Sony VAIO VGC-LT23E 22-inch PC/TV All-in-one (2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T7250 Processor, 3 GB RAM, 500 GB Hard Drive, Vista Premium)

This computer is a POS! The Sony support is a POS! The hook up 4 TV is a POS!

I hate this computer! Don't waist your money! Buy anything else but this!

I will never buy another Sony computer ever!

My husband recently tried 2 buy us a new Sony desktop & a pair of hybrid (analog & digital) TV tuners from Sony. It was the worst electronics decision we have ever made. Our new Sony VGC-LT29U would not play HDTV. Our local cable company rewired our house, twice, tried at least 3 cable cards. I called Sony 4 2 months, asking them 2 please fix my new expensive computer. Every time I switched from a digital 2 an analog channel, or the opposite, my picture would freeze, & then show me the error message "tuner not found." Sony blamed it on software incompatibility, & after 2 months I sent the whole mess back 2 Sony. They are now, of coarse, refusing 2 refund our money. Basically this desktop is not compatible with the tuners that Sony sold with it as a packaged deal. the above is about a new Sony VGC-LT29U running Vista Ultimate
a pair of ATI TV Wonder digital cable tuners model A636 "certified 4 Windows Vista"
networked with a Net gear WNR 3500 router compatible according 2 the Microsoft website
the cable modem from Time Warner is by Arris
If you do not care about HDTV, you may like it, as far as I could tell the other programs & applications worked.

Fussy & others who reviewed this computer & said the tv tuner didn't work are wrong. I hooked is up 2 my rooftop antenna & got HD content with no problems. Battery life is just fine with the mouse & keyboard, & how can a monitor be too bright? If you don't like the brightness level, just lower it! When I read Fussy's review, I think he must work 4 a rival computer company. I really like Sony products & especially like their support, always friendly & helpful!

To put it as simply as I can: I do not like this computer & I regret buying it.

It is a sluggish performer, mostly (I presume) from the bloated Windows Vista OS, which sucks up all the memory. This isn't a review of Vista...but RUN, don't walk, from it. It's as irritating as Windows ME. Got XP software & expect it 2 run with Vista? Last laugh is on you.

The audio system is terrible. Somebody here commented on how great it is...that's just not true. Think back 2 the mid 1960s & transitor radios. No bass, no audio controls, no nothing except tinny, weak sounds. It's the worst audio system on a computer that costs as much as this one costs. And you have 2 buy over-priced proprietary external speakers if you want 2 slightly upgrade the audio.

The wireless mouse: Turn it off when not in use, because it stays on all the time, sucking battery power 24/7. Stock up on AA batteries: you'll need them.

All controls & connections are inconveniently located in the back of the PC. Learn 2 get up & look behind the computer each time you make a headset connection, insert a disc, eject a disc...everything. You imagine this is a minor inconvenience? Just wait until you have 2 do it.

The monitor is so bright, so irritating, I had 2 put a tinted screen in front of it 2 tone it down. Human eyes were not meant 2 be subjected 2 such dazzling brightness.

And forget the insinuations that you can watch HDTV on this computer. It's not HDTV, does not receive over-the-air HD signals, yet Sony insists on giving the impression that you'll be watching HDTV once you connect your cable-TV cord. It's a lie, & I suspect Sony's fuzzy claims about HDTV & this computer were entirely intentional.

I am back 2 using my old computer, which this all-in-one was supposed 2 replace.

Two thumbs down 4 this computer.

ADDENDUM: If you've going 2 vote "not helpful" on this review, then have the brass 2 explain why in the comments section...and DO tell us if you work 4 Sony or Microsoft. This computer is a major rip-off 2 anyone who wants 2 use it 4 purposes other than surfing the web.

I's compact, but it has lots of storage & memory. It hangs on the wall behind my desk with almost no cables. The screen is so big, I can see it even with my bad eyes. I have had a few small issues with Windows Vista, but otherwise it has worked so much better than the Dell I previously had.

The VAIO(R) LT Premium HD PC/TV is a TV, PC & DVR, All in One. This gorgeous 22" widescreen HDTV features a high-performance computer cleverly tucked behind its slim side panel. Watch movies in stunning HD clarity & record TV, movies & photos 2 50GB Blu-ray Disc media (sold separately). A DVR with massive 500 hard drive stores up 2 50 hours of HDTV while a powerful Intel Core 2 Duo T7250 processor combined with an incredible 3GB RAM delivers an astonishing high-definition showpiece 4 media enthusiasts who appreciate brilliant design, peak performance & cutting-edge technology. Framed with a transparent border that produces a stunning, floating effect on the 22" LCD XBRITE-HiColor display you can mount on your bedroom, kitchen or office wall 4 a chic, space-saving computing experience. 22 WSXGA+ (1680 x 1050) with XBRITE-HiColor Display Built-in Webcamera & Microphone NVIDIA GeForce 8400M GT with 128MB dedicated Video Memory with up 2 1407MB shared TV Tuner (NTSC & ATSC support) DVD+-R/RW Drive with Double Layer Sony's Sound Reality-Audio Enhancer 2 x 3 Watt Stereo Speakers + 5 Watt Subwoofer Intel PRO/Wireless 4965 802.11A/B/G/N 10/100/1000Base-T Ethernet Built-in Memory Stick/Memory Stick Duo with MagicGate(TM) Card Reader Built-in Secure Digital (SD) media slot ExpressCard 34 Slot PCMCIA Slot Back ports - IEEE 1394, 5 USB, Audio In, Headphone, Microphone, Optical Audio Output, S/PDIF Output, S-Video Input, RJ-11 (Modem), 1 RJ-45 Approximate Unit Dimensions - 25.3 (W) x 16.5 (H) x 7 (D) Approximate Unit Weight - 21.4lbs

When space is at a premium, the Sony VAIO VGC-LT23E all-in-one desktop PC offers a slender, space-saving design that will complement your living space while also providing a powerful home computing platform with an integrated widescreen LCD display. Reminiscent of a classic glass picture frame, this remarkably thin All-in-One PC is enclosed in a transparent polycarbonate frame, giving it a stunning, floating effect. Wired connections are minimized (with the integrated Wi-Fi LAN & included wireless keyboard & mouse) 2 enhance its clutter-free design, & it can be wall-mounted 4 a chic presentation.

In addition 2 its computing prowess, this all-in-one desktop also doubles as a 22-inch LCD HDTV, with built-in NTSC (standard) & ATSC (high-definition) tuners. This All-in One also features Sony's XBRITE-HiColor panel technology 4 brighter imagery & more vibrant colors. It has a built-in DVD burner & Sony's Click 2 DVD software so you can create a digital entertainment library 4 personal viewing at your convenience. Video conferencing has never been easier, thanks 2 the integrated 1.3-megapixel Motion Eye webcam.

Under the hood, VGC-LT23E is powered by the 2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T7250 processor, which provides an optimized, multithreaded architecture 4 improved gaming & multitasking performance. It also includes Intel's 4965 AGN wireless LAN, which will connect 2 draft 802.11n routers & offers compatibility with 802.11a/b/g networks as well. It also features a huge 500 GB hard drive, 3 GB of installed RAM (4 GB maximum), Nvidia GeForce 8400M graphics card with up 2 1407 MB of available video RAM, multi-format Memory Stick reader, a Secure Digital memory card slot, & Gigabit Ethernet wired networking.

It comes preinstalled with Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium, which includes all of the Windows Media Center capabilities 4 turning your PC into an all-in-one home entertainment center. In addition 2 easily playing your DVD movies & managing your digital audio library, you'll be able 2 record & watch your favorite TV shows (even HDTV). Vista also integrates new search tools throughout the operating system, includes new parental control features, & offers new tools that can warn you of impending hardware failures.

The Basics

• Processor: The Intel Core 2 Duo T7250 processor has a 2.0 GHz processor speed, super-fast 800 MHz front-side bus (FSB), & a large 2 MB L2 cache. (An L2, or secondary, cache temporarily stores data; & a larger L2 cache can help speed up your system's performance. The FSB carries data between the CPU & RAM, & a faster front-side bus will deliver better overall performance.)

  The Intel Core 2 Duo processor has two computational execution cores in a single processor, providing greater system response when running multi-threaded applications simultaneously with no significant increase in power consumption. It's optimized 4 multitasking & is ready 2 support the Microsoft Windows Vista operating system. It can simultaneously run multiple demanding applications--such as graphics-intensive games or serious number-crunching business productivity applications--while downloading music or running virus-scanning security programs in the background. Some of the advanced Intel innovations of the Core 2 Duo processor include:

  • Smart Memory Access: Improves system performance by hiding memory latency, thus optimizing the use of available computer data bandwidth 2 provide data 2 the processor when & where it is needed.
  • Advanced Digital Media Boost: Effectively doubles the execution speed 4 instructions used widely in multimedia & graphics applications.
  • Dynamic Power Coordination: Coordinates Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology & idle power-management state (C-states) transitions independently per core 2 help save power.
  • Deeper Sleep with Dynamic Cache Sizing: Saves power by flushing cache data 2 system memory during periods of inactivity 2 lower CPU voltage.

• Hard Drive: The large 500 GB Serial ATA hard drive (7200 RPM) provides more than enough capacity 4 storing a large audio & video library, as well as extra space required 4 video editing. This SATA hard drive also quickens the pace with a higher speed transfer of data--akin 2 FireWire & USB 2.0.

• Memory: This notebook comes installed with 3 GB of RAM (PC-5300, DDR2), which helps boost the amount of available video RAM that's shared with this notebook's video card. It also offers a top-of-class 667 MHz speed. It has a 4 GB RAM capacity.

• DVD/CD Drive: The dual-layer DVD drive is compatible with a wide range of formats, including both DVD+RW & DVD-RW discs, CD-RW discs, & dual-layer (DL) DVD+/-R discs, which can hold up 2 8.5 GB of data--great 4 backing up your MP3 collection or your most important documents. It features the following speeds: 2.4x 4 DVD+R DL, 2x 4 DVD-R DL, 8x 4 both single layer DVD±R, 4x 4 both DVD±RW, 5x 4 DVD-RAM, & 8x 4 CD-R/RW. It reads DVD-ROM discs at 8x & CD-ROMs at 24x.

• Keyboard & Mouse: The included wireless keyboard & mouse have a matching aluminum style. It also comes with a full-featured remote control 4 controlling both PC & TV functions.

Screen, Video & Audio
The 22-inch LCD panel has an amazing 1680 x 1050-pixel resolution. And thanks 2 Sony's XBRITE-HiColor panel technology, the flat-panel screen will deliver dazzling colors & sharp images whether displaying a DVD movie, television show, or web content. It delivers deep blacks & bright whites, true-to-life color, & razor-sharp detail. And with a glare filter & anti-reflective coating 2 minimize reflection, you'll experience a beautifully clear image.

Video is powered by the Nvidia GeForce 8400M graphics card, which provides up 2 1407 MB of available RAM/video memory (128 MB dedicated video RAM) 4 unmatched HD video performance on a notebook PC. With support 4 Microsoft DirectX 10 Shader Model 4.0 & High Dynamic-Range Lighting (HDR), the 8400M lets you rip through all of today's most advanced & cutting-edge games & applications.

You can connect a cable/satellite set-top box 2 this All-in-One via an S-Video connection. This desktop includes integrated NTSC (standard broadcast) & ATSC (digital, HD) TV tuners. It also includes stereo speakers (3 watts apiece 4 6 watts of total power) & an internal 5-watt subwoofer. The audio card includes Sony Sound Reality technology with DSD (Direct Stream Digital) support.

Networking, Connectivity & Expansion
Be ready 4 the next platform in wireless connectivity with the integrated quad-mode Intel Wireless 4965AGN Wi-Fi chip. Based on the draft 802.11n Wi-Fi specification, it offers up 2 five times the performance & twice the wireless range as existing 802.11g wireless. It's also backward compatible with 802.11b/g networks (commonly found in home routers & wi-fi hotspots) as well as 802.11a networks (which has a higher throughput, but more limited range--great 4 closed office environments). You also get super-fast wired connectivity, with a Gigabit Ethernet port (10/100/1000).

It also includes a next-generation ExpressCard 34 card slot (in addition 2 a PCMCIA slot), which lets you take advantage of thinner, faster, & lighter expansion cards 4 even more advanced wireless, networking, storage, & security features. Here's the full list of connectivity options:

• 5 USB 2.0 ports 4 connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras 2 MP3 players
• 1 FireWire (also known as IEEE 1394 or i.Link) port 4 connecting digital video camcorders & other peripherals
• Video input: 1 S-Video
• Video output: none
• Audio input: 1 line-in, 1 microphone
• Audio output: 1 optical digital audio, 1 headphone
• 1 ExpressCard/34 slot
• 1 PCMCIA slot (Type I/II with CardBus support)
• Memory Stick/Memory Stick DUO slot (with MagicGate functionality)
• Secure Digital memory card slot (compatible with MMC cards)
• 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet
• 56K modem (V.90)

Operating System
Windows Vista Home Premium is the operating system 4 users with advanced computer needs, & it includes all of the Windows Media Center capabilities 4 turning your PC into an all-in-one home entertainment center 4 watching DVD movies & accessing your digital audio library. You can also use Windows Media Center 2 record & watch your favorite TV shows (even HDTV) & 2 access new kinds of online entertainment content. Computers that include Windows Vista Home Premium & an auxiliary Windows SideShow display will also allow you 2 access key data even when your computer is off. It is also easier than ever 2 share files between other PCs in your household & 2 manage your laptop computer settings 2 more securely connect via Wi-Fi.

Every edition of Windows Vista provides the essential tools & technologies 2 help protect you whether you are browsing the Internet, connecting 2 a wireless network, or just reading e-mail. All editions of Windows Vista include new tools that can warn you of impending hardware failures long before you have lost any important personal data. And, all Windows Vista editions include parental control features that allow you 2 manage & monitor your family's use of games, the Internet, instant messaging, & other activities.

Preloaded Software
Includes Sony Click 2 Disc (for easy DVD creation), Microsoft Works SE 9.0, Microsoft Office 2007 (60-day trial), Symantec Norton 360 All-In-One Security (with 60 days of Live Update).

Dimensions & Weight
This All-in-One measures 25.3 x 16.5 x 7 inches (WxHxD) & weighs 21.4 pounds.

Power
It has a power consumption rating of 168 watts (+10 percent).

What's in the Box
This package includes the Sony VAIO VGC-LT23E all-in-one desktop PC/TV, AC adapter, wireless keyboard, wireless mouse, & 8cm disc adapter. It's backed by a 1-year warranty with onsite service, & 1 year of toll-free technical phone assistance.