Sony VAIO VGC-RB44G Desktop PC (Intel Pentium 4 Processor 630, 1 GB RAM, 250 GB Hard Drive, Dbl Layer DVD+R/DVD+/-RW Drive, DVD-ROM Drive)

by Sony

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 16.9 x 15.2 x 7.1 inches ; 25.4 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 37.4 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B0009EQY0W
• Item model number: VGC-RB44G
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: May 22, 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-RB44G Desktop PC is in reality quite capable of handling virtually any task apart from high-end 3D games. And even then, all it would take is an upgrade of the system's middle-of-the-road graphics card to bring it up to spec. Featuring a fast yet cost effective processor, superb optical drive facilities and enough data storage space for anyone, the VAIO VGC-RB44G is a strong midlevel desktop alternative for the personal and professional user.

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-RB44G, Sony balances speed with affordability by incorporating an Intel Pentium 4 640. 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 speedy but not top-of-the-line 3.2 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 raw horsepower than many users are ever likely to require.

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-RB44G delivers instant response no matter how many programs you're running.

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 mainboard and "shares" the system's main memory, as it will better handle complex procedures and display a more sophisticated, smoother image. The good news is that the VAIO VGC-RB44G features a graphics controller with dedicated video memory -- an ATI Radeon X300. The not-so-good news for those who absolutely require top-notch 3D graphics performance is that the X300 carries just 128 MB of video memory. In a time when many cards sport 256 MB or 512 MB and many game manufacturers optimize their software for a 256 minimum, the X300 may not be enough for serious 3D fans. Though it's far superior to an integrated controller and will handle all 2D and many 3D applications, it is not an ideal gamer's card.

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-RB44G 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 high-end sound card, but it's more than sufficient for the enclosed set of stereo desktop speakers.

Hard Drive
The unit's massive 250 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 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 DVD-ROM drive for playing music and data CDs and DVD movies, 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 or DVD copies.

Connectivity and Expansion
With six high-speed USB 2.0 ports, you'll have lots of room for plug and play gadgets such as digital cameras and printers. The unit also features two IEEE 1394 "FireWire" ports (commonly used for fast data transfer from digital camcorders), an S-Video input for loss-less digital video, composite video-audio inputs and a coaxial input to run signals from other sources through your computer (for recording television programs on your hard drive, for example), a DVI-D output to send an optimal digital video signal from the computer to a flat-panel display, and a memory 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
Multimedia fans will find a lot to like in the unit's operating system, Microsoft's Windows XP Media Center Edition. Also bundled with the VAIO VGC-RB44G is Microsoft's Works 8.0 productivity pack, Intuit's Quicken 2005 New User 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 USB 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

Intel Pentium 4 Processor 640 (3.2 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 ATI Radeon X300 graphics with 128MB of DDR SDRAM 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 (occupied), x1 PCI Express (available), & 2 PCI (0 available) Ports - 10/100 Ethernet, DVI Out, 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

5.0 out of 5 stars After 4 (four whole) years, still going strong., April 7, 2010

By 

Dirk Van Toor "Qua Patet Orbis" (MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA, US) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sony VAIO VGC-RB44G Desktop PC (Intel Pentium 4 Processor 630, 1 GB RAM, 250 GB Hard Drive, Dbl Layer DVD+R/DVD+/-RW Drive, DVD-ROM Drive) (Personal Computers)

Having diddled around with DELL(Hm-Mjah), HP(shudder!!!) and remarkably well perfoming Packard-Bell's, Ten years ago we ended up with a Sony VAIO All-in-One system that blew us right off our feet right then and there. When that system was stolen (pocks on the thieves and theirs) we got our present system, the Sony VAIO VGC-RB44G, which at the time had all the multi-media bells and whistles one could hope for. It still has, except for digital-TV reception.
We went from Windows XP to Vista and all went fine. Then from Vista to Windows7 and Lo-and-Behold, the system works even better than it ever did under XP. Running this with 2 high-res monitors and plenty of performance hogs and my kids are still happy as a clam. I had planned to replace it this year, but as it stands and if present experience is any indication, this puppy will last a couple more years.
This is A good, reliable and solid machine that even now still has stabdard features that a lot of newer machines don't cover.

8 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars NEW SONY, July 2, 2005

By 

John allen DO (JACKSON, MI USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sony VAIO VGC-RB44G Desktop PC (Intel Pentium 4 Processor 630, 1 GB RAM, 250 GB Hard Drive, Dbl Layer DVD+R/DVD+/-RW Drive, DVD-ROM Drive) (Personal Computers)

i HAVE ONLY HAD THIS COMPUTER ONE WEEK. SO FAR IT IS LIGHT YEARS AHEAD OF OUR OLD DELL.