Sony VAIO PCV-RS410 Desktop (2.66-GHz Pentium 4, 256 MB RAM, 120 GB Hard Drive, DV+RWCD-RW Drive)

Features of Sony VAIO

• Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor 2.66 GHz

• Microsoft® Windows® XP Home Edition

• 256MB PC-2100 266MHz DDR

• 120GB 7200 RPM Ultra ATA/100 Hard Drive

• DVD ± RW / CD-RW Multi Format Drive

As the entry-level model in Sony's 'RS' series of Digital Studio Desktops, the Sony VAIO PCV-RS120 Desktop delivers everything a multimedia fan could want, including CD and DVD burning capabilities and adequate speed for most tasks. Anchoring the unit is a potent 2.66 GHz Intel Pentium 4 CPU with Hyper-Threading technology (Hyper-Threading is a new Intel-developed process that allows a single CPU system to behave in some aspects like a dual-CPU system –- thus boosting performance during key high-drain procedures such as multitasking). Sony has taken a cost-conscious approach with the rest of the powerplant, adding just 256 MB of moderately fast PC-2100 266 MHz DDR RAM memory and an integrated Intel 845GV graphics controller with 64 MB of shared (not dedicated) video memory. This setup is fine for general personal and professional activities, though gamers playing the most recent and demanding 3-D titles should upgrade the graphics chipset. Likewise, power multitaskers and businesspeople may need to upgrade the RAM memory, though the unit's sophisticated Hyper-Threading CPU should at least somewhat offset any insufficiencies. The VAIO PCV-RS410 Desktop features several data storage options, including a massive 120 GB 7200 RPM hard disk, a handy 3.5-inch diskette drive for smaller backups and older programs, and an extremely versatile DVD-RW/-R/CD-RW drive through which you can burn and play audio CDs, archive information, watch the latest Hollywood blockbusters and turn your home movies into DVDs. To ensure fast interaction with peripherals such as digital camcorders and cameras, scanners and external drives, Sony has added four high-speed USB 2.0 ports and two FireWire ports, one on the rear and another at the front. Other desirable amenities include a 10Base-T/100Base-TX Fast Ethernet connection, a low-speed dial-up v.90 modem, a pair of small desktop speakers, a user-friendly VAIO keyboard, and a PS/2 wheel mouse. A display screen is not enclosed, thus allowing you to utilize your current monitor or select from the many alternatives currently available. Bundled software includes Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition, Microsoft Works 7.0, Intuit Quicken 2003, and oodles of Sony's own multimedia utilities.

________________________________________________________________________

Sony VAIO Customer Review(s):

Summary: Great mid-range computer
Rating: 5 (out of 5)
Comment: A very good mid-range computer. Sony puts a lot into quality and stability. It's a great entertainment computer, with a nice big HDD and a fast CPU. If you want to play 3D games you might want something with more graphics memory (or throw in a new graphics card for fifty bucks and you are set).
.........................................................................................................................................................................

Summary: Suits my Photoshop and Video needs just fine!
Rating: 4 (out of 5)
Comment: It's fast, quiet and the DVD burner is quick. I have no problem working with huge photo files in Photoshop CS, nor making home DVDs from my miniDV camera. The hard drive is HUGE! I did upgrade the memory to 1 Gig though...My ONLY complaint is the dinky speakers (and sound card) it came with.
.........................................................................................................................................................................

Summary: NOT a happy camper...
Rating: 1 (out of 5)
Comment: I expected a whole lot more from Sony than what I received on this model (especially since it wasn't cheap)! I bought this computer brand new 6 months ago. The first thing I really didn't like about it was the very weird dying cat sound it makes about every five minutes. The reason for the 1 star on this review though is the fact that it started crashing a month ago. It will crash up to 10 times UPON startup, crash during programs or internet browsing. It will crash whenever it feels like it. This is not due to a virus or a program but a defective processor. I have done a full system recovery on this machine twice which did not fix the problem (and also proves that it is a physical problem, not program related). When I called Sony's customer support they absolutely did not want to believe it was defective, rather it was something caused by a program. Now I am left to PROVE to them that it's defective and broken so I can get repairs done under warranty. What a pain! I am not a computer wiz, but it's a good thing I am not totally ignorant on computers or I would be up the creek without a paddle. This isn't over yet, wish me luck.
.........................................................................................................................................................................

Sony VAIO PCV-RS410 Desktop (2.66-GHz Pentium 4, 256 MB RAM, 120 GB Hard Drive, DV+RWCD-RW Drive) | Site Map