For the PCV-RXA842, Sony has incorporated a cost-effective 2.4 GHz AMD Athlon XP 2400+ processor, 512 MB of PC-2100 DDR RAM (expandable to 1 full GB), and an integrated 32 MB nVidia nForce 220 IGP graphics accelerator. The system’s 80 GB hard drive is big enough for even the most extensive MP3 collection, and its internal CD-RW drive will burn best-of music compilations, backup and archive discs, and traditional audio CDs. Although the PCV-RXA842 won’t record DVD-format video discs unless you add a DVD burner, its built-in DVD player will allow you to watch your favorite movies.

The PCV-RXA842 offers numerous conveniences to enhance and simplify your day-to-day computing, including a 3.5-inch floppy disk drive, a PS2 wheel mouse, four high-speed USB 2.0 ports for plug-and-play peripherals such as external CD drives and joysticks, and front and rear IEEE 1394 interfaces for easy DV camcorder connectivity. The included Vaio Smart keyboard features several handy one-touch multimedia and Internet buttons for instant access to common functions.

Sony asserts that the Vaio PCV-RXA842 will serve as a capable central hub for many years to come. Aside from its state-of-the-art USB 2.0 and IEEE 1394 ports, the system features headphone and microphone ports, a line-in jack, parallel port, proprietary Memory Stick Media Slot, V.90 modem for low-speed Internet and e-mail, and a 10Base-T/100Base-TX Fast Ethernet interface for high-speed Web surfing and LAN access. Sony has included a pair of stereo speakers but has not packaged the PCV-RXA842 with a viewing screen, allowing users to make their own selection from the numerous VGA and ultrathin LCD models on the market.