Most Helpful Customer Reviews
|
|
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Sweet Machine, January 23, 2009
Not much to say other than the product I received is exactly what I expected and exactly as advertised. It looks great and works great.
Started up perfectly the first time with no reinstalls or other software issues. The screen is clear and brilliant, Vista SP1 works fine (regardless of the bad PR Vista has), connected to the internet without issue, etc. Sleek install with only two cables (power and HDMI TV). Also, a very important aspect for me is it is very quiet.
For any future buyer, keep in mind that on a Windows machine, when you first turn it on, you end up installing the OS so expect to spend some time doing that and downloading hundreds of MB of updates. But of course, that is the same for any brand (even a Mac will download updates.) Add to that time to transfer files/settings from the old box and you will have a night or two of work/fun ahead of you. I enjoy it, so I call it fun.
Also be aware that although there is an HDMI port in, you can't watch HD TV from that port within Vista. To comply with the HDCP (content protection) requirements, Sony had to keep the digital HD stream away from the PC side. You can use cable or antenna to feed unprotected content into the PC media center, so all may not be lost. Your mileage may vary...
Bottom line: Highly recommended if you are looking for a PC/TV All-In-One
|
|
|
5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Update to initial review, January 7, 2009
What you need to know is that Amazon is the only place you can now buy the LV180. And it is quite a value! Sony on-line and Sony Syle Stores now only carry the LV150 and LV190. They are now selling the LV150 for the same price as the LV180 is available from Amazon. The sales rep at Amazon said they'd fix the Spec info to reflect the actual 6MB of Cache.
Mine arrives Friday, so I'll post more later.
Also, the computer specs for the LV180 are the same as the JS190, which only has a 20" screen and no TV.
OS is "Home Premium", despit what the Sony site previously stated.
***** UPDATE 28 January 2009 UPDATE FIVE STARS! *****
Now that I've had it for a few weeks I'm quite happy with my purchase.
It looks like an adult computer compared to the iMac white frame.
I can't wait for the "Windows Live One Care" to expire after the "Free 90-day trial period"! It clashes with other security software I prefer and it tries to get you to delete the other software. I should take the time to uninstall One Care.
|
|
|
5 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars
Multiple Defective Software Problems, January 14, 2009
I hope I am the only member to experience these problems but my desktop came with multiple software defects. The Windows Live Icon was present but the program was not installed. My unit had defects which prevented me from establishing a wireless connection and when connected via a cable modem, another defect prevented me from uploading websites that incorporated attached windows. These problems were diagnosed by a computer technition dispatched to my home after I attempted every trouble shooting procedure Amazon recommended.
While I never got my unit running I'd like to elaborate further on this specific model. First, the LV 180J comes with Vista Home Premium, not the Vista Ultimate (see Sony LV190J.) A buyer should also know the Sony Corporation (Sonystyle.com)does not recognize this Model, so Sony Technical Support could not help me. Is this Model made exclusively for Amazon and which limits Sony Technical Support? Finally, I recently discovered after researching the HDTV feature there are some significant restrictions on receiving HDTV programs. These restrictions are set by agencies outside the scope of Sony's control. If television watching / recording programs is a primary purpose for buying this all-in-one system you should investigate this situation. You may be purchasing a feature you can not apply.
Some positive feedback: The screen resolution and color representation is impressive. I suspect monitor manufacturers will soon explore the 24 inch monitor as their standard size. It is so much easier to run simultaneous window apps. I also had no problem setting up this system and integrating the wireless componets. The absent wiring gives this system a "clean" and modern look. It seems fairly quiet but because the drive is installed in the monitor, it sits at ear level on the table. The typical set up with the drive(s) at floor level is less "accoustically invasive." (Hope that makes sense.)
In summary, this may be an isolated bad unit but my concerns broaden when I read that other members have also encountered problems out-of-the-box with this unit. These issues are too frequent for me to consider repurchasing another LV-180J. Not having access to Sony Technical Support was also disturbing. Especially since the LV-180J is nearly identical to the LV-150J. (A model Sonystyle.com does recognize.)
Give some thought before purchasing this specific model. I can not recommend it based on my experiences.
Respectfully submitted, K.K. Seacoast, N.H.
|
|
|
Most Recent Customer Reviews
|
