Sony VAIO PCV-RS720G Desktop PC (Intel Pentium 4 Processor 530, 512 MB RAM, 200 GB Hard Drive, DVD+/-RW Dbl Layer, DVD-ROM Drive)

by Sony

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 15.6 x 15.3 x 7.4 inches ; 26.5 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 40 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B000301N94
• Item model number: PCV-RS720G
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: October 17, 2004

Product Description

Amazon Product Description

The Basics Hardcore gamers and people who absolutely must have the most power and finest state-of-the-art amenities that money can buy will want to check out other PCs such as the Sony VAIO VGC-RA826G Digital Studio PC, but everyone else should find the Sony VAIO PCV-RS720G Desktop PC is all the computer they need. Featuring such desirable perks as double-layer DVD burning, built-in TV and video recording and a spacious 200 GB hard drive, the system is especially ideal as the centerpiece of a home entertainment center -- merely add a set of surround sound speakers and a viewing screen and you're good to go. If multimedia is in your future, the VAIO PCV-RS720G is a superb midlevel alternative.

Processor
At the heart of any computer lies the CPU (or processor), a massive collection of miniature transistors that governs the speed and power of the entire unit. For the VAIO PCV-RS720G, Sony balanced speed with affordability by installing an Intel Pentium 4 530. New for 2004, this is one of the recently upgraded series of Pentium 4 chips -- nicknamed "Prescott" -- featuring one full MB of Level 2 cache and a more generous data "pipeline" than prior models. Operating at a speedy but not record-breaking 3.0 GHz and of course sporting Intel's Hyper-Threading technology (Hyper-Threading allows a single CPU system to behave at times as a dual CPU system, thus adding substantially more speed to some high-end applications), this CPU delivers more than enough power for most applications and environments.

Memory
Computers typically store information on their hard drive, but they keep frequently and recently accessed data in Random Access Memory (RAM) for faster retrieval. More RAM means more efficient computing, superior multitasking and less strain on your hard drive. Though some of Sony's pricier units feature a whopping 1 GB of RAM and are therefore ready for anything the future may bring, the VAIO PCV-RS720G sports half that amount, 512 MB. Still, this is a typical allotment for most midlevel and high-end computers, and is certainly enough for most multitasking situations and/or complex applications. Moreover, it's fast PC3200 400 MHz DDR memory, and can be upgraded to a whopping 2 GB.

Video
CPU's are usually so busy doing basic calculations that they need help translating visual output to the viewing screen. This is the duty of the graphics card (or graphics controller). A graphics controller with "dedicated" video memory is preferable to a controller that's integrated on the mainboard and "shares" the system's main memory, as it will better handle complex procedures.

The VAIO PCV-RS720G features a new style of video controller -- a hybrid of sorts between high-end standalone "dedicated memory" cards and less capable integrated "shared memory" controllers. It's called the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900, a module that is indeed integrated on the motherboard but features more refined components. It also commandeers more of the system's main memory -- up to 224 MB -- than traditional integrated controllers. Ultimately, this controller is sufficient for all 2D and most 3D tasks (including most 3D games) and is far superior to a standard integrated controller, though a dedicated video card with 256 MB or more of built-in memory would deliver smoother imaging and more realistic textures in super-high-end applications such as the latest 3D games and 3D animation packages.

Display:
Sony has not included a display screen, thus allowing you to continue using your current monitor or select from today's many alternatives.

Sound
The VAIO PCV-RS720G generates stereo and surround sound via an Intel High Definition Audio chipset.

Hard Drive
The unit's large 200 GB internal hard drive is spacious enough for a massive allotment of files and applications and a comprehensive music, video/photo and multimedia library too. Furthermore, this particular hard drive is exceptionally quick -- sporting a fast 7200-RPM speed, an 8 MB buffer, and a futuristic Serial ATA connection. These are all comparatively recent innovations, each increasing the overall speed and performance of the system.

Optical Drive
An optical drive is essential in today's computing world. A "CD-ROM" drive allows you to install CD-based applications and play music CDs. A "CD-RW" drive adds CD "burning", so you can also backup your important files to long-lasting discs and create personalized music CDs. With a DVD-ROM drive you can enjoy all of the above plus watch the same big budget DVD movies you watch on your home entertainment system. And with a DVD-RW drive, you can also "write" home movies to durable discs and archive files to DVD (DVDs boast more than seven times the storage capacity of CDs).

This unit features two optical drives -- a DVD-ROM drive for playing music and data CDs and DVD movies, and a DVD +/- RW Double Layer Multi-Format drive through which you can not only do everything above but also take advantage of new double layer DVDs (twice the capacity of traditional DVDs). Moreover, this two-drive setup allows you to create extremely fast CD or DVD copies.

Connectivity and Expansion
With no less than seven high-speed USB 2.0 ports, you'll have lots of room for plug and play gadgets such as digital cameras and printers. Sony has also installed an IEEE 1394 "FireWire" port (often used for fast data transfer from digital camcorders), an S/PDIF jack for crystal clear digital audio, two S-Video inputs for lossless digital video, and a memory card reader for uploading data from today's most popular memory cards from devices such as digital cameras, PDAs and more. Communication options include a standard Ethernet LAN interface for fast network and Internet access and a 56K data/fax modem for low-speed dial-up connections

Operating System and Software
The VAIO PCV-RS720G features a software package headed by today's most accepted and commonplace operating system, Microsoft's Windows XP Home Edition. Also bundled with the system is Microsoft's Works 8.0 productivity pack, Intuit's Quicken 2005 New User's Edition financial suite, a half dozen of Sony's own top notch multimedia tools, and several time-limited trial editions of popular security and Internet utilities.

Control
The system includes a VAIO Keyboard and a no hassle PS/2 optical mouse. To help you better operate your system when you can't or don't want to hover over the keyboard, Sony will also enclose a convenient wireless remote control.

Product Description

Includes: remote control, VAIO(R) keyboard, PS/2 mouse, power cord, Microsoft Windows XP Home, Works 8.0, Intuit Quicken 2005 New User Edition, Sonic RecordNow, WinDVD, Norton Internet Security (90-day trial), & more. Sony PCV-RS720G VAIO(R) Desktop Computer - With Sony's Giga Pocket MPEG Encoder and TV Tuner, this desktop computer becomes a home entertainment centerpiece. With Giga Pocket you can watch and record your favorite television shows, as well as record your old analog VHS tapes to long-lasting digital format. 2 RAM Slots (occupied) 200GB 7200RPM HDD Intel GMA900 Graphics with up to 224MB of shared memory (memory is shared with the main system's RAM) Double Layer DVD Writer - up to 2.4x DL DVD+R, 16x DVD+R, 8x DVD-R, 4x DVD-RW, 4x DVD+RW, 32x CD-R, & 24x CD-RW DVD-ROM Drive - 16x DVD-ROM & 40x CD-ROM 3.5 1.44MB Floppy Disk Drive 56k v.90 Fax Modem Memory Card Reader - Memory Stick, Compact Flash Type I/II, IBM Micro Drive, SD/MMC, & xD Slots - 16x PCI Express (available) & 2 PCI (1 available) Bays - Two 5.25 (occupied), One External 3.5 (occupied), & Two Internal 3.5 (1 available) Ports - 10/100 Ethernet, 7 USB 2.0 (3 front), 2 FireWire (6-pin rear / 4-pin front), 2 PS/2, VGA Out, Coaxial In, 2 Composite A/V In (1 front), 1 S/PDIF Out, 2 S-Video In (1 front), 1 Parallel, 1 Line-In, 1 Headphone, 1 Microphone, & 1 Stereo Line In/Out Unit Dimensions - 7.2 (w) x 15.6 (h) x 14.9 (d) Unit Weight - 26.5 lbs.

See all Product Description

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing!, December 18, 2004

By 

Gob (USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Sony VAIO PCV-RS720G Desktop PC (Intel Pentium 4 Processor 530, 512 MB RAM, 200 GB Hard Drive, DVD+/-RW Dbl Layer, DVD-ROM Drive) (Personal Computers)

I've had a Sony Viao desktop for six months, and it's amazing. Yes it has a cheap mouse, speaker, keyboard, etc, but that's all easily replaced. If you're buying this computer it's for the recording ability. This is the best Media PC on the market in my opinion. The front analog inputs makes for very simple VHS tape transfer (although don't expect it to copy copyrighted movies to DVD...it won't). I have my satellite TV hooked up to it, and it works great. The DVD burning software is also a breeze. If you're looking for a Media PC, then definitely consider this one and not the HP, which lacks many of the standard features of the Sony.

18 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Sony Over Promises and Under Delivers -- WARNING!!!, January 26, 2005

By 

barberikyawp "barberikyawp" (Atlanta, GA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sony VAIO PCV-RS720G Desktop PC (Intel Pentium 4 Processor 530, 512 MB RAM, 200 GB Hard Drive, DVD+/-RW Dbl Layer, DVD-ROM Drive) (Personal Computers)

Can't Play Half Life 2 and many other popular games due to poor design! -- Graphics capabilites are sub-par.-- Too much marketing hype and not enough substance!

I bought this computer primarily due to the belief that it was somewhat future-proofed. I spent a little extra upfront because it had some neat bells and whistles (DVR), lots of ports (USB and Firewire), good speed (3GHz), good memory (512MB+), and the purported ability to handle the demanding graphics of today's applications and "most 3D" requirements. WORST CASE: I could always upgrade video capabilities using the new PCI-Express expansion slot.

Well...don't I have egg on my face!

I immediately wanted to try some of the latest games on the market (e.g., Half Life 2). I bought the game, loaded it, and quickly found out the computer wouldn't play it. After many painful and unhelpful "run-arounds" with Sony and Intel non-support, I learned that many of today's games require a technology built into the hardware of the graphics controller. The PCV-RS720G computer with its "integrated graphics" doesn't support that hardware technology. So the games won't run. (NOTE: For those that care, it is called Hardware Transform and Lighting. The 720G's integrated solution performs T&L in software, which many games do not support.)

But never fear...I am a clever guy...I bought the PC because it had the ability to expand video capabilities via the PCI-E slot. RIGHT?...Well, this is only partly true. Sure, there is a slot for an upgraded video card that will support the new games. BUT (and this is a big BUT) PCI-E cards require at least 300W power and typically 350-450W. Low-and-behold, the SONY only comes with 295W power supply (PSU).

Well, I just need to swap out the PSU, right? Wrong! It turns out, to my great chagrin, that not only will replacing the PSU void my warranty but also no 350W PSU exists on the market that will fit into the case. Turns out (and this is not a Sony-Only thing) that Sony had a PSU specially built so it fit snuggly in their VAIO cases. The PSUs are completely different dimensions than standard PSUs. Due to the space in the case, you can't even rig a standard PSU to fit. Frickin' Fantastic!

They give you a PCI-E slot that you can't use because they didn't have the forethought to provide a PSU with enough power. Kind of like being half pregnant!

The only way I have surmised to be able to use the PCI-E slot is to buy a new case (with proper PSU) and move all the components from the VAIO into the new case. Simple for some, but a challenging, not to mention risky, endeavor for me.

So here I am with a computer that I thought would allow me to dip my toe into gaming. In fact what I got was an over-priced (albeit pretty) run-of-the-mill desktop computer.

MORAL OF THIS STORY! Don't be fooled by the hype. If future-proofed is what you are looking for, find a different PC. If run-of-the-mill is what you need save your money and buy a different vendors machine. The SONY Desktop brand comes with gotchas around every corner, minimal documentation, ineffective support, and a non-standard set of components all at a premium price.

I wish I had chosen differently.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gmans review, February 4, 2005

By 

Joshua Glowzinski "Gman" (Earth) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sony VAIO PCV-RS720G Desktop PC (Intel Pentium 4 Processor 530, 512 MB RAM, 200 GB Hard Drive, DVD+/-RW Dbl Layer, DVD-ROM Drive) (Personal Computers)

I see that this got some bad reviews from people. However for the first bad review if your system is not what it should be i'd say sending it back would be the smart thing to do. For the second bad thing said yes I know it won't play all the new games. I have 1 game I got that didn't work on my old windows 98 computer and it is star wars episode 1 pod racer. I have a ps2, Xbox, Game cube, Gameboy Advance and Nintendo DS so im good with games. I have had 2 computers in my life im only 19. The first one my grandparents bought me in september 1998 and I just bought this one. If you want to be able to play games with no problem check out alienware http://www.alienware.com or dell http://www.dell.com. The companys both have systems that will play any game. If you want a computer for school or work or video editing or just to search the net and do everything else this computer is great. Everything about it is setup very well. I would however say allways go out and try any computer before you buy it and don't be to shy to ask the people that work there what the computer will do.