Sony VAIO PCV-RS420 Desktop (2.80-GHz Pentium 4 (Hyper-Threading), 512 MB RAM, 120 GB Hard Drive, DVD+RW/CD-RW Drive )
Average Customer Review:
Personal Computers
list price: $1,099.99
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Editorial Review

As the midlevel model in Sony’s "RS" series of Digital Studio Desktops, the Sony VAIO PCV-RS420 delivers everything a multimedia fan could want, including CD and DVD burning capabilities and enough power for virtually any application. Gamers playing the most recent and most demanding 3-D titles may want to upgrade the graphics card, but most users should find the VAIO PCV-RS420 more than satisfactory.

Anchoring the unit is a powerful 2.8 GHz Intel Pentium 4 CPU with Hyper-Threading technology (Hyper-Threading is a new Intel-developed process that allows a single CPU system to behave in some aspects like a dual-CPU system -- thus boosting performance during key high-drain procedures such as multitasking). Sony has added 512 MB of fast PC2700 333 MHz DDR RAM and an ATI Radeon 9200 graphics card with 64 MB dedicated video memory and a DVI output for optimum connection with flat-panel LCD displays.

The VAIO PCV-RS420 features several data storage options, including a massive 120 GB 7200 RPM hard disk, a handy 3.5-inch diskette drive for smaller backups and older programs, and an extremely versatile DVD-RW/CD-RW drive through which you can burn and play audio CDs, archive information, watch the latest Hollywood blockbusters and turn your home movies into DVDs. To ensure fast interaction with peripherals such as digital camcorders and cameras, scanners and external drives, Sony has added eight high-speed USB 2.0 ports and two i.Link FireWire ports, one on the rear and another at the front.

Other desirable amenities include a 10Base-T/100Base-TX Fast Ethernet connection, a low-speed v.90 modem, a pair of small desktop speakers, a user-friendly VAIO keyboard, and a PS/2 wheel mouse. A display screen is not enclosed, thus allowing you to utilize your current monitor or select from the many alternatives currently available. Bundled software includes Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition, Microsoft Works 7.0, Intuit Quicken 2003, and oodles of Sony’s own multimedia utilities. ... Read more

Features

• Intel Pentium 4 2.8GHz Processor with Hyper-Threading Technology
• Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
• 512MB RAM Memory
• 120GB Hard Disk Drive
• DVD+/-RW Drive

Reviews (4)

Still rocking after almost 2 yrs
An excellent hardware platform, easily upgradeable in nearly every aspect.

Hardware: 4.25

The p4 HT 2.8GHz dual-core processor still rocks at higher-end of 32-bit platforms.Still is really no app it can't handle.Even the infamous "super" PCversion of "T2"ran easily and smoothly.

The graphics card, despite the complaints of some, is still rocking, though this long after intro, gaming fanatics will want an upgrade for latest games.For occasional gamers the 64MBG 9200 Radeon is more than adequate.Recently purchased HALO runs and sounds awesome; benchmarking standard QIII also runs without flawlessly.

The Pioneer 106 DVD-/+RW is long since obsolescent--and replaced with a Memorex True 8 and a Plextor 716A, the later a blazing fast 16x writing speed.A minor complaint: the second optical drive included as stock was a mere CD-ROM.Sony should have made this a CDRW w/DVD-ROM for those us into movie processor and archiving.So the CD-ROM went as soon as the 8x DVD burners were available.

Despite the reivews, the machine has only 4 USB 2.0 with 8 connectors, therefore when using 2, 3 or 4 USB devices, make sure to plug them into only ONE connector on USB port, otherwise you'll split the bandwidth, not so important for digi-camera downloads, but for external hdds or burners, this is a MUST.The FireWire ports include a 400 6-pin port on the back and 4-pin.One could really have wished for two 6-pin ports, especially since devices like my iPod require the 6-pinner and this requires manuerving 'round to the back to plug it in.A bit of a pain if, like me, you're cramped for space.

The ethernet card is of high-quality and I've had no problems with it since I've been on the cable modem again.

The built in soundcard, surprisingly, is really quite excellent.It's able to support SPDIF and 32-bit out-put (such as that generated by the IN-MAD plug-in for Winamp); but is devoid of both high-end inputs and tape/record conversion capabilities.I've replaced it with an external, USB 2.0 Creative Sound Blaster that's absolute brilliant (esp for $50!).

The config that allows so much hardware into a small space does have one medium drawback: if you've got hands bigger than gnome's, it's difficult to work with.It requires patience and care when swapping out cables or adding new internal devices.Impatience could easily result in a bent pin.One wishes the packaging engineers had taken this into consideration.

It also includes the dinosaurian 3.5in floppy that Apple and Dell have long since done away with.A better alternative, and clearly worth a few extra dollars, would have been a "smart" card of flash memory reader built in.The software's built in for the smart card reader, but is of little use withOUT the hardware!Disable in Services if you don't buy one.

Memory, nicely configured four DIMM slots; only drawback is the maximum capacity is 2GB (a little paltry considering XP's 4 Tera-byte limit).I've added a GB to the 512MB stock 2700 DDR.Even while burning a DVD, running Word, Photoshop, playing audio files and surfing the net, the machine works flawlessly with no problems burning the DVD.

Hardware Overall: the port connectors are high-quality and solidly hold your your cables.Though cable extenders are recommended to avoid the potential disaster of the Bent Pin(!).There is generous expansion space for both a second hdd and the optical drive bays can accomodate any size internal device easily and quickly.The fans are also quiet and barely noticeable, keeping the machine quite cool.

One MAJOR minus--though hardly a problem with operation--is the almost perversly difficult case for the tower.Fiendishly difficult to remove and, especially to replace, this will cost you more time (and profanity) than it should.This is perhaps the only area where Dell actually beats anyone with their hinged cases making internal access a breeze.

The keyboard is cluttered with the usual useless "one-touch" buttons and includes no USB ports.The standard mouse is stardardly tossable.Replace both with an optical mouse and the MSFT ergo-keyboard.Tinny, .5 watt speakers are insulting considering Sony's deserved reputation for high quality audio equipment.This and the worthless software pkg--see below--are the only major fouls.

Software: 1.5

Nothing useful--beyond standard Win-ware--is included in the pre-installed package excepting the reinstall disk.This easily created and quickly reloads the OS and incl. apps. One major problem is that you are given no choice as to what's installed.So some time will be spent uninstalling the mostly useless apps.The utterly useless Works package also leaves behind some 400MBs of useless junk after isntall that has to be manually removed.The "Click-to-DVD" software is worse than useless, having almost no robustness and 50% coaster rate.This was removed almost immediately.there are also several other useless applications for which there are much superior third-party equivalents.

The MAJOR problem with the entire OS/Applications pkg didn't show up until the release of SP2.Three attempts to install SP2 led to major problems and finally crashville.I was obliged to ditch the entire OS/App package and purchase a full version of XP Sp2.This worked flawlessly.And since the incl. apps are mostly junk, you lose nothing by flushing them.In place of Nero's bloatware, Vso-soft's Copy2DVD is highly reccomended, esp. its $40 price vs. the $100-$150 price of Nero's bloatware (and major problems with the recently releases).

Bottom-line: a solid hardware platform easily upgrades to higher-end system; For the price, excellent deal.As used or a gift, highly recommended.Fully expect to get another 18 to 24 months out of it..

Summary: 4

A machine to last for years once the software package is dumped. Processor upgrade should make it more than a contender in its market segment.

Recommended is 8X DVD ROM/ 16X DVD ROM.
I notice this machine has a '64MB dedicated video memory' card,and everything else is great,except the 'DVD ROM' speed. This machine operates at '2X DVD ROM',which is way to slow,that probably accounts for the bad performance with 'high-end software'. '8X DVD ROM' speed should always be the minimal,'16X DVD ROM' speed being your fastest. Ideal minimal set-up: P4 2.6 w/400 MHz FSB,512MB RAM Memory,ATI Radeon 64MB(dedicated video memory),8X DVD ROM,'Windows XP Home Edition'. This is the bare minimum to operate 'high-end software'. Oh yes,remember to stay away from 'Shared(Integrated) video memory' cards,they come in both 'ATI Radeon' and 'G-Force'. The problem with 'shared' is they 'crash' your computer after 2 minutes,whether your playing a 'DVD movie' or 'high-end software',no problems with 'Dedicated(Allocated) video memory',runs like the 'Energizer Bunny',keeps on going. Another thing is to remain at '512MB Ram memory',if your 'RAM Memory' is higher or lower than '512MB RAM Memory',your computer will 'crash' after 2 minutes! This goes for any brand of computer you buy,buyer,beware!

Great for on-line or work -- Gamers should stay away
Clarification of how this product was rated...
+ One star for gamers or heavy media users
+ Four stars for home office applications

I usually start out with the pro's, but given the seriousness (or even worse, silliness) of the cons, I am going to start with those...

Cons...
1) Virtually no software *of value* is delivered with this machine.Except those items that are automatically bundled with Windows XP (MS Works, Explorer, Windows Media Player, etc), you're on your own when it comes to software.As a matter of fact, there was so little software, I originally thought someone forgot to load it.A brief call to the Sony help line (22 minute wait for a rep) quickly cleared this up.
2) The cabling for the mouse, speakers, and keyboard is uncommonly short.Fully eighteen inches shorter than the cables that came with the PC that the Sony is replacing.I really have to question the decision making process that Sony used here.
3) The speakers that came with the machine are not even worth plugging in.The thin sound delivered is accompanied by noticeable crackles (on new CDs) and they even distort the music.This is especially disappointing given Sony's heritage of excellence in audio products.
4) The issue with the sound, coupled with a weak video card, is why I suggest gamers stay away.Although for a little more money, you can pick up some decent speakers and a video card that would make this PC rock

Pros...
1) The tightest boxing and packaging of a PC that I have ever seen (this is my 7th or 8th PC).Gives me a warm and fuzzy that this thing is built to last.
2) When I checked under the hood, with the exception of the weak video card, everything looked to be of very high quality.
3) Great form factor -- the box looks great and they have packed a lot of power into a surprisingly small space -- great for those with limited desk space
4) USB slots to spare (I have found 6, the documentation suggests there are 8)
5) I am unfortunately still only able to get dial-up service, but the v.92 compatible modem coupled with the 512 MB of RAM and 2.8 Ghz CPU clock speed (with hyperthreading) make it seem like the internet is loading much, much faster
6) Easy set-up (important if you're a first time buyer!)
7) Buttery smooth operation for both the DVD recorder and CD-RW drives -- and both are wicked fast
8) Lightening fast handling of word processor and spreadsheet applications

Net/net: questionable cost savings decisions by Sony turned what could have been an awesome PC-for-the-home product into a sometimes silly, sometimes smoking solution for all but gamers. ... Read more

Asin: B0000CEYX3
Subjects:  1. Desktops (Desk Tops)    2. Desktop Computers   

Giacinto Scelsi: 5 String Quartets; String Trio; Khoom
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (09 July, 2002)
list price: $29.98
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Reviews (4)

Faithful Performance of Dull Material
I'm a pretty big fan of Scelsi's work.Anahit, for example, is a true masterpiece.This album, however, doesn't catch Scelsi in his best domain.The textural nature of Scelsi's work is very well suited to large ensembles with an assortment of instruments, where he works with the full sonic range of every instrument to create lush and diverse textures.This technique simply doesn't work with a small homogenous ensemble, such as the string quartet.I've never heard a two hour album that sounds so monotonous and repetitive.The performance is first rate, but I just can't recommend this album to anyone but the most devout Scelsi fanatic.Instead look to his larger orchestral works.

The Writhing Center of Sound
The first time I heard of Giancinto Scelsi, he was mentioned as as being famous for writing pieces that used only one note. As a novice to avant/experimental music, I was eagerly gorging myself with busy music packed with event, revelling in abrupt juxtaposition and unlikely hybrids. There was no room on my plate for the ascetic and the single-minded, so checking out Scelsi was low on my list of musical priorities. Now that my ears have been tuned to distinguish fine subtleties in sound, these pulsating singularities seem far from spartan. The key to appreciating this music is to listen to the inside of the sound. There's no forward motion or thematic development to be had here. Scelsi's music travels without moving. It's Leibnizian, in a way, a monad drawn within itself, projecting the sonic pseudopods of its internal logic as the entirety of its reality. Although, with the exception of the first quartet, all of these compositions are indeed comprised of a single note, Scelsi discovers an amazing amount of flexibility within this most restrictive of musical parameters. Now, I'm no expert on tunings, but this is the most subtle, and ultimately most affecting use of microtonality I've ever heard. In the allegreto movement of the 3rd quartet, in particular, the subtle throb from a rich, tempered note to the alien drone of a skewed tonality is breathtaking.It simultaneously evokes the centered calm of meditation, and the sublime expanse of a desert landscape. The 4th quartet, written a year later, both concentrates the piece into a more tightly packed form, and refines the microtonal and timbral subtleties.The further restrictions on development-in-time are compensated for with a wealth of new textures and overtones. Over twenty years later, Scelsi's 5th quartet (his final compositon) weaves the tiny internal vacillations into a surging mesh. The composer's personal soundworld has been thoroughly mastered, allowing him greater freedom to subtly vary the internal form of the variegated sound tissue.

Major Quartet Cycle
Just when you thought that you knew everything that a string quartet could do, along comes Italian composer Giacinto Scelsi to turn everything upside down. These works are inspiring, perhaps the most important string quartet cycle to be written in the second half of the 20th century. (The Britten and Shostakovitch certainly are contenders as well, but they are musically from another era.) Scelsi's voice is well developed here, and his musical obsessions are well served by the string quartet medium. A stroll through these pieces is to watch the development of a composer and his musical world.

The first Quartet is the odd one out here. Written in 1944, it shows the influence of Schonberg, Dallapicola and other important expressionist composers. It is set in four movements which suggest the traditional quartet form.And yet, already many of Scelsi's mature gestures can be found in the work. Listen to the obsessive chords that open the first movement. The almost long silences between chords in the almost motiveless second movement, The alternations between single note lines and chords in the third movement. The stunner here is the last movement, where Scelsi moves into lines of unabashed tonal beauty, recalling the best of the past. Echos of Beethoven's Op132 and even farther back into the Renaissance can be found in the flowing lines.

Scelsi went through a much publisized nervous breakdown in the early 50s brought about, he said, by his involvement with the twelve note system. When he returned to composition, he began to create a series of works based on the properties of single tones. Using techniques of added resonance, he created a series of piano pieces that show the initial development of his mature style. But soon he found he was more interested in microtonal variations on the single tone and he turned to other instrumental combinations to work out his ideas. Of those combinations, the most important was undoubtedly the strings.

The String Trio is a product of this first experimental period. It is the starkest work on the CD. Each of it's four movements explores a different pitch. Variation is created only by pitch and timbral variations such as microtonal glissandi, vibrato, sul ponticello, tremelo and the like. The only exception to this starkness is found in the third movement, were a secondary tonal pole sets up the basic semblances of harmony.

The Second, Third and Fourth Quartets all develop this obsession with tone more fully. In each, the material becomes increasingly more complex. Though the single tone is always present, it often slowly slides up to a new pitch. And other pitches reinforce the harmonic overtones through techniques of added resonance. In the fourth quartet there is even some material that leans toward the melodic. However, concepts such as melody and harmony are really obsolete in Scelsi's work. All notes used in his pieces can really be looked upon as colorations of the basic tone rather than true harmony or melody.

Khoom shows some of Scelsi's variety. The work is scored for wordless soprano, strings, horn and percussion. The work has a ceremonial quality, as does most of Scelsi's vocal work. The percussion parts even show the influence of Sufi drumming styles. But the interest in the single tone is never far away, even in this music.

The final work on the CD is Scelsi's 5th Quartet. This is an astounding work, limited in it's material and powerful in it's impact. The work is based on a simple idea, a cluster chord, introduced by left hand pizzacato and trailing off into a pianissimo. This basic shape is repeated throughout the entire 9 plus minutes of the quartet. Variety is created through subtle changes in tone color and in the composition of the clusters. The overall effect is like the chanting of a sacred syllable in Hindu practice. You find your own breathing paralleling the sound on the CD. This is really less traditional music and more of an experience.

The performances on this CD are expert. The Arditti quartet has a long history of association with Scelsi. Irvine Arditti even helped Scelsi create some of his solo violin works. Michiko Hirayama is the voice for whom Khoom was written. Either you like it or you hate it, but her abilities are written into this piece.

If you are curious about the music of Scelsi, this CD is a great place to start. The Quartet cycle spans most of his career and shows his extrodinary development and the diversity that he can wrench out of simple materials. if you are a fan of the European avant-garde, or a person with open ears, it's well worth the money. ... Read more

Asin: B00005V52N
Sales Rank: 195335
Subjects:  1. Chamber    2. Chamber Music & Recitals    3. Classical    4. Vocal   

Justified
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (05 November, 2002)
list price: $18.98 -- our price: $13.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Common wisdom holds that debut albums have an autobiographical slant, so it's hard to believe that Justin Timberlake's first non-'N Sync outing doesn't purloin much of its subject matter from the singer's breakup with Britney Spears. Half the songs are about the abrupt severing of a romance and the singer's rather hard-hearted stance. Sure, he may have been the wronged party, but that doesn't excuse the inflexible emotional posture revealed in "Cry Me a River," "Never Again," and the sniping "Last Night." But Timberlake apparently thinks it does, since he christened his record Justified. He also seems to enjoy boasting about the swinging single life, with many of the songs here almost gratuitously lascivious. Asides like "I could think of a couple positions for you" from "Right for Me" and "Better have you naked by the end of this song" from "Rock Your Body" will catapult the singer right off Radio Disney. But Timberlake shines when he moonwalks into more adult terrain, turning his back on the innocent dance pop that put 'N Sync on the charts. With the help of hip-hop producers Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo of the Neptunes, Timbaland, and P. Diddy, Timberlake has turned out a remarkably cohesive and sophisticated slice of club-friendly R&B. --Jaan Uhelszki ... Read more

Reviews (741)

excellent
I don't know what you people are saying.First off, if you're going to review, review it on the ALBUM itself and not how 'girly' you think he is.I think he's one of the few male artists who can sing in a high voice without being irritating (like Eamon..hmm maybe none of you would remember him).Anyway, I just got this CD last night.It's very excellent.I'm not too crazy about the song with Janet Jackson in it.The rest of the songs are either catchy as hell or very heartfelt.'Never Again', 'Like I Love You', 'Take it From Here', 'Rock Your Body', and 'Cry Me a River' are my favorites.Great CD, I recommend it!-miz dj

Panty Man Needs to come out of the closet
Justin Timberlake is one of the most Girlie Men I've ever come across. He's another Ellen Degeneres just waiting for the right time to come out. His voice is like listening to a woman in labor about to give birth. But when it comes to his body, this b-st-rd is sexy as HELL! His voice ruins everything.

I despise this girlie man!
Justified is quite possibly one of the worst albums of all time. Just because this f**mer Justin Stinkercake won a Grammy, it doesn't mean he is good. This mama's boy deserves a patron from The Blue Oyster Bar in Police Academy and not a Grammy. Music was great and superb before that boy-band rat Justin Timberlake(or Stinkercake as us music purists call him) came into existence alongside his fellow losers in N' STYNK, the other loser sissie boy band The Backdoor Sissies and Justin's ex-harlot Witchney Sneers. Back in the good old days, we had legendary bands like The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, The Who, Led Zeppelin, Queen, The Eagles and The Beatles getting by on great albums and their music and NOT their LOOKS(which is lacking in 2005). The music is classic. Then came that boy band mama's boy Justin Stinkercake, who changed everything FOR THE WORST. His album Justified is a 21st century PIECE OF S***. The production was credited to the apes who call themselves The Neptunes(what next The Jupiters) and Timbaland(should be TIMberLAND) and you can see that Justin was p**** whipped in the studio with the guys hitting him with a bull whip if he did the take badly. Hearing songs like Senorita(NOT SENIORITA), Cry Me a River(which this little she-man does and did when he got booed in Canada opening for Rush, AC/DC and The Rolling Stones in 2003) and Rock Your Body just make me vomit! I really despise Justin Stinkercake and his ex-harlot and get p**sed when people praise those a** clowns. AVOID THIS GIRLIE MAN OR DIE!
... Read more

Asin: B00006JO4Q
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock