's most multimedia-savvy operating system, Microsoft's Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005. Also enclosed are Corel's WordPerfect word processor, Corel's Quattro Pro spreadsheet program, Adobe Photoshop Elements 3.0 image editing utility, and several of Sony's own top notch multimedia tools.

Control
You'll control your system with a VAIO Keyboard and a standard PS/2 mouse. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

Sony's new RA Series of multimedia desktop PCs combine the style and attraction of VAIO with new and unique next-generation features. With an i915P Grantsdale chipset, x16 PCI Express for graphics, and four serial-ATA ports, the RA Series is equipped for a hardware challenge. The stylishly black VGC-RA710G comes complete with a DVD+/-RW drive and a variety of Sony digital media software that makes it easy to burn your home movies and digital audio collections to disc. It also comes preloaded with Sony's GigaPocket software, which enables you to watch and record TV programs right on your PC. Other features include a massive 250 GB hard drive, 512 MB of installed RAM, and a hyper-threaded 3.20E GHz hyper-threaded Pentium 4 processor.

The Basics

• Hard Drive: The included 250 GB Ultra ATA/100 hard drive (7200 RPM) is one of the largest installed drives found on the PC market. It will provide more than enough space to store your favorite TV shows as well as room for recording old VHS tapes.
• Processor: The 3.20E GHz Pentium 4 processor with Hyper-Threading technology (which allows a single CPU system to behave in some aspects like a dual-CPU system) is one of the fastest processors currently available on the market. It's based on Intel's next generation 90 nm process technology, which delivers faster transistors and increases performance. It also has a 1 MB L2 cache and a fast 800 MHz front-side bus speed.

  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.

• Memory: The 512 MB of built-in memory (PC-3200 400MHz DDR SDRAM) is a good start for power users. It has two memory slots in total, with a maximum memory expansion up to 2 GB (2 x 1 GB).
• CD/DVD Drive: It comes with two optical drives: a DVD+/-RW and CD-RW combo drive and a 16x DVD-ROM for playing music and movie discs. The combo drive offers 8x write, 4x rewrite, and 8x read speeds for both +R/RW and -R/RW discs and a 40x write/read and 24x rewrite speed for CD-R/RW discs.
• Keyboard & Mouse: It comes with a Sony Vaio keyboard and optical mouse (with PS/2 connector).

• 7 USB 2.0 ports (3 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 VGA monitor port
• 2 composite video/audio inputs (front and rear)
• Coaxial input (VHF/UHF)
• 2 S-Video (1 front)
• 1 headphone jack and 1 microphone jack
• 1 S/PDIF (Sony/Philips Digital Interface) digital optical connector
• 1 line input/output

Preloaded System and Software
The pre-installed Windows XP Media Center Edition 2004 is essentially Windows XP Professional Edition with a variety of tools to help you to create, organize, and enjoy digital media ranging from music to home movies to photo slide shows--even pause or rewind (up to 7 seconds) FM radio broadcasts. Sony's Giga Pocket built-in software converts TV signals to digital MPEG2 format and lets you watch and record TV programs right on the PCV-620G, watch while you record with the Slip Playback feature, and burn shows directly to DVD. It's also loaded with Sony's Vaio Creative suite of multimedia applications, which includes PictureGear Studio (digital photo), SonicStage (digital music), Sony MovieShaker, DVGate Plus (digital video), VAIO Media (network file sharing), and Click to DVD (for burning DVD discs). Other preloaded titles include a 60-day trial of Microsoft Office, Adobe Premiere, Adobe Photoshop Elements 2.0, Quicken 2004, Norton Internet Security (with 90-day trial subscription), InterVideo WinDVD, and a 90-day trial of AOL.

Dimensions and Weight
This desktop PC measures 8 x 16 x 16 inches (WxHxD).

More Technical Features
The heat pipe advanced cooling system pulls heat away from the CPU, dissipating it through an exchanger, ensuring ultimate performance without the noise or hassle of alternative cooling systems. Noise reduction is at the core of the RÕs design. With impovements in the optical, hard drive, power supply and graphics card, youÕll hardly know it's on.

What's in the Box
This package contains the Sony Vaio VGC-RA710G desktop PC, IR remote control, keyboard, mouse, and set of two speakers.

More About Microsoft Windows XP Media Center

What sets this PC apart is that it is powered by Windows XP Media Center Edition 2004, which offers the features, reliability, and power of Windows XP Professional, plus advanced digital entertainment capabilities. The Media Center interface offers you more types of entertainment to enjoy: TV, Personal Video Recording (PVR), Movies, Music, Photos, Videos, Radio, and DVD. Use the remote control to enjoy from anywhere in your room.

TV & Movies 
Watch TV when and how you want, and never miss a moment of your favorite programs.Pause and rewind live TV. Record a TV episode, series, or category. Automaticallyrecord a personalized selection of TV programs using Keyword Record. Media Centerdownloads the latest program listings for you and even wakes up from power-savingstandby mode to record programs, so you can watch shows on your schedule.
 	 
	Photos & Video
	Easily edit your digital pictures and digital videos, and then launch a dynamic slideshow complete with animated transitions and your favorite soundtrack. While viewing a picture, zoom in to see more detail. You can rotate, correct red-eye, and print your pictures using the remote. Play slide-shows straight from digital storage devices.
 	 
Music & Radio 
All your music is stored in one digital jukebox and using the remote, shuffle your entire music collection according to artist or genre or listen to your tunes through playlists that learn what you like. Tune in FM stations and pause live radio. Full-screen visualizations pulse to the beat of the music. Cool on-screen effects show music information, such as track title, track time, and artist.

... Read more

Product Description

It's your flat-panel LCD TV. It's your high-performance PC. It's all in one. The VAIO V TV-PC brings high-quality television to your desktop computer. Designed to be sleek and modern, yet highly functional, it compliments any room. With the added benefit of Sony creative software, you can create, manage and share digital photos, videos and music. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Gorgeous; must see in person to appreciate.
Is beautiful machine.Fits sleekly into library office or den, and gets comments from everyone.The screen is so bright and rich in colors that people cannot believe it is a computer.Is at same display level to eyes as hdtv lcd quality.Oh yeah, the computer part works great, too.Loaded with real software, and everything runs smoothly the first time.Is real fast.Instantaneous speed.Unreal.Only negative is the high price.Because of the screen aspect ratio, though, get the 20 inch model, not the 17 inch model.The 20 looks like a 17 in person. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

Sporting a distinctive style and a design that liberates valuable desktop real estate from annoying cables and wires and clunky computer boxes, the Sony VAIO PCV-V300G is far removed from the typical PC. The VAIO PCV-V300G features an elegant all-in-one design that combines a 15-inch flat-panel LCD viewing screen, speakers and all internal components inside a single futuristic module. The PCV-V300G also features a super-sized 200 GB hard drive, 512 MB of installed RAM, a DVD+/-RW drive, and a wide array of pre-installed multimedia software--including the Giga Pocket application, which enables you to watch and record TV programs right on your PC.

The Basics

• Hard Drive: The built-in 200 GB Ultra ATA/100 hard drive (7200 RPM) is one of the largest installed drives found on the PC market. It will provide more than enough space to store your favorite TV shows as well as room for recording old VHS tapes.
• Processor: The 2.8 GHz Pentium 4 processor is one of the fastest processors currently available on the market--a definite plus for a video-centric PC. It also has a 512 KB L2 cache and a 533 MHz front-side bus speed.
• Memory: The 512 MB of built-in memory (PC-3200 400MHz DDR SDRAM) is a good start for power users. It has two memory slots in total, with a maximum memory expansion up to 1 GB (2 x 512 MB).
• CD/DVD Drive: It comes with a DVD+/-RW and CD-RW combo drive. The combo drive offers 4x write, 2x rewrite, and 5x read speeds for both +R/RW and -R/RW discs and a 16x write, 8x rewrite, and 24x read speeds for CD-R/RW discs.
• Keyboard & Mouse: The system also includes a wireless keyboard and wireless mouse, thereby freeing your working surface from even more clutter.

Connectivity and Expansion Slots
You get a decent (but not overpowering) range of external connectivity options with the PCV-V300G, including:

• 4 USB 2.0 ports (2 on side, 2 in rear) for connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras to MP3 players
• 1 FireWire (also known as IEEE 1394 or i.Link) ports for connecting digital video camcorders and other peripherals
• 1 line in VHF/UHF
• 1 S-Video in
• 1 composite A/V in
• 1 VHF/UHF in
• PCMICA Type II PC card slot
• 1 headphone jack and 1 microphone jack

Preloaded System and Software
This PCV-300G comes with the Windows XP Home Edition operating system, and it features Microsoft Works 7.0 (for working with word processing and spreadsheet documents). Sony's Giga Pocket built-in software converts TV signals to digital MPEG2 format and lets you watch and record TV programs right on the PCV-300G, watch while you record with the Slip Playback feature, and burn shows directly to DVD. It's also loaded with Sony's Vaio Creative suite of multimedia applications, which includes PictureGear Studio (digital photo), SonicStage (digital music), Sony MovieShaker, DVGate Plus (digital video), VAIO Media (network file sharing), and Click to DVD (for burning DVD discs). Other preloaded titles include a 60-day trial of Microsoft Office, Quicken 2004, Norton Internet Security (with 90-day trial subscription), InterVideo WinDVD, and a 90-day trial of AOL.

Dimensions and Weight
The compact PCV-V300G measures 15 x 13 x 7 inches (W x H x D), making it the perfect desktop companion. It weighs 16.8 pounds.

What's in the Box
This package contains the Sony Vaio PCV-V300G desktop PC, wireless keyboard and mouse. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

The Sony Vaio PCV-RS630G proves that PCs aren't just for spreadsheets any more. A multimedia powerhouse, the RS620G comes complete with a DVD+/-RW drive and a variety of Sony digital media software that makes it easy to burn your home movies and digital audio collections to disc. It also comes preloaded with Sony's GigaPocket software, which enables you to watch and record TV programs right on your PC. Other features include a massive 250 GB hard drive, 512 MB of installed RAM, and a hyper-threaded 3.20E GHz hyper-threaded Pentium 4 processor.

The Basics

• Hard Drive: The included 250 GB Ultra ATA/100 hard drive (7200 RPM) is one of the largest installed drives found on the PC market. It will provide more than enough space to store your favorite TV shows as well as room for recording old VHS tapes.
• Processor: The 3.20E GHz Pentium 4 processor with Hyper-Threading technology (which allows a single CPU system to behave in some aspects like a dual-CPU system) is one of the fastest processors currently available on the market. It's based on Intel's next generation 90 nm process technology, which delivers faster transistors and increases performance. It also has a 1 MB L2 cache and a fast 800 MHz front-side bus speed.

  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.

• Memory: The 512 MB of built-in memory (PC-3200 400MHz DDR SDRAM) is a good start for power users. It has two memory slots in total, with a maximum memory expansion up to 2 GB (2 x 1 GB).
• CD/DVD Drive: It comes with two optical drives: a DVD+/-RW and CD-RW combo drive and a 16x DVD-ROM for playing music and movie discs. The combo drive offers 8x write, 4x rewrite, and 8x read speeds for both +R/RW and -R/RW discs and a 40x write/read and 24x rewrite speed for CD-R/RW discs.
• Keyboard & Mouse: It comes with a Sony Vaio keyboard and mouse (with PS/2 connector).

Connectivity and Expansion Slots
You get excellent range of connectivity options befitting the multimedia tasks associated with the PCV-RS630G, such as three PCI expansion slots (two available), one 8x AGP (accelerated graphics port, available) slot, two 5.25" half-height bays (both occupied), one external 3.5" bay (occupied), two internal 3.5" bays (one occupied), and the following external ports:

• 7 USB 2.0 ports (3 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 VGA monitor port
• 2 composite video/audio inputs (front and rear)
• Coaxial input (VHF/UHF)
• 1 headphone jack and 1 microphone jack
• 1 S/PDIF (Sony/Philips Digital Interface) digital optical connector
• 1 line input/output

Preloaded System and Software
This PCV-RS630G comes with the Windows XP Home Edition operating system, and it features Microsoft Works 7.0 (for working with word processing and spreadsheet documents). Sony's Giga Pocket built-in software converts TV signals to digital MPEG2 format and lets you watch and record TV programs right on the PCV-620G, watch while you record with the Slip Playback feature, and burn shows directly to DVD It's also loaded with Sony's Vaio Creative suite of multimedia applications, which includes PictureGear Studio (digital photo), SonicStage (digital music), Sony MovieShaker, DVGate Plus (digital video), VAIO Media (network file sharing), and Click to DVD (for burning DVD discs). Other preloaded titles include a 60-day trial of Microsoft Office, Quicken 2004, Norton Internet Security (with 90-day trial subscription), InterVideo WinDVD, and a 90-day trial of AOL.

Dimensions and Weight
This desktop PC measures 7.2 x 15.6 x 14.9 inches (WxHxD) and weighs 26.5 pounds.

What's in the Box
This package contains the Sony Vaio PCV-RS630G desktop PC, IR remote control, keyboard, mouse, and set of two speakers. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

SONY DOES IT AGAIN!
I usually do not write reviews, but I am so happy with the PCV-RS630G that I would like to share my enthusiasm.

Most recently I had a Sony Pentium 3 VAIO desktop purchased in 2001 which I felt was ready for replacement.

Unlike the previous reviewer who had problems "out of the box" (which can happen to anyone), my computer purchased at Circuit City was up and running immediately. With previous computers, I was always able to get programs running but often had problems connecting to the Internet. This time, my Earthlink DSL connection worked right away. All my programs loaded properly and ran ok with no error messages. There were a few minor issues using Outlook for sending and receiving e-mail, but Earthlink helped me work them out within five minutes. It was an Outlook issue because I could immediately send and receive e-mail through the Earthlink e-mail program.

The hyper-threading technology seems to be very good since I am able to run many programs simultaneously and do things like anti-virus and spyware checks in the background while doing other tasks without anything slowing down.

Specific points:

I cannot comment about the speakers that come with the PCV-R630G since I run my VAIO through an external audio system. But I can tell you that audio CD's sound crisp and clean so this system must use very good digital converters. DVD's also look top notch using Windows Media. I have not used it yet for burning DVD's.

I cannot make any comments about gaming since I am slightly out of the computer gaming demographic.

So far I have been using this new Sony desktop for two weeks with excellent results. There has not been even one instance of freezing up, or where I have needed to "inform Microsoft of the problem!" Likewise, I have never had to restart the computer other than by choice.

Earlier VAIO's had operating system discs and lots of bundled software. Those days appear to be over. Sony suggests you make a back-up of XP which is probably a good idea, although since I bought Windows XP for my last VAIO, I have XP discs should the need ever arise.

If you use Microsoft Office for Word/Excel/Outlook/Power Point, you will note that you are teased with a 30-day free trial. When you realize you are hooked, you will have to go through a conversion (this is not a religious procedure) to switch from free trial to "I actually now own this expensive Microsoft software!" You can accomplish this online with a "key" to unlock the program. But if you want the packaging, you can simply go to your nearest Staples/Office Depot-type outlet and buy an Office 2003 Upgrade edition which will work. Since this is not backward compatible, you cannot use a previous version of Office (i.e. Windows 2000). You will need to buy an upgrade of Office 2003. But it's worth it. I think it has some nice refinements from Office 2000 and besides, Bill Gates really does need your money.

Also, a new trend seems to be not to include hefty booklets with software anymore. You get the computer (slightly less weight than previous VAIO's in a more compact box), with just basic "how to turn it on" instructions with the advice that you can find anything about the computer's operation at a VAIO website online. XP is already preloaded as are the few other programs and games so you can literally turn the computer on and be ready to roll.

The only part of the design that doesn't thrill me is the design of the CD and DVD trays. It would have been better if you could use the same external button to close the trays which you can use to open them. You have to put just the right amount of pressure on the tray so it closes all the way. On my VAIO, too little pressure will leave the tray partially closed. If you have people using your computer (i.e. tiny tots), make sure you show them how to load the trays and close them because they are a tad fragile.

One last point: I bought the 17" Sony Flat Screen monitor which looks great but does not have the greatest refresh rate (typical of LCD monitors.) I did some research online and found that Hitachi LCD's have a faster refresh rate so I returned the Sony to Circuit City (which charges a 15% restocking fee which I was unable to beat even with a certain amount of begging and groveling and resorting to those "Circuit City has now lost me as a customer for the rest of my life" veiled threats which the store managers probably hear all day long and laught at!) It cost me about $80 for having had the monitor for just ten days. Oh well.

Anyway, I wound up buying a Hitachi CML175SXW 17" LCD monitor online. Unfortunately the Hitachi monitors are not sold at any retail stores. It is, however, the same price as the Sony but I feel a better product. When scrolling, it refreshes better than the Sony so you do not have quite the same blurring issues. This attractive LCD display also comes in 15" and 19" sizes.

All in all, you cannot go wrong with this new desktop from Sony. Highly recommended and I feel well worth the price.

Not as bad...in fact, it is a pretty good system!
RS630G is a new model based on Sony's website. However, in stead of using a 3.4 GHz P4 CPU, it used a 3.2 GHz to bring the price down to compete with other desktops in this category. It supports 2Gb RAM but only has 512 MB installed. The speakers are a pair of cheap ones that might cost $20 if you buy them in a local computer store. Windows XP Home edition also brings down the cost.
Pros:

1. It is a Sony! It comes with good sony software that no other computers can compete -- if you plan to use your desktop computer to do a lot of multimedia project -- this is the machine you can choose. The machine comes with Sony's Giga pocket TV/video recording program; Sony's DV Gateplus video capturing/editing software; Drag'n Drop to DVD and Click to DVD disc authorizing program; Sonicstage music editing and managing program; Picture Gear picture editing and managing program plus Quicken, Microsoft Works suite, and a couple of trial programs such as Internet Security (a terrible program by Symantec) and Microsoft Office Standard version, both are 60 day trial. Compare to former Sony desktops, this one has a lot less application programs, but the ones that come with the computer would be good enough for anyone to complete pretty sophisticated multimedia projects.
2. It comes with a few card reader slots and seven USB-2 slots.
3. Good size hard drive (250 GB) and unlike former Sony desktops, the hard drive was not divided into two partitions.
3. It is fast and quiet.
4. It does not come with a recovery disk, but you can make a set using a simple program that comes with the machine and don't need to buy. You may choose to use CD or DVD for the recovery disk set. I spent about 15 minutes to produce a set using one DVD-R and one CD-R media although the program indicated that the process may take an hour to complete.
5. The ATI Radeon 9200 graphic card has 128 MB video memory, enough for most of the new games.
6. It can be used as a media server, which you can connect to your TV and stereo components.

Cons:

1. There are only two IEEE 1394 ports, one in the front (6-pin) and one (9-pin) in the back. I have yet had a change to test the front one. According to my past experience with Sony VAIO video studios, the front one will not be recognized unless you are hooking up with a Sony DV camcorder and fire up Microsoft Movie maker. This really sucks.
2. The modem port lacks a port to connect the telephone. Usually, the internal modem card should have two ports: line-in and line out to phone, but this one, like Dell machines, only has one port for line in. I don't know how you can connect both your computer and your phone without buying a spliter.
3. This machine is intending to market the Home users, but in fact, it is more suitable for experienced computer users. For example, the machine has a good TV tuner, but unless you use the machine as a media server for your home network, you won't be able to enjoy the TV using its 3x2 inch TV setup window. Sony's RZ series that come with Windows XP media edition might be a better option if you want a better GUI to enjoy TV, VCR, DVD functions.

My machine did not have any problem upon its arrival and I have kept it on for two weeks now and still runs great. Everything has been working.

Some notes for buyers:

1. Delete Microsoft Office Trial Edition before you install one that is not trial, otherwise they may conflict with each other.
2. Delete Internet Security. After 60 days, you have to purchase it anyway. It is cheaper to buy Symantec's Norton Antivirus then get a free personal firewall through www.zonelabs.com. Internet Security is a terrible program if you are using DSL or any home wireless network.
(...)

So disappointed!!! SONY brings me a lot of pain ... ...
Most electronics in my home are from SONY. But, this time I am so disappointed with the purchase at Sonystyle.Com.

1) When I opened the computer, the computer can not be started. I spend much much time to call the custom service. Unfortunately the custom service is very difficult to be reached.

2) It gave a lot of difficulties to return this big stuff. So I decided to send it to a SONY authorized Service Ctr. There is only 1 in Massachusetts. It needs 7 bussiness days to repair - Oh, my god!

3) I spent $2150 for the computer and 19" LCD monitor at sonystyle.com. But, no computer manuals, no software manuals, no recovery discs (you need to buy it!) with the computer. You need to spend much time to call them for every detail.

So bad service, which waste me a lot of time and feeling. I will never buy SONY again. I feel so bad with SONY ... ... SONY brings me a lot pain ... ...

So disappointed!!!
Most electronics in my home are from SONY. But, this time I am so disappointed with the purchase at Sonystyle.Com.

1) When I opened the computer, the computer can not be started. I spend much much time to call the custom service. Unfortunately the custom service is very difficult to be reached.

2) It gave a lot of difficulties to return this big stuff. So I decided to send it to a SONY authorized Service Ctr. There is only 1 in Massachusetts. It needs 7 bussiness days to repair - Oh, my god!

3) Rebate cheating:
(...).

4) No computer manuals, no software manuals, no recovery discs (you need to buy it!) with the computer. You need to spend much time to call them for every detail.

So bad service, which waste me a lot of time and feeling. I will never buy SONY again. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

As part of Sony's "Digital Studio" line of PCs, the new VAIO PCV-RZ44G Media Center Desktop offers high-end performance, exceptional multimedia capabilities and oodles of connectivity options. If you use your computer for state-of-the-art entertainment as well as productivity, the VAIO PCV-RZ44G could be just the ticket.

Just one step down from the exceptional top-of-the-line VAIO PCV-RZ46G, the VAIO PCV-RZ44G is outfitted with a fast 2.8 GHz Intel Pentium 4 processor with Hyper-Threading technology (Hyper-Threading allows a single CPU system to behave in some aspects like a dual-CPU system -- thereby boosting performance during key high-drain procedures such as multitasking), 512 MB of premium PC-2700 333 MHz DDR memory and a blazing 800 MHz bus, the VAIO PCV-RZ44G is ready to blast through all but the most demanding chores. Sony has even addressed the Achilles Heel of many out-of-the-box desktops by integrating a 128 MB nVidia GeForce FX 5200 graphics card with w/TV-Out to handle high-end 3-D games and applications and provide a purely digital link to the new breed of LCD flat-panel monitors.

When it comes to storing and transferring your valuable data, the VAIO PCV-RZ44G has you covered. The system is fitted with a massive 160 GB hard disk for your frequently accessed programs and files, a 3.5-inch diskette drive for older or smaller applications, a 40-speed CD-ROM drive for listening to audio CDs and installing programs, and a DVD-RW/CD-RW drive that allows you to burn audio CDs, archive information, watch the latest Hollywood blockbusters and create your own DVDs. To ensure fast interaction with peripherals such as digital camcorders, scanners and external drives, the system features a total of seven high-speed USB 2.0 ports and a pair of IEEE 1394 FireWire connectors -- one each on the front and rear.

The VAIO PCV-RZ44G sports numerous other amenities, including an S/PDIF output, a coaxial input, a handy VAIO Smart keyboard, a thorough package of business, leisure and entertainment software, and a 2.1 Sony speaker system with subwoofer and desktop satellites. Sony has not included a monitor so users may select a custom display from the many alternatives currently available.

More About Microsoft Windows XP Media Center

What sets this PC apart is that it is powered by Windows XP Media Center Edition 2004, which offers the features, reliability, and power of Windows XP Professional, plus advanced digital entertainment capabilities. The Media Center interface offers you more types of entertainment to enjoy: TV, Personal Video Recording (PVR), Movies, Music, Photos, Videos, Radio, and DVD. Use the remote control to enjoy from anywhere in your room.

TV & Movies 
Watch TV when and how you want, and never miss a moment of your favorite programs.Pause and rewind live TV. Record a TV episode, series, or category. Automaticallyrecord a personalized selection of TV programs using Keyword Record. Media Centerdownloads the latest program listings for you and even wakes up from power-savingstandby mode to record programs, so you can watch shows on your schedule.
 	 
	Photos & Video
	Easily edit your digital pictures and digital videos, and then launch a dynamic slideshow complete with animated transitions and your favorite soundtrack. While viewing a picture, zoom in to see more detail. You can rotate, correct red-eye, and print your pictures using the remote. Play slide-shows straight from digital storage devices.
 	 
Music & Radio 
All your music is stored in one digital jukebox and using the remote, shuffle your entire music collection according to artist or genre or listen to your tunes through playlists that learn what you like. Tune in FM stations and pause live radio. Full-screen visualizations pulse to the beat of the music. Cool on-screen effects show music information, such as track title, track time, and artist.

... Read more

Reviews (7)

Sony TV's can't be beat, but your computers suck
I tend to avoid Sony Computers and External Burners like plague (The the Dream system (5.1DVD/CD player) is an incredible product for the price- and Sony's excellent camera's have the patended night-vision). I've had a alot of problems with my Vaio Tower. It does have every connection imaginable, but it won't run so many non-Sony programs like Stomp Music products, external burners and scanners, and at least 4 DVD importing programs that I tried, I did eventually get Sony's Vegas, but no DVD import, ridiculous. Vegas does work great for editing and other stuff. But alot of irritating things just "happen". I've seen a couple of strange failures in the laptops of people I work with, more so than others at least. There ARE people out there who swear by these, so that may be you too and I'm no guru, but I know a thing or two about computers and I don't like'em at all. Caveat.

Could have been 5 Stars
We read all the customer reviews of this model and many others before deciding on this one. As soon as this machine arrived, I reformatted the HD to make my C drive 40 MB, and then moved My Documents to the D drive, thanks to previous reviewers for those suggestions. Also, another reviewer mentioned having only 4 USB ports, mine has 7.
Probably my biggest issue, which may not affect any other users is the length of the keyboard cable. My previous PC was also a VAIO purchased in 2000, and that cable is atleast 2 feet longer, where's the extra cable? Now my current desk really doesn't work for this PC. On to other issues...
I would have liked to use the Windows Movie Maker with an analog input, I love to make MPGs especially out of my old videos. I was able to route my VCR through my HandyCam, but as soon as you hit the capture key the i.Link makes my cam play the tape in it, which is not the tape I was trying to record. I was able to work around that by using my VCR through my cam and then using DV Gate. While the older version of DV Gate my old PC was alot better than this one, I was able to make AVIs with my VCR. These files run about 100MBs per 30 seconds!! I was then able to export them using DV Gate to my D drive as MPGs knocking that 100MBs down to a more managable 4MBs. With older versions of DV Gate you could just choose MPGs to start with. And my last issue...
In order to use Click to DVD with analog inputs you have to set your TV preference in the Media Center. Since I currently have no plans to hook up cable to this I never did that, but within a half hour of emailing Sony support, I was told to set my cable preference to no TV input. Why, I couldn't tell you, but unless you do that you are not using analog to make DVDs. Over all I have had no real issues with this pc, the software seems to work fine, but I'll imagine 3rd party software to be much better and I may go that route in the future. With out these little issues it could have been 5 stars...

A trick to the small c: drive
At first when I got this Sony computer, I was very dissappointed with the size of the c: drive. I mainly got this sony because I wanted to copy my vhs tapes to dvd. The click to dvd goes through both drives to work and c: did not seem large enough to do this. For reasons that was my own fault, I had to do a full recovery on the computer. To my surprize, while doing the recovery, the computer will ask you what size you want your c: drive to be. You have a choice between 15, 40,80. I choose 40 and am delighted with the results. It did not affect my D: at all and I have plenty of room to run and edit tapes on my click to dvd. Sony really should make this known that you can change the size of the drive. Every since then , all programs run great . the only downsize is that it takes a little longer for the computer to boot up. With how much improvement it has made on the computer, I am willing to wait the extra minute it takes to boot up.

MULTIMEDIA PC
i took a month to go through this computers pros and cons and this is my review.

HARDWARE : this pc has many ports(see technical details), these specs are the at the top. from the editorial review "one step down from the exceptional top-of-the-line VAIO PCV-RZ46G". the hard drive is 160g but 14g is for c:/(if you feel the c is too small backup of your data and put only what you want the hard drive) or like a pc hardware fan said move it over to the d drive.

SOFTWARE : this comes with windows xp(pro) media centre, which is great. you can watch dvd's,tv,play music and videos and even watch a slideshow. the media centre allows you to record live tv and rewind and pause tv just like the tivo.
as for sony software the click to dvd has a simple interface which allows you to customise the menus and chapters(not too much though you can't use your own music and pics),it has creative playcentre which is good for ripping mp3's and drag and drop which allows you to easily burn cd's and dvd's.
i haven't used sonicstage or picturegear studio.
if you want to make vcd's then you'll need to download some programs. as for video editing you get windows movie maker 2.
i had some difficulty when it came to capturing clips but after it seems easy. use click to dvd or wmm2.

OVERALL : this pc is great. if you don't like the software then there are a lot of free choices so start downloading. also the hardware is great. its a sony pc and sony boasts quality and they back it up. that's why it deserves a 5.

Vaio: Style...WITH substance.
VAIO...the name itself is so stylish (check out the history of the creation of the name on Sony's website), one wonders if the computer itself will be as cool. The answer, in short, is: yes, it is, without being embarassingly overpowered (if you are the kind who would feel embarassed by excess). This computer is, in essence, aimed at what used to be called a "prosumer" (someone who wants to do what the pros do but who is paying their own tab and must therefore choose carefully what they buy).

But let's start with the superficial stuff first. Starting on the outside: The case is about three-quarters as high as an older computer tower, and a bit wider. It is mostly dark grey, dull silver on the sides with the word VAIO embossed into it, and with what appears to be (but is not) a black strap pulling tight all around (giving the distinct impression that this computer is so powerful that it needs to be restrained). It is a wonderful case design to see. As far as hearing goes, this machine is very quiet. The back is made almost entirely of perforated metal so there's plenty of air flow, and the fan and power supply are quiet. Indeed what drew me toward the "RZ" series of Vaio rather than the "RS" series of Vaio (with the older style tower case) was that when I viewed each series at a store, I noticed the RS series' side panels actually vibrated from all the noise they produced. The RZ in contrast is more solid and more silent. Behind every door there are audio/video/s-video/firewire inputs, most duplicated on the back of the machine as well. Do you use a Dolby Digital receiver in your room to watch your DVD movies in 5.1 surround? If so, you'll be glad to know that this Vaio has a digital audio out (phono-coax, not optical) that will send the signal along just fine (once you find all the various soundcard settings that you'll need to set to engage it properly). (You'll only need that one audio cable, because both the DVD audio and the computer's own sounds all go through the same way). Alternately Sony also includes a set of presumably so-so speakers, which frankly they shouldn't, considering how many go straight into a landfill. I was surprised that there's only 4 USB2s...6 would have been nice.

On to the interior: professional reviews mention it is cramped inside the unit, but do they mention how easy it is to add a hard drive? The whole drive cage slides out for easy working, and slides back in easy as pie. Maybe that is standard now, but for me, who was upgrading from an older computer, it was fantastic.

My next thoughts are on the computer's ease of use. These thoughts are firmly entwined with how nice Microsoft's XP Media Center operating system is, which is not unique to Sony. If you're coming from an older operating system like Windows98 you'll love the way the new Windows Explorer gives you nice big previews of your files (photos, etc), and you'll hate the way that Microsoft is trying to prevent you from using any customized start-up screens. The general "look" of XP appears to basically be a rip-off of Apple, but with a bit less style. It is still an improvement over Windows98, aesthetically. There's still the usual Windows weirdness afoot, but less of it, and far fewer crashes.

Use the included remote control to fire up the Media Center in the evening to transform your computer into some kind of Tivo-esque dream machine. Very simple set-up, naturally, since all the Media Center functions are meant to be controlled from the remote control. It downloads a free tv schedule which you can use to tell your computer when to record your favorite shows. I've had tv on my older computer but never with this much ease of use. Press the Media Center button again and it all fades away and you're looking at a regular XP computer again.

Now about video editing and DVD authoring: This can do it all, but to do it well you probably won't want to use the bundled software Sony included, which hasn't won any raves (but is not impossible, as one review suggested). If you supply the better software, for example Sonic DVDIt or Adobe Encore, this Sony's hardware will serve it well.

One complaint about the way the system is set up: As delivered, the My Documents folder resides on the C drive. The hard drive arrives partioned into two parts - C and D. But C is tiny - it has just enough room for a variety of programs and the operating system. To have the My Documents folder there is stupid, considering that people who buy multimedia oriented machines tend to have voluminous collections of images, mp3s, etc.. So before you start compiling all your photos and documents and so forth, first thing you should do - and which Sony should have done for you - is to click on My Documents and opt to MOVE the My Documents folder to the larger D drive. Having done that, the computer is pretty much all set. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

The Sony Vaio PCV-RZ56G is a full-fledged desktop PC--but it's also a television, a DVD player, an FM and Internet radio, and a personal video recorder. It's powered by the Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2004 operating system (compatible with cable, digital cable, satellite TV, and antenna), and it features a 3.4 GHz Pentium 4 processor (with Hyper Threading technology), super-sized 250 GB hard drive, and 1 GB of installed memory.

The Basics

• Hard Drive: The massive 250 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 3.4 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 is well suited for high-performance gaming and professional-quality image, audio, and video editing. It also has A 512 KB L2 cache and an 800 MHz front-side bus (FSB).
• Memory: The PCV-RZ56G comes with a 1 GB built-in memory (2 x 512 MB DDR SDRAM, 400 MHz), which is definitely suited to this PC's high-performance video and audio capabilities. The motherboard has a maximum memory expansion of 2 GB.
• CD/DVD Drive: The PCV-RZ56G has two optical drives. The DVD-/+RW drive is compatible with both DVD-RW and DVD+RW discs as well as CD-RW. Both DVD-RW and DVD+RW discs write at 8x, rewrite at 4x, and read at 8x. Additionally, it comes with a CD-RW drive with 40x write/12x rewrite speeds.
• Keyboard & Mouse: It comes with a Vaio keyboard and optical mouse (PS/2).

Sound is delivered via a Creative Sound Blaster Audigy audio card, which delivers high-quality 5.1 channels of digital surround sound. The newer Audigy 2 card has 24-bit, 96 Hz recording capability and is preferred for professional-quality audio recording.

Connectivity and Expansion Slots
The PCV-RZ56G has three PCI expansion slots (none available), one AGP (accelerated graphics port, occupied) slot and the following external ports:

• 7 USB 2.0 ports (3 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 VGA/DVI monitor port
• Multi-format memory card reader that is compatible with CompactFlash (Type I/II), MicroDrive, Memory Stick, and SmartMedia cards.

Preloaded System and Software
The pre-installed Windows XP Media Center Edition 2004 is essentially Windows XP Professional Edition with a variety of tools to help you to create, organize, and enjoy digital media ranging from music to home movies to photo slide shows. Additionally, it enables you to control your television with the included remote and record and pause programs (much like a DVR--or digital video recorder--such as TiVo or ReplayTV). You can even pause or rewind (up to 7 seconds) FM radio broadcasts.

Record and watch your TV programs with the Personal Video Recorder powered by Giga Pocket Engine. With the pre-installed Click to DVD software, you can turn your digital photos into a slideshow and burn it to DVD. You can plug in your analog video source (camcorder or VCR) and transfer video to DVD, or store it on the hard drive as a digital file.

Other preloaded software includes Adobe Premiere LE, Adobe Photoshop Elements, Sony Screenblast Acid, Sony Screenblast Sound Forge, Microsoft Works 7.0, Microsoft Office 2003 (60-day trial), InterVideo WinDVD, and Intuit Quicken 20042 New User Edition.

Dimensions and Weight
It measures 7.75 x 15 x 15.4 inches (W x H x D) and weighs 30.86 pounds.

What's in the Box
This package contains the Sony VAIO PCV-RZ56G Digital Studio PC, speakers (stereo) w/subwoofer, IR remote control and receiver, IR blaster, VAIO keyboard, and PS/2 optical mouse.

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.

More About Microsoft Windows XP Media Center

What sets this PC apart is that it is powered by Windows XP Media Center Edition 2004, which offers the features, reliability, and power of Windows XP Professional, plus advanced digital entertainment capabilities. The Media Center interface offers you more types of entertainment to enjoy: TV, Personal Video Recording (PVR), Movies, Music, Photos, Videos, Radio, and DVD. Use the remote control to enjoy from anywhere in your room.

TV & Movies 
Watch TV when and how you want, and never miss a moment of your favorite programs.Pause and rewind live TV. Record a TV episode, series, or category. Automaticallyrecord a personalized selection of TV programs using Keyword Record. Media Centerdownloads the latest program listings for you and even wakes up from power-savingstandby mode to record programs, so you can watch shows on your schedule.
 	 
	Photos & Video
	Easily edit your digital pictures and digital videos, and then launch a dynamic slideshow complete with animated transitions and your favorite soundtrack. While viewing a picture, zoom in to see more detail. You can rotate, correct red-eye, and print your pictures using the remote. Play slide-shows straight from digital storage devices.
 	 
Music & Radio 
All your music is stored in one digital jukebox and using the remote, shuffle your entire music collection according to artist or genre or listen to your tunes through playlists that learn what you like. Tune in FM stations and pause live radio. Full-screen visualizations pulse to the beat of the music. Cool on-screen effects show music information, such as track title, track time, and artist.

... Read more

Reviews (3)

Sony VAIO PCV-RZ56G
My god this computer is probably the most powerful one out there. Listen up people if you love to take pictures and love editing them but think that it is getting too hard on your old computer? This is the one to go with. It has digital editing software that you can transfer your pictures from your memory stick (Sony) and see them on your desktop. This is running at Pentium 4, 3.4GHz Processor. That is the fastest processor out for Windows so far. I bought this computer a couple of months ago and I am enjoying every second of it. I have high speed internet and it probably goes to the website in one or two seconds! If you do a lot of word processing you should get Microsoft Office Professional Edition 2003 because this computer doesn't come with any good software. Some things I love about this computer is the RAM. 1024GB RAM is a huge amount and the Hard Drive is 250GB which is also humungous. The DVD+RW is the best thing to have. If you have kids who play around with your DVDs or pets that drool all over them. With a DVD Burner you can record a DVD onto another disc so it stays in good shape. But don't go to video rental stores and burn any DVDs because the police will fine you huge amounts of money. I have three of these systems with 21" Flat-Panel display from Sony too. That's the only thing you really have to buy is a display. Sony makes the best displays. I have everything from Sony. And I think you should start too. This computer will probably last you 10-20 years, if you keep it in good shape.

Speed: 10/10

Storage: 10/10

Software: 8/10

Graphics: 10/10

Some people shouldn't buy this computer because they don't use it that much.

P.S. This computer comes with Hyper Threading technology which is when you can run more than one thing at once without slowing down your computer at all. This is one of the best things computers come with these days. For this price you can't deny how good this computer is.

An incredible machine
This computer will pretty much blow away any other computer you can buy. Well, if you look around real hard, you might find a custom built computer with tweaked memory settings, but it won't be as stable and reliable as this machine. And unlike Apple, Sony doesn't cut corners on the graphics. Pick out the newest 3D game out there and this machine will eat it for breakfast. (Note: it has a ATI Radeon 9600XT, the tech notes on Amazon are a little confusing on this point.)

But to me the best thing is the 3.4GHz HT CPU. The "HT" means it supports Hyper-threading, which is a fancy way to say it can run two software threads at the same time. No other CPU in the consumer market can do that. I have a 3GHz HT cpu, and I love the fact that while I am doing something that takes a few minutes (like writing out a movie or burning a CD), I can go off and surf the web or play a game and never notice a slow down. It's almost a good as having 2 CPUs, except at a fraction of the price.

Sure, a computer at this level may cost a little more, but the way I see it is why sit around waiting for your computer to do things? With this computer you get your time back. For me that's worth a few extra bucks.

Top notch system
This is a top notch desktop. I bought mine with a 19 inch flat screen Sony monitor. Out of the box, it took me less than half an hour to set up. Also, it integrated fine with both my Router and my Digital Cable service. With the processing power and HD size a lot of nice options become available to you. Record your favorite TV programs, and watch them as you please. Picture and DVD editing are a breeze, though I would recommend upgrading to Adobe Premier Pro. I like iTunes and with the two speaker sub woofer system you have a great medium to store and run your favorite songs. Gaming is good for this system too, and applications like Office will run with no problems. Overall this is a very good Media Center desktop PC. ... Read more