PCG-NV
THIS PAGE IS A WORK IN PROGRESS!!!
Overview
The VAIO PCG-NV is a high-end Intel Pentium 4M-based multimedia notebook that was introduced in 2002. An AMD version of this laptop was also produced, the PCG-NVR.
In many ways, the PCG-NV was the start of a multimedia focused desktop replacement series. This series continued with the VGN-A, VGN-AR, VGN-AW, VPCF1/2. Looking at the design of the VGN-A, which was released two years later, we can see the same design elements, with the back of the unit having the same flap cover and power jack placement. It looks like a more modern version of the PCG-NV pretty much.
Regarding the displays, the PCG-NV came in four distinct configurations: 14.1" TFT @1024x768, 15.0" TFT @1024x768, 15.0" TFT @1400x1050, 15.0" TFT @1600x1200. The 14.1" display has slightly thicker bezels around it, which distinguishes it from the 15" versions, although the size of the laptop chassis is still the same. The 1600x1200 display was quite common in other high-end VAIOs of the time, a model number of the displays will be posted here once we take a look into our machines.
The PCG-NV's standout feature is its modular bay, which could accommodate a Net MiniDisc drive, a number pad, a floppy drive, or a subwoofer. It is also known for its high quality speakers.
This was the only VAIO where Sony decided to experiment with the modular bay idea, which was unfortunately short lived and never really made its way onto any other VAIOs (apart from the VGN-BX and VGN-AX, to a much lesser extent). It would've been nice to see a modern VAIO with two modular bays, one on each side, to have a subwoofer on one side and a BluRay writer on the other side, etc. Unfortunately there is only one modular bay on the PCG-NV, which means that one cannot use the MiniDisc expansion and subwoofer at the same time, which sadly means that the MiniDisc drive is not very useful for audio playback. This makes it seem that the MD drive was intended more for writing to a MiniDisc and then playing it back on a different player.
The MiniDisc drive is of the NetMD variant, allowing writing through SonicStage and Web MiniDisc (a new alternative which is much better than Sony's SonicStage). Unfortunately it is not Hi-MD, but it still is pretty cool and the only laptop which has a MiniDisc drive. Next to the actual MiniDisc slot is a small eject button for ejecting the disc. The drive is taller than the numberpad and the floppy drive, so when it is in use, one has to raise the two pop-out feet which raises the back of the laptop, stops it from wobbling and makes it stand straight as normal again.
The number pad module is an external numpad which slides out when pushed, like when pushing an SD card to eject it. This bay module is regular height and thus does not require the pop-out feet.
The floppy drive module is a regular floppy drive and functions like one. This bay module is regular height and thus does not require the pop-out feet.
The subwoofer module is a quite capable and good sounding subwoofer for such a small size. It makes the laptop sound as good as a small HiFi system, and makes it easily one of the best sounding laptops of all time. The drive is taller than the number pad and the floppy drive, so when it is in use, one has to raise the two pop-out feet which raises the back of the laptop, stops it from wobbling and makes it stand straight as normal again.
Modular Bay Modules
On top of the modular bay is a fixed CD-RW/DVD-ROM drive.
- MiniDisc drive (Net MD): PCGA-MDN1
- External numeric keypad: PCGA-TKN1
- Floppy drive: PCGA-FDN1
- Subwoofer: PCGA-CWN1
Detailed Specs
Processor: Socket 478 (Northwood-M) - Intel Pentium 4M @1.6, 1.7, or 1.8GHz
Chipset: Intel 845MP
Graphics: ATI Mobility Radeon 7500 (16MB VRAM)
RAM: 200MHz DDR, 2 slots, 256MB Standard, 512MB Maximum (officially)
Display Options: 14.1" TFT @1024x768, 15.0" TFT @1024x768, 15.0" TFT @1400x1050, 15.0" TFT @1600x1200
Storage: 2.5" IDE (Ultra ATA/100), 30 or 40GB
Optical Drive: CD-RW or DVD-ROM, MiniDisc (with optional drive bay)
Battery: PCGA-BP2NX (Lithium-Ion)
Weight: 3.7kg
Resources
| PCG-NV55/77/99 | Sony JP |