Sony VAIO RA820G Desktop

Overall, a great computer

Strengths: very quiet operation, lots of included software

Weaknesses: No included system restore disc

Summary: The best part about this computer is that is is virtually silent - there are no annoying loud humming noises coming from the computer. Although this might not seem like a big deal, it really does make a big difference, especially if you use the computer a lot.

The design of the computer is very good overall - the front panel has basically every type of port that you would need (4 different digital camera memory formats, usb, firewire, s-video, and rca). There are also additional ports on the back of the computer.

The media center software works pretty well - I haven't had any crashes or malfunctions yet. The only thing is, the quality of the tv depends on the type of cable that you have. If you just have standard cable, the picture quality will look a big blurry if you are wacthing tv full screen from a close distance. Having digital cable or HDTV makes a big difference for the picture quality. So if you areplanning to use it as a tv, you should be away that picture quality is not that great with standard cable.

The included software for photo and video editing and dvd and cd burning is pretty good. Sony also inluded their own media software called Vaio home entertainment (I have not used it yet since it basically does the same thing as media center edition). The included speaker and subwoofer are adequate for genereal use, but not great if you listen to a lot of music or do a lot of gaming. The keyboard and mouse are not wireless (some other vaio models have wireless keyboards) which is kind of disappointing, but not a bid deal. The only thing really lacking in this computer is a system restore disc. All that is included is instructions on how to create your own disc, which is both annoying and time consuming. Overall though, this is a great computer.

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High quality computer but at high $$

Strengths: reliable, high quality build. very very low noise compared to other computers

Weaknesses: processor and graphic card not very fast

Summary: I have had this computer for 6 months and I'm very happy with the performance. This is a work horse for everyday use, but not for high end gaming. If you care about functionality and low noise, buy this computer. But if you are a hard core gamer, try a differnt computer.

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This computer was easy to setup out of the box. Wi ...

Strengths: Video recording & editing capablilites

Weaknesses: Lack of documentation

Summary: 2005-01-30 16:49:58 This computer was easy to setup out of the box. With one gig of memory,(expandable to 2GB with total of 4 memory slots so you don't have throw out the RAM that comes installed), can handle any home video recording & editing chores. (This is my 4th Sony computer-- have found them to be reliable, and I especially like the Sony software video package that includes DV Gate, Click to Dvd software, and at least limited editions of Adobe Premiere.) Generous SATA 200GB hard drive is enhanced as there is room in the cabinet for 2 more hard drives (and a third if you remove the floppy drive). ATI Radeon X300LE 128mb video card handles all but more demanding video games (I am not a big gamer). Windows XP Media Center gives the capabilities of recording TV programs to hard drive or burning to DVD-- in addition, can network to home entertainment system with optional media extender. Written documentation is lacking (as with most brands)-- check out the Sony.com/pcsupport site for latest software updates. (My experience with Sony free telephone & email support during one year warranties has been great with short waits and knowledgable techs.) I shop price and rebates and bought this computer cheaper than comparably equipped brands-- Sony is BEST for me, but DOES NOT HAVE TO COST MORE. So far, a happy camper!

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Two big complaints about Sony CPUs: 1) no separate ...

Strengths: Quiet. Best out-of-box media center now available.

Weaknesses: Cosmetic panels encumber access to drives.

Summary: Two big complaints about Sony CPUs: 1) no separate disc for re-installing or repairing the OS. The only option Sony offers is a complete system recovery from a system partition which eats up 6gb of hard drive space AND deletes any data you may have had on the hard drive. There are of course ways around this, but you have to know something about computers AND deal with the frustration that it would've been much easier had Sony included the $.50 disc you licensed when you bought their machine. 2) if you do choose the system recovery route, you have to re-visit the laborious process of un-installing ALL the extranious, mediocre trial software Sony packages with their CPU. Will buy a Dell when they make a box as quiet as this one.

That said, I've not found a better budget media center currently available on the market.

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