Product Description

The VGC-LS30E VAIO(R) All-in-One Desktop PC will complement your living space. The essentials for powerful computing performance typically found in a desktop tower are built into the back of the flat panel LCD TV display in a slim chassis. Cables are discretely routed, ports are conveniently located on the sides and wired connections are minimized with the included wireless keyboard and mouse. The high performance VAIO(R) LS PC/TV with analog and digital TV tuners doubles as a stunning flat panel widescreen TV. Windows Vista Home Premium with Media Center provides DVR capabilities with effortless on-screen navigation. You can even create your own digital library using the built-in DVD burner and the Sony Click to DVD software. When work is done and you've surfed the web to your heart's content, it's time to sit back and enjoy some TV or a movie on your VAIO(R) LS PC/TV. nVidia GeForce Go 7400 Graphics Processor, 399MB Total Available Graphics Memory Video RAM ATSC and NTSC Supported TV Tuner Action Buttons - Standby, S1, S2, S3, Volume, Muting, Wireless On/Off Expansion Slots - One PCMCIA - Type II/Type I card slot with CardBus support & One ExpressCard 54 Slot Sony Sound Reality Audio Enhancer Sound System Optical Drive - 4x DVD+R DL Write, 8x DVD+R Write, 6x DVD+RW Write, 8x DVD-R Write, 4x DVD-RW Write, 24x CD-R Write, 16x CD-RW Write, 24x CD Read, 8x DVD Read, 5x DVD-RAM Write, 4x DVD-R DL Write, 5x DVD-RAM Read Inputs and Outputs - Audio In, Composite Audio/Video Input, Ethernet Port, Headphone Jack, 4-pin i.LINK(R) Interface, Memory Stick(R) Media Slot, Modem Jack, Secure Digital Slot, Microphone Input, RF Connection Input, S-Video Input, 4 USB 2.0 Ports, DC-In Operating System - Windows Vista Home Premium Dimensions - Width 20.94 x Height 14.05 x Depth 7.44 inch (CPU and Display only) Weight - 15.0 pounds Monitor is not included

---

Product Details

• Brand: Sony
• Model: VGC-LS30E
• Dimensions: 14.05" h x 20.94" w x 7.44" l, 15.00 pounds
• CPU: Intel Core Duo 1.73 GHz
• Memory: 2000MB DDR2 SDRAM
• Hard Disk: 250GB
• Processors: 2
• Display size: 19

Features

• All-in-one desktop PC with 19-inch LCD and integrated TV NTSC/ATSC tuners
• 1.73 GHz Intel Pentium dual-core T2080 processor, 250 GB hard drive, 2 GB installed RAM (2 GB max), multi-format/dual-layer DVD drive (8x DVD+/-R)
• Connectivity: 4 USB, 1 FireWire, 1 headphone, 1 microphone, Secure Digital and multi-format Memory Stick card readers
• 54g Wi-Fi LAN (802.11/b/g), 10/100 Ethernet, Nvidia GeForce Go 7400 video card with up to 335 MB shared video memory
• Pre-installed with Windows Vista Home Premium (with Media Center capabilities)

Amazon.com Product Description
When space is at a premium, the Sony VAIO VGC-LS30E 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, the remarkably thin VGC-LS30E is enclosed in a transparent polycarbonate frame, giving it a stunning, floating effect. Cables are discretely routed, ports are conveniently located on the sides, and wired connections are minimized (with the integrated Wi-Fi LAN and included wireless keyboard and mouse) to enhance its clutter-free design.

In addition to its computing prowess, this all-in-one desktop also doubles as a 19-inch LCD TV (with built-in NTSC and ATSC tuners) and features Sony's XBRITE-HiColor panel technology for brighter imagery and more vibrant colors. It has a built-in DVD burner and Sony's Click to DVD software so you can create a digital entertainment library for personal viewing at your convenience. Video conferencing has never been easier, thanks to the integrated camera.

Under the hood, VGC-LS30E is powered by Intel's Pentium dual-core T2080, which provides an optimized, multithreaded architecture for improved gaming and multitasking performance and a more efficient power consumption. The dual execution core T2080 has a 1.73 GHz processor speed, fast 533 MHz system bus, and a 1 MB L2 cache. It also features an extra-large 250 GB hard drive, 2 GB of installed RAM (maximizing capacity), Nvidia GeForce Go 7400 graphics card with up to 335 MB of shared video RAM, multi-format Memory Stick reader, and a Secure Digital memory card slot.

This desktop also comes preinstalled with Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium, which includes all of the Windows Media Center capabilities for turning your PC into an all-in-one home entertainment center. In addition to easily playing your DVD movies and managing your digital audio library, you'll be able to record and watch your favorite TV shows (even HDTV). Vista also integrates new search tools throughout the operating system, includes new parental control features, and offers new tools that can warn you of impending hardware failures.

The Basics

• Processor: The Intel Pentium dual-core T2080 processor is built with the Mobile Intel 945PM Express chipset, and it has a 1.73 GHz processor speed, fast 533 MHz front-side bus (FSB), and 1 MB L2 cache. (An L2, or secondary, cache temporarily stores data; and a larger L2 cache can help speed up your system's performance. The FSB carries data between the CPU and RAM, and a faster front-side bus will deliver better overall performance.)

  This 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 for multitasking and is ready to support the next version of Microsoft Windows, code-named Vista. 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. It's more efficient, thanks to Intel's Power Coordination and Deeper Sleep, which help to transfer power only to those areas of the processor that need it. It also features Intel's Digital Media Boost, which delivers enhanced performance on floating point-intensive applications such as CAD tools, 3-D and 2-D modeling, video editing, digital music, digital photography and gaming.

• Hard Drive: The extra-large 250 GB Serial ATA (SATA) hard drive (7200 RPM) offers a wealth of storage space, perfect for storing a vast multimedia collection or for editing digital video. This SATA hard drive also quickens the pace with a higher speed transfer of data--akin to FireWire and USB 2.0.

• Memory: The 2 GB of built-in memory (PC4200, DDR2 SDRAM, 2 x 1 GB, 533 MHz) maximizes the capacity for this machine, enabling you to effortlessly handle a wide variety of multimedia tasks right out of the box.

• DVD/CD Drive: The dual-layer DVD drive is compatible with a wide range of formats, including both DVD+RW and DVD-RW discs, CD-RW discs, and dual-layer (DL) DVD+/-R discs, which can hold up to 8.5 GB of data--great for backing up your MP3 collection or your most important documents. It features the following speeds: 4x for DVD+R DL, 4x for DVD-R DL, 8x for both single layer DVD+R/-R, 8x for single layer DVD+RW, 6x for single layer DVD-RW, and 24x/16x for CD-R/RW. It reads DVD-ROM discs at 8x and CD-ROMs at 24x.

• Keyboard & Mouse: The included wireless mouse and wireless aluminum keyboard folds up for a beautiful presentation when not in use.

Screen, Video & Audio
The 19-inch LCD panel has an amazing 1680 x 1050-pixel resolution. And thanks to Sony's XBRITE Hi-Color panel technology, the flat-panel screen will deliver dazzling colors and sharp images whether displaying a DVD movie, television show, or web content. You can connect a standard antenna or cable/satellite set-top box to the VGC-LS30E via either RF, composite A/V, or S-Video connections. This desktop includes integrated NTSC (standard broadcast) and ATSC (digital, HD) TV tuners.

Video is powered by the Nvidia GeForce Go 7400 graphics card with up to 335 MB of video RAM shared with the system memory. Nvidia's TurboCache feature increases the performance of this thin and light notebook PC without increasing its size or draining its battery. It's coupled with the PowerMizer 6.0 advanced power management technology, which significantly extends your notebook PC's battery life while minimizing the amount of heat it produces.

Networking, Connectivity & Expansion
By utilizing the unit's built-in wireless LAN (802.11 b/g) technology, the VGC-LS30E can be positioned virtually anywhere in the home or office and still access Internet sites, e-mail, and networked PCs and hard drives. It also includes a next-generation ExpressCard 54 card slot (in addition to a standard Type II/I PCMCIA slot), which lets you take advantage of thinner, faster, and lighter expansion cards for even more advanced wireless, networking, storage, and security features. You get a good offering of connectivity options:

• 4 USB 2.0 ports for connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras to MP3 players
• 1 FireWire (also known as IEEE 1394 or i.Link) port for connecting digital video camcorders and other peripherals
• 1 composite A/V input
• 1 S-Video input
• 1 RF cable/antenna input
• Memory Stick slot (supports optional Memory Stick and Memory Stick DUO media with MagicGate functionality)
• Secure Digital memory card slot (also compatible with MMC cards)
• 1 headphone jack, 1 microphone jack, 1 audio line-in jack

It also has an integrated 56K modem (V.90) and an RJ-45 LAN network port (for a 10/100 Ethernet connection to networks and DSL/cable modems).

Operating System
Windows Vista Home Premium is the operating system for users with advanced computer needs, and it includes all of the Windows Media Center capabilities for turning your PC into an all-in-one home entertainment center for watching DVD movies and accessing your digital audio library. You can also use Windows Media Center to record and watch your favorite TV shows (even HDTV) and to access new kinds of online entertainment content. Computers that include Windows Vista Home Premium and an auxiliary Windows SideShow display will also allow you to access key data even when your computer is off. It is also easier than ever to share files between other PCs in your household and to manage your laptop computer settings to more securely connect via Wi-Fi.

Every edition of Windows Vista provides the essential tools and technologies to help protect you whether you are browsing the Internet, connecting to 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 to manage and monitor your family's use of games, the Internet, instant messaging, and other activities.

Preloaded Software
Includes Sony Click to DVD (for easy DVD creation), Microsoft Works, Microsoft Office 2007 Student and Teacher Edition (60-day trial), Symantec Norton Internet Security 2007 (with 60 days of Live Update).

Dimensions & Weight
This desktop LCD/PC measures 20.94 x 14.05 x 7.44 inches (WxHxD) and weighs 15 pounds.

Power
It has a power consumption rating of 150W (+10%).

What's in the Box
This package includes the Sony VAIO VGC-LS30E all-in-one desktop PC/TV, wireless keyboard, wireless mouse, remote control, IR blaster, RF cable, and 8cm disc adapter. It's backed by a 1-year warranty with onsite service, and 1 year of toll-free technical phone assistance.

---

Customer Reviews

How Hard Can It Be?
This is a very pretty machine. The picture quality is five-star. It comfortably fills that niche between desktop and laptop -- small footprint that I wouldn't take on a plane, but I would take into another room on a whim.

I lost several wires and power connections by switching from an ordinary desktop tower to this piece. Naturally, losing the mouse, keyboard and modem connections tidied things up, but losing the monitor and speaker power and connection cords, too, really untangled a frightening web under my desk.

In spite of remarks from others about the lack of documentation, the included power cord only connects in one place and the Start Up diagram makes it obvious. That Start Up sheet is also clear about the order to proceed during first-time set-up. If you've ever used a computer or NEVER used a computer, this will NOT feel like a rocket science degree will be necessary. Once connected, the Help file will fill in any gap you're suffering.

I was already familiar with Vista Home Premium, so the learning curve was negligible and the authorization was completely painless. And to counter another reviewer's experience, ALL of my Adobe software works just fine.

My mistake and not the fault of the machine -- I uninstalled all of the pre-loaded trial software before installing my own software discs and that created issues -- I shouldn't have unloaded the trial Quicken and tried to install my old Quicken version. Didn't happen. And I screwed up something by unloading the RealPlayer. If you run into trouble, just browse Yahoo or Google and you'll find the answer on someone's forum.

Nice machine. I might get annoyed about the wireless, potentially battery hungry keyboard and mouse at some point, but after hours and hours of use, not so far. And the keyboard is shockingly comfortable -- I didn't believe it would be. (UPDATE: It is months since I made this purchase. I use this computer often, daily. The keyboard has not needed new batteries yet, and I've replaced the mouse batteries only twice. I would say that this is not a battery hungry system after all.)

I enjoy it. This computer costs less than any system I have ever bought (I'm not a gamer) since the 1980s, yet runs better and looks better than any of them. If I run into anything ugly, I'll report back.

Very nice desktop TV PC
I bought this to replace my 6-year old vaio laptop. The desktop looks great, very slim, there is no tower part, the PC is behind the screen, very compact. The screen is bright and crisp. Keyboard and mouse are all wireless. The TV feature is great, you can schedule and organize recordings. Windows Media Center is not too shabby either. Manual is installed in the computer, once you start the PC, you should be able to find it. I didn't experience problem using adobe stuff either, I only have illustrator and dreamweaver though. I guess you will have to use CS3, because of Vista... Overall, it is pretty pricy for a desktop, but it runs well, and if you are a fan of sony screen, you will like this one. I have yet to find major problems, but the back cover is wierd, it took me over 10 minutes to figure out how to open it(use your finger and fingernail) and put it back on.

Not bad, but not great (except its looks)
I have had this computer for a month now. There has been quite a learning curve because of this new computer and going from XP to Vista then to Vista Ultimate. (The lack of documentation with the VGC LS-37e has already been addressed in another review.)

This machine ran competently out of the box, but I have spent weeks ironing out the kinks from the Vista Ultimate install that I did after about two weeks. Including a day with MS support trying to find out why the speakers shut down after the install (huge driver problems with Vista). But at least MS techs helped me solve the problem. Sony techs were so useless that I wanted to slap them. (I also have had horrendous problems with Office 2007 but that too is more related to vista then sony.} I'm also already experiencing problems with the dvd drive (it's noise level has doubled in the last week, not a good sign.)

After weeks of tweaking, I have got the machine to rate 3.4 on Windows Experience Index (it came out of the box at 3.2). This rating is a pretty accurate assessment of this machine's overall abilities and capabilities (MS uses a 1.0 to 5.9 rating system that looks at 5 performance categories). The good here is that the hard drive rates 5.7 and the processor rates 4.5, both pretty good scores. But the graphics components really drag the rating down and this shows up in the minute by minute performance.

So, here's my thoughts and recommendations at this point:
1. Use the VISTA boost speed for sure.
2. Don't count on Sony support for anything. They are so useless it is pointless to even comment on them.
3. Don't upgrade to Ultimate unless you are at least intermediate level computer user.
4. Avoid all things Adobe (this machine just does not like adobe).
5. Don't add intensive game or graphics software because this machine just won't take to it.


Finally, this machine is really of triumph of style over performance. I'm keeping it. But I probably could have gotten something better for my money and I won't buy another one.