Sony's Incredible DVD-Burning PC! Intel P4 3GHz HT Technology CPU! 512MB DDR, 200GB SATA HDD, DVD Burner! Unbelievably Low Price!!! The Sony VAIO PCV-RS720G is a DVD burning system packed with all the entertainment software you need to maximize your digital lifestyle. Turn your home movies into DVDs with the included Click to DVD software and experience how easy it is to convert video to DVD! Now you can play back your entire collection of home videos with the convenience of your home DVD player. The PCV-RS720G features an Intel Pentium 4 3GHz processor with HyperThreading Technology to maximize performance, a massive 200GB Serial-ATA hard drive, and 512MB of lightning-quick DDR memory. Remove limits. Reveal opportunities. Innovate with audio and video. VAIO is a world of integrated possibilities; a world where you connect with your own creativity and share ideas with others. It is a computer designed to balance your desire to keep working and keep moving at your own speed. VAIO isn't just a computer. It's a humanized working environment. From the logo to the powerful components, VAIO represents an entire concept carefully designed from the ground up. Humanizing the Sony VAIO started with portability: you can share your knowledge and creations from anywhere with anyone. To help share ideas, VAIO integrates advanced networking technologies to seamlessly interact with other people. Finally, the design team created a product logo symbolizing VAIO's ability to integrate technolog
The Basics Hardcore 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.
1 Sony is the GREATEST!
I bought this model in 2003 and after 2 years of using this computer, I say it is still the GREATEST! This computer from Sony delivers it all. It comes standard with a 13.4 GB hard drive, which is excellent, 256MB of memory, CD Burner, DVD player, the whole nine yards. This computer has never failed me! The computer has NEVER had any freeze-ups! It has NEVER crashed or had a VIRUS, thanks to Norton Anti-Virus! For as long as I have had this computer, I have never a problem. The computer has an excellent capacity for programs.
I've got all of my Office programs, AOL Instant Messenger, Weatherbug, Ad-Aware, Norton Anti-Virus, Sybot, you name it and the computers hard drive it still half FREE! I love this computer! On this computer total, I've got over 80 programs installed and I still cant believe I have just taken up half of the hard drive!
Some of the standard programs that comes with the computers is a DVD player, which is great. It comes standard with a Picture Gear studio to alter and adjust digital camera photos. I've had a lot of fun with this program!
This computer from Sony is the top of the line! It can't get any better than this! That's a guarantee! For the price, there is better computer out there than can come close to the quality of a Sony! If you've had any of their other electronics, than you know this computer is phenomenal too. I just love this comptuer!
2 Gmans review
I see that this got some bad reviews from people. However for the first bad review if your system is not what it should be i'd say sending it back would be the smart thing to do. For the second bad thing said yes I know it won't play all the new games. I have 1 game I got that didn't work on my old windows 98 computer and it is star wars episode 1 pod racer. I have a ps2, Xbox, Game cube, Gameboy Advance and Nintendo DS so im good with games. I have had 2 computers in my life im only 19. The first one my grandparents bought me in september 1998 and I just bought this one. If you want to be able to play games with no problem check out alienware http://www.alienware.com or dell http://www.dell.com. The companys both have systems that will play any game. If you want a computer for school or work or video editing or just to search the net and do everything else this computer is great. Everything about it is setup very well. I would however say allways go out and try any computer before you buy it and don't be to shy to ask the people that work there what the computer will do.
3 Sony Over Promises and Under Delivers -- WARNING!!!
Can't Play Half Life 2 and many other popular games due to poor design! -- Graphics capabilites are sub-par.-- Too much marketing hype and not enough substance!
I bought this computer primarily due to the belief that it was somewhat future-proofed. I spent a little extra upfront because it had some neat bells and whistles (DVR), lots of ports (USB and Firewire), good speed (3GHz), good memory (512MB+), and the purported ability to handle the demanding graphics of today's applications and "most 3D" requirements. WORST CASE: I could always upgrade video capabilities using the new PCI-Express expansion slot.
Well...don't I have egg on my face!
I immediately wanted to try some of the latest games on the market (e.g., Half Life 2). I bought the game, loaded it, and quickly found out the computer wouldn't play it. After many painful and unhelpful "run-arounds" with Sony and Intel non-support, I learned that many of today's games require a technology built into the hardware of the graphics controller. The PCV-RS720G computer with its "integrated graphics" doesn't support that hardware technology. So the games won't run. (NOTE: For those that care, it is called Hardware Transform and Lighting. The 720G's integrated solution performs T&L in software, which many games do not support.)
But never fear...I am a clever guy...I bought the PC because it had the ability to expand video capabilities via the PCI-E slot. RIGHT?...Well, this is only partly true. Sure, there is a slot for an upgraded video card that will support the new games. BUT (and this is a big BUT) PCI-E cards require at least 300W power and typically 350-450W. Low-and-behold, the SONY only comes with 295W power supply (PSU).
Well, I just need to swap out the PSU, right? Wrong! It turns out, to my great chagrin, that not only will replacing the PSU void my warranty but also no 350W PSU exists on the market that will fit into the case. Turns out (and this is not a Sony-Only thing) that Sony had a PSU specially built so it fit snuggly in their VAIO cases. The PSUs are completely different dimensions than standard PSUs. Due to the space in the case, you can't even rig a standard PSU to fit. Frickin' Fantastic!
They give you a PCI-E slot that you can't use because they didn't have the forethought to provide a PSU with enough power. Kind of like being half pregnant!
The only way I have surmised to be able to use the PCI-E slot is to buy a new case (with proper PSU) and move all the components from the VAIO into the new case. Simple for some, but a challenging, not to mention risky, endeavor for me.
So here I am with a computer that I thought would allow me to dip my toe into gaming. In fact what I got was an over-priced (albeit pretty) run-of-the-mill desktop computer.
MORAL OF THIS STORY! Don't be fooled by the hype. If future-proofed is what you are looking for, find a different PC. If run-of-the-mill is what you need save your money and buy a different vendors machine. The SONY Desktop brand comes with gotchas around every corner, minimal documentation, ineffective support, and a non-standard set of components all at a premium price.
I wish I had chosen differently.
4 Very disappointed with Sony!
Bought this computer 2 weeks ago from Best Buy directly. Although the computer is pretty easy to use in most cases, we found there was no user guide or any warranty information that came with it. Talked to the store manager & he claimed Sony does not give much information of their products any more. What?? So, I called Sony to inquire about this but got no satisfaction. Looks like the support is lacking too! The main purpose why we picked the more expensive Sony over all rest is because we have had great luck with 3 different Sony products in the past. Well, no more! This may be the last Sony I will ever buy!
5 Amazing!
I've had a Sony Viao desktop for six months, and it's amazing. Yes it has a cheap mouse, speaker, keyboard, etc, but that's all easily replaced. If you're buying this computer it's for the recording ability. This is the best Media PC on the market in my opinion. The front analog inputs makes for very simple VHS tape transfer (although don't expect it to copy copyrighted movies to DVD...it won't). I have my satellite TV hooked up to it, and it works great. The DVD burning software is also a breeze. If you're looking for a Media PC, then definitely consider this one and not the HP, which lacks many of the standard features of the Sony.
6 Buyer Beware
The computer shown is not what you will get from Amazon - it is completely different. No DVI monitor port, optical mouse, the box is not the same etc. no manual and support is thin.
