Sony VAIO PCV-MXS10 Desktop (1.7-GHz Pentium 4, 512 MB RAM, 80 GB hard drive)

Other products by Sony

Product Details

Data Sheet [2.82mb PDF]

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Supplementary Guide [3.64mb PDF]

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Product Manual [2.66mb PDF]

• Product Dimensions: 16.3 x 20.9 x 13.9 inches ; 54 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 58.6 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B00005TSMI
• Item model number: VAIO PCV-MXS10
• Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #8,502 in Computers & PC Hardware (See Bestsellers in Computers & PC Hardware)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: November 19, 2001

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description
The impressive MX is Sony's ambitious solution for the person who wants one system that does it all. Whether you want to watch and record TV shows, burn and listen to DVD and CDs, listen to FM radio, or edit digital images, the MX does it all, plus of course the typical things you'd do with your high-end computer.

Our first impression of the Sony MX was of how small it was considering everything it does. All its components came in a compact, approximately 2-by-2-foot box. Inside were smaller boxes that held the various cables, the keyboard, mouse, handy remote control, case, and the two speakers. The minitower case was an appealing shiny gray and light purple color, which matched the speakers and created an attractive system.

Within 10 minutes we had the basic computer set up. When we pushed the power button, the display on the front of the case glowed with a techie-looking green light, showing a marquee of the Sony Vaio brand. The computer comes loaded with Windows XP Home Edition, so we also had to perform the initial setup of that software, but from there we were ready to fully explore the MX.

One of its coolest features is a personal video recorder. Similar to other digital recording systems, this device stores television programs on the MX's hard drive. Just plug your TV into the back of the computer and you can start recording and watching TV shows. You can also download episode information from the Web, so you can plan your recordings. You can even transfer information from the personal video recorder to a DVD disc, or to a Memory Stick so you can view them on your camcorder.

For the audiophiles out there, Sony includes two large speakers, which provided solid sound quality that made the most of the Vaio's 20-watt power capabilities. To reduce interference noise, Sony has separated the internal sound board from the PC motherboard and has used fully digital signal paths to achieve the highest clarity of signal transmission. The result is a sharp, clean audio experience that sacrifices little on the bass end. While the two-way speaker system is more than adequate when using the Vaio as a PC or for gaming, we felt that TV or DVD viewing would be greatly enhanced by connecting to a surround receiver/speaker system through the unit's digital optical ports.

Also loaded on the computer is a variety of different Sony and third-party software that further enhances the MX's versatility. This software controls the tuning of the radio and the personal video recorder and enables you to edit your digital images, burn and label CD and DVD discs, and edit your digital home movies. The list goes on and on. And we had no trouble figuring out the basic usage of these programs; they were all quite user friendly.

The one major negative with the system is that there aren't a lot of expansion capabilities. About the only thing you can add to this machine is another hard drive. But then, there isn't a lot that the MX needs. The mouse, while serviceable, was a two-button ball mouse with a wheel. We would have liked to see an optical mouse with such a state-of-the-art system.

The Sony MX is a lot of machine to test, but it seems to be everything it claims to be--a digital entertainment system extraordinaire. --Patricia Atherly and Ed Noble

Pros:

• Fast computer with large hard drive and good graphics card
• Does practically everything in the way of digital audio, imaging, and editing
• Loaded with lots of useful software
• A variety of different connections and slots for different types of media
• Quiet fan and hard drive

Cons:

• Monitor not included
• Not a lot of expansion capabilities
• Ball mouse, not optical mouse, included

Product Description
Sony's approach to lifestyle integration is represented by the VAIO concept. VAIO is a graphical interpretation of the convergence of the analog and digital worlds. It also represents Video Audio Integrated Operation and the important role the Sony PC plays in fostering the convergence of audio, video, computers, and communications (AVCC). Additionally, the signature mark provides a distinctive identity for all Sony AVCC convergence products. The VAIO concept is fundamental to creating a new entertainment, information and communications experience for consumers.

See all Product Description

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

34 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An exceptional cutting edge multi-media machine, November 19, 2001

By A Customer

The MXS10 is a great all around machine that truly shines if you are interested in TV/Video and audio/music functions. Not only can you watch TV on your monitor with the built-in tuner you can also record video directly to the hard drive using the integrated Personal Video Recorder (similar to Tivo). The MX also has S-Video out and Optical out to watch that same video on your home entertainment system.

Have a digital camcorder? Import and edit your video using the built-in firewire port, Even better once you are done editing burn your results to DVD. The DVD-RW that comes standard will record a DVD-R disc that is playable on most (read sold in the last 12-18 months) consumer home DVD players. (...).

Like Music? Not only does the MXS10 include CD-RW capability, a PC card slot and a memory stick slot it also includes a Mini-Disc Audio drive. Copy and create you own MD discs. MD is a high quality portable music technology pioneered by Sony. The MX also has an integrated FM receiver for listening to the radio.

All this and a great looking package that includes shelf size speakers.

This thing is just too cool…..

21 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Incredible all-around entertainment system, November 18, 2001

By A Customer

This is the first computer that I've ever seen which does it all. It's my super-fast high-flying computer, my fully digitized audio-stereo system, my dvd video center, and my television with built-in Tivo capability. This is the future of computers, and Sony is leading the way. I'm still trying to decide if I should keep it in my office or my living room!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars How much?, January 13, 2002

By	Rheumor (New Orelans) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

I played with this slick looking machine at the local outlet of a national electronics chain and I must say I was taken by the cool, futuristic design. However, looking over its specs, it is really a fairly run-of-the-mill P4 with just a built in TV recorder (not a tuner, just a VCR-like feature that uses your TV's tuner) and a DVD-R to brag about. On the short end, it is hardly expandable at all and the price is positively gargantuan considering today's going rate for even a top of the line Dell.