Computer Reviews

My god this computer is probably the most powerful one out there. Listen up people if you love to take pictures and love editing them but think that it is getting too hard on your old computer? This is the one to go with. It has digital editing software that you can transfer your pictures from your memory stick (Sony) and see them on your desktop. This is running at Pentium 4, 3.4GHz Processor. That is the fastest processor out for Windows so far. I bought this computer a couple of months ago and I am enjoying every second of it. I have high speed internet and it probably goes to the website in one or two seconds! If you do a lot of word processing you should get Microsoft Office Professional Edition 2003 because this computer doesn't come with any good software. Some things I love about this computer is the RAM. 1024GB RAM is a huge amount and the Hard Drive is 250GB which is also humungous. The DVD+RW is the best thing to have. If you have kids who play around with your DVDs or pets that drool all over them. With a DVD Burner you can record a DVD onto another disc so it stays in good shape. But don't go to video rental stores and burn any DVDs because the police will fine you huge amounts of money. I have three of these systems with 21" Flat-Panel display from Sony too. That's the only thing you really have to buy is a display. Sony makes the best displays. I have everything from Sony. And I think you should start too. This computer will probably last you 10-20 years, if you keep it in good shape.

Speed: 10/10

Storage: 10/10

Software: 8/10

Graphics: 10/10

Some people shouldn't buy this computer because they don't use it that much.

P.S. This computer comes with Hyper Threading technology which is when you can run more than one thing at once without slowing down your computer at all. This is one of the best things computers come with these days. For this price you can't deny how good this computer is.

This computer will pretty much blow away any other computer you can buy. Well, if you look around real hard, you might find a custom built computer with tweaked memory settings, but it won't be as stable and reliable as this machine. And unlike Apple, Sony doesn't cut corners on the graphics. Pick out the newest 3D game out there and this machine will eat it for breakfast. (Note: it has a ATI Radeon 9600XT, the tech notes on Amazon are a little confusing on this point.)

But to me the best thing is the 3.4GHz HT CPU. The "HT" means it supports Hyper-threading, which is a fancy way to say it can run two software threads at the same time. No other CPU in the consumer market can do that. I have a 3GHz HT cpu, and I love the fact that while I am doing something that takes a few minutes (like writing out a movie or burning a CD), I can go off and surf the web or play a game and never notice a slow down. It's almost a good as having 2 CPUs, except at a fraction of the price.

Sure, a computer at this level may cost a little more, but the way I see it is why sit around waiting for your computer to do things? With this computer you get your time back. For me that's worth a few extra bucks.

This is a top notch desktop. I bought mine with a 19 inch flat screen Sony monitor. Out of the box, it took me less than half an hour to set up. Also, it integrated fine with both my Router and my Digital Cable service. With the processing power and HD size a lot of nice options become available to you. Record your favorite TV programs, and watch them as you please. Picture and DVD editing are a breeze, though I would recommend upgrading to Adobe Premier Pro. I like iTunes and with the two speaker sub woofer system you have a great medium to store and run your favorite songs. Gaming is good for this system too, and applications like Office will run with no problems. Overall this is a very good Media Center desktop PC.

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.

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.

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.

very good bag!lots of room for all your stuff.With padded pockets and all kinds of zippers.very sturdy.

This product has it all! I find myself constantly looking for cases to carry my iPaq to suit different needs. Pocket cases are obviously limited by size since you don't want bulging pockets, and hip/belt cases tend to look huge if you get one of any substantial size. Who has a PDA with just (in the case of an iPaq) an expansion sleeve and a CF card? NO ONE! I have accessories such as a wireless LAN card, sync/charging cable, stowaway keyboard, car charger, 2 CF cards, CF ethernet card, and a CF modem. I would love to be able to carry all that around in a relatively small case that I can take anywhere and everywhere...
This thing has two padded pockets especially made for your Stowaway keyboard as well as your PDA. I just this minute put my iPaq with a CF expansion sleeve in one of the "special" padded pockets, and good news, it fits perfectly with room to spare. For those of you with a Dual PC Expansion Sleeve, that might be a tight fit.
It also has various zippered pockets galore. One thing that I happened to like was that is has a zipper down the right side of the case that will give you access to your cell phone (also in a padded pocket BTW) without having to open practically the entire case to get to it!
For those of you out there in school and taking notes on your Stowaway keyboard, this can now be your full time school bag. The large inner section is large enough to hold 2 or maybe 3 mid-sized textbooks or one large textbook.
If you look at the pictures on Amazon you will see the smaller compartment close to the front with the mesh zippered pocket and the small padded area for your cell phone. Behind this is the large inner section I was referring to; this is where your keyboard, iPaq, and/or textbooks/binders, etc. go.
At any rate, as you can already tell, I can't sing this product's praises enough. For any of you familiar with the quality of Targus products, this certainly continues the tradition. This is why I give the Targus Blacktop Handheld Organizer a 5 out of 5!!

I have a Visor Prism with a whole bunch of peripherals, and since I didn't want to carry them all in my pockets, I decided to get one of these. It has two internal, padded pouches for a Stowaway keyboard, and for your PDA (can fit any PDA pretty much). With those two things in there, there's more room for other things. Being a student, I carry a few notebooks with me, and I was able to fit most of them in there, relieving the arm load (I take most of my class notes with the Visor+keybd). The main flap covers the main pouch, and there is a second one that unzips, covered by the flap. Inside, there are holders for your cellphone, keys, pens, anything you want. I keep my charger and MemPlug in there, along with pens and stuff. There are zippered pockets everywhere, good for storing small notes. The strap is easy on my shoulder, and the bag itself can take alot of abuse (dropped it one time by accident!). The bag is black with blue trim, and looks very rugged. I'd recommend one to anyone who had a PDA and accessories that does not want to carry around a briefcase or a backpack for them. Another great product from Targus!

Not only the rolling case is great both in storage and functionality, but also TARGUS is a great company, I've owned an Easy roller for 3 years now and it withstand all the use and abuse that a frequent traveller can inflict to a Computer case, until finally the extensible handle broke (just the plastic grip) i've contacted targus in france took the case to their office, and in less than two weeks, no questions, no charges i've received at home a brand new one from the manufacturer.

SO THANKS TARGUS

Quiero dejar constancia a todos los hispanoparlantes que este producto Targus PR700 es excelente tanto para el viajero frecuente como para el ejecutivo y profesional moderno, tanto para las zonas rurales o urbanas. Durante mucho tiempo he estado buscando un maletin para todo el equipo de computacion y sus perifericos que me sirviera para todo tipo de actividad y este es el recomendado, es compacto, liviano, tiene muchos compartimientos y es de Ballistic Nylon (una fibra de uso militar extremadamente fuerte. Ademas del excelente producto el envio que me hizo AMAZON fue fantastico, super rapido y en menos del tiempo que me lo prometieron enviarlo lo he recibido. Amazon tiene los mejores precios del mercado, investigue mucho y gaste mucho dinero en otras marcas y tipos de maletines hasta que en Amazon encontre lo que deseaba. El diseño de Targus es muy bien estudiado, hecho por ingenieros especialistas en este tipo de productos. Felicidades targus y muchas gracias a Amazon por haberme enviado el producto de una manera ultra rapida y segura. gracias nuevamente y seguire siendo cliente de Amazon, no cambio a Amazon. ¡FELICIDADES POR TODO AMAZON, Y MUCHAS GRACIAS!

Quiero dejar constancia a todos los hispanoparlantes que este producto Targus PR700 es excelente tanto para el viajero frecuente como para el ejecutivo y profesional moderno, tanto para las zonas rurales o urbanas. Durante mucho tiempo he estado buscando un maletin para todo el equipo de computacion y sus perifericos que me sirviera para todo tipo de actividad y este es el recomendado, es compacto, liviano, tiene muchos compartimientos y es de Ballistic Nylon (una fibra de uso militar extremadamente fuerte. Ademas del excelente producto el envio que me hizo AMAZON fue fantastico, super rapido y en menos del tiempo que me lo prometieron enviarlo lo he recibido. Amazon tiene los mejores precios del mercado, investigue mucho y gaste mucho dinero en otras marcas y tipos de maletines hasta que en Amazon encontre lo que deseaba. El diseño de Targus es muy bien estudiado, hecho por ingenieros especialistas en este tipo de productos. Felicidades targus y muchas gracias a Amazon por haberme enviado el producto de una manera ultra rapida y segura. gracias nuevamente y seguire siendo cliente de Amazon, no cambio a Amazon. ¡FELICIDADES POR TODO AMAZON, Y MUCHAS GRACIAS!

Not only the rolling case is great both in storage and functionality, but also TARGUS is a great company, I've owned an Easy roller for 3 years now and it withstand all the use and abuse that a frequent traveller can inflict to a Computer case, until finally the extensible handle broke (just the plastic grip) i've contacted targus in france took the case to their office, and in less than two weeks, no questions, no charges i've received at home a brand new one from the manufacturer.

SO THANKS TARGUS

Quiero dejar constancia a todos los hispanoparlantes que este producto Targus PR700 es excelente tanto para el viajero frecuente como para el ejecutivo y profesional moderno, tanto para las zonas rurales o urbanas. Durante mucho tiempo he estado buscando un maletin para todo el equipo de computacion y sus perifericos que me sirviera para todo tipo de actividad y este es el recomendado, es compacto, liviano, tiene muchos compartimientos y es de Ballistic Nylon (una fibra de uso militar extremadamente fuerte. Ademas del excelente producto el envio que me hizo AMAZON fue fantastico, super rapido y en menos del tiempo que me lo prometieron enviarlo lo he recibido. Amazon tiene los mejores precios del mercado, investigue mucho y gaste mucho dinero en otras marcas y tipos de maletines hasta que en Amazon encontre lo que deseaba. El diseño de Targus es muy bien estudiado, hecho por ingenieros especialistas en este tipo de productos. Felicidades targus y muchas gracias a Amazon por haberme enviado el producto de una manera ultra rapida y segura. gracias nuevamente y seguire siendo cliente de Amazon, no cambio a Amazon. ¡FELICIDADES POR TODO AMAZON, Y MUCHAS GRACIAS!

Quiero dejar constancia a todos los hispanoparlantes que este producto Targus PR700 es excelente tanto para el viajero frecuente como para el ejecutivo y profesional moderno, tanto para las zonas rurales o urbanas. Durante mucho tiempo he estado buscando un maletin para todo el equipo de computacion y sus perifericos que me sirviera para todo tipo de actividad y este es el recomendado, es compacto, liviano, tiene muchos compartimientos y es de Ballistic Nylon (una fibra de uso militar extremadamente fuerte. Ademas del excelente producto el envio que me hizo AMAZON fue fantastico, super rapido y en menos del tiempo que me lo prometieron enviarlo lo he recibido. Amazon tiene los mejores precios del mercado, investigue mucho y gaste mucho dinero en otras marcas y tipos de maletines hasta que en Amazon encontre lo que deseaba. El diseño de Targus es muy bien estudiado, hecho por ingenieros especialistas en este tipo de productos. Felicidades targus y muchas gracias a Amazon por haberme enviado el producto de una manera ultra rapida y segura. gracias nuevamente y seguire siendo cliente de Amazon, no cambio a Amazon. ¡FELICIDADES POR TODO AMAZON, Y MUCHAS GRACIAS!

This is a high end filter. Very well made. Glass with metal ring. Great for preventing damage to your expensive lenses and even filters out UV rays. Easy to clean as compared to cleaning finger prints off of a lens. I had dropped a lens and broke the filter, but the lens was unharmed thanks to the filter. Replacing the filter was far less expensive then replacing the lens. A great value for a high quality filter. No lens should be without one.

A UV filter or a neutral-density filter is the best way to protect your lens from dust, fingerprints, scratches, and so on, all the time, since they can be kept on the camera at all times. The UV filter will also help with haze a bit, since most haze occurs in the blue area of the visible spectrum, and UV is just below that in terms of wavelength.

I use a UV filter on my lens to protect it because unlike others it has the least effect on the amount of light passing through it and does not affect color. I use it indoors and out with both black and white and color films. The only time it is off of my lense is when I want to affect color or contrast by using a special filter. It reduces haze to improve the clarity of outdoor pictures. Tiffen filters are well constructed.

WOW! That about sums it up, I never thought a 10" sub could produce such a fantastic atmosphere. I have a large great room with very high cathedral ceilings and a lot of floor space; the CHT-10 fills the entire space with tremendous warmth and accurate sub-range audio. After my initial THX setup and tuning was complete I was completely blown away; during the THX sub audio sweep the bass dipped so low that the audio was almost non-existent, but the feeling throughout the structure was awesome. This has to be the best sounding sub I've ever experienced, I was fortunate to find this in a local Circuit City audio room and was very impressed there. This is one you need to hear and feel to believe.

Definitely not for apartment dwellers.

While your girlfriend might not appreciate it (actually..hmm...if you placed it under her seat...anyway) this is a must have for the complete surround sound system. This 10" will shake the house with nice, clean, responsive bass. Along with the need for good loud explosions and the like in action movies, ambient bass is necessary to set moods and this sub is awesome at both. It doesn't only do movies, music sounds equally as impressive. Unless you get a really top of the line surround sound reciever, I don't think they reproduce music as well as a comparable stereo reciever, but this sub really fills in the space and creates a full sound.

I would recommend this sub to anyone who wants powerful, deep, clean bass. I have yet to hear this sub clip/distort. If I could bring it into bed with me, I would.

5 STARS!

All I can say is WOW! As with all 10" speakers, the bass is extremely tight. Where this one stands out is the depth of the bass...the specs say 20 MHz...I'm thinking that may be a little conservative. The first time I saw the price I thought it was a little high, but after hearing it, it's worth every penny. If you're in the market for a sub, do NOT pass this one up.

I work out of my home with my own business so imagine my "surprise" when my former 19 inch flat screen CRT went out on Monday morning. In these last few years I learned the hard way that with computers and add-ons it pays to buy good equipment. I needed a new monitor and FAST! Since I design graphics it had to be good. I ordered this with 24 hour delivery.
It came on time and it worked out of the box in less than 5 min. The color is fantastic...the monitor was expensive but I'm worth it.

Boy, does this monitor look good. In comparison to all the other LCDs I've seen, this one ranks at the top. There was no problem with set up or any aspect of operation, all the pixels work (no need for tech support), and the pre-set color temps are probably going to be adequate for all of my needs, so it seems great! The slim bezel, I feel, is a superior look too. I installed it on a win98 machine then upgraded to XP and the cleartype works best. In short, it works as advertised, a quality product.

I purchased the Viewsonic 19" ThinEdge as an external monitor for my Toshiba Satellite notebook computer. I do not currently have a digital port on the notebook computer, so I can only provide feedback on the analog video signal. I must say in analog mode that I am very impressed with the vivid colors. The 600:1 contrast ratio really makes a difference as you see contrasts in images that aren't noticable in older monitors. I never expected a monitor to be so great.

The monitor is not the biggest at 19", but the best value as the 20" is significantly higher in price. This is also one of the newest monitors from ViewSonic as it came out onto the market in April 2003, a month earlier than when this review was written.

The only issue so far is that with all notebook computers, the driver installation was not straight forward. I had to set up an additional hardware profile, one for home display and the other for the built in display for mobile use.

This monitor does not come with built in speakers, its functionality is in the monitor itself. You have to buy external speakers, which is probably good as we all complain about the quality of the built in speakers that come with most monitors.

Great CD-RW Drive, fast and relatively quiet...and that cool blue light

It DOES do everything it claims and then some! This burner will NOT make coasters out of your disk and with blue and purple l.e.d.s it is definitely a welcome change to the sea of green lights that cover my desk. The disk T@2 DOES work fine and is a pretty cool holigraphic type effect on the record side of the disk. It comes with a slew of software, the Nero alone is worth $50. You just CANNOT go wrong with this recorder, it is excellent ...! I am completely satisfied with mine and recommend it to EVERYONE who wants the best. ...

To complain about the burned images that this drive can produce is like complaining that your Ferrari's sunroof opens a little too slow :-)

This drive's "Wow" factor will not wear out anytime soon. To geeks, it's incredible that this drive has finally made a consumer priced laser etching system! And to everyone else, these images look sweet! If you look at a T@2'ed image as if it were a Hologram (like the one on your Visa/Mastercard) you can see it just fine. Yamaha has rated the image quality at 250dpi, which for comparison sake is 3 times sharper than any image you find on the web. The images are faint, but not too faint, and it's totally worth the added cost, in my opinion.

The best way to get the sharpest image is to use a CD-R made with Azo dye (the data side looks metallic blue). Yamaha sells these kind of CD's, again at a little higher price than average CD-R discs.

Even without the special features, this drive would be a winner. So for a few more dollars out of your pocket, you get all these incredible features, plus an unbeatable CD-RW drive.

This model is black, but Amazon also carries the White colored version of the drive, the Yamaha CRW-F1ZE.

OK, I haven't tried the Casios that some rave about, but I do know this...the keyboard does offer an adequate volume level (particularly how I play). If you want more volume: 1-Try turning the touch response off. 2-Go into the function menu and turn the M.Volume control UP. I'm certain that the naysayers didn't read into the manual. I admit that there's not a ton of additional sound, but it's set at "104" from the factory and can go to "127" if you choose to. That's because Yamaha has given the unit some "play" so you can raise or lower the sound to match other built-in settings. Also when a "song" is playing there's extra sounds like bass, cymbal etc., so how much can you expect of 12watts, total? 3-Go to radio shack, get the right adapter and plug it in to you stereo (or I've read about some adding inexpensive PC speakers for $30-$60). One or all of the above will do the trick.

It's got a great range of voices. The piano sounds great as well as others like guitar, church organ, etc. There's 600 to choose from. I advise the 202 model which will include a sustain pedal, AC power adapter, some 'phones and an extended warranty.

It is a beautiful product. I've loved it since i got it on the very first day. Eventhough i am a beginner, i can play the music with happiness all the time.

I have plyed piano professionally and have a degree in music. i have a very expensive Yamaha Clavinova (as well as a real piano)
i bought this thinking of it as a toy for my 22 year old who suddenly wants to play. it has a fabulous piano sound (better than the expensive triton). the built in piano lessons are really helpful. my favorite part is when i taught piano, i could never get kids to practice one hand at a time. this keyboard will play the left hand for you as you play the right and vice versa. my daughter loved that it would record and play back what she had just played.

i always discoraged parents from having their kids practice on keyboards but the touch of these keys is very realistic. i would recommend it to someone starting out in piano not wanting to make that huge investment until they were sure they would continue.

but, as a keyboard (not a tiny piano) there are enough sounds and gimics for a beginner in keyboards but not for someone who really is into all the synthesizer effects.

But, what is this? no power cord? and no sustain pedal. the pedal i can understand but no power cord - that is just too cheap. they should at least put a huge notice on the front of the box that you're going to have to buy one separately.

still, i was shocked at the quality considering the price.