Sony VAIO VGX-XL2 Home Theater PC

Dream Machine "Almost"

Strengths: Price, lots of features; dvd changer/burner, fast cpu, very quiet

Weaknesses: graphic card; no HDMI input from cable box; limited expansion or changes.

Summary: I have been planning to build my own HTPC for quite sometimes now. I was just waiting for the new Window Vista OS. But when stumble across this system, I couldn't resist it. Specs-wise, it got everything that I would want from a HTPC and it looks gorgeous. I was so exited to get it during xmas sale for only $1000 after rebate from Tigerdirect. This was an amazing deal considering that you get, Dual core VIIV chip, 1 GB DDR2 RAM, 2 Sata HD (Raid 0), 2 tuners, HDMI output, liquid cooling system and more.

The basic setup was a breeze until I try to get it to work with Dish Network set-top box. It would not recognize the remote control and would not continue. The graphic driver did not support my HDTV 1360 x 768 resolution (even after downloading the latest driver from NVidia) so it is not very sharp and I have 2 small back stripes on both side. I also had trouble playing back and ejecting an old DVD. The picture got scramble and the DVD player started making a grinding noise. I tried to eject it and was unable to; in the end I had to shutdown the PC and restarted and eject the disc while it was booting up.

I have a huge collection of CD that I have been wanting to burn but never quite find the time to do it. With this DVD changer, burning these CD have never been so easy. This feature alone it worth price and all of the headaches above. My friend also want to borrow it to burn his collection of CD.

Anyway, despite all these problems I still believe that I got quite a bargain. But instead of having a great HTPC, I ended up with a just great PC. I am still hoping that all of these problems that I have encountered are just software problem which may be solved with Window Vista upgrade but I am not holding my breath.

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Fantastic products with few shortcommings.

Strengths: Disc changer , dual tuner , styles , nice keyboard

Weaknesses: No QAM support for HD signal from cable , No bluetooth support , weak graphics card.

Summary: I first saw the model in COSTCO , did some playing with it there , really like it , so bought it from Tigerdirect.

Best thing is 200 DVD changer + recorder , and wireless keyboard with touchpad but its not bluetooth ,

Performance is OK , memory need to be updated to 2GB.

very little option for upgrade can be a problem for geeks , but its style is unmatched in market ..

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Great Multimedia Computer

Strengths: HDMI connection, Multimedia powerhouse, 200 disc changer

Weaknesses: Upgrade capabilities, video card

Summary: This media hungry computer does everything one expects out of an "all in one" multimedia experience. The most impressive features are the 200 disc DVD/CD changer which allows you to manage your media library. Even better you can add additional 200 disc changers if you need more space. It may not be the fastest computer in terms of speed, but when you factor in its other capabilities, this computer performs. The HDMI out is perfect for viewing the internet, DVD viewing, etc. The only drawback to this computer is the ease of upgrading the unit. It might take a little more patience and skill to add more memory, but it it feasible. All in all, this is a great product from Sony.

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