Sony VAIO PCV-RS420 Desktop (2.80-GHz Pentium 4 (Hyper-Threading), 512 MB RAM, 120 GB Hard Drive, DVD+RW/CD-RW Drive )

[Archived in Desktops, Products, Sony]

Manufacturer: Sony
Price at amazon.com: New from $760.00

List price $1,099.99

Product Description:

The RS420 is a DVD burning system packed with all the entertainment software you need to maximize your digital lifestyle.

Description from Manufacturer: 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.Average Customer Rating:

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Comment: Recommended is 8X DVD ROM/ 16X DVD ROM. Rating:
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!

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Comment: Great for on-line or work -- Gamers should stay away Rating:
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.

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Comment: Light on Software Rating:
I purchased a Sony Vaio 420 to put next to my two Gateways and two Dells. The hardware is fast (I guess), but I can't tell the difference over my 1.6 GHZ Compaq with the exception of the COMBO DVD+-RW/CD RW, which is much slower. My upgraded Compaq with a TDK 52 CDRW is twice as fast at burning CDs as the VAIO Combo DVD/CD. That was disappointing, but it does burn both DVD+ and -. So for CD burning, I use my Compaq. I'm thinking about moving my CD burner over to the Sony. The ATI 9200 Video Card is really an "LE." Looking this up on the ATI site, it is a scaled down version of the ATI 9200. I thought I was getting a full up 9200. Might want to upgrade this too, but I have not noticed any problems. The software package is really disappointing. I had expected more from Sony, a leader in media. Almost every media package will need replacing in my opinion. This includes image editing (I recommend JASC Paintshop Pro 8); Video Editing, and CD/DVD burning (I recommend NERO 6). Bottom Line: fast hardware for a low price (except DVD/CD burner); disappointing software package.

Posted at November 11, 2003 07:17 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)