Sony VAIO PCV-RZ46G Media Center Desktop (3.20-GHz Pentium 4 (Hyper-Threading), 1 GB RAM, 200 GB Hard Drive, DVD+-RWCD-RW Drive)

As the new crowning jewel of Sony's 'Digital Studio' line of PCs, the VAIO PCV-RZ46G Media Center Desktop is one of the fastest and most versatile pre-configured computers currently on the market. Powerful enough for any business environment but perhaps better suited to an upscale home setting where its wealth of entertainment-related amenities may be fully exploited, Sony's top-of-the-line multimedia PC and most luxurious Digital Studio to date is ready for years of upgrade-free computing. If speed is what you crave, the VAIO PCV-RZ46G delivers. Outfitted with one of the fastest processors currently on the planet, a stunning 3.2 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), and a whopping 1 GB of premium PC-2700 333 MHz DDR memory, the system is perfect for those who drive their computers beyond reasonable expectations. Sony has even addressed the Achilles Heel of most out-of-the-box desktops by enclosing a 128 MB nVidia GeForce FX5600 graphics card with w/TV-out and DVI-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 the storage and movement of data, Sony has left nothing to chance. The VAIO PCV-RZ46G is fitted with a monstrous 200 GB hard disk, a 3.5-inch diskette drive for older or smaller applications, and a DVD-RW/+RW/CD-RW drive through which you can burn and play audio CDs, archive information, watch the latest cinematic releases and create your own DVDs. For fast interaction with peripherals such as digital camcorders, scanners and external drives, the system also features seven high-speed USB 2.0 ports and two IEEE 1394 FireWire connectors (mounted front and back). The VAIO PCV-RZ46G is packed with numerous other desirable perks, including an S/PDIF out, a coaxial input, a 2.1 Sony speaker system with subwoofer, and a handy VAIO Smart keyboard. The impressive software package features a variety of business applications such as Microsoft Money 2003 and Intuit Quicken 2002, as well as an impressive array of Sony-exclusive multimedia titles, including several high-end music, video and image editing utilities. Sony has not enclosed a monitor, thus allowing you to use your current display or select from the many alternatives currently on the market. 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: Everything you could want
Rating: 5 (out of 5)
Comment: Bought mine on a pre-order in November. It's very fast, multi-tasking is a non-issue; the built-in TIVO is a great toy. Once you read email and watch TV at the same time, you'll never go back. Click to DVD is very easy to use. Comes w/ a multitude of video, photo and jukebox software so you can pick your favorite.
Using a remote to control your music, view photos & video is WONDERFUL!
Sound quality is very good w/ supplied speakers - volume goes very high.

Cons:
Even tied to a great monitor, do not expect the TV picture to be as good as your set in the den.

My DirectTV receiver doesn't mesh perfectly w/ the TV tuner so that on some channels I have to hit a button on the Cable TV remote to remove the menu screen. More fiddling needed there.

The built-in mem stick port shows up as a CF port - strange.

Pluses greatly outweigh the minuses. A new version has the whole thing built into the monitor, so no box. Would be even better.
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Summary: I was skeptical, but Sony came through!
Rating: 5 (out of 5)
Comment: Initially, I was worried about going with Sony for a computer as they aren't one of the traditional brands that I have owned in the past (Dell, IBM, and Compaq). This computer is awesome! It rips through all of my design and multi-media work and I couldn't be happier. I kept my 21' CRT monitor though...was a tough choice.
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Summary: Down market speakers and noisy disk drive detract
Rating: 3 (out of 5)
Comment: I'm shocked no one seems to care that the 200GB hard drive that comes standard with this model whistles like a tea kettle. I called in the problem and the Sony authorized representative replaced the drive with another identical one. That one whistles, too. There simply isn't enough sound insulation. This is a problem when you are NOT watching loud DVDs obviously. I'm thinking of replacing the drive with something quieter--on my own nickel, of course.

The other joke is the cheap speakers that aren't as good as my 5 year old Monsoon speakers. Plus they are definitely unaesthetic looking. They really are a disappointment. Mine are available for anyone who wants them.
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Sony VAIO PCV-RZ46G Media Center Desktop (3.20-GHz Pentium 4 (Hyper-Threading), 1 GB RAM, 200 GB Hard Drive, DVD+-RWCD-RW Drive) | Site Map