The Sony Vaio VGX-TP3 HTPC: A Short Review

Normally when you hear the word VAIO you think of Sony's laptop. But this time, the VAIO in question is an expensive home theater PC. That's not to say the VGX-TP3 isn't worth its hefty sticker price. It's got a lot going for it, especially in the design department. For starters, it's round, making it resemble a posh Roomba more than an average HTPC. It measures a foot in diameter, but its components would make conventional desktops pop their seams: a Blu-ray disc drive, a 750GB hard drive, and built-in Wi-Fi. The real stars of the show however, are the Intel Core 2 Duo processor, and the Nvidia GeFroce video card that powers the TP3's multimedia capabilities.

Connect the computer to an LCD TV via HDMI and you'll be able to use Windows Media Center flawlessly. Everything is zippy from navigation to playback and the image quality is every bit as detailed as it would appear on a small LCD monitor.

We tried to use the analog VGA connection to pump out video to a 32-inch screen, but with disappointing results. Images were dim and off center. The included remote control is also worthy of note. A dedicated windows Media Center button sits proudly at the top and is surrounded by video controls. There's no lag between pressing a command and actual execution, so it doesn't feel like you're operating a computer.

Another unique feature of the TP3 is the wireless keyboard and trackpad combo that looks like a VAIO laptop that's missing its LCD screen -- an elegant solution to controlling input from your sofa. It's perfect since it automatically pairs with the computer.

The TP3 would definitely function as the nerve center of your digital home. If you still have enough money to burn to complete your system, that is.

Specs at a glance:
Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo T8300 (2.40Ghz)
Memory: 2GB DDR2 SDRAM
Optical Drive: Blu-ray Disc Combo Drive
Graphics Card: Nvidia GeForce 8400M GT 256MB
Ports: USB 2.0 x 4, Firewire, Ethernet (RJ-45), HDMI x 1, VGA x 1, Optical Out x 1, Memory Stick Pro Duo and SDHC Card reader
Size: 270 x 270 x 91mm
Weight: 3.5 Kg