Sony VAIO R series
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CNET Editors' Take
We're anxious to get a look at this innovative new case design from Sony.
Upside: By isolating the CPU in a separate upper chamber away from the massive power supply ... Expand full review
Upside: By isolating the CPU in a separate upper chamber away from the massive power supply of its new VAIO R series, Sony has created a striking new chassis design. And if the hole in the middle isn't different enough for you, perhaps the conduction cooling system and the massive fan will be. Aside from boasting an original design, expect this system to compete with performance PCs from all of the other major desktop vendors, thanks to Intel's latest, most-powerful processors and chipsets, plus a new PCI Express video card from ATI. In addition to Microsoft's Windows Media Center OS, expect Sony's usual loadout of multipurpose media software to round out the package.
Downside: The size of this system and the lengths to which Sony goes to keep it cool don't bode well for the short-term future of unobtrusive, high-end computing--at least if you're using an Intel processor. The case design is undoubtedly striking, but that doesn't mean you'll have an easy time finding a spot for it in your living room if you're planning to integrate it in your home-theater setup. Also, the RA710G model, with a high-end Prescott processor and an outdated graphics card, sells for around $1,700 (without a monitor). We're afraid to hear what it'll cost for one of the newer R-series models with the latest technology.
Outlook: Although the case reminds us of the towering, black monolith from 2001, we can't help but be intrigued by a design that's so different. Since it uses Windows Media Center as its operating system, Sony opted to pare down its own media software in favor of streamlining management--a move we hope will further streamline the process of using your PC for home entertainment. Hide Review
Rich Brown wrote his first review, of the CD-ROM game Voyeur, for "PC Magazine" in 1993. He parlayed that acclaim into his current role as a senior editor in charge of CNET's desktop, printer, and peripheral device reviews. He also writes about the occasional present-day game for CNET, despite their confounding lack of FMV.
User Reviews
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"Best computer I've ever owned (since '89)" By kmcnulty
Pros: Very quiet. Sits on desk with monitor and I cannot hear it.
Cons: Absolutely none
Summary: Very fast. Very quiet. Looks great. I am a power user and this thing has not failed or disappointed me yet. Would I buy another one? Absolutely. I hope Sony continues to make VAIO desktops. I'd certainly buy another if they continue to build machines of this quality. kdm
"Sony's Cutting Edge Technology needs a little tweaking" By lakephillip
Pros: Incredibly Quiet, Incredibly Fast, Incredibly Sharp
Cons: Immediatley Upgrade Video Card to 256 mb; Add at least 512 Mb Ram
Summary: Honestly I purchased this computer primarily for the design and liquid cooling. I was really interested in how quiet this computer was. I purchased my computer in Sept '04, and the new MCE 2005 models showed up one month later. This hasn't bee as big an issue for me, ... Expand full review
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