Cheap Sony VAIO VGC-RB43 Desktop PC (Intel Pentium 4 Processor 630, 1 GB RAM, 200 GB Hard Drive, Dbl Layer DVD+R/DVD+/-RW Drive, CD-ROM Drive) (Personal Computer) (Windows XP Home Edition) Price
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Here at Cheap-price.net we have Sony VAIO VGC-RB43 Desktop PC (Intel Pentium 4 Processor 630, 1 GB RAM, 200 GB Hard Drive, Dbl Layer DVD+R/DVD+/-RW Drive, CD-ROM Drive) at a terrific price. The real-time price may actually be cheaper — click “Buy Now” above to check the live price at Amazon.com.
Targeting multimedia enthusiasts who relish the thought of manipulating photos, editing home movies, burning and playing digital music and building a library of all of the above, the Sony VAIO VGC-RB43 Desktop PC is in reality quite capable of finding a home in most environments. Although it isn't adorned with high-end audio-video connectivity or a high-end 3D graphics card, the unit does feature a midlevel but cost-effective processor, excellent optical drive facilities and oodles of data storage space. Ultimately, the VAIO VGC-RB43 is a smart choice for those who know they can't afford state-of-the-art computing but appreciate a solid base from which to grow.
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 VGC-RB43, Sony balances power with affordability by incorporating an Intel Pentium 4 630. This is one of Intel's recently upgraded Pentium 4 chips, featuring two full megabytes (MB) of Level 2 cache for even faster real world operation than last year's model, which sported an already impressive one MB Level 2 cache. Operating at a snappy but definitely not top-of-the-line 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 enough raw horsepower for most home, home office, business and entertainment purposes.
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. Currently, 512 MB of RAM is considered sufficient for most applications and multitasking situations, though demanding users will want more. Fitted with a full one gigabyte (1034 MB) of high-speed PC3200 400 MHz RAM, the VAIO VGC-RB43 delivers instant response even when you're running several programs simultaneously.
Video
CPU's are usually so busy doing basic calculations that they need help translating visual output -- particularly the demanding 3D visual output of games and 3D animation packages -- 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 motherboard and "shares" the system's main memory, as it will better handle complex procedures and display a more sophisticated, smoother image.
The VAIO VGC-RB43 features a relatively 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 fitted to the motherboard but features more refined components than older integrated controllers. It also commandeers more of the system's main memory -- up to 224 MB -- than traditional integrated controllers. Accordingly, the system's huge 1 GB allotment of main memory really comes in handy.
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. However, a dedicated video card with 256 MB or more of built-in memory is a necessary upgrade if you want to experience a truly smooth frame rate and all the high-end visual effects of the latest top-of-the-line 3D games.
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 VGC-RB43 generates stereo and surround sound via an audio chip integrated on the motherboard. This arrangement doesn't offer the power or the sophistication of a dedicated sound card, but it's more than sufficient for the enclosed set of stereo desktop speakers.
Hard Drive
Hard drives have experienced a real growth spurt in the last year. As such, current mid-priced drives are significantly more spacious than they were even twelve months ago. This system's 200 GB drive isn't near the top of the current curve, but it's certainly 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 quick -- sporting a fast 7200-RPM speed, an 8 MB buffer, and a cutting-edge 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 CD-ROM drive for playing music and data CDs, and a DVD+R Double Layer/ DVD±RW 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 make extremely fast CD copies.
Connectivity and Expansion
If you want upscale connections such as S-Video, composite audio-video and coaxial, you'll need to look at other, pricier models in the VAIO VCG-RB series. Nevertheless, the VAIO VGC-RB43 features all the basics, including six high-speed USB 2.0 ports (two on the front, two on the rear) for plug and play gadgets such as digital cameras and printers, two IEEE 1394 "FireWire" ports (commonly used for fast data transfer from digital camcorders), and a multimedia card reader for uploading data from today's most popular memory cards. 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
Sony will equip the VAIO VGC-RB43 with today's most popular operating system, Microsoft's Windows XP Home Edition. Also enclosed are Corel's WordPerfect word processor, Corel's Quattro Pro spreadsheet program, Adobe Photoshop Elements 3.0 image editing utility, and several of Sony's own top notch multimedia tools.
Control
You'll control your system with a VAIO Keyboard and a standard PS/2 mouse.
| PLATFORM: | Windows XP Home Edition |
| CATEGORY: | Personal Computer |
| MANUFACTURER: | Sony CE |
| MEDIA: | Personal Computers |
| MPN: | VGC-RB43 |
| ACCESSORIES: | |
| UPC: | 027242676039 |
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Customer Reviews of Sony VAIO VGC-RB43 Desktop PC (Intel Pentium 4 Processor 630, 1 GB RAM, 200 GB Hard Drive, Dbl Layer DVD+R/DVD+/-RW Drive, CD-ROM Drive)
Mean Machine My order was quickly processed and shipped. I had trouble installing the sbc dsl installation disc so I called sonys help line and quickly spoke with someone who helped trouble-shoot the problem. They told me that the problem was the disc version of sbc and that I should contact them. After that I was further instructed on how to download the correct version from their website. After doing this the computer was supreme. With 1 GB RAM everything happens in a flash, it's 200 GB Hard Drive is more than enough which is an understatment. I purchased this computer from tigerdirect.com through amazon and paid 800 dollars which after doing my research and comparing prices is a great deal. It comes with a keyboard, a really cool mouse, and a set of speakers. I choose to purchase a 19 inch sony flat panel monitor from amazon.com of which I paid 310 US dollars after 150 Mail in Rebate to Sony. I didn't purchase the XtraBrite because it cost more and the only difference seemed to be the glossy screen and the colors were exagerated (the grass was unrealistacly green). So all in all I paid $1100 + s/h which, compared to this setup as a total package, saved a couple hundred dollars depending on where you look. I am blown away at this computer, surfing the internet is a whole new experience now that I don't have to wait for page loads or freezing. Taking on 30 tasks at once is not a problem for this computer, not that I would ever need to but just knowing that you could. It's like driving a porsche, you probably won't need to go 200 mph but just knowing you could is really cool. A 200 GB hard drive larger than you'll need but it's nice to have. I recommend this computer to Multi Media users and suggest the 19 inch flat panel sony monitor to go with it, 19 inches is the way to go. I've had a 17 flat screen monitor for 6 years and I was just blown away with this new one. I love it. Also, the whole package looks so cool on a desk. I think that the way a computer appears is also important and sony is top of the line when it comes to that. This computer is a mean machine and I am just so glad that there was nothing wrong with it and am looking forward to spending many years playing with it.
Love it
I bought this machine at Comp USA on sale for cheap. Tossed in a Geforce 4 card and I was ready to rock. Like the user said above.... it doesn't come with system disks. What you are supposed to do is burn them when u use the computer. I guess it's a little cheap on Sony's part making the consumer burn his/her own system disks, but hey, blank CDs and DVDs are cheap and I'd rather save a few hundred bucks.
Arrived with defective modem, no system disks or documentation
The system is very attractively priced, especially with the rebates from both Sony and Amazon.
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>When it arrived, I immediately attempted to connect to the Internet using my dial-up account, but the modem could not find a dial tone. I spent almost an entire day on the phone with Sony technical support, trying everything they suggested, but nothing worked.
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>I finally gave up and returned the product to Amazon for a refund. Amazon's service is superb. Since the product was defective, they even paid for the return shipping.
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>Aside from the defective modem, there are a couple of other things that I don't like about the system. It did not come with the system software (Windows) CD's. So, if the hard disk ever crashed, I would not be able to re-load the operating system.
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>Also, there was virtually zero documentation. I suppose most of it is available online, but this is the first computer I've ever purchased that didn't come with detailed documentation and system specifications.
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>I would not recommend this system to anyone.