VGN-U - Revision history

Resident007: infobox

2025-03-07T11:36:39Z

infobox

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 ==Overview==
 [[File:VGN-U Display-design.png|thumb|VGN-U custom display panel design allows for a thin resistive touch screen that, however, almost does not bend when pressed with a stylus]]
 The Sony VAIO VGN-U was a line of subnotebooks sold by Sony from May 2004 to February 2005, which succeeded the [[PCG-U]] line and was the first "U" to be released outside Japan. At their release, they were the smallest independent computers running Windows XP and the most powerful high-end subnotebooks at the time, being roughly the size of two DVD cases stacked on top of each other.

Resident007: added a pic of 256mb memory module

2024-12-17T17:25:35Z

added a pic of 256mb memory module

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:25, 17 December 2024
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	'''MSRP:''' Unknown		'''MSRP:''' Unknown
			[[File:VGN-U 256MB module.png\|thumb\|256MB Memory Module for VGN-U line]]

	=== '''VGN-U8C''' ===		=== '''VGN-U8C''' ===
	'''Processor:''' Intel Celeron M 900MHz		'''Processor:''' Intel Celeron M 900MHz

Resident007: add recoveries for U70P

2024-11-09T11:10:57Z

add recoveries for U70P

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:10, 9 November 2024
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	\|[https://archive.org/details/SonyVaioU50 Internet Archive]		\|[https://archive.org/details/SonyVaioU50 Internet Archive]
	\|-		\|-
	\|VGN-~~U750P~~ (~~CD&DVD~~)		\|VGN-U70P (CDs)
	\|[https://archive.org/details/~~sonyvaiou750p~~ Internet Archive]		\|[https://archive.org/details/sony-vaio-u-70-p-cd-1 Internet Archive]
	\|-		\|-
	\|VGN-~~U750P~~ (~~CDs~~)		\|VGN-U70P (DVDs)
	\|[https://archive.org/details/vaio-~~u750p~~-~~rec~~-cd Internet Archive]		\|[https://archive.org/details/sony-vaio-u-70-p-dvd Internet Archive]
	\|-		\|-
	\|VGN-U71P (CDs)		\|VGN-U71P (CDs)
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	\|VGN-U71P (DVD)		\|VGN-U71P (DVD)
	\|[https://archive.org/details/vaio-u71u-j-system-recovery-windowsxp-sp2-dvd Internet Archive]		\|[https://archive.org/details/vaio-u71u-j-system-recovery-windowsxp-sp2-dvd Internet Archive]
			\|-
			\|VGN-U750P (boot CD&DVD)
			\|[https://archive.org/details/sonyvaiou750p Internet Archive]
			\|-
			\|VGN-U750P (CDs)
			\|[https://archive.org/details/vaio-u750p-rec-cd Internet Archive]
	\|}		\|}

Resident007 at 09:46, 25 October 2024

2024-10-25T09:46:47Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:46, 25 October 2024
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	The first models of the series to come out were the VGN-U50 and the VGN-U70P in Japan. The American model, the VGN-U750P, came out in December 2004. A two models for Asian markets were introduced as well, specifically the VGN-U8C for Chinese market and the VGN-U8G for Singapore.		The first models of the series to come out were the VGN-U50 and the VGN-U70P in Japan. The American model, the VGN-U750P, came out in December 2004. A two models for Asian markets were introduced as well, specifically the VGN-U8C for Chinese market and the VGN-U8G for Singapore.

	The VGN-U lineup is also known as one of the only ~~two~~ Sony VAIO computers that had a transflective display (the other ~~one is~~ the [[PCG-C2GPS]] but it had a separate backlight module making it more of a reflective display whereas backlight is built into the VGN-U display).		The VGN-U lineup is also known as one of the only three Sony VAIO computers that had a transflective display (the other ones are the [[PCG-C2GPS]] but it had a separate backlight module making it more of a reflective display whereas backlight is built into the VGN-U display and PCG-U101, which has a truly transflective panel).

	==Detailed Specs==		==Detailed Specs==

Resident007: /* Daily Usage Today */

2024-09-23T16:48:00Z

Daily Usage Today

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:48, 23 September 2024
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	==Daily Usage Today==		==Daily Usage Today==

	While extremely advanced for its size, especially back in 2004, all VGN-U models are almost completely useless from a practical point of use nowadays. Its processor has only one slow (by today's standards) core, 512MB of RAM is too little for modern tasks, and integrated graphics can't handle Windows Aero nor they have any WDDM drivers available. 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 lack of built-in keyboard makes it hard for office use as well. However, you still can do very basic web browsing, but it is not going to be a very pleasant experience.		While extremely advanced for its size, especially back in 2004 (being the smallest full-featured PC running Windows XP in the world when it was released), all VGN-U models are almost completely useless from a practical point of use nowadays. Its processor has only one slow (by today's standards) core, 512MB of RAM is too little for modern tasks, and integrated graphics can't handle Windows Aero nor they have any WDDM drivers available. 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 lack of built-in keyboard makes it hard for office use as well. However, you still can do very basic web browsing, but it is not going to be a very pleasant experience.

	Overall, the VGN-U can only be recommended as a rare collectors item, and a rather expensive one as well, especially the VGN-U8C, VGN-U8G and VGN-U750P.		Overall, the VGN-U can only be recommended as a rare collectors item, and a rather expensive one as well, especially the VGN-U8C, VGN-U8G and VGN-U750P.

Resident007: Matched Resources with the base page

2024-08-14T21:51:21Z

Matched Resources with the base page

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:51, 14 August 2024
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	==Resources==		==Resources==
	~~[https://youtu.be/ESbdA2bDGwk?si=Kwc-UIb39jorLwDU&t=214 Sony VAIO VGN-U Disassembly Guide]~~

	[~~http~~://~~www~~.~~vaio~~.~~sony~~.co.jp/~~Products~~/VGN-~~U50~~/ ~~Sony VAIO Type U official page~~]		===== Recovery Discs =====
			{\| class="wikitable"
			\|VGN-U50 (DVD)
			\|[https://archive.org/details/SonyVaioU50 Internet Archive]
			\|-
			\|VGN-U750P (CD&DVD)
			\|[https://archive.org/details/sonyvaiou750p Internet Archive]
			\|-
			\|VGN-U750P (CDs)
			\|[https://archive.org/details/vaio-u750p-rec-cd Internet Archive]
			\|-
			\|VGN-U71P (CDs)
			\|[https://archive.org/details/vaio-u-71u-j-system-recovery-windowsxp-sp-2-cd-1-of-3 Internet Archive]
			\|-
			\|VGN-U71P (DVD)
			\|[https://archive.org/details/vaio-u71u-j-system-recovery-windowsxp-sp2-dvd Internet Archive]
			\|}

	== ~~Downloads~~ ==		===== Hard drive images =====
	[https://archive.org/details/~~SonyVaioU50 VGN~~-~~U50 Recovery DVD~~]		{\| class="wikitable"
			\|VGN-U8G
			\|[https://archive.org/details/vaio-u8g-dump Internet Archive]
			\|}

	~~[https://archive.org/details/vaio-u8g-dump VGN-U8G Hard Drive dump]~~		===== Recovery partition images =====
			{\| class="wikitable"
	~~[https://archive.org/details/sonyvaiou750p VGN-U750P~~ Recovery ~~CD&DVD]~~		\|VGN-U750P
			\|[https://archive.org/details/vaio-u750p-recovery-partition-image Internet Archive]
	~~[https://archive.org/details/vaio-u750p-rec-cd~~ VGN-U750P ~~Recovery CD set]~~		\|-
			\|VGN-U71P
	[https://archive.org/details/vaio-u750p-recovery-partition-image VGN-~~U750P Recovery partition image]~~		\|[https://archive.org/details/vaio71p-recovery-partition Internet Archive]
			\|}
	[https://archive.org/details/~~vaio-u-71u-j-system~~-recovery-~~windowsxp-sp-2-cd-1-of-3 VGN-U71P Recovery CD set~~]		[https://youtu.be/ESbdA2bDGwk?si=Kwc-UIb39jorLwDU&t=214 Sony VAIO VGN-U Disassembly Guide]

	[https://~~archive~~.~~org/details~~/~~vaio~~-~~u71u-j-system-recovery-windowsxp-sp2-dvd~~ VGN-~~U71P Recovery DVD~~]

	[~~https~~://~~archive~~.~~org~~/~~details~~/~~vaio71p-recovery-partition~~ VGN-~~U71P Recovery partition image~~]		[http://www.vaio.sony.co.jp/Products/VGN-U50/ Sony VAIO Type U Presentation Page]

	==Sources==		==Sources==
	[https://sony.com Sony] and [[wikipedia:Sony_Vaio_U_series\|Wikipedia]]		[https://sony.com Sony] and [[wikipedia:Sony_Vaio_U_series\|Wikipedia]]

Resident007: /* Overview */ added original OS

2024-08-13T21:22:02Z

Overview: added original OS

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:22, 13 August 2024
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	'''Weight:''' 550g		'''Weight:''' 550g

			'''Original OS:''' Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition Service Pack 1

	'''MSRP:''' ¥179,000 ($1595)		'''MSRP:''' ¥179,000 ($1595)
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	'''Weight:''' 550g		'''Weight:''' 550g

			'''Original OS:''' Microsoft Windows XP Professional Service Pack 1

	'''MSRP:''' ¥210,000 ($1871)		'''MSRP:''' ¥210,000 ($1871)
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	'''Weight:''' 550g		'''Weight:''' 550g

			'''Original OS:''' Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition Service Pack 1

	'''MSRP:''' Unknown		'''MSRP:''' Unknown
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	'''Weight:''' 550g		'''Weight:''' 550g

			'''Original OS:''' Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition Service Pack 1

	'''MSRP:''' Unknown		'''MSRP:''' Unknown
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	'''Weight:''' 550g		'''Weight:''' 550g

			'''Original OS:''' Microsoft Windows XP Professional Service Pack 2

	'''MSRP:''' $1,799 (as of December 2004)		'''MSRP:''' $1,799 (as of December 2004)
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	'''Weight:''' 550g		'''Weight:''' 550g

			'''Original OS:''' Microsoft Windows XP Professional Service Pack 2

	'''MSRP:''' ¥199,800 ($1893)		'''MSRP:''' ¥199,800 ($1893)

Resident007: /* VGN-U750P */

2024-07-31T17:38:36Z

VGN-U750P

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:38, 31 July 2024
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	'''Weight:''' 550g		'''Weight:''' 550g

	'''MSRP:''' $1,799 (as of ~~October~~ 2004)		'''MSRP:''' $1,799 (as of December 2004)
	=== '''VGN-U71P''' ===		=== '''VGN-U71P''' ===
	'''Processor:''' Intel Pentium M 733 1.1GHz		'''Processor:''' Intel Pentium M 733 1.1GHz

Resident007 at 13:47, 31 July 2024

2024-07-31T13:47:16Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:47, 31 July 2024
Line 113:		Line 113:
	==Daily Usage Today==		==Daily Usage Today==

	While extremely advanced for its size, especially back in 2004, all VGN-U models are almost completely useless from a practical point of use nowadays. Its processor has only one slow (by today's standards) core, 512MB of RAM is too little for modern tasks, and integrated graphics can't handle Windows Aero nor they have any WDDM drivers available. 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~~'ll~~ still be limited by low bus speed). The lack of built-in keyboard makes it hard for office use as well. However, you still can do very basic web browsing, but it is not going to be a very pleasant experience.		While extremely advanced for its size, especially back in 2004, all VGN-U models are almost completely useless from a practical point of use nowadays. Its processor has only one slow (by today's standards) core, 512MB of RAM is too little for modern tasks, and integrated graphics can't handle Windows Aero nor they have any WDDM drivers available. 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 lack of built-in keyboard makes it hard for office use as well. However, you still can do very basic web browsing, but it is not going to be a very pleasant experience.

	Overall, the VGN-U can only be recommended as a rare collectors item, and a rather expensive one as well, especially the VGN-U8C, VGN-U8G and VGN-U750P.		Overall, the VGN-U can only be recommended as a rare collectors item, and a rather expensive one as well, especially the VGN-U8C, VGN-U8G and VGN-U750P.

Resident007: /* Overview */

2024-07-30T21:33:44Z

Overview

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:33, 30 July 2024
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	'''Memory:''' 256MB DDR 266MHz (upgradable to 512MB using a proprietary memory module)		'''Memory:''' 256MB DDR 266MHz (upgradable to 512MB using a proprietary memory module)

	'''Display:''' 5" 800×600 custom transflective LCD panel [[File:VGN-U750P Back.jpg\|thumb\|VGN-U750P ~~Back~~]][[File:VGN-U Accessories.jpg\|thumb\|VGN-U Accessories: VGP-PRU1 Port Replicator, VGP-KBC1 Foldable Keyboard, VGA/Ethernet dongle, Remote Commander, stylus and pouches for the computer itself and the keyboard[[File:Insides of the VGN-U.jpg\|thumb\|Insides of a flash-modded VGN-U]]]]'''Storage:''' 20 GB 1.8-inch IDE HDD		'''Display:''' 5" 800×600 custom transflective LCD panel [[File:VGN-U750P Back.jpg\|thumb\|VGN-U750P, back view]][[File:VGN-U Accessories.jpg\|thumb\|VGN-U Accessories: VGP-PRU1 Port Replicator, VGP-KBC1 Foldable Keyboard, VGA/Ethernet dongle, Remote Commander, stylus and pouches for the computer itself and the keyboard[[File:Insides of the VGN-U.jpg\|thumb\|Insides of a flash-modded VGN-U]]]]'''Storage:''' 20 GB 1.8-inch IDE HDD

	'''Weight:''' 550g		'''Weight:''' 550g
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	'''Chipset:''' Intel 855GM		'''Chipset:''' Intel 855GM

	'''Memory:''' 256MB DDR 266MHz (upgradable to 512MB using a proprietary memory module) [[File:VGN-U Memory.jpg\|thumb\|VGN-U ~~512MB Memory Module~~]]'''Display:''' 5" 800×600 custom transflective LCD panel		'''Memory:''' 256MB DDR 266MHz (upgradable to 512MB using a proprietary memory module) [[File:VGN-U Memory.jpg\|thumb\|512MB Memory Module for VGN-U line]]'''Display:''' 5" 800×600 custom transflective LCD panel

	'''Storage:''' 20 GB 1.8-inch IDE HDD		'''Storage:''' 20 GB 1.8-inch IDE HDD