Sony VAIO PCV-RS430G Desktop (2.80-GHz Pentium 4 (Hyper-Threading), 512 MB RAM, 120 GB Hard Drive, DVD+RWCD-RW Drive )

As the high-end model in Sony’s 'RS' series of Digital Studio Desktops, the Sony VAIO PCV-RS430G delivers everything a multimedia fan could want, including CD and DVD burning capabilities, television recording, and enough power for virtually any application. Gamers playing the most recent and most demanding 3-D titles may want to upgrade the graphics card, but most users should find the VAIO PCV-RS420 more than satisfactory. Anchoring the unit is a powerful 2.8 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 added 512 MB of fast PC2700 333 MHz DDR RAM and an ATI Radeon 9200 graphics card with 64 MB dedicated video memory and a DVI output for optimum connection with flat-panel LCD displays. The VAIO PCV-RS430G 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/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, scanners and external drives, Sony has added seven high-speed USB 2.0 ports and two i.Link FireWire ports. The unit also incorporates Sony’s proprietary Giga Pocket Personal Video Recorder, an VCR-like application that converts television picture signals into MPEG2 data and thus allows users to record and later watch standard broadcast programming via the computer. Other desirable amenities include a 10Base-T/100Base-TX Fast Ethernet connection for fast networking and Internet speeds, a low-speed 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 Works 7.0, Intuit Quicken 2003, and oodles of Sony multimedia utilities.

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Sony VAIO Customer Review(s):

Summary: Extremely pleased
Rating: 5 (out of 5)
Comment: I have 3 weeks with this computer and so far it has been awesome, no problems at all. Fast and quiet, you burn cd's very fast and acurate.It comes with lots of software.
After doing a lot of research I can proudly say I made the right choice. Only thing you may want to change are the speakers, and maybe a wireless mouse.
Giga pocket is amazing! I definitely recommend this desktop computer.
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Summary: Great RS430G
Rating: 4 (out of 5)
Comment: Great Computer.

Giga Pocket is nice for recording right out of Cable outlet
(co-ax). Multiple recording modes/speeds (LP/SP/AVI).

Nice chip speed (2.8 ghz). Nice HD size (120 gb).
Great Sony added tools: Click to DVD, PictureGear Studio,
DVgate Plus, SonicStage & VAIO Media. Have not even begun to
use all yet, nor max out their capabilities.

DVD-RW/CD-RW...Superb.

512 Ram (exp to 2 gb).

ATI Radeon? 9200 Video Card - 128MB Video Memory (128-bit DDR)
really rocks. Using for high-end Cadd softwares. Max'd it with
really large complex multi-featured assembly & it blew away
the high-end graphics card on my work desktop.

Nothing left to say. I am currently looking for a laptop now.

I will only look for Sony.
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Summary: Extreme Disappointment
Rating: 1 (out of 5)
Comment: If you buy Sony Giga Pocket hoping to back up your 'home video tapes' like the advertizing suggests, then you are in for an unpleasant surprise. This WILL NOT record anything that has copyright protection! So even if you own your VHS tapes, you are out of luck and may have wasted over a grand on the Sony computer. Sony doesn't make this clear, and they don't have the courtesy of acknowledging problems or comments on their help site. I have to be careful about the strength of my comments, or AMAZON will censure them! But this is a waste of money and much time!
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Sony VAIO PCV-RS430G Desktop (2.80-GHz Pentium 4 (Hyper-Threading), 512 MB RAM, 120 GB Hard Drive, DVD+RWCD-RW Drive ) | Site Map