Sony VAIO PCV-W30 Desktop (2.0-GHz Pentium 4, 512 MB RAM, 80 GB Hard Drive, DVD/CD-RW Drive)

Rating:
Summary: Great Computer, Great Value
Review: I just picked my Vaio W30 up a few days ago and it is great. I think it is being marketed as a PC for people who don't know much about computers but as someone who is familiar with computers and technology, I really loved the size, the look, the functionality and the price. At 1600 dollars this is a gerat deal. Only drawback is that it does not come packaged with Office or anything which kind of sucks if you don't own Office already and have to pay another 400 bucks for it (like I do). Basically I use my personal computer for music, movies, iPod, digital camera, internet, Word and Excel. This is ample computer for that. 512 MB of RAM...as an average computer user you can't possibly need more than that. 2GHz processor, there are faster computers out there but really ask yourself if you need it. You probably don't unless you're doing graphic design or lots of intense digital movie editing. The screen is gorgeous and I am very pleasantly surprised by the speaker quality. Although I am hooking mine up to different speakers, these speakers are more than sufficient for a casual user. This is, as advertised, easy to set up. Plug in the mouse, plug in the computer and you're all set. My favorite aspect is the fact that on the side you have 2 USB 2.0 ports (there is a separate mouse port), 2 FireWire connections, a digital memory stick...this computer is made for the person with lots of gadgets.
I'd say the pros are all listed above (price, small size, functionality) and the cons are: inability to upgrade this (although for a casual user or a college student, etc. this will last for several years) and the lack of quality bundled software.
I truly recommend this for different types of people. It is great for young people who want a hip looking multi-media capable computer. It is great for first-time PC users b/c of it's simple design and streamlined approach. Sony is a good company (I'd buy from them directly though rather than here and get the 2 year warranty) and they've made a great computer. Buy it knowing you are getting a wonderful computer for a tremendous price.

Rating:
Summary: Great Computer, Great Value
Review: I just picked my Vaio W30 up a few days ago and it is great. I think it is being marketed as a PC for people who don't know much about computers but as someone who is familiar with computers and technology, I really loved the size, the look, the functionality and the price. At 1600 dollars this is a gerat deal. Only drawback is that it does not come packaged with Office or anything which kind of sucks if you don't own Office already and have to pay another 400 bucks for it (like I do). Basically I use my personal computer for music, movies, iPod, digital camera, internet, Word and Excel. This is ample computer for that. 512 MB of RAM...as an average computer user you can't possibly need more than that. 2GHz processor, there are faster computers out there but really ask yourself if you need it. You probably don't unless you're doing graphic design or lots of intense digital movie editing. The screen is gorgeous and I am very pleasantly surprised by the speaker quality. Although I am hooking mine up to different speakers, these speakers are more than sufficient for a casual user. This is, as advertised, easy to set up. Plug in the mouse, plug in the computer and you're all set. My favorite aspect is the fact that on the side you have 2 USB 2.0 ports (there is a separate mouse port), 2 FireWire connections, a digital memory stick...this computer is made for the person with lots of gadgets.
I'd say the pros are all listed above (price, small size, functionality) and the cons are: inability to upgrade this (although for a casual user or a college student, etc. this will last for several years) and the lack of quality bundled software.
I truly recommend this for different types of people. It is great for young people who want a hip looking multi-media capable computer. It is great for first-time PC users b/c of it's simple design and streamlined approach. Sony is a good company (I'd buy from them directly though rather than here and get the 2 year warranty) and they've made a great computer. Buy it knowing you are getting a wonderful computer for a tremendous price.

Rating:
Summary: Right out of the box
Review: This Sony PC worked right out of the box. I just plugged it in and started using it. The ports are easy to find and use, although it does not support older legacy (non-USB) peripherals. It is a very elegant looking machine, and the screen resolution is superb. My only complaints are a smallish keyboard and weak sounding speakers. You can connect aftermarket speakers and keyboard, of course.

Rating:
Summary: Right out of the box
Review: Well, I was debating whether to get a laptop or a desktop for college, and then I came across this computer. It's sort of a hybrid between the two and came with many nice features at a decent price. This computer has given me no problems and has been very convient and easy to use. I recommend it for people with little space or who just want a computer that looks cool.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent for college
Review: Well, I was debating whether to get a laptop or a desktop for college, and then I came across this computer. It's sort of a hybrid between the two and came with many nice features at a decent price. This computer has given me no problems and has been very convient and easy to use. I recommend it for people with little space or who just want a computer that looks cool.