PCG-U - Revision history

Foma: Added U101 HDD image link

2025-04-10T12:35:35Z

Added U101 HDD image link

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:35, 10 April 2025
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	\|PCG-U3		\|PCG-U3
	\|[https://archive.org/details/vaio_u3_hdd_image Internet Archive]		\|[https://archive.org/details/vaio_u3_hdd_image Internet Archive]
			\|-
			\|PCG-U101
			\|[https://archive.org/details/sony-vaio-u101-cf-images Internet Archive]
	\|}		\|}

Resident007: /* PCG-U101 */

2025-03-10T18:40:57Z

PCG-U101

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:40, 10 March 2025
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	'''Processor:''' Intel Celeron M 600 MHz		'''Processor:''' Intel Celeron M 600 MHz

	'''Graphics:''' ATI Mobility Radeon M6 with 8 MB VRAM		'''Graphics:''' ATI Mobility Radeon M6 with 16 MB VRAM

	'''Memory:''' 256MB (~~512MB~~ max)		'''Memory:''' 256MB (1GB max)

	'''Display:''' 7.1" 1024×768 transflective		'''Display:''' 7.1" 1024×768 transflective

Resident007: /* Resources */ add PCG-U3 HDD image

2024-11-09T10:47:11Z

Resources: add PCG-U3 HDD image

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:47, 9 November 2024
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	\|PCG-U1		\|PCG-U1
	\|[https://archive.org/details/sony-vaio-pcg-u-1-windows-xp-japanese-oem-image Internet Archive]		\|[https://archive.org/details/sony-vaio-pcg-u-1-windows-xp-japanese-oem-image Internet Archive]
			\|-
			\|PCG-U3
			\|[https://archive.org/details/vaio_u3_hdd_image Internet Archive]
	\|}		\|}

Resident007: /* PCG-U101 */

2024-10-25T10:19:17Z

PCG-U101

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:19, 25 October 2024
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	'''Original OS:''' Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition		'''Original OS:''' Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition

	'''MSRP:''' ¥150,000 [[File:PCG-U101.png\|alt=PCG-U101\|thumb\|PCG-U101\|~~373x373px~~]]		'''MSRP:''' ¥150,000 [[File:PCG-U101.png\|alt=PCG-U101\|thumb\|PCG-U101\|368x368px]]
	=== PCG-U101 ===		=== PCG-U101 ===
	'''Processor:''' Intel Celeron M 600 MHz		'''Processor:''' Intel Celeron M 600 MHz

Resident007: /* PCG-U101 */

2024-10-25T10:19:00Z

PCG-U101

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:19, 25 October 2024
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	'''Original OS:''' Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition		'''Original OS:''' Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition

	'''MSRP:''' ¥150,000 [[File:PCG-U101.png\|alt=PCG-U101\|thumb\|PCG-U101]]		'''MSRP:''' ¥150,000 [[File:PCG-U101.png\|alt=PCG-U101\|thumb\|PCG-U101\|373x373px]]
	=== PCG-U101 ===		=== PCG-U101 ===
	'''Processor:''' Intel Celeron M 600 MHz		'''Processor:''' Intel Celeron M 600 MHz

Resident007: /* Daily Usage Today */

2024-10-25T10:18:25Z

Daily Usage Today

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:18, 25 October 2024
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	== Daily Usage Today ==		== Daily Usage Today ==

	Even though they were pretty interesting machines for their size, all PCG-U models have little to no practical use nowadays. The CPU (especially Transmeta Crusoe found in PCG-U1 and PCG-U3) is far too slow to keep up with modern tasks, and RAM size doesn't allow for comfortable multitasking. The 1.8" HDD is also quite slow (it uses the same compact IDE interface as Apple's iPods, so spares are easy and cheap to find, as well as flash modding solutions, however even if you manage to install a fast drive, you will only see an increase in random access speeds, while linear speeds will still be limited by low bus speed). The ~~slow~~ keyboard and the fact that it's designed to be held like a handheld makes it hard for office use without external keyboard and mouse as well. However, you still can do very basic web browsing, but it is not going to be a very snappy experience.		Even though they were pretty interesting machines for their size, all PCG-U models have little to no practical use nowadays. The CPU (especially Transmeta Crusoe found in PCG-U1 and PCG-U3) is far too slow to keep up with modern tasks, and RAM size doesn't allow for comfortable multitasking. The 1.8" HDD is also quite slow (it uses the same compact IDE interface as Apple's iPods, so spares are easy and cheap to find, as well as flash modding solutions, however even if you manage to install a fast drive, you will only see an increase in random access speeds, while linear speeds will still be limited by low bus speed). The small keyboard and the fact that it's designed to be held like a handheld makes it hard for office use without external keyboard and mouse as well. However, you still can do very basic web browsing, but it is not going to be a very snappy experience.

	~~However,~~ PCG-U series is sought after by the collectors due to their unique CPUs (PCG-U1 and PCG-U3), very small footprint for the time of their release and appealing look. The fact that there were not many units produced and that PCG-U was only sold in Japan means that nowadays it's a quite rare item, and the prices have gone up pretty high.		PCG-U series is sought after by the collectors due to their unique CPUs (PCG-U1 and PCG-U3), very small footprint for the time of their release and appealing look. The fact that there were not many units produced and that PCG-U was only sold in Japan means that nowadays it's a quite rare item, and the prices have gone up pretty high.

	== Resources ==		== Resources ==

Resident007: /* Detailed Specs */

2024-10-25T10:16:42Z

Detailed Specs

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:16, 25 October 2024
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	== Detailed Specs ==		== Detailed Specs ==
	There was a total of three models in the PCG-U lineup. The PCG-U1 and U3 both share the same design, apart from the fact that the U1 is white and the U3 is black. The U3 was just an upgraded higher-specced and visually revised U1 with a faster CPU and more RAM.[[File:PCG-U Normal and Extended batteries.png\|alt=PCG-U Normal and Extended batteries\|thumb\|PCG-U Normal and Extended batteries]]One of the most interesting things about the PCG-U1 and PCG-U3 is their processor, the Transmeta Crusoe TM5800. While still running x86-based version of Windows and being able to run native x86 applications, this CPU is, in fact, a VLIW CPU which translates x86 instructions to VLIW instructions using the so-called Code Morphing Software and executes them on the fly. Thus, such CPU could emulate any CPU architecture unless the corresponding Code Morphing Software version exists. To speed up operation, a special cache (which is taken from RAM, 16MB for PCG-U1 and 24MB for PCG-U3) for storing instructions is used, where the CPU stores the generated routines in cache and, if these routines are being frequently used, it tries to optimize them even further. However, this cache would be cleared after each reboot, meaning that the system would be pretty slow upon each boot and every "new" action (like starting a specific program the first time after booting the system) would also be slow as the CPU will need to optimize all the code from scratch~~. Apparently, the PCG-U1 has 16MB of cache, and the PCG-U3 has 24MB of cache for routines generated by Code Morphing Software~~.		There was a total of three models in the PCG-U lineup. The PCG-U1 and U3 both share the same design, apart from the fact that the U1 is white and the U3 is black. The U3 was just an upgraded higher-specced and visually revised U1 with a faster CPU and more RAM.[[File:PCG-U Normal and Extended batteries.png\|alt=PCG-U Normal and Extended batteries\|thumb\|PCG-U Normal and Extended batteries]]One of the most interesting things about the PCG-U1 and PCG-U3 is their processor, the Transmeta Crusoe TM5800. While still running x86-based version of Windows and being able to run native x86 applications, this CPU is, in fact, a VLIW CPU which translates x86 instructions to VLIW instructions using the so-called Code Morphing Software and executes them on the fly. Thus, such CPU could emulate any CPU architecture unless the corresponding Code Morphing Software version exists. To speed up operation, a special cache (which is taken from RAM, 16MB for PCG-U1 and 24MB for PCG-U3) for storing instructions is used, where the CPU stores the generated routines in cache and, if these routines are being frequently used, it tries to optimize them even further. However, this cache would be cleared after each reboot, meaning that the system would be pretty slow upon each boot and every "new" action (like starting a specific program the first time after booting the system) would also be slow as the CPU will need to optimize all the code from scratch.

	However, while being not very fast, Transmeta CPUs were very power-efficient. While corresponding x86 CPUs could consume up to 35W of power under full load, the TM5800's power draw under full load was only 8.5W. The Transmeta CPU consumed even less power during tasks with medium to high intensity, like DVD playback (around 1.5W). This caused the U1 and U3 to work for around 3 hours on standard small battery pack and up to 12 hours on optional large battery pack.		However, while being not very fast, Transmeta CPUs were very power-efficient. While corresponding x86 CPUs could consume up to 35W of power under full load, the TM5800's power draw under full load was only 8.5W. The Transmeta CPU consumed even less power during tasks with medium to high intensity, like DVD playback (around 1.5W). This caused the U1 and U3 to work for around 3 hours on standard small battery pack and up to 12 hours on optional large battery pack.

Resident007: /* Detailed Specs */

2024-10-25T10:15:45Z

Detailed Specs

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:15, 25 October 2024
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	== Detailed Specs ==		== Detailed Specs ==
	There was a total of three models in the PCG-U lineup. The PCG-U1 and U3 both share the same design, apart from the fact that the U1 is white and the U3 is black. The U3 was just an upgraded higher-specced and visually revised U1 with a faster CPU and more RAM.[[File:PCG-U Normal and Extended batteries.png\|alt=PCG-U Normal and Extended batteries\|thumb\|PCG-U Normal and Extended batteries]]One of the most interesting things about the PCG-U1 and PCG-U3 is their processor, the Transmeta Crusoe TM5800. While still running x86-based version of Windows and being able to run native x86 applications, this CPU is, in fact, a VLIW CPU which translates x86 instructions to VLIW instructions using the so-called Code Morphing Software and executes them on the fly. Thus, such CPU could emulate any CPU architecture unless the corresponding Code Morphing Software version exists. To speed up operation, a special cache for storing instructions is used, where the CPU stores the generated routines in cache and, if these routines are being frequently used, it tries to optimize them even further. However, this cache would be cleared after each reboot, meaning that the system would be pretty slow upon each boot and every "new" action (like starting a specific program the first time after booting the system) would also be slow as the CPU will need to optimize all the code from scratch. Apparently, the PCG-U1 has 16MB of cache, and the PCG-U3 has 24MB of cache for routines generated by Code Morphing Software.		There was a total of three models in the PCG-U lineup. The PCG-U1 and U3 both share the same design, apart from the fact that the U1 is white and the U3 is black. The U3 was just an upgraded higher-specced and visually revised U1 with a faster CPU and more RAM.[[File:PCG-U Normal and Extended batteries.png\|alt=PCG-U Normal and Extended batteries\|thumb\|PCG-U Normal and Extended batteries]]One of the most interesting things about the PCG-U1 and PCG-U3 is their processor, the Transmeta Crusoe TM5800. While still running x86-based version of Windows and being able to run native x86 applications, this CPU is, in fact, a VLIW CPU which translates x86 instructions to VLIW instructions using the so-called Code Morphing Software and executes them on the fly. Thus, such CPU could emulate any CPU architecture unless the corresponding Code Morphing Software version exists. To speed up operation, a special cache (which is taken from RAM, 16MB for PCG-U1 and 24MB for PCG-U3) for storing instructions is used, where the CPU stores the generated routines in cache and, if these routines are being frequently used, it tries to optimize them even further. However, this cache would be cleared after each reboot, meaning that the system would be pretty slow upon each boot and every "new" action (like starting a specific program the first time after booting the system) would also be slow as the CPU will need to optimize all the code from scratch. Apparently, the PCG-U1 has 16MB of cache, and the PCG-U3 has 24MB of cache for routines generated by Code Morphing Software.

	However, while being not very fast, Transmeta CPUs were very power-efficient. While corresponding x86 CPUs could consume up to 35W of power under full load, the TM5800's power draw under full load was only 8.5W. The Transmeta CPU consumed even less power during tasks with medium to high intensity, like DVD playback (around 1.5W). This caused the U1 and U3 to work for around 3 hours on standard small battery pack and up to 12 hours on optional large battery pack.		However, while being not very fast, Transmeta CPUs were very power-efficient. While corresponding x86 CPUs could consume up to 35W of power under full load, the TM5800's power draw under full load was only 8.5W. The Transmeta CPU consumed even less power during tasks with medium to high intensity, like DVD playback (around 1.5W). This caused the U1 and U3 to work for around 3 hours on standard small battery pack and up to 12 hours on optional large battery pack.

Resident007: turns out that u101 has transflective display

2024-10-25T09:45:30Z

turns out that u101 has transflective display

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:45, 25 October 2024
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	The Sony VAIO PCG-U was a line of ultraportable subnotebooks sold by Sony from October 2002 to circa May 2004. It could be said that PCG-U lineup inherited the form factor, concept and looks of the [[PCG-GT]] line to some extent. All models in the line were never officially sold outside Japan.		The Sony VAIO PCG-U was a line of ultraportable subnotebooks sold by Sony from October 2002 to circa May 2004. It could be said that PCG-U lineup inherited the form factor, concept and looks of the [[PCG-GT]] line to some extent. All models in the line were never officially sold outside Japan.

	The first model, PCG-U1, was officially released in April 2002. The higher-spec model, PCG-U3, was released in October of the same year. The final model, PCG-U101, was released in May of 2003.		The first model, PCG-U1, was officially released in April 2002. The higher-spec model, PCG-U3, was released in October of the same year. The final model, PCG-U101, was released in May of 2003, shifting from Transmeta to Intel platform and featuring a transflective screen.

	All PCG-U models had a ThumbPhrase feature, allowing one to easily type Japanese characters with one hand.		All PCG-U models had a ThumbPhrase feature, allowing one to easily type Japanese characters with one hand.
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	'''Memory:''' 128MB onboard (384MB max)		'''Memory:''' 128MB onboard (384MB max)

	'''Display:''' 6.4" 1024×768		'''Display:''' 6.4" 1024×768 transmissive

	'''Storage:''' 20 GB 1.8-inch IDE HDD		'''Storage:''' 20 GB 1.8-inch IDE HDD
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	'''Memory:''' 256MB (512MB max)		'''Memory:''' 256MB (512MB max)

	'''Display:''' 6.4" 1024×768		'''Display:''' 6.4" 1024×768 transmissive

	'''Storage:''' 20 GB 1.8-inch IDE HDD		'''Storage:''' 20 GB 1.8-inch IDE HDD
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	'''Memory:''' 256MB (512MB max)		'''Memory:''' 256MB (512MB max)

	'''Display:''' 7.1" 1024×768		'''Display:''' 7.1" 1024×768 transflective

	'''Storage:''' 30 GB 1.8-inch IDE HDD		'''Storage:''' 30 GB 1.8-inch IDE HDD

Resident007: /* PCG-U1 */

2024-10-24T20:10:27Z

PCG-U1

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:10, 24 October 2024
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	'''Graphics:''' ATI Mobility Radeon M6 with 8 MB VRAM		'''Graphics:''' ATI Mobility Radeon M6 with 8 MB VRAM

	'''Memory:''' 128MB		'''Memory:''' 128MB onboard (384MB max)

	'''Display:''' 6.4" 1024×768		'''Display:''' 6.4" 1024×768
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	'''Graphics:''' ATI Mobility Radeon M6 with 8 MB VRAM		'''Graphics:''' ATI Mobility Radeon M6 with 8 MB VRAM

	'''Memory:''' 256MB		'''Memory:''' 256MB (512MB max)

	'''Display:''' 6.4" 1024×768		'''Display:''' 6.4" 1024×768
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	'''Graphics:''' ATI Mobility Radeon M6 with 8 MB VRAM		'''Graphics:''' ATI Mobility Radeon M6 with 8 MB VRAM

	'''Memory:''' 256MB		'''Memory:''' 256MB (512MB max)

	'''Display:''' 7.1" 1024×768		'''Display:''' 7.1" 1024×768