Onkyo DV C503 - DVD changer - black

Onkyo DV C503 - DVD changer - black
Manufacturer: ONKYO
Product Type: CE

Editorial Review:
Product Description
Built to Onkyo's rugged requirements, the DV-C503's ultra-rigid 5-disc carousel transport means you'll be spinning movies and music for years to come. You can change up to 4 discs while the 5th one continues playing, filling the tray with your favorite DVDs, CDs, CD-Rs and CD-RWs - even MP3 CDs!Enhancing DVD's crisp, 3-dimensional picture with the precision and power of digital surround sound is easy: Just connect the DV-C503's optical or coaxial digital output to a compatible A/V receiver with Dolby Digital/DTS decoding. To ensure that you'll hear the subtlest surround sound nuances, Onkyo's Direct Digital Path design provides a shorter, cleaner path for the digital audio signal as it's read off the disc, avoiding potential noise from nearby microprocessors and power supplies.

Average customer rating: 3.0

Apples to apples....
Beware of amazon slow delivery
VAIO SZ vs MacBook - VAIO is awesome
Bad keyboard, useless support, bad drivers, QC problems...
amazing laptop

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Sony VAIO VGN-SZ110B 13" Notebook PC (Intel Core Duo Processor T2400, 1024 MB RAM, 100 GB Hard Drive, DVD+R Dbl Layer/DVD+/-RW Drive)

Manufacturer: Sony IT
Product Group: Personal Computer
Binding: Personal Computers
ASIN: B000EE3CJS

Related Categories:

Notebooks

Notebooks

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Amazon.com Product Description

The sleekly designed, lightweight Sony VAIO VGN-SZ110B notebook PC delivers intelligent mobile design while placing a priority on usability and performance. Coolly contemporary, it has a magnesium coating and aluminum finish on the palm rest for a great blend of the fashionable and the functional. It measures a mere 1.5 inches thin and features a superb 13.3-inch widescreen display with XBRITE LCD technology, long battery life, and a generous, comfortable keyboard. The integrated tri-mode 802.11 a/b/g wireless LAN enables wireless connectivity on the fly, while the revolutionary Hybrid Graphics System lets toggle between internal and external graphics chips, enabling you to choose lighter battery consumption or better performance depending on the situation.

With an integrated DVD+R Double Layer/DVD+/-RW drive, you can store up to 8.5 GB of data on one Double Layer DVD disc, making it easy to share and save your data and media files. This notebook also features a powerful 1.83 GHz Intel Core Duo processor (with Centrino Mobile technology), 100 GB hard drive, 1 GB of installed RAM (with a 2 GB maximum), Bluetooth wireless capability, long battery life (up to 5.5 hours with included battery), advanced security/safety features that include a biometric fingerprint sensor, Windows XP Home operating system, and a host of Sony multimedia software.

The Basics
<ul>

Hard Drive: A welcome size for road warriors, the 100 GB hard drive is definitely above average in size for notebook PCs--great for storing a digital medial library or graphics-intensive presentations--and faster than average at 5400 RPM. This Serial ATA (SATA) hard drive also quickens the pace with a higher speed transfer of data--akin to FireWire and USB 2.0.

Processor: This VAIO is powered by a 1.83 GHz Intel Core Duo processor T2400, which sits in the middle of the speed spectrum for this processor (as of February 2006). It has a fast 667 MHz front-side bus (FSB) and a large 2 MB L2 cache. (An L2, or secondary, cache temporarily stores data; and a larger L2 cache can help speed up your system's performance.)

With its two execution cores, the Intel Core Duo is optimized for multi-threaded applications and multitasking. You can simultaneously run multiple demanding applications--such as graphics-intensive games or serious number-crunching programs--while downloading music or running virus-scanning security programs in the background. Thanks to Intel Dynamic Power Coordination and Enhanced Intel Deeper Sleep with Dynamic Cache Sizing features, the Core Duo is able to transfer power only to those areas of the processor that need it. Featuring Intel Digital Media Boost, the Core Duo also provides enhanced performance on floating point-intensive applications such as CAD tools, 3D and 2D modeling, video editing, digital music, digital photography and gaming.

Memory: The 1 GB of built-in memory (PC4200, DDR2 SDRAM) is a very good start for power users, and it offers a very fast 533 MHz speed. It has two memory slots, enabling you to add more power to handle graphics-intensive presentations and multiple open business productivity applications --up to 2 GB (2 x 1 GB).

CD/DVD Drive: Offering the latest in DVD writing technology, the multiformat DVD/CD drive is compatible with both DVD+ and DVD- disc formats as well as dual-layer DVD+R discs, which can store up to 8.5 GB of data. For DVD-R/RW discs, it has a 4x write/2x rewrite speed, while for DVD+R/RW discs it has a 4x write/2.4x rewrite speed. For double-layer DVD+R, it has a 2.4x write speed. For CDs, it has a 24x write/10x rewrite speed. It also offers an 8x DVD-ROM read speed.

Keyboard & Mouse: This notebook has a standard 86-key keyboard (with 3mm stroke and 19.05mm pitch) and electrostatic touchpad. </ul> Screen, Graphics and Sound
The VGN-SZ110B has a 13.3-inch LCD screen with anti-reflective coating has a widescreen 1280 x 800- pixel resolution. This XBRITE LCD provides higher brightness levels than standard displays, resulting in deeper blacks, brighter whites, true-to-life color, and razor-sharp detail. This notebook uses Sony's exclusive Hybrid Graphics System, which lets you set your graphics performance with a simple flick of a switch, enabling you to toggle between an internal graphics chip for optimal power consumption with excellent performance or an external graphics chip for even more robust performance. You can choose either the integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950 (with up to 128 MB of dynamically shared video RAM) and the installed Nvidia GeForce Go 7400 graphics card (with 128 MB of dedicated video RAM).

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 PCÕs battery life while minimizing the amount of heat it produces.

Security & Safety Features
Sony's line of VAIO SZ notebooks take security seriously, employing a biometric fingerprint sensor and proprietary hard disk drive protection software to ensure your data is protected from unauthorized use as well as accidental damage. Fingerprint biometrics is a convenient and secure way to protect your computer and the information on it with a simple swipe of your finger. It also stores passwords to secure web sites you visit, so authentication and access are quick and easy--you only need your fingerprint.

The G-Sensor Shock Protection feature makes your data even less vulnerable to loss or damage. When the built-in 3D acceleration sensor detects a risky movement like being dropped, the HDD-head will lock up to secure its position and protect the disc from scratching. An intelligent algorithm, unique to VAIO PCs, judges whether or not a movement is risky, activating disk drive protection only when your hardware is at risk.

Built-in Camera
This VAIO notebook features an integrated camera with a microphone. Enjoy this feature with free AOL AIM service to easily chat and video mail with family and friends. And the handy privacy filter masks the environment around you, so you can video chat without giving away your location or how disorganized you keep your desk.

Connectivity and Expansion Slots
The Intel PRO wireless LAN 3945ABG provides a tri-mode network connection (supporting 802.11a/b/g), with throughput up to 54 Mbps at 5 GHz (802.11a) and 2.4 GHz (802.11g). The Intel Wireless Coexistence System helps reduce interference with certain Bluetooth devices. Speaking of which, this notebook also offers Bluetooth wireless connectivity, which enables you to synchronize and transfer files between the PC and peripherals such as cell phones and PDAs as well as use Bluetooth-enabled headsets for online audio chats.

This notebook includes a next-generation ExpressCard/34 card slot, which lets you take advantage of thinner, faster, and lighter expansion cards for even more advanced wireless, networking, storage, and security features. comes with a basic selection of connectivity options, including: <ul>

2 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 VGA monitor port

1 Memory Stick slot (with support for Memory Stick DUO media with MagicGate functionality)

1 PCMCIA (Type II/Type I) card slot with CardBus support

1 port replicator connector

1 headphone jack

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

Preloaded System and Software
This system comes with the Windows XP Home Edition Service Pack 2 operating system with Advanced Security Technologies, which helps to reduce unwanted downloads and pop-ups while surfing the Web. It also comes loaded with a bevy of Sony multimedia software: Click to DVD (DVD creation), SonicStage (digital music), SonicStage Mastering Studio (for remastering audio), Vaio Media (network file sharing), DVgate Plus (digital video), and Image Converter (for PSP transfer). Other preloaded software includes Adobe Photoshop Album Starter Edition, Quicken 2005 New User Edition, Microsoft Works 8.5 (with word processing, spreadsheet, and calendar), Norton Internet Security (with 60-day subscription), TrendMicro Anti-Spyware (with 30-day trial), Roxio DigitalMedia SE, and SpySubtract.

Dimensions and Weight
This notebook measures 12.5 by 1.5 by 9.3 inches (WxHxD) and weighs approximately 4.07 pounds with the standard battery (included).

Power
It's powered by the VGP-BPS2C rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which provides 2.5 to 5.5 hours of battery life (depending on usage).

What's in the Box
This package contains the VGN-SZ110B notebook PC, AC adapter, rechargeable battery, and memory card adapter. It is backed by a 1-year limited hardware warranty and 1 year of toll-free technical assistance.

Product Description

Includes: lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition with Service Pack 2, Adobe Photoshop Album Starter Edition, Quicken 2005 New User Edition, WinDVD, Works 8.5 (60-day trial), & more. Sony VGN-SZ110/B VAIO(R) SZ Series Notebook PC - Battery power is one of the most important aspects of a notebook computer. Which is why this notebook features Sony's unique Hybrid Graphic System. The Hybrid Graphic System features two separate graphics chips that you can switch between -- an NVIDIA GeForce Go 7400, and an Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950. The NVIDIA gives you extra graphical horsepower for games and multimedia applications, while the Intel chip preserves your battery power by providing enough support for basic tasks. Built-in 802.11a/b/g Wi-Fi Adapter Integrated Bluetooth Technology 13.3 WXGA Display with XBRITE(TM) Technology Native Resolution - 1280x800 Hybrid Graphics System - NVIDIA GeForce Go 7400 with 256MB of memory, and an Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950 with 224MB of shared memory (shared memory takes it's memory from the main system's RAM) Built-in Camera & Microphone - easily video conference without any extra equipment needed! Trusted Platform Module (TPM) Biometric Finger Print Sensor - secure your laptop without the need of a password! Dual Layer DVD Writer - (write speeds) up to 2.4x Dual Layer DVD+R, 4x DVD-R, 4x DVD+R, 2x DVD-RW, 2.4x DVD+RW, 24x CD-R, & 10x CD-RW Dual Layer DVD Writer - (read speeds) up to 8x DVD-ROM & 24x CD-ROM Integrated v.90 56k Fax Modem Memory Stick Media Slot - supports Memory Stick(R) DUO media with MagicGate PC Card Slots - 1 ExpressCard/34 & 1 PCMCIA PC Card with CardBus Sony Sound Reality Audio Enhancer Ports - 10/100 Ethernet, 1 VGA Out, 1 4-pin Firewire, 2 USB 2.0, 1 Microphone, & 1 Headphone

Customer Reviews:

Apples to apples...........2006-08-21

Many people have written some great reviews about the PROS/CONS of this notebook, and I have ot say that they are exactly right. I will spare you having to read the same information again, but I will say that sometimes the keys can be a bit picky, especially the space bar, which fails to register a stroke from time to time. However, comming from a law student who takes all his notes via typing on his laptop, this is a very managable issue.

MOST of the complaints that people have made about this computer are inherent with ALL SONY VAIO models, not just the SZ series, or specifically the SZ110B. I own an older "K" series model (about 3 years) and here is what I found...

- The screen flickers from time to time, but usually only when it is first opened.
- The computer gets hot to a point of discomfort, where it will burn if you have it on your lap too long.
- The power supply is a brick, and quite heavy

Now, compare this to the complaints of the newer SZ series. They are basically the same, BUT...

-The screen is about 1/2 as think as the original "XBRITE" screens
-The power supply is about 1/2 the size of the previous generation VAIO notebooks
-This computer is no where near as hot or noisy

Overall, I purchased this computer to take to class everyday and my old computer was just too heavy at ~11 lbs. If you own a VAIO, you will love this computer. It is lighter and much more powerful than previous models. Also, I think that the security feature of the figerprint scanner is underplayed. Setting it up is a bit long, but once it works, it takes literally seconds to set up pages to work with it.

People seem to complain that it is not like their IBM Thinkpad or Dell, which I agree with SINCE IT IS NOT EITHER!! Bottom line, some people like certain brands. These notebooks may have the same problems as other Sony laptops, but what brand doesn't? Being someone in higher education for the past 5 years, I have seen quite a few brands of laptops from Toshiba to IBM to Mac's and the infamous Compaq. Some don't work well with wireless routers, some are heavy, some crash...Bottom line, if you want a computer that you can use out of the box with plenty of power and porability, but also want a compter that you can use for personal reasons like photos, movies, etc, this is your notebook. And if you are looking for a computer to send with your student to college, this notebook is a great choice. It sgreat for music, movies, and school, as well as light enough to transport too and from class.

Beware of amazon slow delivery.......2006-07-06

I purchased this laptop on Jun/29. It was listed as "ships in 24 hours" (it is still listed this way). As of Jul/6 it has not shipped. This is unnaceptable. Amazon should fix their extremely long time to process orders.

VAIO SZ vs MacBook - VAIO is awesome.......2006-07-04

After having a bad experience with MacBook (Returned that back last week, windows keep crashing, heat problem, too heavy etc.). I finally decide for Sony VAIO SZ notebook. I got this brand new notebook (Sony VAIO VGN - SZ260P) from SonyStyle store in University Village Mall, Seattle. Its quite nice and good looking notebook. It feather light as compared to MacBook. I really love it. Display is crystal clear, comparable to MacBook. Keyboard is well designed and keys are well placed. On MacBook, if you are a Windows user then you may miss a lot of important keys - DEL key, which is a must to login - "Press CTRL-ALT-DEL to login" though there are workarounds like key remapping etc. Home, Pageup, PageDown and End keys are quite useful while doing some editing work. These keys are well placed on Sony VAIO SZ.

Typing on MacBook was more pleasent, on VAIO SZ keys are a bit noisy and feel plasticiy. Though its ok. The main difference is the battery. MacBook has a really poor battery, just 2.5 to 3 Hrs. On VAIO its showing me more than 5 Hrs at 95% (in Stamina mode), that's really awesome.

O'kay now the bad things (or the things i didnt liked about it) - No recovery disks in the box. I've to burn two DVDs myself. It has a lot of software pre-installed, which makes it slow on startup. Many trial version software like AOL, Office 2003 etc. There was a problem which I faced - I joined this machine to DOMAIN (in coporate network) after reboot, first time it logged in, second time it stuck up at "Applying Computer settings..." 20 minutes nothing happened, Rebooted in safe mode, it worked! Try to restore system using Restore System. But that even didn't helped. Decided to recovere C: Restored system to factory defaults (it formats c:). Again joined the system to DOMAIN and uninstalled AOL and rebooted. and system again stuck up at "Applying comuter settings..." no login screen appear. Finally I've to call up the Sony Customer Care. After 15 minutes of conversation he suggested me to do F8 on startup and choose "Last known Good Configuration" and thank God, system started normally after that.

Sony has created a hidden recovery drive and there is no Windows XP CD to install OS and essential device drivers only. When you do restore system to factory defaults its restores all the funny software with it too. Any there are atleast 12 icons in the sytem tray that loads on startup and makes startup slow. I would have been good if, these extra software has been provided on a separate CD.

Overall, its an awesome machine. Though it comes at a price. But one can easily feel proud to own this state of the art machine. Earlier I was planning to buy VAIO TX because I wanted an ultraportable machine. Now after owing this, I can say, VAIO SZ is the good blend of portability without sacrificing on power. This model sports an Intel Core Duo 1.83 GHz processor with 1 Gig RAM which is quite decent for most applicaitons. Though I've not yet installed Visual Studio on it.

The last geeky thing about it - it has G-sensor protection for HDD. When I move it a ballon message on system tray popsup - reporting G-protection system engaged. The operation is quite silent and cool. On the contrary MacBook tend to become quite hot even after 2-3 Hrs. of usage. VAIO SZ is running quite cool, its about 5 Hrs now. And I am able to use it on my lap quite comfortably.

Regards,
-Vks

Bad keyboard, useless support, bad drivers, QC problems..........2006-06-27

This machine is over-hyped. I got it to replace my Thinkpad X22, and I didn't like it at all. I had to send the first one back for replacement because of a flickering LCD. The new one is also flickering at mid brightness levels. Sony has some QC issues I believe. My friend's has a bad trackpad button and it is always overheating.

PROs:
+ Great processor
+ Great LCD (if you are lucky)
+ Lightweight (1.9kgs)

CONs:
- Horrible keyboard (nightmare after Thinkpad - flat keys, sharp edges, fingers tackle on them), strange key placement, flexing badly. F and J keys flex vertically while others do horizontally, this causes problems.
- Re-installing a new OS is a nightmare. Drivers caused many problems when I wanted to upgrade to XP PRO.
- Bad design features (latchless LCD still requires two hands to open, or the cover on modem/LAN connectors is buggy).
- Battery life cannot go beyond 3.5 hrs even at Ultra-battery saver Vaio Power Scheme (claimed 5hrs).
- Ultra heavy/big power adapter brick ( Over a pound!)
- Hotkeys are not real hotkeys, requires software running, so you can't mute the speakers or change LCD level before Windows starts roaring!
- Doesn't have a built-in microphone? My goodness, just 5 cents! Sony is getting meaner and meaner on feature(!) limitations on basic models.

My verdict: if you are particular about keyboard or an ex-Thinkpad user, stay away from this Sony.

MKP.

amazing laptop .......2006-06-03

this laptop is one of the best i,ve ever bought.it's sleek fast and has amazing scurity options.

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