12 reviews

Sony VAIO JS Series

$1,100.00 Released September, 2008

The Pros:Saves space and looks neater than a regular PC. Not skimpy on RAM or drivespace. Good PC alternative to a Mac at a similar price.

The Cons:Can't display full 1080p (the main reason for buying the enhanced Blu-ray model). No video out for a second monitor. Not modular: screen and computer components are integrated into one box, making it impossible to upgrade either independently.

Introduced in early September 2008 at CEDIA, the VAIO JS Series is made up of 2 all-in-one computer systems from Sony. Aimed at regular consumers, the JS series includes all the required features for basic computing and watching high definition media.

Where to Buy

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Sony VAIO JS190J/B Desktop Computer - 3 GHz by PriceGrabber.com

Featuring an all-in-screen design much like the iMac, both models feature 20.1" screens with 1680 x 1050 resolution, 4GB of DDR2 800MHz ram, and 500GB 7200rpm drives. The basic model utilizes the older Intel E5200 processor and a basic DVD writer, coming in black, pink and silver for $1099.99, while the more advanced model comes with the newer E8400 and a Blu-ray drive, comes in black or silver and costs $1449.99. Both models feature the recent Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X4500HD, which can decode high definition content just fine - but don't expect to be playing any games on it.

Models (only differences are highlighted)

VGC-JS130: DVD-writer, Intel E5200 processor
VGC-JS190: Blu-ray drive, Intel E8400 processor

Features

CPU/RAM: Intel Core 2 Duo E5200 or E8400, 4GB DDR2 800MHz
Display: 20.1" widescreen LCD (1680 x 1050 ) powered by the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X4500HD
Storage/Optical: 500GB 7200RPM HDD, DVD writer or Blu-ray drive
Networking: Atheros Wireless Network Connection (802.11b/g/n), Ethernet, Bluetooth (on advanced model only)
Audio: Built-in Intel High Definition Audio with Dolby Digital Live, 2 x 5W speakers (stereo)
Expansion: 5 x USB 2.0, 1 x IEEE 1394, Ethernet, S/PDIF connection, Headphone output
Dimensions & weight: 19.2"(W) x 16.1"(H) x 6.18"(D) (CPU and Display only), 18.7 pounds

User Reviews (16)

Add Pros & Cons

ProScore

Pros

9

saves space and looks neater than a regular PC
6

not skimpy on RAM or drivespace
3

good PC alternative to a Mac at a similar price
1

an up-to-date platform for fast RAM, most advanced Intel video and wireless N capabilities
1

Simply beautiful! Amazing peformance!
-1

Irritates Mac people

Cons

6

can't display full 1080p (the main reason for buying the enhanced Blu-ray model)
5

no video out for a second monitor
3

Not modular: screen and computer components are integrated into one box, making it impossible to upgrade either independently
2

still comes with Windows
1

doesn't feature the same quality Apple design
1

features older processors and poor video acceleration compared to their Apple equivalents (which are only $100 more)