Sony Products
Sony VAIO Digital Studio PCV-RZ44G (Pentium 4 2.8 GHz, 512 MB RAM, 160 GB HDD)
Positives:
Includes media-server software; good video apps; excellent monitor; thorough documentation.
Negatives:
Traditional tower not living-room friendly; lacks customization options; limited room for expansion; skimpy warranty.
Facts:
Sony's first Media Center PC adds useful server software to the mix, making the VAIO RZ44G an excellent PC for the networked home.
Note: This product is part of the Sony VAIO PCV-RZ series. .
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Sony VAIO PCV-RX860
Product Short Spec:
Processor:
Intel Pentium 4 (2.4 GHz)
RAM installed:
512 MB DDR SDRAM
Hard drive:
80 GB Standard
OS provided:
Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
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Sony VAIO RB40
Note: This product is part of the Sony VAIO RB-Series series. .
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Sony VAIO RB53 - P4 630 3 GHz
Note: This product is part of the Sony VAIO RB-Series series. .
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Sony VAIO RB62G - Pentium D 920 2.8 GHz
Product Short Spec:
Processor:
Intel Pentium D 920 (2.8 GHz)
RAM installed:
1 GB DDR II SDRAM
Hard drive:
160 GB Standard
OS provided:
Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005
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Sony VAIO RB64G - Pentium D 920 2.8 GHz
Product Short Spec:
Processor:
Intel Pentium D 920 (2.8 GHz)
RAM installed:
1 GB DDR II SDRAM
Hard drive:
250 GB Standard
OS provided:
Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005
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Sony VAIO RC210G - Pentium D 930 3 GHz
Product Short Spec:
Processor:
Intel Pentium D 930 (3 GHz)
RAM installed:
1 GB DDR II SDRAM
Hard drive:
160 GB Standard
OS provided:
Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005
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Sony VAIO RC310G
Positives:
First Blu-ray burner we've ever seen inside a PC; typically slick VAIO design; HDCP-compliant video card.
Negatives:
No Blu-ray movies available yet; slow Blu-ray burning speeds; hard to access internal components.
Facts:
If you absolutely must be the first on the block with a Blu-ray device, the Sony VAIO RC310G is your pick by virtue of it being the first Blu-ray PC to hit the street. Slow burning speeds and the high cost of blank media, however, dampen our enthusiasm.
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Sony VAIO TP1 Living Room PC - Core 2 Duo T5600 1.83 GHz
Product Short Spec:
Processor:
Intel Core 2 Duo T5600 (1.83 GHz)
RAM installed:
2 GB DDR II SDRAM
Hard drive:
300 GB Standard
OS provided:
Microsoft Windows Vista,
Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium
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Sony VAIO VGC-LS1
Positives:
Sleek all-in-one design; robust default configuration; includes TV tuner, Webcam, Wi-Fi.
Negatives:
Expensive; screen sits too low; limited upgradability.
Facts:
Sony's VAIO VGC-LS1 is an impressive, if pricey, Media Center showpiece that combines a decent Core Duo-based system and LCD screen into a slim, attractive package.
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Sony VAIO XL1 Digital Living System
Positives:
Slick, inventive design; dual-core CPU; HDMI output.
Negatives:
Has trouble ripping large numbers of discs; lacks common PC A/V ports; small hard drive; no mouse included.
Facts:
The Sony VAIO XL1 DLS breaks some new ground for the living-room PC, but the wonky 200-disc changer hurts its overall appeal.
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Sony VAIO XL2 Digital Living System
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Sony VAIO XL3 Digital Living System
Positives:
Sleek, quiet home theater PC; wide variety of input and output options; smooth Blu-ray playback; well-thought-out remote control
Negatives:
Questionable bang for the buck from the core hardware; single CableCard tuner means reduced PVR capability; wireless keyboard needs some refining.
Facts:
If you're inclined to spend a lot for silence and slim design, Sony's new XL3 Digital Living System delivers better than any other full-size home theater PC we've seen. If you're looking for customizability and the most bang for your buck, other vendors have this system beat.
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