Sony VAIO VGC-RC310G Digital Studio Desktop PC (Intel Pentium D Processor 940, 2 GB RAM, 300 GB Hard Drive, DVD+/-RW Drive)

It's powered by a dual-core 3.2 GHz Intel Pentium D 940 processor, which delivers robust performance for running multiple, demanding applications simultaneously. Advanced DDR2 memory provides ultra high-speed computing, while the PCI Express x16 video graphics capabilities enable cinematic-quality effects and color. Other features include Sony's innovative liquid-cooling system and advanced noise-reduction technology, 300 GB hard drive, 2 GB of installed RAM (maximizing capacity), Nvidia GeForce 7600 graphics/video card with 256 MB of shared memory, a wealth of multimedia connectivity options and pre-loaded Sony software, and an additional DVD-ROM drive. It also come with a 5.1-channel speaker system and remote control.

The Basics

• Hard Drive: This entertainment-centric desktop is loaded with a gigantic 300 GB Serial ATA (SATA) hard drive (7200 RPM), which will store hundreds of hours of video programming as well as tens of thousands of music files. This SATA hard drive also quickens the pace with a higher speed transfer of data--akin to FireWire and USB 2.0.
  
• Processor: The 3.2 GHz Intel Pentium D 940 dual-core processor is a strong multimedia workhorse, and one of the most powerful processors available (as of June 2006). An Intel dual-core processor delivers additional computing resources and help expand the PC's capabilities by providing higher throughput and simultaneous computing. You'll be able to perform multiple tasks such as digital rendering and gaming all while running virus scan or other background tasks seamlessly. Each core has 2 MB of L2 cache onboard (for a 4 MB total), and the two cores share an 800 MHz front-side bus. (An L2, or secondary, cache temporarily stores data; and a larger L2 cache can help speed up your system's performance. The FSB carries data between the CPU and RAM, and a faster front-side bus will deliver better overall performance.)
  
• Memory: This Vaio multimedia desktop maxes out its 2 GB RAM capacity with the two 1 GB of DDR2 sticks (PC-4200), which offers excellent 533 MHz speed. The capacity is a bit smaller than other high-end multimedia desktop PCs, but the 2 GB will certainly provide excellent power for video editing and immersive 3-D gaming.
  
• CD/DVD Drive: This Vaio RC300 desktop is one of Sony's first Blu-ray Disc enabled desktops. It's capable of playing back Blu-ray Disc movies in stunning clarity, as well as playing your current library of purchased and burned disc content. It's also capable of burning HD Camcorder content in its original 1080 high-definition resolution can store a massive amount of data on a single disc (25 GB single layer disc to 50 GB on a double layer disc). This desktop also comes with a secondary standard DVD-ROM drive. The BD drive offers the following write speeds:
  • DVD+R DL: 8x
  • DVD+R: 8x
  • DVD+RW: 8x
  • DVD-R DL: 4x
  • DVD-R: 8x
  • DVD-RW: 8x
  • CD-R: 24x
  • CD-RW: 16x
  • DVD-RAM: 5x
  • BD-R: 2x
  • BD-RE: 2x
  • BD-ROM Read: 2x
  • BD-RE Read: 2x
  • BD-R DL Read: 2x
  • BD-R DL: 2x
  
  
• Keyboard & Mouse: This desktop comes with a wireless keyboard and mouse, helping you to eliminate the clutter of desktop cords.

Connectivity and Expansion Slots
For expansion, this desktop has two 5.25-inch half-height external bays (occupied), one external 3.5-inch bay (occupied) and four internal 3.5-inch bays (one occupied), two PCI slots (one available), one x16 PCI Express (occupied), and one PCI Express x1 (available). It comes with the following external connectors:

• 7 USB 2.0 ports for connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras to MP3 players (3 front, 4 rear)
• 2 FireWire (also known as IEEE 1394 or i.Link) ports for connecting digital video camcorders and other peripherals (1 6-pin in front, 1 4-pin in rear)
• 1 parallel port for connecting older printers and scanners
• 2 PS/2 ports for connecting keyboards and mice
• 2 DVI outputs (1 with HDCP)
• 2 S-Video inputs (front and rear)
• 2 composite video/audio inputs (front and rear)
• 1 RF coaxial video input (VHF/UHF)
• 1 VGA output
• 1 optical digital audio output (S/PDIF)
• 1 subwoofer/center audio output
• 1 microphone, 1 headphone, 1 line-in
• Multiformat memory card reader on the front, compatible with CompactFlash (Type I and II), MicroDrive, SmartMedia, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro/Duo, MultiMedia Card, Secure Digital, and XD Picture Card

Preloaded System and Software
The pre-installed Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 (Update Rollup 2) is essentially Windows XP Professional Edition with a variety of tools to help you to create, organize, and enjoy digital media ranging from music to home movies to photo slide shows. It also comes loaded with a bevy of Sony multimedia software: GigaPocket (personal video recording), Click to DVD (DVD creation), SonicStage Mastering Studio (digital music), Vaio Media (network file sharing), DVgate Plus (digital video), and Image Converter (for PSP transfer). Other pre-loaded software includes Adobe Photoshop Elements and Premiere Elements, Microsoft Digital Imaging (Starter Edition), Quicken 2005 New User Edition, Microsoft Works 8.5 (with word processing, spreadsheet, and calendar), Norton Internet Security (with 60-day subscription), Intervideo WinDVD, Roxio DigitalMedia SE, and ULead BD Disc Recorder.

Dimensions and Weight
This desktop measures 7.7 x 15.7 x 17.9 inches (WxHxD) and it weighs approximately 31 pounds.

Advanced Cooling and Acoustic Technology
The innovative liquid-cooling system and advanced noise-reduction technology of this Vaio Digital Studio PC enables optimized multitasking performance without the heat or noise of traditional fan-cooled PC configuration. A unique liquid-flow heat pipe draws heat away from the processor, while air-intake from the desktop tower's mid-section maximizes air flow and optimizes Acoustics. The result: cool, quiet and reliable performance from an incredibly powerful desktop computer.

What's in the Box
This package contains the VGC-RC310G desktop PC, 5.1-channel surround sound speakers, wireless keyboard and optical mouse, remote control with IR blaster, and power cord. It is backed by a 1-year limited hardware warranty with 1 year of toll-free technical telephone assistance.