Sony VAIO VGC-RB42G Desktop PC (3 GHz Pentium 4, 1 GB RAM, 250 GB Hard Drive, DVD+R Double Layer/ DVD±RW Drive)

by Sony

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 16.9 x 15.2 x 7.1 inches ; 23.4 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 35 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B00092DPBK
• Item model number: VGC-RB42G
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: May 8, 2005

Product Description

Amazon Product Description

The Basics Targeting multimedia enthusiasts who relish the thought of manipulating photos, editing home movies, burning and playing digital music and building a library of all of the above, the Sony VAIO VGC-RB42G Desktop PC is in reality a capable and versatile machine ideal for most computing environments. Though it isn't adorned with a top-notch 3D graphics card, the unit does feature a solid processor, excellent optical drive facilities and oodles of data storage space. Serious gameplayers and 3D animators will probably want to add a dedicated graphics card but the VAIO VGC-RB42G is otherwise a strong yet cost-effective choice for those who know they can't quite afford state-of-the-art computing but don't want to settle for middle-of-the-road.

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 VGC-RB42G, Sony balances power with affordability by incorporating an Intel Pentium 4 630. This is one of Intel's recently upgraded Pentium 4 chips, featuring two full megabytes (MB) of Level 2 cache for even faster real world operation than last year's model, which sported an already impressive one MB Level 2 cache. Operating at a snappy but not top-of-the-line 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 enough raw horsepower for most any home, home office, business and entertainment purpose.

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. Currently, 512 MB of RAM is considered sufficient for most applications and multitasking situations, though demanding users will want more. Fitted with a full one gigabyte (1034 MB) of high-speed PC3200 400 MHz RAM, the VAIO VGC-RB42G will deliver instant response even when you're running several programs simultaneously.

Video
CPU's are usually so busy doing basic calculations that they need help translating visual output -- particularly the demanding 3D visual output of games and 3D animation packages -- 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 motherboard and "shares" the system's main memory, as it will better handle complex procedures and display a more sophisticated, smoother image.

The VAIO VGC-RB42G features a relatively 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 fitted to the motherboard but features more refined components than older integrated controllers. It also commandeers more of the system's main memory -- up to 224 MB -- than traditional integrated controllers. Accordingly, the system's huge 1 GB allotment of main memory really comes in handy.

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. However, a dedicated video card with 256 MB or more of built-in memory is a smart upgrade if you want to experience a truly smooth frame rate and all the high-end visual effects of the latest, greatest 3D games.

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 VGC-RB42G generates stereo and surround sound via an audio chip integrated on the motherboard. This arrangement doesn't offer the power or the sophistication of a dedicated sound card, but it's more than sufficient for the enclosed set of stereo desktop speakers.

Hard Drive
Hard drives have experienced a real growth spurt in the last year. As such, current mid-priced drives are significantly more spacious than they were even twelve months ago. This system's 250 GB drive is one of the largest currently available and offers more than enough room for a massive allotment of files and applications and a comprehensive music, video/photo and multimedia library too. Furthermore, this particular hard drive is quick -- sporting a fast 7200-RPM speed, an 8 MB buffer, and a cutting-edge 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 CD-ROM drive for playing music and data CDs, and a DVD+R Double Layer/ DVD±RW 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 make extremely fast CD copies.

Connectivity and Expansion
Featuring an S-Video input, VGA output, composite audio-video inputs and a coaxial input, the VAIO VGC-RB42G offers all the connectivity you'll need to integrate your PC into your home entertainment world. The system also sports all the latest data connections, including six high-speed USB 2.0 ports (two on the front, two on the rear) for plug and play gadgets such as digital cameras and printers, two IEEE 1394 "FireWire" ports (commonly used for fast data transfer from digital camcorders), and a multimedia card reader for uploading data from today's most popular memory cards. 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
Sony will equip the VAIO VGC-RB42G with today's most multimedia-savvy operating system, Microsoft's Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005. Also enclosed are Corel's WordPerfect word processor, Corel's Quattro Pro spreadsheet program, Adobe Photoshop Elements 3.0 image editing utility, and several of Sony's own top notch multimedia tools.

Control
You'll control your system with a VAIO Keyboard and a standard PS/2 mouse.

Product Description

Intel Pentium 4 Processor 630 (3.0 GHz) with HT Technology / 1GB PC3200 DDR RAM / 250GB HD / Double Layer DVD Writer / PCI Express 1GB of PC3200 DDR SDRAM (expandable to 2GB) 2 RAM Slots (0 available) 250GB 7200RPM SATA HDD Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900 with 224MB of shared video memory (memory taken from the main system) Giga Pocket MPEG2 Realtime Encoder board with TV Tuner Double Layer DVD Writer - (write speeds) up to 2.4x Double Layer DVD+R, 16x DVD+R, 8x DVD-R, 4x DVD+RW, 4x DVD-RW, 32x CD-R, & 24x CD-RW Double Layer DVD Writer - (read speeds) up to 16x DVD-ROM & 40x CD-ROM 16x DVD-ROM Drive 56k Fax Modem Mutlimedia Card Reader - supports Memory Stick, Memory Stick(R) PRO/Duo, Compact Flash Type I/II, SD, MMC, Smart Media, & xD Picture Cards Slots - x16 PCI Express (available), x1 PCI Express (available), & 2 PCI (0 available) Ports - 10/100 Ethernet, VGA Out, 6 USB 2.0 (2 front), 1 6-pin FireWire (rear), 1 4-pin FireWire (front), 2 PS/2, 1 VGA Out, 1 Parallel, 1 Line In, 1 Headphone, 1 Microphone, 1 S-Video In, 1 Composite A/V in, & 1 Coaxial In Bays - Two 5.25 (0 available), One External 3.5 (0 available), Four Internal 3.5 (3 available)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Mixed views, November 10, 2007

By 

K. Mehlig - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sony VAIO VGC-RB42G Desktop PC (3 GHz Pentium 4, 1 GB RAM, 250 GB Hard Drive, DVD+R Double Layer/ DVD±RW Drive) (Personal Computers)

I've had this computer for over two years now and there are a few big issues.

Pros
-It's lasted longer than any other computer that I've had.
-With proper upgrades [only to the video card/fan/hard drive], it can play all of my games on medium/high settings with 60fps.

Cons
-the cd drive/dvd drive are very cheaply made. The covers of both have broken off, and the CD portion rarely even opens.
-the default hard drive is horrible, crashing after a few months and costing me about 60gb worth of important data [and nearly a point on my GPA]
-the default fan cannot handle any upgrades to video cards, replace it as soon as you can
-I'm no expert on the inner-workings of computers, but trying to install a new video card was utter hell due to the mass of wires inside.
-even though it's apparently twice as fast hardware-wise as my laptop, the laptop performs far better after 3 or 4 hours of play


In all, it's a good computer if you are looking for a long term commitment, but the costs will add up quickly.

5.0 out of 5 stars I have owned it for over 2 years, August 5, 2007

By 

C. Mattern "Caleb" (NC) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sony VAIO VGC-RB42G Desktop PC (3 GHz Pentium 4, 1 GB RAM, 250 GB Hard Drive, DVD+R Double Layer/ DVD±RW Drive) (Personal Computers)

This is a great computer! Obviously it is windows so it is has it's issues that are related to that problem... :) I am using all but about 50gb of the hard drive and use it as a tivo with windows media. I have even used the component inputs to convert my analog 8mm home videos to digital.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Odd design, front doors fall off, impossible to get drivers, March 6, 2007

By 

Richard C. Drew "Anaal Nathra/Uthe vas Bethod... (Oak Lawn, IL USA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Sony VAIO VGC-RB42G Desktop PC (3 GHz Pentium 4, 1 GB RAM, 250 GB Hard Drive, DVD+R Double Layer/ DVD±RW Drive) (Personal Computers)

At first I thought the design was pretty cool. The features were comparable (even better) than other manufacturer models and it was more bang for the buck. But after a few months, the front door flaps that hide the ports and CD/DVD drives stopped closing (the springs came off.) Soon after, two simply fell off. The HDD failed after 7 months. I replaced it and added a second. For some bizarre reason known only to Sony designers, the drives are mounted sideways. This requires a special right-angle SATA cable - not a standard right angle SATA cable or regular SATA cable. Now I can't close the case because the cable sticks out ¼".
The power switch is located on the lower right side. Like most people, I have this under my desk. I can't count the times I've spun in my chair to answer the phone and my foot tapped the power button. Unlike most power buttons, this one DOES shut the PC down - It does not bring up the shut down options.

After the HDD crashed, it took weeks to find drivers (I still can't find some.) Sony's download site does not work. I tried from several locations at different times. Downloads always time out (a common complaint!)