No comments about ASUS EAH4850 Graphics Card (ATI Radeon HD 4850 Chipset, Directx 10, 2nd Generation 55NM GPU Solution, 512MB).

No comments about DELL VOSTRO ECONOMY SLIM TOWER-Intel® Pentium® Dual-Core Processor E2160 (1.80GHz), 1GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM , DVD-ROM, 80GB Serial ATA HD, Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 3100 ,Integrated 10/100 Ethernet, Wireless,Genuine Windows® XP Home Edition.

No comments about Gateway DX442X Intel Desktop PC - Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 2.4GHz, 4GB DDR2, 640GB, NVIDIA 8600GS, Blu-Ray DVD-RW, DVD±R/RW LabelFlash, 15 in 1 Media Card Reader, Vista Home Premium SP1.

5 comments about HP Pavilion A6200N Desktop PC (AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual-Core Processor 5000+, 2 GB RAM, 360 GB Hard Drive, Vista Premium).

1. None of the problems described by negative reviews on Amazon occurred for me at all. I purchased this PC a month ago. As I am a gamer I will be installing new Power Supply next month, along with new graphics card, but even as-is the system runs World of Warcraft (an older game) at very acceptable frame rates on medium settings. Make sure to disable all of the HP software bundled with this thing in Selective Startup, (its useless).
   
   
   This machine is a perfectly fine desktop for basic needs, and is a great platform for future upgrades, provided you upgrade PSU, which many other reviewers also mentioned. The lack of a dedicated graphics card is also a pain, but as there is a wealth of expansion slots, including PCI Express 16, it isn't that big of a deal.
   
   All of these Vista nightmares I expected never panned out. Vista just isn't that bad an OS, despite what I feared.
   
   Highly recommended.



2. I purchased an HP Pavilion a year ago. It came with a broken 9 in 1 card. In less than a year the hard drive went out. Wanna know if HP service lives up to the ads? I found out...because of the two breakdowns. They fixed both, but when the machine was returned after repair to the hard drive, the front cover was broken. Two tabs that hold it in place had been broken during service. Not a big problem, but the fight I've had with HP since is the real story. They wanted me to ship the pc back again, rather than just ship me a new cover. They assigned a case manager since we didn't want to ship the PC back. He would call us back within 24-48 hours, during a time convenient to us. 1 1/2 weeks later I called back to see why we hadn't been called and was told I had to call the case manager during his working hours which start at 11pm Eastern Daylight time. I can't figure out why they asked us what hours were convenient for us. This issue still isn't resolved. I hope your experience with their award winning service is better because you may well be depending on it.



3. Purchased this machine in November '07. I was only hooked up to the onboard video long enough to see if the machine would boot up and when it did I immediately added a mid-grade video card and upgraded to a 430 watt ThermalTake power supply. I also added an additional 2GB system memory, even though the standard 2GB would have probably been quite sufficient. I'm not convinced it is absolutely necessary add memory to run Vista, but you can't have too much of the stuff either. Vista Home Premium is what it is...I guess we'll have to get used to it eventually. I don't have any particular problems with Vista, just some things rearranged and not where I got used to them being. The machine has plenty of horsepower to operate the Aero desktop so at least you get that benefit from the Vista OS. The Vista driver for my ancient HP PSC1210 All-In-One supported just the basic print functions (and not very well at that) and HP said they weren't going to release Vista drivers for that printer, so that gave me the excuse to go buy an Epson. The machine has flawlessly run everything I've asked it to run for these 6 months now, so I guess I have enough hours on it to be able to recommend it to anyone thinking about purchasing a new machine.
   
   
   HP Pavilion A6200N Desktop PC (AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual-Core Processor 5000+, 2 GB RAM, 360 GB Hard Drive, Vista Premium)



4. I'm going to tell you right now. Most people will buy this computer because they either don't have time to build their own, or simply don't have the time. I will also tell you that it would be a big mistake. I built my own computer for $720 and some change that is much better than this. I'll compare the specs below.
   
   Hard Drive
   
   While this computer has a 360GB hard drive, mine rocks a 640GB hard drive that's backed with a 5-year warranty. Not to shabby, eh? That's almost a 78% bigger hard drive.
   
   DVD/CD Drive
   
   I have a 20x DVD/CD Burner with lightscribe/dual-layer capabilities which is the same as the one that comes with this computer, only faster, as this computer's drive is only 16x.
   
   RAM
   
   Though both my computer and this computer have 2GB's of RAM, there is a difference...the speed. The RAM on this computer runs at 667MHz, while mine runs at 1066MHz. Also, my motherboard has a max amount of 16GBs, while the motherboard that comes with this computer maxes out at 8GBs.
   
   Motherboard
   
   As mentioned above, my motherboard has a higher amount of possible RAM, but that's not all it has going for it. My motherboard has a FSB of 5200MT/s while this motherboard has only 2000MT/s. Quite a difference if you ask me. There are also a few different things you'd see my motherboard has that this one doesn't, though minimal.
   
   Graphics
   
   While this computer comes with nothing but onboard graphics mine looks stunning on my 22" widescreen monitor when it's connected to my 8800GT. I can't even begin to tell you the difference between onboard graphics, and an actual graphics card, let alone the 8800GT. You'll NEVER want to go back to onboard graphics once you've seen what "real" graphics cards can actually do.
   
   Power Supply
   
   This seems to be a big problem among must buyers. With this computer you get a wimpy 250-watt power supply which is good for nothing except what's already on the computer. If you even want to add a few things you'll want to upgrade your power supply first which can cost another $50 (give or take) to what you've already spent. However, my computer has a 700-watt power supply which powers everything in my computer seamlessly, AND leaves room for anything else I might want to add.
   
   CPU
   
   Though the CPU in this computer is nice (AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ 2.6GHz), you might find mine to be the real attention grabber, being an AMD Athlon 64 X2 6400+ 3.2GHz.
   
   Computer Case
   
   I'm not going to lie, I don't have the greatest looking case, but it gets the job done, and with over 1900+ happy owners (including me) who have had no problems, I'm not going to complain.
   
   
   Now, to end my review, I'm just going to ask everyone, why? Not really, I'm going to rant on some more, but I think people should really take the time to learn how to build their own computer. It's actually a very easy process, and can save you hundreds of dollars. In my case it didn't save me any money, per se, but I did get a much better computer for the same price. If I had chosen to make the exact computer shown here (on Amazon) I could have easily saved anywhere from $200-$400. Either way, I spent almost exactly the same amount to build a computer that is possibly 10x better. All the products I used are below, and if you have the time, I recommend you look into building your own computer.
   
   PLEASE NOTE---I did not include the price of Vista. You should be able to find Vista for anywhere from $120-$200 depending on which version you want, which will obviously put you up a bit, maybe to $850, but you can easily leave out the 8800GT and use the $150 you would've spent on that on a copy of Vista, or whichever OS you want. Even if you choose not to get the 8800GT you'll still have better on board graphics, and all the other components will still be better as well. Hope that informed people!
   
   
   
   -Samsung DVD Burner SH-S203N-------------------$26.99
   -Western Digital Caviar 640GB WD6400AAKS--------$89.99
   -BIOSTAR TFORCE TA780G M2+ (Motherboard)------$79.99
   -COOLER MASTER Centurion 5 CAC-T05-UW (Case)---$49.99
   -EVGA GeForce 8800 GT 512-P3-N801-AR-----------$149.99
   -OCZ GameXStream OCZ700GXSSLI 700W ATX12V------$114.99
   -G.SKILL RAM (2x 1GB) F2-8500CL5D-2GBPK--------$59.99
   -AMD Athlon 64 X2 6400+ 3.2GHz ADX6400CZBOX----$149.00
   
   
   Please note, prices vary by store and time of purchase.



5. Tremenda relación precio-valor, la maquina funciona a la perfección, para todas mis necesidades, que son las básicas, no he probado jugar en ella, para eso están las consolas, por su puesto trae un montón de programas pre instalados que uno no quiere pero en lo que le quites el peso extra corre muy bien!!!

1 comments about Sony VAIO VGC-LT35E 22-inch PC/TV All-In-One (2.1 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T8100 Processor, 3 GB RAM, 640 GB Hard Drive, Blu-Ray Drive, Vista Premium).

1. I purchased this machine to upgrade from a 3 1/2 year old Vaio desktop. It is a solid performing unit. The screen is bright and clear. The blu ray player/recorder is great and the amount of material you can record to a blu ray disc is amazing. It is a 5 star unit except for one thing. The reason I am giving it a 4 star review is because of all the crapware that comes preloaded on it that most people don't want anyway, the most irritating to me is aol, which to me is the ultimate in crapware and is very hard to remove. My old unit gave you a choice with aol, use it or don't use it, this one does not. It comes with no backup software which is typical of Sony but I didn't get any with my old unit either. I would like to at a minimum have a hard copy of the operating system software. The computer sets up simply. The diagram illustrating the connecting points that comes with the unit is easy to follow. I had it running in less than an hour. I've had zero driver problems and all but two of my old XP programs run just fine on the Vista system. I was prepared for programming issues when I decide to upgrade to this machine and Vista, but it was minimal. In my view the only thing Sony could do to improve this machine is to not overload it with crapware a lot of purchasers will probably not want, especially aol. One small issue is that the wireless keyboard does not have indicator lights or a backlight and it is hard to see if the number lock and cap lock is on or off. This is my fourth Sony Vaio computer and the best so far.

5 comments about Sony VAIO VGC-LS37E Desktop PC (Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T7200, 2 GB RAM, 320 GB Hard Drive, Vista Premium).

1. I have only had the computer for a month and so far I am pleasantly surprised. No issues except for the lack of instructions for pairing up the remote keyboard and mouse to the computer. Yes, they do have these instructions online but how can you get online without a keyboard and mouse! It was no big deal though, I just called customer service, (fairly quick), and was told there was a switch on the back of the computer that had to be reset and then you had to immediately reset the switch on the keyboard and mouse. Still, it wouldn't kill them to include a booklet. I have already had to replace the batteries in the mouse but the keyboard is still fully charged. It may have been because they come with cheap batteries.



2. Was a lenghty decision between the iMac and Sony desktop! Though, I'm incredibly happy I decided on the Sony. Amazon was the best price and free shipping. It arrived only a few days after I ordered. Very, very and very satisfied with the product and Amazon.



3. System or Application Recovery Disks are not provided with this PC. Apple provides them for their computers and the OS works.
   
   What this means is that you are placing you data (your life's work) in the hands of SONY's Recovery software that is hardware dependent. If you change your hardware configuration you must create new one, or else it wipes out all your data. I now have a computer that I can't restore unless I by new OS disks. It makes no sense. If you want a PC you have to pay for the OS twice.
   
   Sony has a habit of not providing Operating Sytems disks. Which is stupid beyond belief. It saves them money, and allows them to force a bunch of useless garbage software down your throat if you are successful in using their Recovery Software.
   
   But you may not be successful. Their "Recovery Center" is your only means of recovery when things turn sour. But, say for example you want a bigger hard drive. Install it and, even if you carefully clone your software from one drive to the other, the Recovery Center WILL NOT WORK. This is unlike installing any other software which is not hardware dependent.
   
   What this means is you will have to purchase the operating system all over again. If you purchase an OEM copy, you will have to install on a bare "empty" drive, and lose all the other software SONY provided. Otherwise you will have to purchase the full version of windows. Factor that cost--an extra $300+ into your purchase decision.
   
   Any other software that SONY provided that you might use like DVD burning software will have to be re-purchased. You can't pick and chose what you want to reinstall off the recovery disk. It is set up so that it is all or nothing, and if it's nothing, as it was in my case, you basically bought SONY hardware, and everything software will have to be replaced and paid for again.
   
   My advice is to buy an iMac. It is the same amount of money and you get a reliable computer. And you won't find yourself furious at SONY when you realize the recovery software was a time-bomb waiting to blow up after your warantee has expired.
   
   I'll never buy another SONY computer. I'm in the market for a laptop. I would not even consider SONY. I'll look at HP and Apple.
   
   I purchased a Mac Pro, and it has worked perfectly. It includes the OS on disk and all the software. I'm very happy with Apple and I'll never switch back. They cost more and Apple has been great with support.
   
   Update. After nearly 8 months Sony sent me back up disks that I did not ask for. I still have a machine I can't use unless I buy a new OS--all this because these disks don't allow a larger hard disk to be installed.



4. I have VAIO VGC-LS35E model which is slightly different: it have more powerful processor Core2 Duo T7200 2.0 MHz, larger hard drive 320GB 7200RPM SATA and Vista Premium. Kind of difficult to figure out whole setup but finally it's on desk, looks stylish and smooth. Laptop-like keyboard, switches off automatically if you forget to do. Had to replays that Sony calls mouse with Logitech MX Revolution Wireless, rechargeable battery lasts for more than a week. It is really a bomb! Nice features like Build-in Wi-Fi, memory card reader, TV tuner, Web Cam, Remote, USB and FireWire ports, overall great entertainment pc!
   Pros: all in one, lots of power, roomy hard drive, build-in Wi-Fi, TV tuner and remote.
   Cons: lack of documentation, detailed instructions how to pair keyboard and mouse, only 4 USB ports and One FireWire, glossy Display which it makes it difficult to use in bright room, cheap speakers, difficult to read keyboard display (Caps Lock on/off), not upgradable memory or anything, noisy DVD drive.



5. Sony Vaio VGC-LS37E Desktop PC fulfills everything I wanted of it. Set-up was very easy (and I'm no techie when it comes to computers). Picture quality is excellent.Haven't really tested the sound quality, but have recently purchased an add on sound system to complete the system. I was attracted to this product primarily because of its entertainment system especially the TV alternative. I had been considering purchasing a new counter top TV to replace the current 12 year set.The February 17, 2009 HDTV conversion date being the primary impetus. This product thus saved me anywhere from $250 to $450. As I view it, the already bargain purchase has cost me that much less. The monitor design allows me to fit a 19 in screen into a very tight space. In summary, very happy with my purchase and very happy with Amazon service, quality, price and shipping alerts. Would highly recommend this product.

1 comments about Gateway DX442B Intel Desktop PC - Intel Pentium Dual Core E2200, 2GB DDR2-667, 320GB SATA II, DVDRW-RAM, Intel GMA3100 , Flash Reader,10/100 LAN, Vista Home Premium 32-bit SP1.

1. We bought a Gateway and Windows got hosed for some reason. We called 1-800-GATEWAY for support. Guess what? If you buy a Gateway anywhere but their website you must call a separate toll number. WTF!? Then we needed to restore it but the restore partition was bad. Had to get the recovery disk. They charged me $20 for a $1 CD-R. Then it wouldn't work, and they wanted to charge me to tell me how to use it. Again WTF? These people are horrible. Save yourself a lot of trouble and get a Mac. Anything but Gateway.

1 comments about HP Blackbird 002 BB5140rp Desktop PC (2.66 GHz Intel Core 2 Quad Core Q9450 Processor, 4 GB RAM, 500 GB Hard Drive, DVD Drive, Vista Premium).

1. This is an awesome gaming machine. I researched different gaming machines, read all the reviews and went ahead and took the plunge. Yes it is expensive, but well worth the price. Very easy to set up, and very quiet. It is a large heavy machine, but how often do you move your computer? I've had it for a month now and no complaints at all.

No comments about HP dx2400 KR543UT Intel Business Desktop PC - Intel Pentium Dual Core E2180 2.0GHz, 3GB DDR2, 500GB SATA II, SATA DVDRW-RAM-LS, Intel GMA 3100, Gigabit LAN, Windows Vista Business/XP Pro Downgrade.

3 comments about Sony VAIO VGX-TP20E/B TP Living Room PC (Intel Core 2 Duo T8100 Processor, 2 GB RAM, 500 GB Hard Drive, Blu Ray Drive, Vista Premium) Black.

1. I really like this product in every way but one.
   
   I bought it to aggregate all of my digital music, pictures, and video with my television in my living room. It does all that and more (e.g. supports internet radio, internet TV, gives up to date sports scores, etc) with one important exception -- it is not "digital cable ready".
   
   What that means is that you will not be able to get this thing to work with a digital cable tuner with a cableCARD. In otherwords, if you are getting digital cable with HD programming, and you plan to replace your set top box with this thing and a cableCARD, it won't fit the bill. It comes with an antenna that will enable you to receive the standard HD channels over the air (e.g. NBC, ABC, CBS, Fox, PBS...). You can also get regular cable through it. But not cableCARD based digital cable. I believe that in order to get cableCARD support, you have to upgrade to the TP25, which is a whopping $3000 (though I'm not 100% sure about that). Oddly, nowhere on the web have I seen this called out--I had to learn it for myself, after ordering a $300 digital cable tuner from Sony, havnig the cable company install a cableCARD in it, only to have the computer tell me "Your computer is not digital cable ready. You will not be able to set it up for use with acableCARD."
   
   So, if you can't live without digital cable, look elsewhere. Otherwise, I highly recommend this product.



2. I just checked the specs at the Sony website. The TP25 is described:
   
   TV Tuner : High Definition digital cable tuner with CableCARD(tm)8, ATSC and NTSC support
   
   And the price is $3000



3. I'm still in the process of trying to hook it up to my InFocus projector and Sony surround sound system ... but I'm an amature so hooking it up should be possible, but so far I've not be able to get sound through it yet ... but I'm persistent, so will keep trying different combinations till it works. There are no instructions on how to hook it up to a projector (but I guess that is normal).
   
   What isn't normal though is it not coming with ANY instruction manuel or operating system back up disks. All it had was a small pamphlet on tv hook up and labeling some of the parts. Why no OS Back Up disks? Was this just an oversite, or does this not come with them?