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| Customer Reviews: | | Average Customer Review: ( 15 customer reviews )
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32 of 35 found the following review helpful:
 Elegant, fresh, but not perfect Feb 05, 2007
By M. Chen
The LS25E, much like the LS1 before it is a new type of "board PC" by Sony. (Think iMac for Windows users). The computer is very stylish with clear boarders that make the monitor "float." The graphics are great and it is how amazing how thin and compact the entire computer is. With its built in TV-turner, I have been able to use it as a flat screen TV for my study as well.
But the LS25E is not perfect. Some might complain about the price, but I find it still acceptable, realizing that a similar featured slim Dell Desktop will cost about the same MSRP-wise. However, my biggest gripe is that the LS25E is underpowered. Yes, there are plenty of hard disk space (250GB) and memory (2GB of DDR2) but the CPU is too slow for a computer of its feature. A comparable iMac has 2.13GHz D2C, even Sony's own notebook computers has 2.0GHz, 2.16Ghz, so it seems strange that Sony is opting for a week CPU for its desktop computer. I can understand if there is cost consideration, but they should offer the option to have one with higher spec. Another minor gripe is the built-in camera, I have never been able to figure out how many mega pixels it has and the image is definitely not as good as some of the smaller web-cams on the market.
14 of 14 found the following review helpful:
 Positives trump any negatives by a long shot Mar 02, 2007
By Jay B. Rusovich
First for the negative comments [just to get them out of the way]. The one pervasive complaint about the hard drive is that it is underpowered. And compared with the Apple all-in-ones, this is technically correct. Personally, I never noticed the difference [the core 2 duo kicks butt], but just to make sure I purchased a tiny Cruzer-4 Gig driver that can plug into either the front of back of the monitor/hard-drive from one of the USB outlets. It sent the machine into warp speed. I think I paid a hundred bucks for it. It installs intuitively once you plug it in.
Second, the price. Honestly, I agree that Vaio's are not price-friendly. Adding insult to injury, once you purchase one you're also faced with purchasing all of the Microsoft Office and/or Personal sotware within 60 days. And it ain't cheap, believe me.
Third, and final, the keyboard does NOT provide a CAP light indicator, so you have look into a small window located on the keyboard to make sure that the cap icon is off...or just look at the monitor from time to time. Vaio could also have added illumination to the keyboard like Apple did AND THIS IS THE ONE THING I CAN'T GET PAST!
Okay, now for the good stuff. The LS25E is a showpiece; a stunning,contemporary design that gives the illusion that the monitor and small illuminated buttons are floating in thin air. I have a large glass desk and the effect is extraordinary. Very nice design work, guys. The matching [wireless] keyboard and mouse accentuate the effect with a very slick, clean, cutting edge look. Not only do they go to work instantly, but I had used the keyboard from across the room and it still reads it as though it were a few inches away! I also have two of the same computers on the same desk and there is zero interference. By the way, they are also both wireless through a netgear hub and still no problems. The LCD is about as sharp as it gets and any adjustments are a breeze.
Of course, you will also appreciate the way the new VISTA graphics look on these machines, but there is a slight learning curve that's well worth the effort.
Finally, you should know that I do not game on these machines. They are used principally for internet work and writing. You serious gamers may have some other comments in this regard...but from multiple apps to gadgets galore, this was well worth the purchase price - even though it would have been nice to get some software included...But that's an issue we should all take up with Mr. Gates.
10 of 10 found the following review helpful:
Love it! Mar 08, 2007
By M. Shapiro
Do all my work and watch or listen to TV at the same time. No more ugly tower with its cables running all over the place. No more TV sitting on the desk. All in a very attractive package. I've had 4 Macs: 2 desk tops, both of which I loved. This was back in the day when one had the choice of the Mac's "point and click" architecture or learn DOS, I took the easy route! One Apple Powerbook (Motherboard shot within a year, I blew $5,000 and got no help from Apple!) and one iBook which won't open many emails or run many app's found on the net and for some crazy reason won't go to Yahoo Mail, but it looks great! Over the years Apple has lost it in the computer world (was it greed?), I guess they'd rather be in the music delivery biz. Hard to believe but Windows (Vista now) actually has a more intuitive op sys. I've had a bunch of PCs too... 1 Dell - a large laptop, it was terrible - hard-drive broke-down within 6 months as did the hinge on the top/screen, 2 Toshiba lap tops - both okay, one Compaq Desk top which was a satisfactory product, and two Sony desktops. These last two Sonys have been the best of the bunch and I highly recommend this one. A home run!
11 of 13 found the following review helpful:
 Don't Buy This Yet -- The All new VGC LS37E is Now Available for Additional $50 -- Review on this later! Mar 31, 2007
By Squishee82
"Beau"
For $2000, I would expect more from Sony. I would buy this computer instantly w/ no complaints if Sony addresses these minor gripes.
- Include Core 2 Extreme Processor QX6700 - 2.66 GHz
- Include High Definition Optical Drive - Blue-Ray Drive
- Include Internal / Built-in ATSC HD TV tuner
- Include HDMI & Component Video Inputs
- Include Built-in IR receiver
- Include Vista Business Edition / Media Center PC Edition
If not including these features, at least allow the consumers to have some say in the final configuration of the unit. I do realize Sony intention for its all-in-one desktop to never upgrade, but the next edition should be provided w/ an accessible bay in the back, so that consumers don't have to deal w/ their lame customer service support if there is a problem w/ the optical drive or the hard drive.
Sony, addresses these concern & I'll be the 1st to buy. Otherwise, this model would fall gravely short of Sony's selling motto "When space is at a premium, power is a necessity, & beauty is a must."
Sony has always been a leader in pricing for products against similar competition. Thus, it only makes sense that we expect Sony to incorporate the right features at the right price, with the competition in mind please.
In regard to comparable products:
-- Apple iMac (24-inch):
1st of all it has a 24" Cinema display == Larger & Brighter screen
Display supports up to 1920-by-1600 Resolution == That's 1080p folks
Sony's 1680 X 1050 Resolution == Short of 1080p standard
Intel Core 2 Duo T7600 == Much better than Sony's T5600
Can Run both Mac OS X & Window XP via Boot Camp Beta
500 GB Hard drive == Twice the size of Sony's hard drive
nVidia GeForce 7600 GT Graphics card == Better than Sony's 7400 GT
Apple iMac 24-inch offers much better features for the same exact price. So folks ask yourself how in the world can Sony expect someone to buy something like this for $2000. Perhaps this prior statement will not apply to those willing to doll out the money for just the stylish look of the LS25e.
Sony's Laptop & Desktop have been outfitted w/ Blue-Ray drive since summer 2006. Even WinBook Jiv Mini can integrate the IR receiver & TV tuner into the unit & also have DVI & Video component inputs. There is no excuse for Sony not being able to do these things that competitors can offer. Basically, there is only 1 conclusion: Sony Does have the Capability / but Does Not have the Will to do it. LS25E is at best a Semi-all-in-one desktop, not the true All-in-One Desktop that it should be at this time and age.
4 of 4 found the following review helpful:
 Defective Memory Jul 08, 2007
By Sriraj Rajaram
I know I could be an odd fluke - but I brought two of these and returned both of them due to defective RAM modules. When I contacted Sony support they were not helpful at all. I would hesitate to recommend Sony's product to anyone else.
See all 15 customer reviews on Amazon.com
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