- Large Capacity Hard Drive
- Good 3D Graphics
- Users Older PC2700 Memory
- Intel Pentium 4E 3.0 GHz with 800 MHz Frontside Bus
- 512MB PC2700 DDR Memory
- 160GB 7200rpm Hard Drive
- 4x DVD+/-RW Burner and 16x DVD-ROM Optical Drives
- Integrated AC'97 Audio with Amplified Stereo Speakers
- ATI Radeon 9200 Graphics Card with 128MB Memory
- v.90 56Kbps Modem and Intel 10/100 Ethernet Port
- Eight USB 2.0 and Two FireWire Ports
- Windows XP Home Operating System and Microsoft Works 7.0 Productivity Suite
2/13/04 - Sony has long been into integrating computer systems and traditional consumer electronics. With the latest VAIO PCV-RS520, the are hoping to tap into the market of consumers looking to do desktop video.
Powering the RS520 is the latest Intel Pentium 4E processor. This is latest CPU that offers a bit more cache than the traditional Pentium 4's. Performance in most applications is on par with the P4 but can be slower in some. Limiting the potential of the P4E processor is the use of PC2700 memory instead of PC3200 DDR.
Storage is impressive, and it needs to be if you are looking at doing desktop video. The RS520 comes with a standard 160GB hard drive, multiformat 4x DVD burner and 16x DVD-ROM. This should provide the space and compatibility for doing desktop video.
Graphics are powered by an older ATI Radeon 9200 graphics card. While it does have decent performance for 3D applications, it is limited in future programs due to its DirectX 8 architecture. Audio is provided by an integrated solution with simple amplified stereo speakers.
Software is where Sony tries to really pitch their VAIO lines of computers. The included multimedia software is designed to make the system easy to use for those unfamiliar with the applications. This does limit more complex functions that some may be looking for.
All in all, the RS520 is a decent computer system especially for those new to digital video and wanting easy integration with Sony's home electronics.
