Computer Reviews

This product was great once I bought it. It just didn't quite fit my needs. But I would reccomend this product to anyone. It backs up the SONY name!

This drive has performed great since it was purchased. I have not had to waste a disc on a bad burn yet. I get consistent burn rates (approximately 40X), along with read (40X-48X) and re-writes (12X). The drive is relatively quiet compared to other ATAPI CD-RWs with simlar statistics.

All in all, the CRX195A is a good buy, and can generally be found for a good price.

This is a great CD-RW drive. Consistent, quiet, and reliable. Installation was problem free. Nice price too...The software the CD-RW comes with is only a trial version which I guess is OK since the price of the package would have been higher if it were a full version. ....

The Sony D-NE 300 is a great and stylish CD player. Its sound is superb especially with the parametric equalizer, and various sound enhancing setting, off, rock, soft, etc. activated. The G shock protection is adequate even when riding a very bouncing school bus on rough pavemnet. It offers an opportunity to condense more than 100 songs into 1 CD for playback which I haven't tried out yet. However, the player, like many low end CD players are made in China. The 1st player I got had serious laser tracking problem causing excessive skipping problem. The replacement CD player had no problem whatsoever. Having to removing the CD in order to change batteries is one of the minor annoyances. A pretty good player at this bargain basement price range.

First off, the Sony Psyc D-NE300 is a teriffic bargain at its price. I was skeptical at first of the fact that 490 songs HAD to be put onto a CD, rather than flash memory or a harddisk. However, the included software, SonicStage 2.0 is the easiest music management software I have seen used, and I have every player/jukebox out there. As soon as you insert an audio CD, Gracenote hits its servers and comes up with every detail about that CD. The info is carried over into the ATRAC compression, and the CD player actually lists the artist, album, and song playing on its screen. That's right, it's just like a solid-state MP3 player. So far, I have seven albums on a fifth of a CD-RW using ATRAC3Plus at 64kbs/s. As for the sound, its simply amazing. MP3Pro, which uses the same 64kbs/s sound nothing like the ATRAC's. It is clear, rich, and never gets distorted. MP3Pro just sound tinny and hollow. The circuitry used in the player limits the "noise" so that distortion should never occur, even at its maximum output. Every song I've listened to so far is the clearest I've ever heard them. The included headphones even sound better than the street style models sold separately.
In conclusion, the player is amazingly stylish, small, and feature packed. I gave it four stars because the manual wasn't entirely helpful and you'll be using the buttons a lot, so they may wear out after awhile. Nevertheless, the player offers terrific sound and the ability to put about 25 albums on one CD. At a fraction of the cost of a solid-state player, it really becomes a capable alternative. Like I said, I was skeptical at first, but now I'm very pleased with the product so far. Its ease-of-use can only be matched by the way more expensive I-POD.
P.S. The player also has a parametric equalizer, whicha allows you to customize your sound however you like. I just use the "Heavy" setting though, as it produces the richest sound. Oh yeah, the batteries also last about 80 hours, which is ten times what I was getting with my old Aiwa.

before i bought this player.
i was determend to buy a mp3 ipod 300$.
because they were the only device that had equlizer(bass((treble)(midrange)live,and the ablity to record from many
sourcese.but while was shoping i noticed sony had a new line of
cd players.i became skeptical about buying another cd(sony)
the last players i had bought had problems with there volume
being to low or only bass 1 & bass 2.one didnt sound no better
than the other.but the newwer models have 5 eq settings.

plus seperated tone controls bass ,midrange,treble.way better
than the older models.before it.atrac3 is a plus.
but there is a catch.the program that comes with the player
cannot record from home burned cds,but can record from the original source cd.other than that this player is one of sonys finest atrac cd players.sony is still the one and only.

Well, after a bit of a wait I finally replaced my Sony hi-8 camcorder with this hc85. It is amazing the amount of features that are packed into this package. I've had it for 48 and here's what I like so far.

Very sharp stills (in still mode) and obviously very sharp video. It works well in low light and the touch screen is very cool. I thought it would show a lot of finger prints from touching it but they're not that noticeable. The ability to do a still capture while shooting video is nice but the resolution is only 640x480 & is kind of lousy (haven't figured out how to change that one's resolution...or even if you can). As for still captures, it has all of your typical controls (red eye, forced flash, etc). I also like that the lense size is the same size as my old camera so I can use my old filters & wide-angle lense. There are a lot of capabilities & features which almost feels somewhat overwhelming when you're trying to capture images so I'm not so sure about the various modes & usefulness. I do like that it has the ability to take in an analog input and convert to digital so I'll be transferring my old hi-8 stuff to digital for storage on DVDs.

As for any weaknesses, I haven't found it yet, and I look forward to several years of use. Some items to note: It is twice the size of the PC line but then again you get a better lense & more features. The memory stick w/ it is useless (8mb) as well as the battery (it has a 1 hr & I have done several recharges already). These last two items are why I'm only giving 4 stars instead of 5. I don't even know why they give you an 8mb stick when they know it'll be tossed as soon as you open the box!? It can only hold 8 pictures @ max resolution!

Good luck & enjoy.

I bought this camcorder about a month ago after I bought the DCR-TRV70 which was not working properly. This Camcorder is so much easier to use than the TRV70 and I like the larger LCD screen. I'm still learning about the camera but, I don't like the still pictures. My 8 month old is always drooling and the stills have silver dots on all his wet spots. Also you have to have very good lighting in a room to make the videos bright enough. the video always seems very, very dark indoors. The only time this does not happen is in the mornings and early afternoon. I'm going to try a video light for 40.00 to see if this will correct the problem. I'm also having problems streaming my video into my computer but the memory card goes right in and it's tons of fun to take my mpg video's and e-mail them to family. Nobody has had a problem opening any of these videos on there end. I love the video but, if your used to really sharp 4x6 or 3x5 from a 3 or 4 megapixal camera you won't like the photos from the DCR-HC85.

I'm quite impressed with the new Sony DCR-HC85. I had been looking at some of the Panasonic 3CCD cameras in this price range as well as the Canon Optura Xi (which is a little more expensive). In the end I chose this camera for the following features:
* very large (and sharp) CCD for the price
* 0lux night shot mode, though somewhat gimmicky. grainy, and green in practice, is very effective for taking sleeping baby shots
* reputedly much higher reliability and better repair services (vs the Panasonic)
* large reflective/transmissive LCD that's highly visible in both dark and light
* many videophile-oriented features (more on that below).
* can operate as a webcam

Upsides:
* Though many online reviews have questioned whether or not the touchscreen-based interface is a good thing, I found it to be more than adequate for my needs. One of the first things I did was rearrange the menus with my favorite features up front. Very easy to do and makes the camera feel "customized". If the camera weren't capable of these customized personal menus, however, I'd imagine the somewhat slow and bulky interface would get pretty annoying.
* True anamorphic 16:9 widescreen functionality works great and is easily understood by video importing tools.
* Nice shape, easy to hold. I have shaky hands and prefer a slightly larger camera to hold onto.
* Its optical image stabilization is amazing. Once again, I have shaky hands and was worried about getting steady video. Exceeded my expectations on this point.
* Setting it up as a webcam was straightforward and the quality was great.
* Nightshot Plus is eerily effective. The video ain't gorgeous, but it sure does do the trick. I'd imagine that the accessory shoe-based IR light that Sony offers would improve the functionality of this feature even more.

Downsides:
* Camera comes with an 8MB card that can only realistically hold 8 photos. Kinda pointless unless one is just test-driving the feature.

* Camera comes with just a single FP50 lithium battery which doesn't hold enough power to record an entire 60min DV tape (unless, possibly, you turn off the LCD, use just the viewfinder, don't use anything on the accessory shoe, and film straight through without stopping). I guess that's what keeps the price down.
* Camera doesn't come with a FireWire cable. I was not able to use Windows Movie Maker 2 using just the included USB cable (although USB streaming with MSN Messenger worked great with that). I had plenty of FireWire cables in my bin of extra computer parts, but just don't see how you can get professional results without one.
* Though the camera supports both progressive scan and true anamorphic 16:9 widescreen (both features helpful in acheiving a film look with a digital video camera), you can't use them both at the same time.
* Some default settings are questionable (but easily changed). Why default to 4-track 12bit audio vs 2-track 16bit? Why default to beeping melodies on key presses? Some odd buttons on the default Personal Menu (which is what you customize).

Overall, I'm a big fan of this camera and would recommend it highly.

One of the first things I noticed upon opening up and unpacking the box, was that Sony does NOT include any ink (ribbon) or paper for this printer in the box. Not even one sheet. So, to avoid disappointment about not being able to immediately start using the printer, make sure you buy one of the ink/paper packages too.

The included software is "so-so". Sony's included photo application is rough, and I fell into fatal errors with it quite easily. Their photo application works directly with the printer, bypassing Window's printer drivers, which brings me to my next software comment.

It also includes a printer driver for Windows that allows other applications, presumably for photos, to print using the DPP-EX50. However, while it worked, it had a little annoying problem where the image was slightly off centered. This results in "borderless" prints actually getting a thin white border on the bottom and right sides. I found no way around this bug, including trying to manual re-size the image slightly larger, and trying to move it slightly down/right.

While the DPP-EX50 prints absolutely wonderful pictures, I am patiently waiting for Sony to release some software fixes.

If you're going to a wedding or birthday party and want to leave some prints for the celebrants, the EX50 is a great toy to have. You can print up to 4x6 with very high quality on smudge-free paper - and for its intended use, that's important. You can print directly from Memory Stick or Compact Flash, or you can strap it to your laptop and work that way. You can use the video out jack to view the images on a TV. All this in a compact little package for about $180 - not cheap but this is a good quality tool.

This printer is awesome! THe colors and print outs are so beautiful and i take this with me everywhere. my mom and i are now starting to take family photos at our house parties and printing them out on this printer for them to take home. its so neat and easy to use. I learned how to use it on the tv within minutes and actually prefer the tv then the computer.

I think the only problem is trying to find the paper. I can find the 4x6 post cards everywhere.. but the smaller ones are a little harder to find and I end up driving atleast 45 minutes to the nearest Sonystyle store to purchase it.

all in all this is a great picture especially if you have a good quality 3.0 megapixel camera. (The less quality the camera is, the more grainy the picture with be.)

sidenote: the pictures usually come out depending on how the pictures are taken with the camera. If the digital camera shows a bad picture, chances are the printer with print the bad picture.

p.s i think that printers that are so compact should come with a bag like camcorders and cameras do.

How many times have you cursed the almost ubiquitous little volume "up" and "down" arrows on most new electronics? They are hard to press and they take forever to adjust. Here's your chance to get a decent under-cabinet clock/radio with a large, simple, functional volume knob located conveniently on the side. That alone is reason to give this unit serious consideration. I actually purchased this for my garage to go under the cabinets above my workbench (I have the Salton "ICEbox" in the kitchen, but that's over 2 grand). Its only weak point is the speaker output is not quite powerful enough - at higher volumes, distortion becomes evident. However, at most normal listening volumes, it sounds fine.

I gave one of these to my wife six months ago, after being less than impressed by reviews of the equivalent GE product. Basically, I wanted something that would pull in her 3 public radio stations and offer me incentive to feed the cats. Trouble is, the darn thing requires installation--which took me 4-5 hours not counting the five months I simply thought about doing it.

The pluses: It seems very solid and durable, is a no-brainer to operate, and produces relatively high-frequency (if a bit hollow-sounding) fidelity.

Minuses: It's deeper than I'd bargained for. The only under-the-cabinet space that would accommodate it was in a corner. Curiously, Sony's instructions warn against installing it near florescent lighting. (What are you supposed to do--rewire your kitchen?) This may explain why radio reception, while decent, is hardly startling. Only by fiddling with the electrical cord (which does double duty as an antenna) can I get acceptable sound on most of the fringe (40-70 miles out) stations. If only manufacturers would scrap some of the automatic features and station memory banks in favor of more sensitive and selective tuners. And, true, the unit has a "mega-bass" switch with a single setting--but does anyone remember the days when radios came with a handy little knob called a "tone control"?

All in all, a well-made product offering solid performance and value. An excellent gift for the handyman in the family.

This is a great item! No trouble with installation. Great sound from the radio and also the cd player. Very easy to use! The price just can't be beat. I am very happy with this product and would highly recommend it!

Functional, simple. Free with my purchase of the SJ22. Also, doesn't look bad, plain and sleek.

Bought this to protect my SJ22. Had a plam M125 and it was dropped and never worked right again. Having the clie on your belt is very handy.

Very good and well fitting for the SJ20, feels very secure on the belt. Velcro closure works well. Has decent amount of padding. This is good if you are looking for a case you do not have to hand-carry, and keeps Clie secure

This is a great product for people who have Sony Palm Pilots. I currently use it for my SJ 22 and it works well. My only complaint is with Amazon.com. They expected that it would take a maximum of two weeks (it was on back-order) to recieve the package then another five days to ship it. After the two weeks came and went, they sent me an e-mail saying that it would take another 1 1/2 to 2 weeks before they recieved it then four or five days before I actually recieved it. Making it a total of 1 month from the time I ordered it til the time I got it! I cancelled my order with them and purchased it through sonystyle.com (luckily I had a 25% off coupon so it was the same price as Amazon) and got it within 6 days.

This is a must have for any Clie handheld user. Except NR NX and SJ-33 ... It produces crystal clear sound and good bass without draining much energy either. And with the fact of the background music feature, this is a must have! [local website]

I bought this must have item for a T625C, I own a CLIE SL10 wich cannot use this item.

Well, I wanted to use the PEGA-SA10 on my CLIE so I put hands on it, after few days I get working the PEGA-SA10 on the SL10 with AudioPlayer 1.0.1, tested also avjmp3 (working perfectly but still alfa), tested AudioPlayer 2.2.x but I got troubles with the vumemeter and background music.

Wat I did basically is to install some libraries from the ROM of the T625C in my SL10.

If you like this item and you have a CLIE SL10 you can download the hack ...

With the hack you can run AudioPlayer but the adapter is needed in order to hear the music.

Hope you enjoy.

This is the same cradle that comes with the Clie, so the real value of this unit is as an extra. There are two major uses that I've found for this unit. First, as an extra for my work computer, so I can just drop my clie in the charger and do a backup sync. That's especially useful when I've been listening to MP3 files. Second, as just the detachable power cord which allows me to use this as a travel unit, and keep the Clie powered.

I found the price to be reasonable, considering the fact that it's a model and manufacturer specific interface.

Works great out of the box, no complications, and has quickly become part of my technology toolbox.

I wanted to amend an inaccuracy in my review below for the Sony USB Cradle. I mentioned -- erroneously -- that the iConcepts USB Sync Cable does not work since it doesn't have a hot sync button. I just learned that its possible to sync my Clie via the Hot Sync icon in my program menu, and the iConcepts USB Sync Cable works just fine!

Leave it up to Sony to come up with a better sync cradle, bravo! For the Clie 760c, the cradle (for syncing) and the AC adapter (for charging) can be used -- together or separately -- which makes them quite versatile.

The flexibility is accomplished by fitting each piece with its own adapter plug -- so that either can be attached directly to the PDA. (The back of the cradle also accepts the charger's plug so that the two units can be used together.)

When combined, the two operate as a normal desktop charge-up-your-PDA type sync cradle.

But when used separately -- as I do -- the sync cradle makes for a great portable sync cord (which I carry with my laptop, no AC plug-in required, thank you very much!); and I use the power cord to recharge my Clie overnight -- in any room of my house (since, as a power cord only, attaching it to my PC isn't necessary, hooray!).

Since I had a bad experience buying a non-Sony (iConcepts) sync cable (that had no sync button, get that!, making data transfer impossible), its nice to know that I can still obtain both functions -- charger and sync cord -- by buying just one Sony-made cradle for my Clie. Cool!

i'm not an audiophile or recording engineer,so simplicity is very important to me. and this recorder fits the bill perfectly. so far iam totally happy with the way it performs. the only reason i didn't give it 5 stars is because i haven't had it or used it long enough to rate it's dependability, which is also important to me.

CD to Cd is great.
Analog is easy too, if you hook it up right.
USING RCA WIRES - RED & WHITE ones.
There are no real instructions on hooking it up to work
with a Cassette recorder on your receiver(amp).
What you have to do is disconnect your Cassette player from your receiver(amp)and hookup the CD Recorder to its hookups then hookup the Cassette player (OUT) to any hookup in AUX, DVD, TV, or VCR hookup on your receiver(amp).
On the CD Recorder keep pressing the INPUT button till it says ANALOG.
then set the MANUAL/AUTO to MANUAL.
then press EXT. RECORD button,
once you see READY start your cassette and then press PLAY.
Once done press and hold (for 3 seconds)the FINALIZE button.
Then enjoy your new CD.
PS
Always use MUSIC CD-Rs or MUSIC CD-RWs
I bought TDK MUSIC CD-RWs

I highly recommend this CD recorder. Very easy to use, great sound quality, and it looks pretty cool as well. I did a lot of research before I bought, and I have no disappointments.

I just got this TV yesterday and I discovered man things about it quickly. The stereo sound speakers are amazing for this TV, it may be small but the sound is great. Another freat feature about this TV is it has 3 Video Inputs, this means you can attatch your vcr or dvd player or your game consoles onto it with ease. There is also an output ports on the back too. The screen is another story. I seem to notice that the picture is not as good detail as my old TV. When I hook up my Xbox, you can actually see the pixels in it, therefor the picture is not as clear as my old TV. Even though the picture is somewhat not as good detail I think that this TV is a good buy. Cheaper than other TV's and you get more than expect for such a small tv.

Bought unit at local BestBuy. Great picture (true of all Toshiba TVs) good sound with front facing stero speakers. Nice touch to place audio and video plugs on front of unit. Back
panel has hookups for almost anything you'd need. Remote is
pretty much standard - switch to control Tv and/or VCR/DVD player. Nice TV for kitchen or office.

This TV rules. It is the perfect size for a small bedroom, etc. The extra inch over a typical 13 inch TV makes a big difference. The picture is as good as the big Toshiba flat screens, if not better. It even has component inputs! Buy this TV...