Sony VAIO PCV-W30 Desktop (2.0-GHz Pentium 4, 512 MB RAM, 80 GB Hard Drive, DVD/CD-RW Drive)

[Archived in Desktops, Products, Sony]

Manufacturer: Sony
Price at amazon.com: Used from $1100.00

List price $1,399.99

Product Description:

Along with its slightly less powerful siblings, the VAIO PCV-W10 and PCV-W20, Sony's inventive VAIO PCV-W30 represents a bright new look for desktop PCs. In contrast to the bulky multi-component setup of traditional PCs, the VAIO PCV-W30 sports a sleek all-in-one fold-open design that more closely resembles a notebook. Fashionable, futuristic and very easy to setup and use, Sony's latest PC will appeal to those with limited space and an eye for style. It won't, however, set any speed records. Driven by a 2.0 GHz Intel Pentium 4 processor and 512 MB of fast PC-2100 DDR RAM (expandable to 1 full GB), the VAIO PCV-W30 offers solid but unspectacular performance. The unit's graphics chipset, a 32 MB SiS 651, will handle most common tasks but is not recommended for anyone who deals primarily with 3-D graphics or dabbles in 3-D games. Included inside the VAIO PCV-W30 is a combination CD-RW/DVD-ROM drive through which users can burn and play music compilations and enjoy the latest Hollywood blockbusters. Movie buffs in particular will appreciate the integrated 15.3-inch LCD display, especially for its DVD-friendly 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio. Music aficionados can store MP3s on the large 80 GB hard drive and play CDs through the integrated stereo speakers even when the unit is closed. Sony has enhanced the VAIO PCV-W30 with a variety of welcome amenities, including a V.90 data/fax modem for low-speed e-communication, a 10Base-T/100Base-TX Fast Ethernet interface for high-speed LAN and Internet access, three lightning quick USB 2.0 ports for plug and play peripherals, dual IEEE 1394 FireWire interfaces for outboard devices such as DV camcorders, and a hassle-free optical mouse. The keyboard is of particular interest, as it quickly folds up and out of the way to keep your desk free of clutter. Pre-installed software includes Microsoft's Windows XP Home Edition, Microsoft Works 7.0, Microsoft Age of Empire 2, and an impressive array of music, video and image editing utilities.

Description from Manufacturer:Along with its slightly less powerful siblings, the VAIO PCV-W10 and PCV-W20, Sony's inventive VAIO PCV-W30 represents a bright new look for desktop PCs. In contrast to the bulky multi-component setup of traditional PCs, the VAIO PCV-W30 sports a sleek all-in-one fold-open design that more closely resembles a notebook. Fashionable, futuristic and very easy to setup and use, Sony's latest PC will appeal to those with limited space and an eye for style.

It won't, however, set any speed records. Driven by a 2.0 GHz Intel Pentium 4 processor and 512 MB of fast PC-2100 DDR RAM (expandable to 1 full GB), the VAIO PCV-W30 offers solid but unspectacular performance. The unit's graphics chipset, a 32 MB SiS 651, will handle most common tasks but is not recommended for anyone who deals primarily with 3-D graphics or dabbles in 3-D games.

Included inside the VAIO PCV-W30 is a combination CD-RW/DVD-ROM drive through which users can burn and play music compilations and enjoy the latest Hollywood blockbusters. Movie buffs in particular will appreciate the integrated 15.3-inch LCD display, especially for its DVD-friendly 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio. Music aficionados can store MP3s on the large 80 GB hard drive and play CDs through the integrated stereo speakers even when the unit is closed.

Sony has enhanced the VAIO PCV-W30 with a variety of welcome amenities, including a V.90 data/fax modem for low-speed e-communication, a 10Base-T/100Base-TX Fast Ethernet interface for high-speed LAN and Internet access, three lightning quick USB 2.0 ports for plug and play peripherals, dual IEEE 1394 FireWire interfaces for outboard devices such as DV camcorders, and a hassle-free optical mouse. The keyboard is of particular interest, as it quickly folds up and out of the way to keep your desk free of clutter.

Pre-installed software includes Microsoft's Windows XP Home Edition, Microsoft Works 7.0, Microsoft Age of Empire 2, and an impressive array of music, video and image editing utilities.Average Customer Rating:

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Comment: Right out of the box Rating:
This Sony PC worked right out of the box. I just plugged it in and started using it. The ports are easy to find and use, although it does not support older legacy (non-USB) peripherals. It is a very elegant looking machine, and the screen resolution is superb. My only complaints are a smallish keyboard and weak sounding speakers. You can connect aftermarket speakers and keyboard, of course.

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Comment: Excellent for college Rating:
Well, I was debating whether to get a laptop or a desktop for college, and then I came across this computer. It's sort of a hybrid between the two and came with many nice features at a decent price. This computer has given me no problems and has been very convient and easy to use. I recommend it for people with little space or who just want a computer that looks cool.

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Comment: Great Computer, Great Value Rating:
I just picked my Vaio W30 up a few days ago and it is great. I think it is being marketed as a PC for people who don't know much about computers but as someone who is familiar with computers and technology, I really loved the size, the look, the functionality and the price. At 1600 dollars this is a gerat deal. Only drawback is that it does not come packaged with Office or anything which kind of sucks if you don't own Office already and have to pay another 400 bucks for it (like I do). Basically I use my personal computer for music, movies, iPod, digital camera, internet, Word and Excel. This is ample computer for that. 512 MB of RAM...as an average computer user you can't possibly need more than that. 2GHz processor, there are faster computers out there but really ask yourself if you need it. You probably don't unless you're doing graphic design or lots of intense digital movie editing. The screen is gorgeous and I am very pleasantly surprised by the speaker quality. Although I am hooking mine up to different speakers, these speakers are more than sufficient for a casual user. This is, as advertised, easy to set up. Plug in the mouse, plug in the computer and you're all set. My favorite aspect is the fact that on the side you have 2 USB 2.0 ports (there is a separate mouse port), 2 FireWire connections, a digital memory stick...this computer is made for the person with lots of gadgets.
I'd say the pros are all listed above (price, small size, functionality) and the cons are: inability to upgrade this (although for a casual user or a college student, etc. this will last for several years) and the lack of quality bundled software.
I truly recommend this for different types of people. It is great for young people who want a hip looking multi-media capable computer. It is great for first-time PC users b/c of it's simple design and streamlined approach. Sony is a good company (I'd buy from them directly though rather than here and get the 2 year warranty) and they've made a great computer. Buy it knowing you are getting a wonderful computer for a tremendous price.

Posted at November 11, 2003 06:50 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)