Would you buy a Sony Video Enthusiast computer bundle???

[thekingofpain]

Friend wants it---I guess he feels its what he needs but dont want a complete custom build---he wants a system warranty and software support w/compatability for his Sony DV camera---

He is usually resistant to spend a cent (in all aspects of life) using a computer I put together of cast off parts for him 3 years ago for next to nothing, yet he lives in a beautiful $800k house but drives a '72 rotted Chevy 6cyl/3speed truck---odd

System specs=

Win XP Media Center
2.6 800
G of unspecd ddr
160gb/7200
DVD±RW
Giga-Pocket Personal TV
Creative 5.1 5200
Audigy soundcard
1 year warranty

Selling point=
VAIO Creation Suite PLUS Software
including:
PictureGear Studio(Digital photo management)
VAIO Media (Network file sharing)
Dvgate Plus (Digital video editing)
SonicStage (Digital music management)
SonicStage Mastering Studio with MP3 encoder(Advanced Digital music management)
Screenblast ACID LE (Digital music editing)
Adobe Photoshop Elements (Image editing)
Adobe Premiere LE (Professional video editing)
GeForce FX5600/128

Here is a link http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTE...ame=cpu_RZ40CG (Video Enthusiast at the bottom)

He can get it for approx $1600 (no mon) plus tax at Fry's---

Im not gonna even suggest a custom build wanting to distance myself---as a friend im trying to assist, but im trying to direct him to a Dell and making a few subtle changes, saving some $$$----

Any suggestions?
Or should I just let him go his own way---
(which is probably actually best for me)
???????????????????????????????????

[jmebonner]

For what it's worth windows media center looks easy enough to use, so that may help him a bit. IMO, 1600 is not bad for that either, since he wants the warranty and support.

[Jeordiewhite]

For the most part that is a good overall system for video editing.
Sony vaio's are pretty good, if you can find a similar dell that has all that or near that and it's cheaper, you could pursuade him into it. However if he does have the money, then there isn't a whole lot to change to save some cash except for maybe taking off photoshop elements and acid le and stuff that he doesn't need for video editing, but that is a good overall package for video editing and for support he should be good to go.
That isn't a bad price for it imo.

[consumertalks]

You get a room in that $800k house.. or no more free advice for him!! :P

[Omega Man]

While I am not a computer expert myself, I spend a lot of time getting answers to my questions about computers at the following form:
http://forum.pcmech.com/index.php?s=
the experts at this forum absolutely despise the Sony line of computers. I don't know if it is a support issue, hardware issue or the inability to upgrade. But if you decide to neglect their advise, I would suggest at the very minimum you upgrade the software package before it leaves the factory. Last year Sony bought out Sonic Foundry. Their software is rated as the best video editing software available on a proSumer level. Sony has bundled DVgate in this computer. I have never heard of the software and thoroughly recommend that you upgrade to either the entry-level Sonic Foundry:
http://mediasoftware.sonypictures.co...ct.asp?PID=856
or upgrade to the more professional version if you think you might pursue this as a serious hobby::

http://mediasoftware.sonypictures.co...ct.asp?PID=808

[Omardeth]

for 1600 $ you could build to order a much better pc thats for sure .the software is where you will run into major cost if he has to have those titles . but people want what they want . if you can't talk him outta it . then thats what he gets . if he has to have a sony be the friend and find it for the cheapest price at least .

[thekingofpain]

Im showing you guys comments to him in the hopes that he makes a more wise decision...
Thanks