Sony VAIO PCV-RS430G Desktop (2.80-GHz Pentium 4 (Hyper-Threading), 512 MB RAM, 120 GB Hard Drive, DVD+RW/CD-RW Drive )

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Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 14.9 x 7.2 x 15.6 inches ; 26.5 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 40 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B0000CEYXM
• Item model number: PCV-RS430G
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #4,889 in Computers & PC Hardware (See Bestsellers in Computers & PC Hardware)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: October 3, 2003

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description
As the high-end model in Sony’s "RS" series of Digital Studio Desktops, the Sony VAIO PCV-RS430G delivers everything a multimedia fan could want, including CD and DVD burning capabilities, television recording, and enough power for virtually any application. Gamers playing the most recent and most demanding 3-D titles may want to upgrade the graphics card, but most users should find the VAIO PCV-RS420 more than satisfactory.

Anchoring the unit is a powerful 2.8 GHz Intel Pentium 4 CPU with Hyper-Threading technology (Hyper-Threading is a new Intel-developed process that allows a single CPU system to behave in some aspects like a dual-CPU system -- thus boosting performance during key high-drain procedures such as multitasking). Sony has added 512 MB of fast PC2700 333 MHz DDR RAM and an ATI Radeon 9200 graphics card with 64 MB dedicated video memory and a DVI output for optimum connection with flat-panel LCD displays.

The VAIO PCV-RS430G features several data storage options, including a massive 120 GB 7200 RPM hard disk, a handy 3.5-inch diskette drive for smaller backups and older programs, and an extremely versatile DVD-RW/CD-RW drive through which you can burn and play audio CDs, archive information, watch the latest Hollywood blockbusters and turn your home movies into DVDs. To ensure fast interaction with peripherals such as digital camcorders, scanners and external drives, Sony has added seven high-speed USB 2.0 ports and two i.Link FireWire ports.

The unit also incorporates Sony’s proprietary Giga Pocket Personal Video Recorder, an VCR-like application that converts television picture signals into MPEG2 data and thus allows users to record and later watch standard broadcast programming via the computer. Other desirable amenities include a 10Base-T/100Base-TX Fast Ethernet connection for fast networking and Internet speeds, a low-speed v.90 modem, a pair of small desktop speakers, a user-friendly VAIO keyboard, and a PS/2 wheel mouse. A display screen is not enclosed, thus allowing you to utilize your current monitor or select from the many alternatives currently available. Bundled software includes Microsoft Works 7.0, Intuit Quicken 2003, and oodles of Sony multimedia utilities.

Product Description
The VAIO PCV-RS430G desktop model allows you to not only watch and record your favorite TV programs, but also to convert old family movies stored on analog tape directly to a digital format. With integrated analog inputs, Giga Pocket functionality, an onboard dual-format DVD+/-RW drive and Click to DVD software, you can use the PC to preserve memorable moments and store them on durable DVD media.Standard on all RS series PCs is the VAIO software suite, including PictureGear Studio, SonicStage and DVgate Plus applications for managing and editing digital photos, music and video files. Each PC has multiple USB 2.0 ports and two i.LINK (IEEE 1394) ports to connect compatible multimedia devices. The PCV-RS430G also includes the latest Intel Pentium 4 processors, roomy hard drives and ample RAM to tackle multimedia tasks.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars So far so good, December 23, 2003

By A Customer

Pros: I have been using this for a week with the default configuration and everything seems to work flawlessly. DVD burning is easy (though slow). Giga pocket recorder works good ( have not tried that remote yet, don't need it :)). All my software installed without problems. Speed is accpetable ( I am not a gamer). Speed is good enough to do video editing and photo manipulation and such. After owining a cheap compaq before; it seems like sony is more refined and has a lot less bugs. DVDs/CDs written with sony software play well on other devices.

Cons: 1. I have not tried it, but looks like it not intuitive to upgrade it ( Most of the reviewers bashing it have tried to install new graphics card or Xp professional or something like that.) 2. The included remote might be flaky based on reviews, so I am so far staying clear from it. 3. Does not ship with recovery CDs. You can burn one once you get it running which is what I did. But it would have been nice to have one shipped with it. It shouldn't cost sony that much! ( Not a big minus in my opinion)
4. It is best to lighten the load on the CPU while using Giga pocket explorer. Sometimes doing lot of things together with Giga can cause the system to freeze ( very infrequent so far)

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best of all, January 18, 2004

By	Umesh Patel "Tech Wiz" (WWW) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is the best computer I ever had. The Giga Pocket Technology rocks. No more VCR or second TV, DVD Player etc. in your bedroom. I think this is right direction for the convergence. You can watch cable tv, record and burn dvd. You can set the timer to record the TV programs and watch whenever you want. It comes with good software.

I am a proud owner of this computer.

Two thumbs up.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Extremely pleased, January 27, 2004

By A Customer

I have 3 weeks with this computer and so far it has been awesome, no problems at all. Fast and quiet, you burn cd's very fast and acurate.It comes with lots of software.
After doing a lot of research I can proudly say I made the right choice. Only thing you may want to change are the speakers, and maybe a wireless mouse.
Giga pocket is amazing! I definitely recommend this desktop computer.