Editorial Review

Bring together your computing and entertainment worlds in one package and control it all with one remote with the Sony VAIO VGX-XL2 Digital Living System, which combines a high-end multimedia desktop PC and a 200-disc DVD/CD changer/recorder. Both are designed to fit into a home entertainment rack and the elegant silver and black casings will nicely complement the rest of your home entertainment system. With the VGX-XL2, you can manage all your downloaded digital content--such as music online stores, home movies from your camcorder, and photos from your digital camera--but it offers the added ability to easily organize, sort, and access packaged content from the CDs and DVDs that are sitting on your bookshelves. Read more

Features

• Multimedia desktop PC combined with 200-disc changer/recorder with dual-layer DVD burning support
• 2.8 GHz Intel Pentium D 920 dual-core processor (2 MB L2 cache), 320 GB hard drive, 1 GB RAM (2 GB max), additional dual-layer DVD burner
• Automatically and sequentially record up to 200 audio CDs; record TV episodes to the hard drive and transfer them to blank DVDs stored in the changer
• 54g Wi-Fi LAN, built-in TV tuner, multi-format memory card reader
• Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 (Update Rollup 2)

Reviews (1)

Great Media PC
I did a lot of research before I purchased this unit.I wanted a Media PC that would fit in my stereo rack that would actually look like my other components.My final two choices were this sony and the HP.I chose the Sony because it has HDMI (I like having the sound transfered over Digital) output, which none of the other Media PCs have out there and the processor was a dual core, which means it's more up to date than other units I looked at.
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Editorial Review

The Sony Vaio VGC-RB54G desktop entertainment PC comes loaded with the all tools you need to easily create, manage, share, and enjoy your digital photos, home videos, movies, and music. Convert your VHS or 8mm home videos to DVD discs to share with the whole family via the dual-layer, multiformat DVD burner. Store hundreds of hours of your music collection on the amazingly huge 320 GB Serial ATA hard drive. You can also watch and record your favorite TV programs (via the built-in TV tuner) using the Giga Pocket personal video recorder (PVR). It features a hyper-threading 2.8 GHz Pentium D dual-core processor for powering through work as multiple applications hum along simultaneously and without stress. This multimedia PC also features 1 GB of installed RAM, a multiformat memory card reader compatible with the most popular digital camera formats, Microsoft XP Media Center Edition 2005, and a wide assortment of pre-loaded software titles. Read more

Features

• Supplied with VAIO(R) Keyboard / PS2 Mouse / Speakers / US AC Power Cord (power supply is dual-volt compatible) / Pre-installed Microsoft Windows XP Media Edition 2005, Sony Digital Software Suite, Microsoft Works 8, Microsoft Office (Student/Teacher Edition), Intel Quicken New User, Roxio DigiMedia SE, Norton 90-Day Trial Security Suite, and more
• Intel Pentium D Processor 820 2.8GHz with 2MB L2 Cache
• Radeon X300 128MB dedicated video processor for advanced video, graphics, and gaming performance
• Ports - 6 USB (2 front) / 2 PS2 / 1 VGA / 1 Parallel / 1x 6-pin iLink Firewire Rear / 1x 4-pin iLink Firewire Front / Line-in Mic Headphone Jacks / SPDIF Out / Memory Stick(R) - CompactFlash - SD - xD-PictureCard Reader / Vacant PCI Express x16 & x1 Slots / 1 Vacant PCI slot (of 2) / Space for up to 3 additional internal drives
• 1GB PC2-4200 533MHz DDR2 Memory upgradeable to 2GB

Features

• 3.0 GHz Intel Pentium D 930 CPU, 800 MHz front side bus, ATI Radeon X300 graphics controller (128 MB dedicated memory)
• 1 GB PC2-4200 533 MHz RAM, 320 GB hard drive, double layer CD-RW/DVD-RW optical drive
• 7 USB 2.0, 2 FireWire, S-Video, composite audio/video, 9-in-1 memory card reader, composite audio-video
• 10/100/1000 gigabit network interface, 56K modem
• Microsoft Windows XP Media Center 2005, Microsoft Works 8.5, Intuit Quicken 2005 New User Edition, Microsoft Money Standard 2004

Reviews (2)

Great Computer!
I too have had this computer for a month, and found the previous reviewers tips helpful initially.This is in no way disparaging tothat review, but after activating the Vaio Media whatever to network my computer successfully, I had many a headache getting my two Vaios to communicate smoothly.I then had the idea to remove any pre-installed software, and, voila!A nicely running machine.Since this is my second Vaio, I should've known that Sony builds a good PC, but their software is subpar/bordering on spyware.Remove anything that they recommend, and your computer will run like a charm.

Nice Box, Questionable customer support
(Added comments after five months of ownership: The system does have its problems. After four months, the audio system failed to work. Going through what can only be described as the world's worst "technical support on-line service" I finally got to talk with a real technician. The motherboard had apparently fried. To Sony's credit, they sent in a new motherboard along with a technician who replaced the board and re-installed the system to its "factory" condition as a part of the warrenty. The new motherboard, however, would not work with the old "rescue disks" that were burned per Sony's instructions when the system was first installed. A brand new set of rescue disks with a new disk image had to be used. It is now up and running, and I have not had the problems over the last month that had been bothering the system over the first four.)
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Features

• Intel Pentium 4 Processor 640 (3.2 GHz) with Hyper-Threading Technology
• 2MB L2 Cache
• FSB - 800MHz
• 512MB of PC-3200 400MHz DDR SDRAM (upgradeable to 2GB)
• 250GB 7200RPM Serial ATA(TM) HDD

Reviews (2)

Great home computer
The VGC-RB50 has the ability to handle photoshop and the other programs I use for illustration.I wish it had two DVD/CD drives, but I can always add one later on.

Buyer Beware
I bought this computer 10 days ago. When I opened the box I found there was just one piece of paper for computer specs..and they didn't say much. I wanted to upgrade RAM 512 just doesn't go far these days. I went to Sony support and they had 2 documents...one was the paper included in the box and the other is a .chm file. I have yet to find anything that works to open it and make it readable. I called sony and that wasn't much help, emailed them no response yet, started a chat session with tech support and was told detailed motherboard specs are not published. Emachines and Compaq are both much better in allowing you to access infomation about your computer. If you work on your own computer beware there is no motherboard support...even intel doesn't list this board even though they manufactured it. For the money you can buy a better system from companies much more customer friendly. I gave it a 1 because so far it does run and 1 is the lowest rating. I expected more and got so much less. ... Read more

Editorial Review

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Reviews (3)

Mean Machine
My order was quickly processed and shipped. I had trouble installing the sbc dsl installation disc so I called sonys help line and quickly spoke with someone who helped trouble-shoot the problem.They told me that the problem was the disc version of sbc and that I should contact them.After that I was further instructed on how to download the correct version from their website.After doing this the computer was supreme.With 1 GB RAM everything happens in a flash, it's 200 GB Hard Drive is more than enough which is an understatment.I purchased this computer from tigerdirect.com through amazon and paid 800 dollars which after doing my research and comparing prices is a great deal.It comes with a keyboard, a really cool mouse, and a set of speakers.I choose to purchase a 19 inch sony flat panel monitor from amazon.com of which I paid 310 US dollars after 150 Mail in Rebate to Sony.I didn't purchase the XtraBrite because it cost more and the only difference seemed to be the glossy screen and the colors were exagerated (the grass was unrealistacly green).So all in all I paid $1100 + s/h which, compared to this setup as a total package, saved a couple hundred dollars depending on where you look.I am blown away at this computer, surfing the internet is a whole new experience now that I don't have to wait for page loads or freezing.Taking on 30 tasks at once is not a problem for this computer, not that I would ever need to but just knowing that you could.It's like driving a porsche, you probably won't need to go 200 mph but just knowing you could is really cool.A 200 GB hard drive larger than you'll need but it's nice to have.I recommend this computer to Multi Media users and suggest the 19 inch flat panel sony monitor to go with it, 19 inches is the way to go.I've had a 17 flat screen monitor for 6 years and I was just blown away with this new one.I love it.Also, the whole package looks so cool on a desk.I think that the way a computer appears is also important and sony is top of the line when it comes to that.This computer is a mean machine and I am just so glad that there was nothing wrong with it and am looking forward to spending many years playing with it.

Love it
I bought this machine at Comp USA on sale for cheap. Tossed in a Geforce 4 card and I was ready to rock. Like the user said above.... it doesn't come with system disks. What you are supposed to do is burn them when u use the computer. I guess it's a little cheap on Sony's part making the consumer burn his/her own system disks, but hey, blank CDs and DVDs are cheap and I'd rather save a few hundred bucks.

Arrived with defective modem, no system disks or documentation
The system is very attractively priced, especially with the rebates from both Sony and Amazon.
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Editorial Review

The Sony Vaio VGC-RB51P desktop entertainment PC comes loaded with the all tools you need to easily create, manage, share, and enjoy your digital photos, home videos, movies, and music. You can store hundreds of hours of your music collection on the extra-large 250 GB Serial ATA hard drive. And you can easily burn your home video productions to DVD for friends and family with the dual-layer, multi-format DVD/CD burner, which enables you to store up to 8.5 GB of data on a DL disc. It features a hyper-threading 3.2 GHz Intel Pentium 4 Processor 640 as well as 512 MB of installed RAM (2 GB maximum), a multi-format memory card reader compatible with the most popular digital camera formats, Microsoft XP Home Edition, and a wide assortment of pre-loaded software titles. Read more

Features

• Monitor Not Included
• Intel Pentium 4 Processor 640 (3.2 GHz) with Hyper-Threading Technology
• 2MB L2 Cache
• FSB - 800MHz
• 512MB of PC-3200 400MHz DDR SDRAM (upgradeable to 2GB)

Features

• 2.8 GHz Intel Pentium D 920 CPU, 800 MHz front side bus, Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900 graphics controller (224 MB shared memory)
• 1 GB PC2-4200 533 MHz RAM, 250 GB hard drive, double layer CD-RW/DVD-RW optical drive, DVD-ROM/CD-ROM drive
• 6 USB 2.0, 2 FireWire, S-Video, composite audio/video, 9-in-1 memory card reader, composite audio-video
• 10/100/1000 gigabit network interface, 56K modem
• Microsoft Windows XP Media Center 2005, Microsoft Works 8.5, Intuit Quicken 2005 New User Edition, Microsoft Money Standard 2004

Reviews (1)

Fast PC, runs Windows XP well...
The VGC-RB60G is our fourth purchase of a Sony VAIO desktop computer, and replaces my wife's PCV-RZ32G. I currently have a VGC-RA940G, and my wife started out with a PCV-LX920.
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Editorial Review

The Sony VAIO VGC-RA842G Digital Studio PC provides the multimedia muscle for your next-generation A/V entertainment demands. Edit high-definition camcorder video, master your own music recordings, and turn your home movies into high-quality DVDs. The Intel Pentium D dual-core processor delivers robust performance for running multiple, demanding applications simultaneously. You can also watch and record all of your favorite shows with Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005, enhanced by Sony's Giga Pocket engine. The VGC-RA842G features massive 500 GB hard drive, 1 GB of installed RAM (2 GB maximum),a multiformat, dual-layer DVD/CD burner, multimedia memory card reader, and a wealth of preinstalled Sony multimedia software. Read more

Features

• 3.0 GHz Intel Pentium D 820 dual-core processor with 800 MHz front-side bus and 2 MB L2 cache
• 500 GB hard drive, 1 GB of RAM (4 GB maximum), dual-layer DVD+/-RW burner
• Seven USB 2.0, two Firewire, one VGA, one headphone, one microphone, one PCMCIA, multiformat memory card reader, composite video, S-Video
• Built-in 10/100 Ethernet; 56K (V.90) modem
• Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005

Reviews (1)

Awesome PC, just takes some time to iron out wrinkles
I got this PC after trying the RA-834G, which Sony doesn't make anymore. The only difference is that this machine has the 3.0 Ghz Dual-Core Pentium D, compared to the 3.6 Ghz Pentium on the 834G, and this one has 100 GB bigger hard drive.
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Editorial Review

The Sony Vaio VGC-RB34G desktop entertainment PC comes loaded with the all tools you need to easily create,manage, share, and enjoy your digital photos, home videos, movies, and music. Convert your VHS or 8mm homevideos to DVD discs to share with the whole family via the dual-layer, multiformat DVD burner. Store hundredsof hours of your music collection on the extra-large 200 GB Serial ATA hard drive. You can also watch andrecord your favorite TV programs (via the built-in TV tuner) using the Giga Pocket personal video recorder (PVR).This multimedia PC also features 512 MB of installed RAM, a fast hyperthreading 3.2 GHz Pentium 4 processor, amultiformat memory card reader compatible with the most popular digital camera formats, and stereo speakers.For a step up in price, the Vaio VGC-RB38G features a 250 GB hard drive,1 GB of RAM, and a 3.4 GHz Pentium 4 processor.Read more

Features

• Intel Pentium 4 Processor 540J 3.20 GHz with 1MB L2 Cache and 800MHz FSB with HT Technology
• 200GB SATA Hard Drive up to 7200 RPM
• DVD+R Dual Layer combo drive with DVD+/-R/RW (also reads, records, rewrites CD)
• Separate DVD-ROM reader drive
• 512MB PC3200 DDR with 400MHz Bus expandable up to 2GB

Reviews (2)

If you have the $$$...This one won't disappoint!!
I got this computer about a week ago and i have to say...i havent seen a solid computer like this in years (well besides apple's g5)...i actually bought an hp media center computer(a1129n) before i got the vaio, but unfortunately, i had to return the hp for some problems...1st, the hard drive wasnt connected to the power supply so the computer couldnt recognize the OS after initial boot...(thanks to my technical knowledge i figured that one out)..but what pissed me off the most is after loading all the programs i needed, setting up media center and uploaded my music, the screen randomly flickers then turns the monitor into a completely white screen...its not the monitor since ive tried different monitors and its doing the same thing. well a new HP turned out a piece of junk..then i thought of the Vaio...got it at bestbuy for $919 with a hundred dollar rebate which is a fairly good deal...once i turned it on...everything was so smooth...im using 30Gb right now and it feels nothing...i am not sure with playing games as far as the graphics is concern..but i mostly do audio and video stuffs so it works perfectly for me..**if you are going to use more than 50gigs of hard drive space, i suggest to install at least 1GB of memory..apart from that..almost perfect but i still give it 5 stars...

Sony RB34G - MCE
Interesting "Box" , right off the shelf ! Hell to pay in getting it setup. Three (3) separate vendor firewalls activated all at the same time. Once you got on to that , setup went well.Windows XP MCE 2005 pre-installed and NO Microsoft MCE CDs. ON-Line support (Weak answers) and Telephone support EXTREMELY Bad ; more interested in telling you what they do not support; No real HELP;YOU ARE ON YOUR OWN! Make sure to update Windows MCE first thing and all security patches. Adding additional Memory (it only has 256) , and adding additional hard drives (Video "eats up" Storage) VOIDS the warranty and service! Best get a Windows XP OEM MCE "Box" at Gateway, HP or other. Still it was FUN to set up and start using. Nothing like "offsetting" basketball games for later viewing in high Defination. ... Read more

Editorial Review

The Sony Vaio VGC-RB38G desktop entertainment PC comes loaded with the all tools you need to easily create,manage, share, and enjoy your digital photos, home videos, movies, and music. Convert your VHS or 8mm homevideos to DVD discs to share with the whole family via the dual-layer, multiformat DVD burner. Store hundredsof hours of your music collection on the extra-large 250 GB Serial ATA hard drive. You can also watch andrecord your favorite TV programs (via the built-in TV tuner) using the Giga Pocket personal video recorder (PVR).This multimedia PC also features 512 MB of installed RAM, a fast hyperthreaded 3.4 GHz Pentium 4 processor, amultiformat memory card reader compatible with the most popular digital camera formats, and stereo speakers.Read more

Features

• Processor - Intel Pentium D Processor 830 3GHz / 2MB L2 Cache / Front Side Bus Speed - 800MHz
• Memory - 1GB PC2-4200 533MHz DDR2 (Expandable to 2GB)
• Hard Drive - 250GB 7200rpm SATA - RAID Ready
• Graphics - ATI Radeon X300 with 128 DDR SDRAM Video Memory
• Giga Pocket MPEG2 Realtime Encoder board with TV Tuner

Reviews (5)

Beware Sony Desktops
The Sony Desktops seem to work well right out of the box, but soon problems develop.First the printer port failed, then a DVD-RW drive went out.Replacements don't fit right so you have to permanently remove the face plate of the computer--now it looks like trash.Then the software fails or starts to haveproblems--I mean the Sony video software.Lots of rebooting and freezes.Drive you nuts nd you are constantly losing work.You can't upgrade, you have to buy a whole new computer, and there are no software fixes.Sony support really sucks, you'll never get any help.And dron't try to find hardware upgrades, you can't find parts to fit your specific model, and no one at Sony gives two hoots.So beware.You'll be buying another computer in a few short months!

Top of the line - Almost!
I'll preface this review by revealing that this is the FIRST pre-assembled, brand name computer I have EVER purchased in my life. Up until this point, I have always built my own, believing that you had more control over the quality of the end product than anything a mass manufacturer would ever do. However, when my last system died due to some kind of yet to be determined motherboard defect, I had finally had enough! I couldn't bear to think of going through the process of reinstalling a new operating system and drivers from scratch again.I decided I just wanted something that worked right out of the box and a warranty so I could just return to the store and say "fix it" if anything ever happened.