Sony Vaio Digital Studio PCV-R545DS - computer - Hardware Review - Evaluation

Home Office Computing, May, 2000 by Steve Morgenstern

HOC RATING 7

* Configuration: Win 98, 500MHz Pentium III processor, 128MB of SDRAM, 20GB hard disk, DVD-ROM and CD-RW drives * List Price: $1,500 (without monitor) * Manufacturer: Sony, 800-236-1877, www.ita.sel.sony.com/products

IN A WORLD OF COOKIE-CUTTER PCS, SONY distinguishes its Vaio Digital Studio line with a combination of exceptional digital connectivity, custom software applications, and stylish design.

The digital connectivity comes in the form of i.Link, Sony's name for IEEE 1394 FireWire support. The core application for FireWire today is loss-free digital video editing; add the right software and you can edit digital camcorder footage like a pro to make a promotional video for clients or for posting on your Web site. Sony provides two i.Link ports, one in back and one conveniently up front (alongside an equally handy USB port).

The computer's case, keyboard, and wheel mouse are color-coordinated in a distinctive grey and purple. Inside you'll find a solid combination of a 500-MHz Intel Pentium III CPU, 128MB of memory, and a 20GB hard disk. The integrated Intel 810 graphic chip set is fine for all except exotic 3D and game programs; for those, higher-end Digital Studio models provide an Nvidia TNT2 Pro graphics accelerator.

The software bundle includes Adobe's PhotoDeluxe Home Edition, Intuit's Quicken 99 Basic, and Microsoft Word 2000. Additional software lets you capture images from video input, send video postcards, and create photo albums for posting on the Web. Oddly, the R545DS model we tested lacks a serious video-editing program (Adobe Premiere LE is available via mail-in coupon for $149). It also commands a premium price--$1,500 without a monitor.

For basic business computing, this system is overkill. But if video editing has its place in your home office, then Sony's Digital Studio line is an excellent choice--though you might consider stepping up to the $2,000 R547DS model with its 600MHz processor, 27GB hard disk, superior graphics, and bundled video-editing software.

[up arrow] Excellent connectivity for the video-inclined

[down arrow] Pricey; lacks some useful software

RATINGS

HOME OFFICE COMPUTING rates products on a scale of 1 to 10--with few 9's or 10's--based on value, performance, innovation (medals go to rare standouts in these areas), ease of use, and suitability for home offices. The [up arrow] and [down arrow] symbols indicated pros and cons.