Sony VAIO VGC-LT33E 22-inch PC/TV All-In-One (2.1 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T8100 Processor, 3 GB RAM, 640 GB Hard Drive, Vista Premium)

I bought the desktop Model LT33E, but most of these comments would apply 2 any of the 3X Models.

Although the computer may look white in the illustration, the computer actually has a matte silver finish, which fits in well in a home office setting.

The 22-inch wide screen is wonderful 4 watching widescreen movies, as well as 4 doing computer work, especially when you want 2 have 2 page-size windows open at the same time.

Vista & Office 2007--
-----Many people have had negative reactions 2 the new software environment, but try 2 keep an open mind until you work with them. I actually like the user interface & find them 2 be more graphical & user friendly. You may like them too.
-----When Vista was first introduced, many older peripheral devices were not recognized by Vista. In July, 2008, Vista was able 2 recognize my peripherals, so this problem seems 2 be abating.
-----This computer has enough resources (speed, memory, RAM) 2 run Vista without obviously impacting performance.
-----The 3X Models ship with Vista SP1, so you won't have 2 install it.

Wireless Connectivity--The computer connected immediately 2 my wireless router (D-Link DIR-655). This desktop computer has the same processor speed as my laptop (Sony SZ370), but the N-level connectivity speed makes the desktop significantly faster than the laptop in surfing the internet. For this feature alone, I would recommend getting one of the new 3X Models of this computer series, rather than buying a discounted older 1X or 2X Model, which would not have the N-level connectivity.

The only problem that I have had with the computer hardware is that the mouse stopped working after a month, but Sony sent me a replacement mouse quickly. In the meantime, I went back 2 my old keyboard & mouse: the Logitech Wave. These are easier 2 use & have more functionality than those supplied by Sony, so I am continuing 2 use the Wave.

The hard drive on the 33E model is specified as 640GB, but it is really 2 drives (C & D) of about 300 GB each. I decided 2 use the D drive 2 store my recorded TV programs, so I selected that drive when I initially set up the Media Center.

The Media Center is MicroSoft software that allows you 2 control the built-in TV as if you have a TIVO, but without the monthly service fee. Unfortunately it does not work consistently on this machine. Sometimes it does not record a scheduled program at all. Sometimes it records part of a scheduled program, & sometimes it does record the entire program. Of the Olympics recordings that I set up, none of them recorded the entire program. I reported this problem 2 Sony support two months ago, but they have not gotten back 2 me. Based on comments from Sony technicians, it seems that Sony has been aware of this problem 4 some time before I reported it. This is the reason that my rating is only 3 stars.

Media center files of TV programs are in .dvr/ms format, which uses a lot of disk space & cannot be edited. Your 300 GB D drive will start 2 fill up quickly. Although there are several pre-loaded programs that can write 2 a DVD, there apparently is no software on this computer that can convert the files into a more efficient format, so you may want 2 download a conversion program. After you convert & edit the files, then you can store them on the D drive or an external hard drive, or write them 2 DVDs. I will update this review after I learn more about that.

The VAIO(R) LT PC/TV is a TV, PC & DVR - all-in-one. This gorgeous 22" widescreen HDTV features a high-performance VAIO(R) PC cleverly tucked behind its slim side panel. A DVR with massive 640GB hard drive stores up 2 60 hours of TV while a super-powerful Intel Core 2 Duo processor & 3GB RAM provides the power 2 deliver an astonishing high-definition showpiece 4 media enthusiasts who appreciate brilliant design, peak performance & cutting-edge technology. Offering a massive boost in Wireless connection speed & range, work & play quicker almost anywhere within your office or home using next generation 802.11n wireless LAN 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 1.3 Megapixel Webcamera & Microphone NVIDIA GeForce 8400M GT with 128MB dedicated Video Memory with up 2 1407MB shared Internal NTSC/ATSC Support TV Tuner DVD+-R/RW Drive with Double Layer Intel High Definition Audio 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(R) Duo with MagicGate(TM) Card Reader Built-in Secure Digital (SD) media slot ExpressCard 34 Slot PCMCIA II Slot Back ports - IEEE 1394, 5 x USB, Audio In, Headphone, Microphone, S/PDIF Output, 2 x RF Connection, S-Video, Mini A/V Jack, RJ-11 (Modem), RJ-45 Approximate Unit Dimensions - 25.3 (W) x 16.5 (H) x 7 (D) Approximate Unit Weight - 22.7 Pounds

When space is at a premium, the Sony VAIO VGC-LT32E 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.

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250> Spec Check 22-inch XBRITE-HiColor LCD Integrated NTSC/ATSC TV tuners 2.1 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T8100 processor Dual 320 GB hard drives (640 GB total) 3 GB RAM (4 GB maximum) Dual-layer DVD±R drive Quad-mode Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n) Nvidia GeForce 8400M graphics Windows Vista Home Premium (SP1) Wireless keyboard & mouse

This All-in One's 22-inch LCD 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. 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.

Under the hood, it's powered by the 2.1 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T8100 processor, which offers a super-fast 800 MHz front-side bus speed & extra-large 3 MB L2 cache. Part of Intel's 45-nanometer (nm) Penryn series, this processor boosts speed & reduces power requirements. This Sony PC is Energy Star 4.0 certified, & has received a Silver EPEAT designation 4 meeting standards 2 help reduce its environmental impact. Additionally, it is RoHS-compliant, effectively reducing the environmental impact by restricting the use of lead, mercury & certain other hazardous substances.

It also features dual 320 GB hard drives (for a 640 GB total), 3 GB of installed RAM (4 GB maximum), Gigabit Ethernet & quad-mode Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n) networking, Memory Stick & SD card slots, both PCMCIA & ExpressCard expansion, Nvidia GeForce 8400M with up 2 1407 MB of available memory (128 MB discrete), & pre-installed Windows Home Premium (SP1) operating system.

The Basics

• Processor: Experience improved energy efficiency with the 45nm Penryn series Intel Core 2 Duo T8100 processor, which has a 2.10 GHz processor speed, super-fast 800 MHz front-side bus (FSB), & a large 3 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 new hafnium-infused circuitry--which reduces electrical current leakage in transistors--conserves even more energy & provides excellent high-definition video rendering via Intel's HD Boost.

  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: This system offers a total of 620 GB of hard disk drive space from two 320 GB drives (7200 RPM), offering a wealth of storage space 4 your multimedia collection--up 2 60 hours of recorded HD programming. These Serial ATA (SATA) hard drives also quicken the pace with a higher speed transfer of data--akin 2 Firewire & USB 2.0.

• Memory: The 3 GB of installed RAM (PC5300, 1 x 2 GB, 2 x 1 GB) helps boost the amount of available video RAM that's shared with this PC's video card. It also offers a top-of-class 667 MHz speed. This notebook has a 4 GB maximum RAM capacity (2 x 2 GB). To receive the faster data transfer benefits of the dual-channel DDR2 RAM, any RAM additions require memory modules of same capacity & clockspeed.

• 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: 6x 4 both DVD±R DL, 8x 4 both single layer DVD±R, 8x 4 single layer DVD+RW, 6x 4 single layer DVD-RW, 5x 4 DVD-RAM, & 24x 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 or RF connection. This desktop includes integrated NTSC (standard broadcast) & ATSC (digital, HD) TV tuners. It also includes an integrated Intel High Definition Audio card, stereo speakers (3 watts apiece 4 6 watts of total power) & an internal 5-watt subwoofer.

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, 1 RF
• 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/V.92)

Operating System
Windows Vista Home Premium (with SP1) 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
Microsoft Windows Live OneCare anti-virus & recovery (trial version), Microsoft Works SE 9.0, Microsoft Office 2007 Home & Student (60-day trial), Sony Click 2 Disk Editor (CD & DVD burning), VAIO Movie Story (video editing), VAIO MusicBox

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-LT33E all-in-one desktop PC/TV, AC adapter, wireless keyboard, wireless mouse, remote control, RF cable, IR blaster, & 8cm disc adapter. It's backed by a 1-year warranty with onsite service, & 1 year of toll-free technical phone assistance.