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Review of PCV-W10 Desktop by Sony
Anonymous Howard writes "Designtechnica has a review of Sony's Vaio PCV-W10 desktop computer. This computer is unique in the sense that not only is the computer built into the back of the monitor, but the keyboard folds up to cover the screen. Once folded up, this thing becomes a Clock/CD Player. Strange..."
I'd prefer a wired keybroad to the "foldable" one...
I dunno.. I never turn off my computer... Does anyone else? Why would I need the other parts of this sony viao if I never turn it off?
in girum imus nocte et consumimur igni
Folded another way, it becomes a pocket dictionary with an entry explaining once and for all just what "Vaio" is supposed to mean.
The Icon 3 computers that were used in Ontario schools in the early 90's had the computer build into the back of the monitor. The whole back inch came off as a module so the computer could be upgraded without replacing the monitor.
Jason
ProfQuotes
I'm happy to see that Sony recognizes that a computer needs to be integrated into a home as a small, practical appliance. I gave my mother a computer and it's housed in a piece of furniture, with doors, that matches the style of her home. As a result of it being out-of-sight, it remains largely out-of-use. Unlike most Slashdot readers, she does not just think to turn the computer on to check e-mail, surf the web, etc. To her, it's a big, complicated device made up of multiple boxes (system unit, keyboard, monitor, modem, printer, mouse) and more wires than she can deal with. I have to wonder if she would use something like the Sony computer featured in the review...
If Apple had released this, it would be on the front cover of Time magazine.
a desktop computer which is present behind the monitor? a keyboard which folds up? that's sounds more like a laptop to me, folks...
But I'm not too sure on where it is meant to be placed.
I mean style is one thing, and not too useful in a computer, something you put on a desk out of the way in a corner.
Why put so much effort into style over the abilities of the machine? I'm sure there is a lot cheaper machine to be built by yourself and you could get more power from it too. Standard LCD and the like. Even a clock screensaver which would do the same job.
Perhaps if there was a machine with some 'style' as they like to call it, but didn't have the problems associated with it. ie corporate 'lock-in' and then the non expandability. Style is good as an add-on on top of good things already, not a replacement for essential functions.
style sometimes is just as easy as adding a plexi window.
..but i wouldn't want to work on it
It would be kind of cool to have Unix/Linux running on that thing. :) I might use Macs, but I like Visually Freindly Technology..
---
The comp-monitor connection isn't new, but the keyboard folding is interesting. Kinda looks like a desktop for weening people off desktops.
It's godawful ugly though.
This is my sig. It's prescription, I swear. I need it for reading things... on the other side of things
Looks slick, but I dont need something that looks nice, I need something that can take abuse and gives me the ablity to upgrade.
I deleted my sig years ago.
wth am I up to reply to this - from the description I'm sure I'll wake up to find that it's all a wierd, pizza indeced dream. OTOH I'm sure there's nothing in my subconcious thAT would prompt a computer/alarm clock
"Sanity is not statistical", George Orwell, "1984"
The article makes no mention of the screen size... are we supposed to assume the W10 means 10"? A 10" 16:9 LCD is just far too small, especially with that price...
sig.
I don't know how many people would want to use their computer as a desk clock, especially if you have to be listening to music at the same time...it seems a bit redundant, especially when you can buy a clock for $4-5.
When I first saw the picture, the first thing that came to my mind was of the machine mounted from the bottom of some cabinetry in my kitchen...how cool would that be? Small unit right there in the kitchen, small folddown keyboard...
I think maybe I should get some sleep.
I'd hate to hit the snooze button and crash the server.
This looks pretty good for people in need of a simple computer running windows. I remember reading however that sony used analog interconnects for the display instead of digital like the iMac. The price is pretty competitive, and it seems like they could tap into a pretty large market. "I need windows... video card whats a video card."
magnanomous.
Something that would be useful on vacations and business trips. If I had any money, I'd probably get one.
Have you seen one of these in a store? Have you seen the price? It's got the specs of a $500 emachine, with the exception of the folding keyboard and the big LCD screen (which, granted, looks really pretty). The form factor is cute, but not really a whole lot *better* than a whole lot of other stuff on the market. When you figure it costs $1000 more than a similarly decked out budget machine, it doesn't look to me like it panns out.
Now, this post is doubless going to attract some Apple iMac comparisons, but I think it won't apply. Why? Because I think with an iMac (which starts at around $200 less), you're getting a design that actually works better than the $500 emachine, not just that looks better. Just my opinion, though. I'm sure folks will disagree...
Narrative
This desktop certainly looks unique, but the price is still pretty steep. Believe it or not, a difference of only $300 made my decision when I bought my last computer. That's $300 cheaper I have to sell it for on Ebay to help recoup my cost to get my next computer ;-).
--naked
Very popular slashdot journal for adul
Cool design, but I would not want to buy a new screen and a new keyboard each time I change my hardware.
Also, I like to be able to change the position of my keyboard when I change my position on my chair. If it's not possible to detach the keyboard from the screen, it's not even an option for me.
JB.
So this is meant for people who are ashamed to own a computer?
Oh, wait, this is good. An actual quote from the review:
What I don't want to see happening is Sony start skimping on performance and overcharging the consumer all for the sake of selling a Lifestyle.
So who wants to break the news to him?
Spiffy.
My first thoughts were "Hideous" but it grew on me as I read the article. I was surprised that he felt it underperformed the 15" iMac, which has the 800MHz G4, so I have to guess there are some shoddy components around the motherboard area. Still, if deskspace were at a premium I'd definitely be tempted and I know several people who'll drool at this model.
This is what Apple should have done with the iMac instead of concentrating on anglepoise lamp emulation.
It was switching from an iBook to a Sony Vaio C1VN, that made me realise that Sony really does rival Apple when it comes to kick-ass products, BUT, though this machine has Apple-cool about it, it also has Apple-low-spec.
I'm looking for a new desktop computer, since I don't have a single complete PC, but I want something I can stick a fast graphics card in to play C&C Generals. I just don't see this Vaio as being powerful enough for that.
But an excellent bedroom computer at any rate.
If the RIAA gets it way, Genuine CDs will become extinct.
The Mothership
Nice, but it's kind of hard to surf with my head on my pillow.
...where they have insanely high real estate prices, then you'll realise why everything has to be fold up and space efficient. Also looks pretty neat.
I mean, at $1599 you have certain expectations :-)
Thomas S. Iversen
Smaller doesn't necessarily equal better. Sure it takes up very little space on your desk, but for the power user, what does this really offer? Come to think of it, all it really looks like is a repackaged laptop in a "desktop form factor", if you can call it that.
I get going for style and all, but I think you really have to offer something more than just style if you are putting a $1500 pricetag on a 1.6 GHz computer (and a clock/CD player ISN'T it). Hell, they even say it, for $300 less, you get a better Gateway computer that is basically the same thing.
Oh yea, BTW - for those of you ACs keeping score - FP.
RonB
It is human nature to take shortcuts in thinking.
Also, with the keyboard folded up like that, if you left the unit alone for a few days in disuse, wouldn't the top half of the screen get dusty leaving the lower half of the screen clean?
That would really get annoying over time.
It's a really cool idea, very innovative I've never seen anything like it, and it has a little bit of Apple style "lust factor" attached to it and I'm sure Sony will sell a lot of them but I'd rather have a Sony Vaio laptop.Running Linux of course.
Romana: "How did you know?" Doctor Who: "Ah, well, knowing is easy. Everyone does THAT ad nauseum. I just sort of hope"
...if the RIAA has it's way CDs will become extinct. It does have a reasonably stylish look to it however. ..k
The Mothership
You know, when I saw that headline, I immediately read "Review of PDP-10 desktop by Sony". Imagine my surprise... ;)
quidquid latine dictum sit altum videtur.
So does this mean that i386 compatible computers will continue to evolve into disposable consumer electronics rather than the upgradable systems based on standard, interchangeable components that we've become accustomed to?
Who would like to use it as a clock radio? It seems like the least desirable feature ever.
In fact, the Compaq Tablet PC is basically a standard notebook the wrong way round - the motherboard is on the screen bit, the keyboard is the thin part. This is such a logical change I'm amazed it never happened before. All that is needed is a foldout backrest and you have a similar layout to this Vaio.
If it's going to be really significantly cheaper than a new Powerbook or Tablet, there might be some space saving advantages, but an attached keyboard will never be as convenient as a detachable one. So what precisely is the real advantage of this thing?
It reminds me of the Sony PDA with its idiot keyboard, orientation all wrong, keys too small, not actually any faster or more convenient than Graffiti. Form over function.
Panurge has posted for the last time. Thanks for the positive moderations.
Sony had this wonder in their booth at CeBit 2002 almost a year ago (CeBit 2003 is a month away, can't wait!). It was one of the more interesting and unique products at the messe in my opinion, and that's saying a lot, seeing as it competed with the many thousands of gadgets at this 'Worlds largest trade show for information and telecommunications technology'. This is something I'd have in my livingroom. It looks good, has most the functionality of a computer, and a tv with DVD support. Tire of all that and fold up the keyboard - bam - a Stereo. For times when you need to enjoy the silence, it will atleast serve you as a clock. As Apple would put it, 'The center of your digital lifestyle'. We'll see more products like this in the future, I'm sure. When the youth of today (I'm included here) gets their first own apartment, why would they buy a TV, stereo, DVD player, and computer - when they can buy something like this? It does not perfectly replace any one of the abovementioned, but it's an excellent merge that in the end will be easier on the wallet, and a whole lot of cooler. / V
to make an 80 Watt clock/radio.
Dilbert in his mind..."why can't I have a neat checkbook on steroids?"
Thus was born the Super Checkbook...complete with wall plugin and wireless connectivity!
Dilbert says to himself again..."I don't even need to walk up to the counter to pay anymore! I can just beam my check over!"
Who is this that even the wind and the waves obey Him? Surely this computer must submit also!
Instead of concentrating on these things, we get a meningless comparative, as if it was a normal desktop. Better review at hardware central (IMHO).
Rome taught me patience and assiduous application to detail. Virtues which temper the boldness of great, general views.
review in a phrase.
It's a laptop that doesn't move.
Interesting unit. The article author has made the specs a little bit difficult to find. 15.3" widescreen (1280 x 768) Celeron 1.6 - 512megs DDR - 60GB HD And in typical Sony VAIO Style, a tragically underpowerd graphics chip. (SIS650) All for an MSRP of 1599 US Clams It's sexy in a geeky breakfast table kind of way but not worth the cost of admission.
The 15" iMac is $300 cheaper than this Vaio and better in virtually every way: G4 vs Celero, nVidia Geforce2 32 MB VRAM vs integrated graphics with no VRAM, space age design vs typewriter style, best-of-bread software(iTunes, iMovie, iPhoto, iDVD, iChat, iSync, iCal, etc) vs third rate imitations (by the way, MS iWave http://www.oreillynet.com/pub/wlg/2743 is coming to a PC near you), Mac OS X vs XP Home, dozens of bundled programming tools vs zero, ...
And for $200 more, the 17" iMac also offer DVD burning Superdrive, 54 Mbps 802.11g AirPort Extreme, Bluetooth ready. So let the hell freeze over before I touch the Vaio.
Oh, where are those idiots who always complain that home made PCs are much cheaper than Macs, and shouldn't the same old argument apply to Sony and other Wintel box makers?
this is what the "pc" industry is coming to. cutesy designs and gimicks. sure it looks nice. but really. not that it isn't interesting, but this is hardly "innovation". i'm not bashing sony here, just saying that this is sort of like apple's early imacs in that they had "ooh, all those colors". this seems like a cheap way to drum up sales.
BR though, imagine a beowulf cluster of these.
My problem? I was perfectly gruntled, until some numbnuts came by and dissed me.
It appears as if its just a regular Sony device. Quite stylish and innovative but also expensive and not particularly very fast. If they worked on the performance side of things then maybe one could justify the extra expense... but as the article points out, you can save a few hundred $$$ and get a faster machine from Gateway.
Besides the obvious distraction of grammatic errors is a bit of uncertainty of how to treat this computer, for the purposes of review.
It looks a bit like a little boombox, and has special clock features when it's folded up. Obviously, the designers expect that it will be stay folded up a lot, to design this so intentionally. Overall, it seems geared towards someone who needs a small-footprint PC with moderate functionality, like someone in a crowded dorm room or apartment. With this in mind, the interface to simple tasks for which most of the intended market segment would use this key, not the technical capabilities, and I suspect that Apple still comes out on top. Because of this, I would have welcomed a more in-depth discussion of the VAIO's interface, and the relative merits of the included software bundle versus those of the competitors' comparable units, but I got the impression that the reviewer hadn't really spent much time with the other systems.
It's not a power system to those of us with the latest hardware, and it also appears not to be terribly rugged, but it is cute, and definitely more manageable by people who are not nerds and just need to do email or homework, or maybe watch a movie in bed. There's no question that this is not a real workhorse of a machine, and doesn't have all the necessary ports, so I'm not sure why HTPC was discussed. But as a primary system with only moderate usage, or a satellite system for a house network, it probably does quite well.
Get off my launchpad!
just get a laptop!!
Actually for the price it is a pretty good machine (of course it may be cheaper here in Japan)
That pc/alarm clock convergence box is a reality!!!
FP!
You notice how this thing looks like a PS/2 with a monitor strapped to it? Maybe we can look forward to having a mobile console system in the near future.
-Beacher
But I wonder how much of a pain it will be to upgrade later on?
...Also, I didn't know Buggalo could fly.
Interesting design, not overly practical.
By the way, did I manage to actually score.. first post?
- Turq - "That's TRON, he fights for the users."
But if someone could explain more eloquently what the argument behind it is, I'd be glad to listen. I also like cheese.
And Carthage must be destroyed.
No thanks. Come back when it has decent sound and an OLED display.
(Also, this story has been up for hours without one comment. I guess no one cares at all)
Would it be possible to make one of those with a dremel?
Hmm... I still think we should be hiding the home computing (a la 'Trek), not turn them into clocks =).
Still it's on the right way. Call me when the whole thing is turned into a picture frame
Jon - TheSpork
From what I've seen (in this review and elsewhere), the Vaio W just fits into a horribly awkward spot in the market that will only suit a few people. If you just need a compact all-in-one computer, then Apple and Gateway undercut the price by a few hundred. Both Apple and Gateway also have AIO units that will be considerably better for both DVDs and some light gaming (especially with the 17" iMac's GeForce 4 MX).
The W is only for people who REALLY need to save space, or else appreciate the features of the keyboard-up clock and CD player.
The idea of an imac style integrated system disturbs me.
/. tonight?-----
There is no room inside for any significant upgrade, and even if an upgrade is possible it would be very difficult to work inside such a system.
It seems to me that there is much more power for your money in a conventional tower system. Not to mention this also solves the difficult/impossible upgrade problem.
I gotta hand it to SONY for being stylish though. All the systems in their VAIO line have looked good on the outside, and for the integrated variety, the folding keyboard is interesting if for nothing else to protect the monitor somewhat.
Bottom line -- too expensive for the power you get.
----Whats up with
It's overpriced and only good for a SOHO PC.
Well, duh.
but is it a decepticon or an autobot?
<B>note to self:</B> <I>post as html</I>
but why integrate all the stuff I already have to make something that's half as good in every single aspect?
...adjust my set? I don't see any comments, here... Maybe it's some kind of caching problem. The last time a news post was made impossible to comment, I seem to recall it being posted by michael as well. But I guess time it's just the entire /. audience being fed up with Sony, or something. Also, that time, there simply was no "Reply"-button, but I saw one now, and even clicked it, too... Weird. Cool machine though, but I wonder what resolution the reviewer is used to, if 1280x768 feels like getting more space.
main(O){10<putchar(4^--O?77-(15&5128 >>4*O):10)&&main(2+O);}
When can i install linux on it and whats the point of this compared to a laptop like the Apple 17" which is much the same but thinner? Rather have the portablity than a tiny desktop machine on my desk.
Jonathanjk.com
Why not get a notebook?
If it weren't so overpriced and crippled. You really have to question who would buy such a thing. For the same price, you can get a really nice notebook computer with a faster processor and a faster GPU.
Quality or Quantity, don't tell me they're the same.
What do you expect (OK, Other then then PHKL)
/* FUCK - The F-word is here so that you can grep for it */
...With no components to re-use when you want to upgrade in a few years time. I guess that feature is worth the extra expense. I'll save my money for a Shuttle mini PC...
"This computer is unique in the sense that not only is the computer built into the back of the monitor[...]"
Didn't the iMac do this?
"They have two clocks actually, a digital readout and one that counts down in binary."
10 thumbs up!
Yet Socrates himself is particularly missed.
A lovely little thinker but a bugger when he's pissed.
I just posted a comment, but it doesn't seem to be showing up. Did I break something?
Is for it to make toast. Of course, depending on the heat management, it may well make toast if you leave it on, put a piece of bread in, and fold up the keyboard.
This flies in the face of science.
It should run LINUX, right?
Does anyone remember these types of machines at Comdex 2001? I remember distinctly a company from Korea (or thereabouts) having a system just like this, but it was the ONLY one! Now we have iMacs, which totally rule, and then the Dell clone, and now this VAIO (which is cool, but not quite as impressive as the iMac). This International company had theirs with a cable TV feed, and it was attached with velcro to the back. I thought it was innovative.
IIRC they complained that the sound wasn't very good. Overall I think everyone is dissapointed in it..
Shoot Pixels, Not People!
Remember though, Sony is originally a Japanese company. I predict their next model will fold up into a giant walking robot with rocket launchers for arms.
yeah, there are loads of commercials for these things in japan. the weirdest thing is, the commercials are people doing voice overs in english while cat stevens is playing...
At least the war on the environment is going well
The most important thing about an extra-priced all in one PC that looks cool is wether or not it is usable. What's with the keyboard? Sleek lookin'but what's with ergonomy? It folds nicely but can I type on it? The people at desingtechnica do know how to type, no? What's with the cinema screen? Is the whole thing nosy? That's a big bulk on the backside. Are there heatvents that have to be kept free? How much space does it actually use? It doesn't look like it fits into a corner easyly.Does it catch dust where I can't clean it properly? (That's important for a comp like *this*!)...And on and on and on....
All they're going into is Processing power. I do *not* by a box like this if im into the power game or if I want to run Unreal 2 in 1280 res. with all those grafics sliders pushed to the far right. In fact, *if* I buy a box like this I don't give a single shit 'bout those extra 5% of numbercrunching! I buy a box like this because it looks freakin' cool *and* is useable and doesn't waste space. Expecially people at a site that's called 'designtechnica' ought to know that !
Bottom line:
The prime example of a real crappy review. Not even worth the bit that came across from their server! I want my 10 minutes back...
We suffer more in our imagination than in reality. - Seneca
now an mp3 alarm clock would be a great travel companion!
Particularly their unique small portable PC's; it seems as if they were primarily designed for form-factor and looks, and then tech specs match a target price point.
But, maybe, just maybe, we're looking at this machine as geeks instead of as a typical consumer (something that I think Sony really understands).
I have to admit, while the specs of the machine are disappointing, its just cool enough that I could be talked into it.
You were mistaken. Which is odd, since memory shouldn't be a problem for you
here's a complete reprint, using the actual size of the font from the article:
.....
.....
.....
(some bar graphs)
.....
(some screen shots)
End of article
Judging by the lack of response, it would seem that not many geeks want a $1599 CD player/clock.
Or perhaps /. is messed up and not showing me the responses. Yes, that seems more likely. Every geek wants a $1599 CD player/clock.
It looks good.
But I value raw power more than looks, which is why my next computer will be an ugly beige tower with an AMD Athlon 2000+ under the hood.
Besides, if someone wants convenience and a "small"-ish computer, they are probably better off buying a laptop...
The right to offend is far more important than the right not to be offended. (Rowan Atkinson)
From the article:
If you did not know, VIAO stands for Video Audio Integrated Operation. If you buy one of these it will become ingrained in your brain, for it is emblazoned on the left side of the LCD display
Obviously it wasn't ingrained on the reviewers brain, otherwise he'd have known it's "VAIO"...
Code, Hardware, stuff like that.
Once again, style over substance.
It looks like a nice clock, but I would think one would prefer a bigger screen for the price.
I'm sure that Compaq released a Presario with a similar form factor to this years ago. It was bloody awful. I hope that the Sony is much better.
Dave
I want to use these Mod points but I can't find anything Interesting, Informative or Insightful on Slashdot.
You might look good at the lan party, but bet this will cause you to get your ass kicked
Sony deserves every dig they get about it.
Imagine it with Linux...
I love stacking my barbecues in the shed at the end of summer - you can't beat a bit of grill on grill action.
Usability? foldup keyboard? Portability? WTF? These guys ever heard of a, laptop?! less on the table-top is not about cramming everything into one polymer typerwriter-like block and stripping away ergonomics. Its about as usefull a microchip that barks, ...oh, wait :-O
I see Sony is buying ad space on here now.
My uncle had a Compaq "Portable", back in the day. It was the size of a suitcase, and the full size keyboard folded up over the 6 inch monitor and floppy drives. I believe he still has it somewhere.
Oh, and just last week the test engineer at work was watching an automotive crash test video on an indutrial pc - think mini tower with lcd screen on the side and keyboard integrated into the cover.
Hardly unique!
"In person, WAP'ed up and making your life a misery!" BOFH, 2003
This I can see sitting on the desk in my living room. With the keyboard folded up, it's almost artsy-fartsy..
Wonder how much they're going to cost.
--- Keep the choice with the user..
Is it just me or does this look like Sony are copying Apple's idea of integrating the monitor and computer into one box.
In essence, the look of this is a redesigned new iMac (the one with the flat screen protruding from the semi-sphere).
However, this is not necessarily a bad thing, as it brings gorgeous looking compact computers to x86 users at last!
Arc
Computers built into monitors with fold-up keyboards are far from new. Laptops have been doing it for a while. Don't confuse laptops with notebooks, laptops typically had real monitors in them, albeit small, and real ISA slots.
Here's a picture of it in the 'clock mode'. Kind of dissapointing, they should have used much larger fonts. (And the mouse is horrible IMO). It's a nice idea, but If they want to sell a PC based on its design they should take care of those small details.
The competition listed in the review is the Apple iMac and the Gateway Profile 4S, but I don't see how this comparison can hold any leverage at all. Honestly, the Sony PCV-W10 captures a specific demographic and truly is a unique and innovative product. Both the iMac and the Profile are both "economy" machines: stripped down (hardware-wise) versions of the PC made to save space (I assume).
The only real content in this review is contained in the hardware specs and images, but those can be found here.
Keyboard folds up to cover the screen? keyboard folds up to cover the screen?! Wait a minute, I'm flashing back to my first-ever computer.
Does the VAIO come with an acoustic coupler for the modem?
If you did not know, VIAO stands for Video Audio Integrated Operation
I have trouble trusting the authority of an article whose author didn't even bother to correct significant spelling errors.
What the hell is going on with my beloved slashdot tonight? It's gone all wonky. Is there some gobeldygook in the gildenfranz or something? Do they need to reroute the matter stream around the Heisenberg compensators? Damn it! I need answers! Why is slashdot all wonkified? Who is responsible for this wonkification? When will this wonkiness end? I'm not sure I want to live in a world where slashdot behaves wonkily.
If Mr. Edison had thought smarter he wouldn't sweat as much. --Nikola Tesla
...and it is gorgeous.
The widescreen form factor will definitely make you buy DVDs of your fave movies. A space saver, too, that should give the MAC designers pause. It will be my next PC just for the looks, and my excuse will be 'I need a new DVD player for my xine...'
It's gotten so the only way I can tell a real PC magazine is if it featured THIS SONY gear as one of the top gadget buys for the year. If it's not even on the list, then the mag doesn't know squat about tech.
WARNING: Smartphones have side effects--most of them undocumented.
Me neither, I just stopped at the pictures.
If Mr. Edison had thought smarter he wouldn't sweat as much. --Nikola Tesla
To me this looks like a very good home entertainment system.
I don't think it will be long before we start seeing a lot a computers along these lines, Joe-sixpack will want to go designer, not grey box.
Ctrl-Z
My experience with Sony miniaturized equipment
(e.g. those super-portable Vaios) is that tyey are very nice and well designed, but technically unusable.
Those things are only to make you look fancy. If you really need something to perform real work, go back to some uglier and bulkier equipment.
$1799 for a celeron? I don't care what's included, it's a celeron. Why is intel still making these chips? an the price, I mean I know it's a quirky kind of computer, but I've seen better case mods that cost way less, and even similar computers from other manufacturers that cost less than this. seems like a glorified laptop to me.
as the artical points out this machine is very well styled and very tactile. folding the keyboard up does feal very stupid at first but after a while it becomes second nature.
...
... I would rank them equal to the apple pro speekers I have on my imac.
... at least here in japan anyway
the artical writer also ponders that it will be hard to go back to using a 4:3 screen. he is right moving between diferent machines I definatly miss the widescreen a lot even when I use 19 or 21 inch machines at work. I used to use a dual screen setup but the single wide screen feals like it has all of the benifits I know there are less pixels but the lack of screen borders make the inner region much more usable
the down sides to this system are very minor the video card is lacking the cd drive is flimsy to handle.
the clock cd mp3 app that runs when the keyboard is up is obviously an aplication it doesnt react instantly. using this as a piece of av equipment requires some tollerence when the cd doesnt start for 15 seconds when you insert the cd just say to yourself its a computer not a hifi its a computer not a hifi
but if you dont need the games it is definatly worth every penny
and the speakers are stunning
as I go round the stored here it seems that widescreen machines are going to be extreamly popular soon fujitsu have a unit with a wireless keyboard and mouse and there is a newer faster sony machine available
**** lying is wrong even for sleeping dogs
Hmmm - computer built into back of monitor...
keyboard folds up to cover the screen...
Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you -- the Osbourne 1!
"How can you claim that you are anti-crack, while still writing a window manager?" — Metacity README
Who cares about this ugly machine?
and apparently, there's no room to add a RAID system to it, according to the article.
:)
Given it's mediocre benchmark ratings, I'd want to upgrade its processor and video card upon arrival.
This computer reminds me of dating women. The good looks don't mask the mediocre performance, but my less pretty desktop remains more reliable.
--- Grow a pair, liberals... stop letting the Republicans bully you!
When parts in this Sony thing break, your up a creek.
Wouldnt it just be easier to have a laptop and an alarm clock/cd player? then youd have not only a cte little computer, but a portable cute little computer!
adventure-today.com
I'm not sure about this model, but this design by Sony has been out, for (at least) nearly a year! I would not say that this design is anything revolutionary.
It looks very similar to the various flat lcd setups that you can by other vendors, except that the keyboard is physically attached to th monitor.
"Nothing to see here, move along!"
The thing looks like an impaled laptop. Also, why would you want a laptop sized keybord for your desktop?
I'm an advocate of interesting design in computer hardware, so I like this machine. Just like I like the iMac, and things like the new Dell Optiplex SX260s. In this day and age when we spend so much time in the presence, if not actually using our computer hardware,they should be appealing in appearance. We've come a long way from the strictly utilitarian beige boxes that the industry started out with, and I hope more manufacturers will jump on the aesthetic bandwagon.
This being Slashdot, I know there'll be the inevitable chorus of "I don't care what my computer looks like, just how it performs" from the hardcore crowd. And they're welcome to their opinon. Sheer horsepower over design has it's place, I guess. But the intimate relationship we have with our machines in our "digital lifestyle" now begs for beautiful industrial design. And I think companies like Alienware, and some of the server manufactuers have straddled the performance and design lines quite well. Heck, think of how pretty the Crays were. There's surely a desire in the market, look at all the casemod sites.
Now what we need to see is price, performance, and interesting/beautiful/even quirky design to converge and become standard.
this is deffinately strange. no true techie would appreciate something that can't be modded/stripped down to original parts.
While it makes more and more sense to have a widescreen today these days, what with anamorphicaly-enhanced widescreen DVDs and television programmes, what real advantage is there in having a widescreen monitor? While suited to DVD playback, is there really any other reason for having such a screen that's 16:9 instead of 4:3? As the reviewer mentions, there's a lot of unused screen when doing anything besides watching a DVD.
Personally I'd rather just have an enormous regular monitor than a widescreen one.
From the article : "If you did not know, VIAO stands for Video Audio Integrated Operation. If you buy one of these it will become ingrained in your brain, ..."
Go on, shoot some fish!
and the review is obnoxious and tedious to read. Other articles on the site seem at least equally lacking in quality. They read little better than press releases. The "Plain English Guide to [Installing Your Home Theater]" is particularly noxious. Although informative to a degree, the associated comments are sexist, judgmental, and often poorly thought out.
In mathematics, one does not understand things, one merely gets used to them.
--VonNeumann
It seems at first instance very interesting and cool, as wel as a good use of space!
Sony seems to give more attention to space-use of their products than other manufacturers at the moment, but I'm sure that if these products have (even a modest) succes, we wil see more of these products.
Moderation: +4. Modded 70% Funny and 30% Overrated. 100% Saturated.
Whoa... sudden flashback images of the Mac 20th Anniversary Edition in my head. Course I'm sure this product will be much less memorable, after all, it doesn't come with a leather mousepad and keyboard rest :)
Cool idea for the hip college student wanting to save precious desk space.
MooCow
These guys need a grammar and spell checker just about as much as Slashdot does:
While the visuals are not as amazing as some winamp plugins that I seen...
If you did not know, VIAO stands for Video Audio Integrated Operation.
This thing looks cool as heck! However, I could never buy a computer that doesn't have a decent graphics card.
If Sony put a Geforce 4 or Radeon 9700 in this thing, I'd probably buy one.
Don't believe anything I say. I crash test crack pipes for a living.
With the keyboard firmly attached to the monitor, doesn't that create a bit of an ergonomic limitation? If it's not right for you by default, you're screwed. Not only do you have to use it in their position in relationship to the monitor, use of an external would be made difficult by the other getting in the way (unless it was hacked off).
Kudos on having a binary clock, though.
Any spoon would be too big.
I have never been impressed with any of the Sony line of PC's, and this is no exception.
(Stolen sig) Remember: it's a "Microsoft virus", not an "email virus", a "Microsoft worm", not a "computer worm
This has been out in Asia for over a year. Gray market import from Japan to HK, etc. Overall great unit. Specs are very midrange, and the tv tuner is lacking english lang. drivers (not useful unless you are receiving NTSC-J in any case). And drivers are subject to sony's standard "we've hidden your system's 5 most important drivers across 3 different FTP servers" policy.
Screen quality is outstanding (wide screen form factor), screen saver when keyboard is up doubles as an mp3 interface, looks sexy in the living room.
I had a vaio laptop a few years ago (pentium iii 450 version) and there were a few things about it that made me decide to avoid vaio products in the future:
1. Proprietary drivers: Since I already owned a copy of Win2k from my last machine, I ordered the Vaio with 98 and planned to upgrade. No such luck. Sony wouldn't give me access to the drivers. I finally found someone who had the drivers but there was some kind of BIOS lock-out preventing me from installing them. It would have been worthwhile to pay the stupid $150 extra for the win2k machine in the first place.
2. Proprietary Drivers: Sony finally did release the drivers w/o the bios lockout, but it was about a year after I first got the laptop.
3. SLOW! The thing was designed to look nice rather than to perform. It had one of the slowest laptop hard drives I've ever experienced.
VAIO systems appear to be designed to look nice (which they do). They're not really performance machines, and Sony has some funny policies regarding releasing drivers, etc. Buyer beware.
Amazing magic tricks
Very innovative; if it were a little less expensive it'd be a good option for someone who just wanted a small computer in their bedroom to send email.
In a lot of ways I guess its like a laptop (small form factor, attached keyboard), but less mobile. On the other hand, I know of many people who never move their laptop off their desk.
This review did not impress me at all. From the fuzzy screenshots, to the unimpressive writing, this was subpar. And while the design of this computer is interesting, I have never been excited about computers with integrated components (They remind me of an old Compaq "briefcase" computer we once had). Perhaps if someone bakes one in the oven and it still works...
It even includes software similar to iMovie and iPhoto
I fought the corporate America, and the corporate America bought the law.
typical sony, overcharge you for the name, nothing overly special in this package and yet it costs more than the equivalent competitors offerings.
-mutter- something something something...
This is a good machine for someone who is intimidated by a tangle of wires and lots of choices for peripherals. I think that it falls somewhere between the new Imac and the old one in terms of mass appeal. The widescreen format is a nice touch, too. Shame it's so pricey. Anyone know who's manufacturing it?
The main selling point on it is the looks. It is neither fantastic in sound, nor in playing DVDs, nor as a computer - but it is average in all of those aspects and looks cool.
:)
There are cheaper computers that have better screens and take up less space (I think Gateway has one).
I am still considering getting one, but again, solely for the looks - I have a dvd player, I have a bigger screen monitor, I have faster computers, but none are cool looking like that
There are some odd things afoot now, in the Villa Straylight.
if it produced coffee
Is it me or is there something wrong with the comment system? There aren't any comments for the past two stories...
A toy robot that, when folded up, becomes a plane or car. Strange...
-- "Sucks to your ass-mar"
But I can't even afford a pocket calculator.
I don't see anything in the review about the keyboard being detachable. If it's permanently attached (case hacks aside) to the main body, then this computer has the form factor of a laptop -- a laptop that's too bulky to put in your lap.
Sony makes some good stuff, but every once in a while they come out with a design that just makes me scratch my head.
I bought a Sony VAIO PCG-C1VE (PCG-C1VN in the states) a couple of years ago, and I would now advise people never to get a PC with a 16x9 form factor screen.
The screen is only 8 inches so the only really useable resolution is 1024x480. An awful lot of applications don't fit on this from top to bottom, and using a text editor, IDE or even surfing the web is very frustrating because you can view so few lines of text at a time. (Very painful if you're trying to write code!)
Having to continually right click on the taskbar and use the keyboard to move windows up to get at the buttons at the bottom of some app (because your mouse stops at the top of the screen) will very quickly drive you mad.
If you're going to extend the screen on a workstation you probably want to make it taller, not wider.
If the screen was big enough to use at about 1280x768 it might not be so bad. But I still wouldn't consider wide-screen an advantage for anything but watching movies.
I believe it's a 15 inch screen, so I'm really not sure how good it would be.
Never trust a man in a blue trench coat, Never drive a car when you're dead
OH NO! It doesn't have a floppy drive!
</HARHAR>
"the keyboard folds up to cover the screen" isnt that called a laptop?
I wonder what DRM restrictions (other than those commonly found in PC peripherals) might be included in the Sony hardware, given that Sony is also in the music publishing business. They've apparently done this before.
For some reason it seems that every time a bigger resolution screen comes out, new applications are released with higher toolbars, keeping the usable vertical workspace constant. Of course I try and minimize the problem, using a windowmanager without any taskbars etc, but there's still work for application designers.
Then again, it might be that for most people the computer is a glorified game console and movie player, so a 16x9 screen makes sense. For the rest of us who actually work with computers, it's a lot different.
Escher was the first MC and Giger invented the HR department.
I think the last time I used something like that, it was called a Commodore PET.
If Jesus wants me it knows where to find me.
...for people who have "Windows OS" as their #1 requirement.
If nothing else, Sony makes attractive consumer devices. This fits into that same niche nicely. I know a fair amount of people who will buy virtually anything Sony makes simply because they love Sony design.
So this computer is for those people who like Sony stuff, and would never consider a Mac.
Maybe that's enough niche to make a product...hard to tell.
You were mistaken. Which is odd, since memory shouldn't be a problem for you
The software Sony bundles is probably so confusing that a normal person probably can't figure out how to copy a CD or DVD.
You were mistaken. Which is odd, since memory shouldn't be a problem for you
What I don't want to see happening is Sony start skimping on performance and overcharging the consumer all for the sake of selling a Lifestyle.
Summation: Sony, stop copying Apple!
There is no longer anything that can be done with computers that is nontrivial and clearly legal. -- Paul Phillips
Anyone remember the Monorail (and spare me the Simpsons jokes)?
Most people believe the "plateau-ing" of consumer demands for computer power will lead to further commoditization of PCs, and thus lower profits for OEMs. It is possible, however, that a few select players -- Apple (of course) and potentially Sony -- will be able to leverage the lack of a need for horse-power type progress to be able to realize premiums for non-technical style points. Not for me, or probably you, but a stylish, unobtrusive computer could be worth the extra few $100 when one is trying to integrate computing into a family room setting where the furniture and other consumer electronics cost thousands of dollars.
now if Sony only made real CDs...
The Mothership
... than a Playstation 2. That's about it. Sorry, but this "tower in the back of the monitor" design isn't really all that brilliant.
Sony expects 1600 $ for a 1.6 celeron? They are &*@^%#! nuts. No matter how good it looks, its not worth 1600. The only people who will have it is those who want a fashion statement and care a shit(or know shit) about a 160 celeron or a 1600 celeron. If your hellbent on plunking down so much money, do it for a desktop replacement laptop. Will be of more use to you.
The problem is that this computer is being advertised as an entity unto its own - as an appliance that happens to be a computer. If having Windows was more important than the feature set, then the Profile 4 would be a better deal. For $1499 you get a much faster system and a higher-resolution display.
I feel sad whenever I see Sony products like this. They are such a powerhouse when it comes to visually beautiful, yet powerful devices. They could easily be raking in profits off of their electronics division if it weren't for their commitment to sacrifice electronic quality to protect their media division. Sad, sad, sad...
From the article: "I was getting used to seeing more information on the screen at any given time. "
Grr, when are people going to realize that you don't see MORE when you have widescreen? You can only possibly see more when you have a higher resolution, PERIOD. I'm surprised people don't say things like "Man, I wish I could see more lines of code on this screen".
I guess I'm just annoyed with this infatuation with widescreen. Sure, you take the whole screen up with a widescreen DVD, but if all you ever do on the computer is watch DVDs, save money and buy a DVD player.
It has some valid uses, but never forget that a widescreen doesn't show 'more', it merely shows 'different'. A resolution of 1280x768 is always going to be more than 1024x768, but it is always going to be less than 1280x1024.
DrPascal: Not the language, the mathematician.
Has anyone else noticed that the hardware industry is slowly drifting back to designs from 1985? This thing is identical to a lightweight luggable computer, just without a handle on it.
Personally, I think this i a great thing. Most people who own laptops never take them out of the house, they just like the convenience of setting it up in any room, and stashing it out of sight, when not in use. The main reason I have on, is to take it back and forth between work and home (and client sites), but I always plug it in when I use it. The only time I use the battery, is to take it from room to room.
Why can't they bring back true luggable systems? The advantage of these, over a laptop, would be a larger size would allow for non-proprietary components. The new small form-factor motherboards make a system like this completely practical. Does anyone know of a company selling cases like this? Basically something relatively small & light, with an lcd and keyboard mounted on the unit.
Money I owe, money-iy-ay
You don't turn it off, you just fold up the keyboard and the screen shows a clock.
I hope you're not sitting in front of your PC using the keyboard and monitor 24-7...
autopr0n is like, down and stuff.
The Compaq Portable Computer (their first laptop / luggable) had the 'computer behind the screen' and the keyboard folded up to cover it. Came out in 1982, so not quite unique. Alright, I know that's splitting hairs, but anyway, it was a beast this machine, at least in size, have used one and was involved in kind of owning one that became melted plastic in a forest fire unfortunately. Here's a page about it.
Ever try to make a laptop computer a bedside alarm clock?
;-)
Maybe the developers did...
Product design has got be the wackiest job....
What's wrong with my capitalization?
Get off my launchpad!