eShop USA > PC Hardware > Sony VAIO VGC-RA828G Desktop PC (Intel Pentium 4 Processor 560 (Hyper-Threading), 1 GB RAM, 400 GB Hard Drive, Dbl Layer DVD+/-RW Drive)
Sony VAIO VGC-RA828G Desktop PC (Intel Pentium 4 Processor 560 (Hyper-Threading), 1 GB RAM, 400 GB Hard Drive, Dbl Layer DVD+/-RW Drive)
Binding: Personal Computers
Brand: Sony
CPU Manufacturer: Intel
CPU Speed: 3.6 GHz
CPU Type: Intel Pentium 4
EAN: 0027242657717
Floppy Disk Drive Description: 1.44 MB, 3.5-inch floppy disk drive
Graphics Memory Size: 256 MB
Hard Disk Size: 400 GB
Item Dimensions: 7.4
Label: Sony
Manufacturer: Sony
Model: VGC-RA828G
Modem Description: Fax / modem
MPN: VGC-RA828G
Processor Count: 1
Publisher: Sony
Studio: Sony
System Bus Speed: 800 unknown-units
Warranty: 1 year warranty
Accessories:
Editorial Review:
The Basics
Brandishing top level accoutrements, awesome power and all the connectivity you'll need for the hottest electronic gadgetry, the Sony VAIO VGC-RA828G Desktop PC is the brightest star in the entire Sony computer lineup and one of the most capable desktop PCs available. Designed to efficiently handle anything you can throw at it, the system is a superb hub for a business, personal, home office, entertainment or gaming environment. It even features an innovative liquid heat pipe cooling system to squelch excess heat and minimize noise, but that's just one of many impressive innovations you'll find in this stunning example of high-tech wizardry.
Processor
At the heart of any computer lies the CPU (or processor), a massive collection of miniature transistors that governs the speed and power of the entire unit. The VAIO VGC-RA828G incorporates one of the fastest CPUs currently in existence, an Intel Pentium 4 560. New for 2004, this is an upgraded version -- nicknamed "Prescott" -- of the venerable Pentium 4 chip, featuring one full MB of Level 2 cache and a more generous data "pipeline" than prior models. Operating at an astounding 3.6 GHz and of course sporting Intel's Hyper-Threading technology (Hyper-Threading allows a single CPU system to behave at times as a dual CPU system, thus adding substantially more speed to some high-end applications), this pricey but ultra-potent CPU delivers more than enough power for any environment or situation.
Memory
Computers typically store information on their hard drive, but they keep frequently and recently accessed data in Random Access Memory (RAM) for faster retrieval. More RAM means more efficient computing, superior multitasking and less strain on your hard drive. For the VAIO VGC-RA828G, Sony has installed a whopping 1024 MB (1 GB) of fast PC3200 400 MHz DDR SDRAM memory. This is a ton of memory even for a high-end machine, and its rated speed is comparatively quick. As such, it is easily sufficient for any multitasking situation or complex application. Moreover, the system's mainboard is constructed to support RAM upgrades to a whopping 2 GB.
Video
CPU's are usually so busy doing basic calculations that they need help translating visual output to the viewing screen. This is the duty of the graphics card (or graphics controller). A graphics controller with "dedicated" video memory is preferable to a controller that's integrated on the mainboard and "shares" the system's main memory, as it will better handle complex procedures.
One of the problems with many high-end PCs is that they simply aren't equipped with a graphics card on par with the rest of the system. Not so with the VAIO VGC-RA828G, which features an ATI Radeon X600 XT with 256 MB of video memory. Not only will this card efficiently operate all your 2D and 3D apps (including the vast majority of demanding 3D games), but it also includes a television tuner and a Giga Pocket MPEG2 Realtime Encoder/Decoder to pause, rewind and replay live TV. Furthermore, Sony will package the system with a handy remote control to make TV and movie viewing even easier.
Display:
Sony has not included a display screen, thus allowing you to continue using your current monitor or select from today's many alternatives.
Sound
The VAIO VGC-RA828G produces stereo and surround sound via an Intel High Definition Audio chipset that supports for five distinct audio channels and a dedicated subwoofer. Sony will also enclose a 2.1 speaker system featuring two desktop satellites for clean middle and high frequencies and a subwoofer for added bass support.
Hard Drive
With an incredible storage capacity of 400 GB, the unit's internal hard drive is one of the largest ever manufactured and double the size of the hard drives found in many high-end PCs. It is thusly roomy enough for a massive allotment of files and applications and a comprehensive music, video/photo and multimedia library too. Indeed, even the most avid collectors of digital data will have a tough time filling this hard drive. Furthermore, it's exceptionally quick -- sporting a fast 7200-RPM speed, an 8 MB buffer, and a futuristic Serial ATA connection. These are all comparatively recent innovations, each increasing the overall speed and performance of the system.
Optical Drive
An optical drive is essential in today's computing world. A "CD-ROM" drive allows you to install CD-based applications and play music CDs. A "CD-RW" drive adds CD "burning", so you can also backup your important files to long-lasting discs and create personalized music CDs. With a DVD-ROM drive you can enjoy all of the above plus watch the same big budget DVD movies you watch on your home entertainment system. And with a DVD-RW drive, you can also "write" home movies to durable discs and archive files to DVD (DVDs boast more than seven times the storage capacity of CDs).
This unit features two optical drives -- a DVD-ROM drive for playing music and data CDs and DVD movies, and a DVD +/- RW Double Layer Multi-Format drive through which you can not only do everything above but also take advantage of new double layer DVDs (twice the capacity of traditional DVDs and capable of four hours of DVD-quality video). Moreover, this two-drive setup allows you to make extremely fast CD or DVD copies.
Connectivity and Expansion
With no less than seven high-speed USB 2.0 ports, you'll have lots of room for plug and play gadgets such as joysticks and printers. Sony has also installed two IEEE 1394 "FireWire" ports (often used for fast data transfer from digital camcorders), an S/PDIF jack for crystal clear digital audio, two S-Video inputs for lossless digital video, a DVI monitor port for the highest quality flat-panel display images, and a memory card reader for reading today's most popular memory cards from devices such as digital cameras, PDAs and more. Communication options include an integrated Gigabit Ethernet LAN interface for substantially faster network and Internet access than traditional 100Mbps and 10Mbps Ethernet, and a 56K data/fax modem for low-speed dial-up connections
Operating System and Software
The VAIO VGC-RA828G features a software package clearly aimed at fans of multimedia. Headed by Microsoft's Windows Media Center Edition 2005 operating system and Microsoft's Works 8.0 productivity pack, the bundle also features Adobe's Photoshop Elements 2.0 photo editing suite, Adobe's Premier Standard video editing solution, and a half dozen of Sony's respected audio, video and photo utilites.
Control
Apart from the aforementioned remote control, the system includes a convenient VAIO Keyboard and a no hassle PS/2 optical mouse.
The RA828G delivers the high quality video, music and digital imaging solutions you demand. Create your own professional quality DVDs. Master your own audio recordings or remaster old tapes and records. Watch and record television on your own schedule.A fusion of cutting edge design and superior performance, the RA828G features a sleek black chassis, a revolutionary liquid heat pipe cooling system and spectacular acoustic presence. Couple this with loads of expansion headroom and your RA828G can take you wherever your passion leads you.
Customer Reviews
Average Rating: 
Rating: - Nice Computer So Far
Very fast computer. 2nd Drive is noisy, other than that the computer is very quiet. The network port would only connect to my wireless router at 10Mbps even though a network cable, but would connect to other network devices normally. Speakers are OK. You will want to look at the Sony RA834G before buying since it is a newer model with similar specs.
I had to return the first RA828G to the store and exchange it because it had a ton of problems and was unstable. The one I have now works ... Read More
Rating:  - Great Machines
I've bought Sony VAIO's for years and I havn't had a single problem. They come with everything that you need and more and are very upgradable for when you need it. I would recommend this or any other VAIO and can almost 100 percent guarantee that you will not have a problem with it. If you do, they have an outstanding customer support that will actually HELP you.
Rating:  - Lemon - Terrible experience with this Sony product
Recently bought a brand new Sony VAIO VGC-RA828G. Has never worked. Sony has replaced the memory and motherboard. Just completed a full recovery and now hard drive is bad. Sony has me shipping it back to them even though I've had an onsite technician here three times. Sony refuses to give me my money back or new machine. The best I can hope for now is a rebuilt lemon. Please don't make the same mistake I did. Buy a Dell
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