Desktop Reviews

The entire thing is very microsoft-centric. Much of the functionality is lost on a non-msft platform, or if you are not using all microsoft applications (email, media-player, messanger, etc).
* Functions keys don't work normally. You have to press another special F-Lock key to get them to work. If you want to close a lot of windows, you can no longer hold the cntl key and hit F4-F4-F4. It's no longer that simple.
* They did away with the insert key. You can no longer do the shift-del and shift-ins to cut-and-paste.
* Eats up batteries, especially the mouse. Nothing will work correctly if the batteries get low. Once I had to pull the plug on my PC because the batteries got low, and I couldn't use my mouse or keyboard to shut it down.
* You have to be very careful about where you place your mouse and keyboard, they have to be able to make radio contact.
* It doesn't really eliminate any cables, because you have that "pod" thing.

While I love the fact that there are no cables and the freedom that comes with it, I dislike how the mouse and keyboard will spontaneous stop working. Or how the power supply has to be connected to the port replicator before it will work, and won't work if you plug in the power after starting the laptop.

This is my favorite Keyboard/Mouse combination so far. If you use Microsoft Office, media player, IE, etc., then the changed function keys are very helpful. Pressing one extra button to get to the traditional function keys (a new function key-lock button) isn't much of a trade-off for having common functions like "print" and "spell check" always having the same dedicated key.

I became accustomed to having keys for music, web browser, email, etc, on a previous wired Microsoft keyboard. This keyboard has these, too. All the functions are configurable if you don't use the default MS programs. Like all the MS keyboards, the feel of the keys is the best that is out on the market. The mouse is also top-quality.

I've found battery life to be just fine. My batteries have lasted for months now.

Please be aware that the model they are shipping is not the model they are displaying. They are shipping the PC133 only model while displaying the PC133/PC100 model. The model they show is reverse compatible with older systems, but the model they ship is not.

I got this thinking it'd be compatible with my pc, but the one I got was a one-sided chip and my pc uses two-sided chips so I ended up having only 64mb more ram. I returned it and got a Crucial stick instead.

I've purchased PNY memory on three occasions (once for a laptop). It has worked flawlessly each time. It's a great way to improve performance on a computer if you know what you're doing.

Also, if you find yourself unable to install an OS onto a cleanly formatted hard drive, a good "last option" is to buy one of these guys and swap it out with your currently installed memory, with the assumption that your current memory is defective. I've run into this problem and this memory worked like a charm. Again, you have to be sure to purchase the correct type of memory and you have to know what you're doing. The Memory Finder on this site works great if you have a brand name PC.

I highly recommend this brand to any who need more RAM.

I bought a pair of FRS 104's for a recent trip to wine country and was quite disappointed. The channel button has NO LOCK, and is large and easy to bump (i.e. accidentally change). This flaw rendered the FRS 104 virtually unusable! You can't put this radio in your purse or pocket and still stay in touch. You can't even casually pick it up to carry on a conversation without the danger of inadvertant channel changes. I e-mailed Cobra about this, but was snubbed and told to take it up with my retailer. Fortunately Lowe's has a great exchange policy and I'm now the proud owner of 2 Motorola T6220's-for a mere 13 dollars more. I would NOT recommend this product to anyone. No way, No how.

This is a great set of radios for the price to include the charging station. Great range and clarity. I haven't had to use them no more than one kilometer, but with all the buildings in my area, these are great. Really practical without all the extras.

Con--NO KEYPAD LOCK! I had to constantly check to see if I was on the right channel due to the equipment I carry hanging across my chest, but to stay alert is to stay alive so I adapted.

I bought this drive 3 months ago. After two months it quit transfering data and froze up when I connected it with both my desktop and laptop computers. I had to reformat the drive and lost a ton of data. I hoped the reformatting would fix the problems. Still once I tried to transfer more than a few megs of data. It froze up again. I tried different firewire cables. I know the fault can't be because of my computer because I have this Hard drive problem with two different computers. I sent it back to LACie for warranty repairs. I just got a phone message from LACie saying they tried to transfer data and they didn't have a problem and they are sending it back to me with nothing done to it. Clearly, they spent just a few minutes with it and didn't look carefully enough at this defective drive. I am out $300 and I'm warning anyone out there. Avoid LACie if you can. The repair department is very bad. Once LACie has your money, they don't care on iota about the customer! There are a lot of other Hard drive manufacturers that probably do a better job at taking care of there customers.

Excelente compra, funciono de una sin drivers ni ningun tipo de instalación adicional sobre Windows XP.
Con el exceso de uso se calienta un poco pero sigue funcionado a la perfección.

This is the worst CPU, worst that AMD Duron.
This CPU is not really running at 1.7Ghz, the cache on this CPU is only 128, comapring to P4 512.
They say 1.7 but really runs at 1.2 GHZ or less comparing to P4 or Athlon XP.

I would reccommend any Sony computer. With built in Firewire(i.Link) and USB it is perfect for the digital lifestyle. And you can't beat the price for the performance. Also one thing to note. This computer comes with an open AGP port so that you can upgrade the video card. The on board video isnt that great so you may want to do that upgrade. The 740 series does not have the AGP port option so that is what makes this a great buy. Also check out the rebate...

I was not able to get this card working with my Win2K laptop. I'm no novice, have configured the rest of my wireless network without any problem, and have had a friend's Netgear card working in the same system. I called tech support and after working with me they said the card was defective and to send it back, which I did. However, I had the same problem with the replacement card. So, I can't recommend this product.

(...)I am using this card on old p3 laptop
get good reception, and able to get up to 24M at low
but xp users must read this
upon installation, the system may install the driver automatically, the driver is WRONG! this is for PCI version, will not work on the pc card
after installation, you must update the driver with the one comes with CD
after that, it should be good to go
and there's another benefit for 2 pc card slot laptop users: this card is thin enough to put another card on top of this

reception in kitchen
trendware: good to low
MS MN-710: low to very low

Unlike most Sony products, this carrying case is not worth buying--it's too hard to install and remove the Clie from this case and the plastic clips are flimsy. It makes the Clie almost too fat to put in your pocket and doesn't protect your investment from dust or moisture. Save your money for something better...

I have had my case for all of 6 month. I found it much more protective than the included flip cover as I tend to throw it in my computer bag. I dropped the case, open with my SL-10 in and the clips that lock the clie in snapped off with ease. Unfortunately, it's the best thing out there for the models it fits but not made for durability... Ah, why o' why did my Palm V and it's bullet-proof steel case have to die...

This is just another case you can buy for a Clie SL10/SJ20/SJ22 etc. Its has custom made clips to lock to the back of your PDA securely and space for credit cards & memory sticks.

Edit: the clips to hold Clie have broken and the case is very bulky/thick. the included flip is much better.

I notice this machine has a '64MB dedicated video memory' card,and everything else is great,except the 'DVD ROM' speed. This machine operates at '2X DVD ROM',which is way to slow,that probably accounts for the bad performance with 'high-end software'. '8X DVD ROM' speed should always be the minimal,'16X DVD ROM' speed being your fastest. Ideal minimal set-up: P4 2.6 w/400 MHz FSB,512MB RAM Memory,ATI Radeon 64MB(dedicated video memory),8X DVD ROM,'Windows XP Home Edition'. This is the bare minimum to operate 'high-end software'. Oh yes,remember to stay away from 'Shared(Integrated) video memory' cards,they come in both 'ATI Radeon' and 'G-Force'. The problem with 'shared' is they 'crash' your computer after 2 minutes,whether your playing a 'DVD movie' or 'high-end software',no problems with 'Dedicated(Allocated) video memory',runs like the 'Energizer Bunny',keeps on going. Another thing is to remain at '512MB Ram memory',if your 'RAM Memory' is higher or lower than '512MB RAM Memory',your computer will 'crash' after 2 minutes! This goes for any brand of computer you buy,buyer,beware!

Clarification of how this product was rated...
+ One star for gamers or heavy media users
+ Four stars for home office applications

I usually start out with the pro's, but given the seriousness (or even worse, silliness) of the cons, I am going to start with those...

Cons...
1) Virtually no software *of value* is delivered with this machine. Except those items that are automatically bundled with Windows XP (MS Works, Explorer, Windows Media Player, etc), you're on your own when it comes to software. As a matter of fact, there was so little software, I originally thought someone forgot to load it. A brief call to the Sony help line (22 minute wait for a rep) quickly cleared this up.
2) The cabling for the mouse, speakers, and keyboard is uncommonly short. Fully eighteen inches shorter than the cables that came with the PC that the Sony is replacing. I really have to question the decision making process that Sony used here.
3) The speakers that came with the machine are not even worth plugging in. The thin sound delivered is accompanied by noticeable crackles (on new CDs) and they even distort the music. This is especially disappointing given Sony's heritage of excellence in audio products.
4) The issue with the sound, coupled with a weak video card, is why I suggest gamers stay away. Although for a little more money, you can pick up some decent speakers and a video card that would make this PC rock

Pros...
1) The tightest boxing and packaging of a PC that I have ever seen (this is my 7th or 8th PC). Gives me a warm and fuzzy that this thing is built to last.
2) When I checked under the hood, with the exception of the weak video card, everything looked to be of very high quality.
3) Great form factor -- the box looks great and they have packed a lot of power into a surprisingly small space -- great for those with limited desk space
4) USB slots to spare (I have found 6, the documentation suggests there are 8)
5) I am unfortunately still only able to get dial-up service, but the v.92 compatible modem coupled with the 512 MB of RAM and 2.8 Ghz CPU clock speed (with hyperthreading) make it seem like the internet is loading much, much faster
6) Easy set-up (important if you're a first time buyer!)
7) Buttery smooth operation for both the DVD recorder and CD-RW drives -- and both are wicked fast
8) Lightening fast handling of word processor and spreadsheet applications

Net/net: questionable cost savings decisions by Sony turned what could have been an awesome PC-for-the-home product into a sometimes silly, sometimes smoking solution for all but gamers.

I purchased a Sony Vaio 420 to put next to my two Gateways and two Dells. The hardware is fast (I guess), but I can't tell the difference over my 1.6 GHZ Compaq with the exception of the COMBO DVD+-RW/CD RW, which is much slower. My upgraded Compaq with a TDK 52 CDRW is twice as fast at burning CDs as the VAIO Combo DVD/CD. That was disappointing, but it does burn both DVD+ and -. So for CD burning, I use my Compaq. I'm thinking about moving my CD burner over to the Sony. The ATI 9200 Video Card is really an "LE." Looking this up on the ATI site, it is a scaled down version of the ATI 9200. I thought I was getting a full up 9200. Might want to upgrade this too, but I have not noticed any problems. The software package is really disappointing. I had expected more from Sony, a leader in media. Almost every media package will need replacing in my opinion. This includes image editing (I recommend JASC Paintshop Pro 8); Video Editing, and CD/DVD burning (I recommend NERO 6). Bottom Line: fast hardware for a low price (except DVD/CD burner); disappointing software package.

I have been using pda's for 6 years and most people use them because they aren't sitting at a desk.My current one is the Ipaq 2210/2215 (love it). My first pda was the palm vIIx and I had their portable keyboard. The pda had to attach to it, but it always worked - every key! Great for the hotel stay or any desk.
With this Belkin unit you first have to update your driver (go to the Belkin website). You may have to uninstall other keyboard software first. Some PDA's have the ability to turn the screen sideways in Word or Excel which is good. Mine doesn't and the only way to get it to line up is to sit my pda in the FLIMSY holder UPSIDE down. Trying to line up your pda to the infrared using the adjustable metal shield is difficult. Even when I turned my pda upside down half the keys wouldn't work. If you wasted enough time reading this then I may have saved you $$$ and headache. I won't even offer to sell mine.

I bought this for my iPaq h1940 (a fine pocket PC, I should mention), but if your IR port is on the side, says the Belkin manual, you must lay the PPC sideways to align the port with the keyboard signal.
This is ok I guess if your pocket PC has landscape disply settings. Mine doesn't. Yet Belkin still says this keyboard is "compatible" with the h1940...

Problem #2: Except for the shortcut keys on the left side, none of the keys work! I'll try and see if Belkin can help with that.

I bought this unit for a Palm IIIe and it was supposed to be compatible. Well it is if you use the stand which is not worth much for on the road, in the car use...you need a stable table. The screen rotation if it worked would allow you to dispose of the stand and have real freedom. Upside down (unusable of course) works great and with good range...but
if the rotate screen software that comes with it worked as it is SUPPOSED to it would be wonderful...but alas it doesn't work and Belkin has said that it has not intention of fixing the software...how much time would it take?....to make this a truly good freedom keyboard?
I have mangaged work arounds like reflecting the signal off foil, chrome etc. to avoid the stand...I actually now have a bent spoon taped to the pda's IR port which works like a TV dish...looks dumb but works....bur really...if they say it works and is compatible...IT SHOULD WORK...yes they said they would take it back but only in trade for another Belkin product. I want to like this keyboard ...it has great potential.

The unit looks fine, and the gray/wood look blends in well with furniture.

After one year of operation, I began noticing the hiss mentioned in other reviews. Whenever the unit is on standby (no music playing), you can clearly hear a radio station playing in the background. It's absolutely torturous. Imagine watching a DVD on a laptop connected to this device. Every time time there is a pause in the action, you hear a faint sound resembling a radio playing in low volume. If you pay attention, you can make out entire songs. If you live in an area with bad reception, you won't hear songs like I do, you'll simply hear hiss.

The sound will not go away when you play CDs...you can drown it out by playing music loud enough. Unfortunately, that defeats the purpose of a bookshelf system.

I called Sony, and they have no information on this problem. Stay away from this extremely disappointing unit. I purchased it for $200, and it still retails for $150. It sells on Ebay for $55.

In my earlier review, I said that this was a nice sounding system and that I didn't hear the hiss that the other reviewers had mentioned. But now that I've had it over a week I know EXACTLY what they were talking about. There is a constant level of speaker noise regardless of the audio source. While a certain level of noise is to be expected when using the tuner (and to a lesser extent, when listening to tapes), it is unacceptable when listening to CDs. Playing soft background music is out of the question, and classical pieces with soft passages are a complete loss. You have to turn the volume up to at least 7 (the max is 30) to be able to hear anything clearly over the constant hiss. Even spoken word is noticeably distorted. Even with the volume up to midrange to minimize the hiss, the sound is not clean at all.

While I still maintain that this is a very attractive product, and that the CD changer does NOT make an undue amount of noise for a multitray system, the speaker noise is just unacceptable. I'll be returning it as soon as possible. What a disappointment.

Firstly, I have had no experience with the system buzzing on low volumes as mentioned in a previous review, this maybe due to another appliance interfering with the system.

I read a lot reviews on this site and was after an AIWA, however being impatient I wanted to go out and buy a system for my bedroom straight away. I listened to the Sony in Circuit City and I was impressed. The sound quality or volume is not going to blow you away, especially if you have a good quality seperates system. But for [the price] it is good. It is more than loud enough for a bedroom, office or similar.

The sleep mode and timer makes it a good choice if it is to be used in a bedroom. However, the disk changing mechanism is on the loud side so stick to one CD if you are trying to go to sleep to music.

The system is small and compact and is nicely finished (as long as you do not look at the back of the speakers). It would have been nice to change the speaker cables but they are hard-wired into the system.

The Tuner is of good quality, although I would like to have had the RDS feature available on the European model (although only limited US radio stations broadcast in RDS.)

The remote control is fine and has all the features you would expect, however, many of the buttons are the same size and shape making it hard to use in low-light/dark situations. Combine this with the noisy CD changer and this is why it did not get the 5 star rating.