Sony VAIO PCV-RZ44G Media Center Desktop (2.8-GHz Pentium 4 (Hyper-Threading), 512 MB RAM, 160 GB Hard Drive, DVD+-RWCD-RW Drive)

Features of Sony VAIO

• Intel Pentium 4 2.8GHz Processor with HyperThreading Technology

• Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Operating System

• 512MB DDR RAM Memory

• 160GB Hard Disk Drive

• DVD-RW Optical Drive

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 nter> 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 > 'Pause live TV' width='225' height='169'> 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. Automatically record a personalized selection of TV programs using Keyword Record. Media Center downloads the latest program listings for you and even wakes up from power-saving standby mode to record programs, so you can watch shows on your schedule.    'Share your digital photos on your TV screen' width='225' height='170'> hotos & 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 > src='http://images.amazon.com/images/G/01/computer/detailpage/live-365-radio.jpg' alt='A centralized place for all of your music' width='225' height='155'> 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.

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Sony VAIO Customer Review(s):

Summary: General overall usage
Rating: 5 (out of 5)
Comment: I was a bit leary in regards to this PC after reading some of these reviews, however, I am just a 'General' user, I'm not using this PC for a business, just to have nice, easy to create pictures and videos on discs. After toying around with this PC I found it extremely easy to use, loading programs was very fast and easy and the picture downloading time was very fast! For just an overall general usage of this computer, I am very impressed.
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Summary: Only 4 Stars because I've not yet tackled VHS tape to DVD
Rating: 4 (out of 5)
Comment: I bought this unit after I read the other reviews, posted by those good people who took the time to share their opinions and helped me decide, as well as be informed as to what to expect. So now I want to share my experience in hopes that I might be helpful to the next person considering a similar unit.
I'm a writer/editor/web designer, and this one is my fourth Sony Vaio; it arrived only a few days ago, so am not yet finished testing. I bought it from an Amazon.com Marketplace vendor, www.garnetpc.com, an impressive, well-run outlet. The Sales Manager answered all my questions thoroughly, then the unit arrived in excellent condition. I opened the box, set it up in a jiffy, turned it on, connected to Road Runner, whooped when I saw its speed, virtually plug'n play use, and quiet operation.
On the down side, the bundled software is not impressive. On the pro side, the potential is there and will not bust your budget. After I tackle the scary task of transferring VHS to DVD, I shall return for an update. Cheers!

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Summary: Sony TV's can't be beat, but your computers UTTERLY suck
Rating: 2 (out of 5)
Comment: 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.
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Sony VAIO PCV-RZ44G Media Center Desktop (2.8-GHz Pentium 4 (Hyper-Threading), 512 MB RAM, 160 GB Hard Drive, DVD+-RWCD-RW Drive) | Site Map