Description:
The Basics Hardcore gamers and people who absolutely must have the most power and finest state-of-the-art amenities that money can buy will want to check out other PCs such as the Sony VAIO VGC-RA826G Digital Studio PC, but everyone else should find the Sony VAIO PCV-RS720G Desktop PC is all the computer they need. Featuring such desirable perks as double-layer DVD burning, built-in TV and video recording and a spacious 200 GB hard drive, the system is especially ideal as the centerpiece of a home entertainment center -- merely add a set of surround sound speakers and a viewing screen and you're good to go. If multimedia is in your future, the VAIO PCV-RS720G is a superb midlevel alternative. 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 PCV-RS720G, Sony balanced speed with affordability by installing an Intel Pentium 4 530. New for 2004, this is one of the recently upgraded series of Pentium 4 chips -- nicknamed "Prescott" -- featuring one full MB of Level 2 cache and a more generous data "pipeline" than prior models. Operating at a speedy but not record-breaking 3.0 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 than enough power for most applications and environments. 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. Though some of Sony's pricier units feature a whopping 1 GB of RAM and are therefore ready for anything the future may bring, the VAIO PCV-RS720G sports half that amount, 512 MB. Still, this is a typical allotment for most midlevel and high-end computers, and is certainly enough for most multitasking situations and/or complex applications. Moreover, it's fast PC3200 400 MHz DDR memory, and can be upgraded to a whopping 2 GB. Video
CPU's are usually so busy doing basic calculations that they need help translating visual output 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. The VAIO PCV-RS720G features a new style of video controller -- a hybrid of sorts between high-end standalone "dedicated memory" cards and less capable integrated "shared memory" controllers. It's called the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900, a module that is indeed integrated on the motherboard but features more refined components. It also commandeers more of the system's main memory -- up to 224 MB -- than traditional integrated controllers. Ultimately, this controller is sufficient for all 2D and most 3D tasks (including most 3D games) and is far superior to a standard integrated controller, though a dedicated video card with 256 MB or more of built-in memory would deliver smoother imaging and more realistic textures in super-high-end applications such as the latest 3D games and 3D animation packages. 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 PCV-RS720G generates stereo and surround sound via an Intel High Definition Audio chipset. Hard Drive
The unit's large 200 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 exceptionally quick -- sporting a fast 7200-RPM speed, an 8 MB buffer, and a futuristic 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 +/- RW Double Layer Multi-Format 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 create extremely fast CD or DVD copies. Connectivity and Expansion
With no less than seven high-speed USB 2.0 ports, you'll have lots of room for plug and play gadgets such as digital cameras and printers. Sony has also installed an IEEE 1394 "FireWire" port (often used for fast data transfer from digital camcorders), an S/PDIF jack for crystal clear digital audio, two S-Video inputs for lossless digital video, and a memory card reader for uploading data from today's most popular memory cards from devices such as digital cameras, PDAs and more. 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
The VAIO PCV-RS720G features a software package headed by today's most accepted and commonplace operating system, Microsoft's Windows XP Home Edition. Also bundled with the system is Microsoft's Works 8.0 productivity pack, Intuit's Quicken 2005 New User's 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 PS/2 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.
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