Sony VAIO VGC-V617G Desktop PC (Intel Pentium 4 Processor, 512 MB RAM, 200 GB Hard Drive, Dbl Layer DVD+R/DVD+/-RW Drives) | List Price: $2,010.00
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Platform: Windows XP Home Edition
Brand: Sony
Binding: Personal Computers
Warranty: 1 year warranty
Features: - 3.2 GHz Intel Pentium 4 processor 540 with 800 MHz front-side bus and 1 MB L2 cache
- Integrated 17-inch LCD, 200 GB hard drive, 512 MB RAM (1 GB maximum), dual-layer DVD+/-RW burner
- Four USB 2.0, two Firewire, one VGA, one headphone, one microphone, one PCMCIA, composite video, S-Video, Memory Stick reader
- Built-in 10/100 Ethernet; 56K (V.90) modem, 54-Mbps wireless LAN (802.11b/g)
- Windows XP Home Edition
Works as good as it looks. [Posted on 2005-09-04]
I love this computer. The only problem that I had was that there are no instructions for the keyboard and mouse. I had a hard time getting them to work. But, once that was straighted out, it is a good system.
Really wanted to like it, but will be returning it. [Posted on 2005-12-01]
What can I say? I REALLY wanted to like this computer: It looks beautiful (the screen is incredibly vivid), and the prospect of a single, sleek, wireless integrated unit replacing my desktop and its massive tangle of wires was extraordinarily appealing. Unfortunately, the execution is less promising than I had hoped, and certainly less than one should expect from a $1700 system, so I will regretfully be returning it.
First, the built-in DVD+-R drive is spotty in its performance, and does not inspire confidence as a long-term workhorse. It's a Sony DW-D56A -- a slim drive used in notebooks, that has a number of noted performance complaints online. The few DVDs I've tried burning in it are not as broadly compatible and error-free as the ones I used to burn w/ the old Pioneer drive in my prior desktop, and they freeze up at various points during playback in a couple different stand-alone DVD players. Also, the drive has trouble even reading certain discs, including some new, scratch-free storebought DVDs I've tried in it. Finally, the drive feels (as most notebook drives do) very flimsy and shaky. Because it is mounted vertically in the back of the unit, and one must snap discs onto the drive spindle, the drive tray is unsupported and gets pushed back every time one inserts a disc. I support the bottom/back of the tray w/ my other hand to avoid stressing the flimsy tray while I'm snapping a disc in, but I worry that over time that puppy just aint gonna hold up. And that's one problem w/ an all-in-one, integrated system: There's no easy swapping out or upgrading the system.
Second, I also bought this system because it was advertised as being bundled w/ a Microsoft Office suite that includes Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. But, upon installation, I learn that it's only a 60-day trial, which will require another $150 from me if I want to keep the software operational. I'm quite tired of advertisements and trials posing as bundled software, and can buy a new, legit copy of that suite online for about half that amount. Pretty deceptive, if you ask me.
Finally, as w/ my prior VAIO system, it comes pre-loaded/integrated w/ all sorts of other software that is unwelcome and obtrusive. There are an unbelievable number processes running in the background that notably slow system performance. But because it's difficult to know how Sony has integrated the software into the system architecture, it's dangerous to start removing programs and components.
So, if I wanted to spend another 400 bucks (for a software suite, external DVD burner, etc.) I could probably get this system to do what I need it to. But w/ the extra wires and cost, it kinda defeats the purpose behind my original purchase, which was pretty pricey to begin with.
wow [Posted on 2005-12-26]
This is one hot little computer for the price, though I got it for 1/4 the price it sells for here so I would suggest shopping around. I was told at the store I bought it at that they are being discontinued and that was why it was only $500.
I have not hooked it up to cable yet so I can't testify to the tv reception or the dvd-rw as someone spoke of but for the price I paid I'll buy a external cd-dvd drive if I don't like this one.
This thing beats the daylights out of my 40 gig laptop.
Nice package but definitely has its faults [Posted on 2006-03-16]
I have bought two of these machines for my workplace. The display is great. It's crisp and vivid. The design of the machine is also nice. Definitely looks good in the office. The downfall of this machine are the peripherals that come with it. I had trouble with the mouse getting reception on both machines, even after replacing the batteries. Also after a few weeks of use on BOTH machines that ive purchased, the DVD-RW drive will no longer open. You can push the button, but nothing happens. Ive been coping with that problem by using a paper clip to open the drive. Luckily it's still under warranty, but a large annoyance to have to go through the Sony Support process.
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