Micro Desktop Replacement?
Written: Nov 26 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Dual display, paperback size, great video, lots of ports
Cons: No Ethernet, Need add-ons, hard-to-find accessories
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| edahan's Full Review: Sony VAIO C1VN PC Notebook |
Like others, I was skeptical that such a tiny machine (think paperback book) could serve my heavy computing needs. All doubt has been removed! The Sony PCG-C1VN is the most advanced piece of consumer electronics I've ever seen. Here's what makes it truly special:
- Supports external high-res monitor (1600 x 1200) and its internal monitor at the same time (Yes, true dual display - unlike most notebooks)
- Add a Targus USB hub and you can connect a big keyboard, mouse, parallel printer, serial device, and two other USB devices
- Add a wireless or wired network card (PC Card slot OR USB) to connect to the Web at high speed
Combine the above three items (for under $1,000) and you would have a complete desktop computer for a bit over $3,000. But then you could do things that others never could. For one, you could unplug the USB and display cables (easy to do with this machine) and take off with your two-pound wonder. Hop on a plane, hook up to a projector for a presentation, visit a park or beach, and actually WORK. Take a few nice photos while you're at it.
Or use the internal camera to shoot stills (640 x 480), Web-video (160 pixels, compressed), or high-quality uncompressed video. Then either email the photos or video, show it on your internal screen, or shoot it out to your TV! (Yes, there are ports for TV/stereo, built-in microphones, dual display, and a 56K modem built in.
If that's not good enough, how many 2 lb. machines have you seen that can edit DV video from a high quality camcorder, like my Sony TRV-900? All the hardware and software you need (except for the readily available firewire cable) are included.
If you have AC power available, this system with its external DVD option and a pair of headphones makes a decent portable DVD system as well.
My only complaints:
- an Ethernet jack would have been nice
- Accessories (extra AC adaptor, CDRW, extra monitor dongle, case)
are very hard to come by
- hard drive seems slow and busy
- DVD drive is choppy without its AC Adaptor
- I miss my dedicated PgUp, PgDn, Home and End (i.e. must use Fn key)
In short, folks, I think that we're looking at the convergence of Personal computers (PC's), personal digital assistants (PDA's), MP3 players, digital cameras, camcorders, internet appliance, and digital video editing studio, all in a package that you will never want to leave behind because of its diminutive size.
Sure it's not better than all other devices at EACH of the above capabilities, but neither are most disruptive technology breakthroughs. The PCG-C1VN is to the current crop of notebooks what those notebooks were to the former generation of 15lb. + luggables.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
edahan
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Reviews written: 1
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