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3 out of 3 people found this review helpful
3.0 stars
"Take a moment to look around the room before parting with the large wad of cash."
Pros: Nice performance and design. "Floating Glass" elements borrowed from the Bravia XBR HDTV's is truly unique and can match most decor. Wide array of connectivity
Cons: Some design elements seem dated and out of place. The switches and LCD status screen on the keyboard look as though they were taken from an early 1990's electric typewriter. Clunky remote
Summary: I'm going to be honest and write an actual unbiased review about this computer. If there's one thing I can't stand, it's user reviews with overbearing self-righteousness and bias -- instead of saying what would really be beneficial to the public considering to actually drop money for a computer like this. I'm going to try to help you come to a decision, while you're still holding that $3000 bill.
To begin with, you have to ask yourself why you're considering an All-in-one system to begin with. Is the Sony brand important enough to you to spend a $3000 chunk of your yearly salary when there are alternatives from several different companies? Apple, HP, and Dell all make these types of computers, too. So what really stands out about the Sony?
To you, it is probably two things: design and the brand "Sony."
But are these things as much as $1400 important to you? You could buy a nice mid-sized HDTV for that much. Maybe you own a Sony Bravia, and you think "I wouldn't need to do that, the Vaio will match my new TV great!" If you want to buy a system like that for this purpose, that's great. It's your money and taste to have matching home decor. But, the other systems, especially offered by Apple, aren't far off from what you're getting in the Vaio, but far from the Vaio's hefty price. I would talk about the HP and Dell all-in-ones, but we know the showdown really comes down to the Sony or Apple iMac.
The new Aluminum iMacs have their ups and downs when pit against the Vaio. For instance, the Vaio can be wall-mounted where the iMac cannot. The iMac has flexible customized configurations, where the Vaio comes in three static offers. The Vaio comes standard with wireless peripherals where the iMac does not. The iMac can use both Mac OS and Windows on the same machine, the Vaio can only use Windows (linux is still a viable option, however.) The Vaio has a built-in TV tuner, the iMac uses an optional add-on. The Vaio has five USB ports and one FireWire, where the iMac has three USB ports, 1 FireWire and 1 FireWire 800 port. The iMac comes with vastly functional software, where the Vaio comes with overbearing bloat-ware you'll want to delete on first boot. The comparable iMac has a 24" screen of 1920x1200 resolution, the Vaio 22" 1680x1050. The Vaio can burn Blu-Ray, the iMac can burn DVD. The comparable 24" iMac is $1800 to $2300 [before tax,] and the Vaio is $2900 [before tax.]
The list could go on, but as you can see, the feature comparisons toggle back in forth between favors for Apple and Sony. Some would say that the iMac holds some of the most substantial pros, the price and processor looking the most favorable.
What you have to do is look at these differences and ignore the branding and biases you've once had toward either side. If after your conclusions, all things considered, you favor the Vaio in willing to part with the was of cash, be my guest to rush down to best buy and pick up your dream computer. It's the best decision to think about the features, price, and value of the system instead of the brand. If you genuinely want something like this when there are more affordable alternatives, who am I to argue?
I won't argue, but I would offer my suggestions against it so you could use the saved money toward something equally worthwhile.
Hope I've knocked some sense into you
