PCV-M: Difference between revisions
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== Overview == | == Overview == | ||
[[File:PCV-M300 with Trinitron CRT Monitor and speakers.jpg|thumb|PCV-M300 with Trinitron CRT Monitor and speakers|359x359px]] | [[File:PCV-M300 with Trinitron CRT Monitor and speakers.jpg|thumb|PCV-M300 with Trinitron CRT Monitor and speakers|359x359px]] | ||
The Sony VAIO PCV-M was a Japan only PC component system released by Sony in 1998. It was intended to be a sort of "multimedia" PC, because some models had an inbuilt TV tuner, a DVD player (in later models) and a MiniDisc control | The Sony VAIO PCV-M was a Japan only PC component system released by Sony in 1998. It was intended to be a sort of "multimedia" PC, because some models had an inbuilt TV tuner, a DVD player (in later models) and a MiniDisc control that was supposed to be used with the MDS-PC1 deck. This control option was built in instead of requiring a serial CAV-50C VisionTouch adapter, making it useful and integrating it into the Sony line of products of the era. | ||
[[File:PCV-M next to AV equipment.png|alt=PCV-M next to AV equipment|thumb|PCV-M next to AV equipment]] | [[File:PCV-M next to AV equipment.png|alt=PCV-M next to AV equipment|thumb|PCV-M next to AV equipment]] | ||
The PCV-M is unique in that it fits well with most AV equipment, just like the MDS-PC1, or a Sony La Scala Hi-Fi system, making it useful for setups involving amplifiers, music players, DVD players etc. | The PCV-M is unique in that it fits well with most AV equipment, just like the MDS-PC1, or a Sony La Scala Hi-Fi system, making it useful for setups involving amplifiers, music players, DVD players etc. | ||
Back in its day it was considered a small PC, being almost half the size of regular towers. When looking at promotional material for it, it is obvious for what it would be used. It wouldn't been used for work, but more as a casual use computer. With the MiniDisc deck on top of it, one would listen to music on it while doing some basic web browsing, or maybe even playing some games. [[File:PCV-M300TV7.jpg|thumb|PCV-M300TV7 with MDS-PC1]] | Back in its day it was considered a small PC, being almost half the size of regular towers. When looking at promotional material for it, it is obvious for what it would be used. It wouldn't been used for work, but more as a casual use computer. With the MiniDisc deck on top of it, one would listen to music on it while doing some basic web browsing, or maybe even playing some games. | ||
It came in two configurations, one with a 14.1" TFT LCD and one with a 17" Trinitron CRT with in built TV capabilities, similar to the ones on the PCV-T. The 17" Trinitron model came with a remote to control the TV capabilities. [[File:PCV-M300TV7.jpg|thumb|PCV-M300TV7 with MDS-PC1]] | |||
[[File:Back of PCV-M.png|alt=Back of PCV-M|thumb|Back of PCV-M]] | [[File:Back of PCV-M.png|alt=Back of PCV-M|thumb|Back of PCV-M]] | ||
== Detailed specs == | == Detailed specs == | ||
'''Processor:''' Pentium MMX 233MHz, AMD K6 400MHz on later models | '''Processor:''' Pentium MMX 200/233MHz, AMD K6 400MHz on later models | ||
'''Graphics:''' ATI RAGE 128VR 8MB | '''Graphics:''' ATI RAGE 128VR 8MB / ATI 3D RAGE PRO | ||
'''Chipset:''' ALI Aladdin V | '''Chipset:''' ALI Aladdin V | ||
'''Memory:''' | '''Memory:''' 32MB (Standard) 256MB (Maximum) PC100 SDRAM, 2x DIMM slots | ||
'''Display:''' 17 | '''Display:''' 17" Trinitron CRT Monitor, 14.1" TFT LCD | ||
'''Storage:''' 4.3GB or 8.4GB IDE HDD | '''Storage:''' 4.3GB or 8.4GB IDE HDD | ||
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'''Original OS:''' Microsoft Windows 95 | '''Original OS:''' Microsoft Windows 95 | ||
[[File:Front inputs of PCV-M.png|alt=Front inputs of PCV-M|thumb|Front inputs of PCV-M]] | [[File:Front inputs of PCV-M.png|alt=Front inputs of PCV-M|thumb|Front inputs of PCV-M]] | ||
'''MSRP:''' | '''MSRP:''' 200, 250, 400k yen | ||
'''Audio:''' SoundBlaster Pro, Built in mono speaker, Sony Control A1 (MDS-PC), | |||
== Daily usage today == | == Daily usage today == | ||
Latest revision as of 23:24, 18 October 2024
Overview
The Sony VAIO PCV-M was a Japan only PC component system released by Sony in 1998. It was intended to be a sort of "multimedia" PC, because some models had an inbuilt TV tuner, a DVD player (in later models) and a MiniDisc control that was supposed to be used with the MDS-PC1 deck. This control option was built in instead of requiring a serial CAV-50C VisionTouch adapter, making it useful and integrating it into the Sony line of products of the era.
The PCV-M is unique in that it fits well with most AV equipment, just like the MDS-PC1, or a Sony La Scala Hi-Fi system, making it useful for setups involving amplifiers, music players, DVD players etc.
Back in its day it was considered a small PC, being almost half the size of regular towers. When looking at promotional material for it, it is obvious for what it would be used. It wouldn't been used for work, but more as a casual use computer. With the MiniDisc deck on top of it, one would listen to music on it while doing some basic web browsing, or maybe even playing some games.
It came in two configurations, one with a 14.1" TFT LCD and one with a 17" Trinitron CRT with in built TV capabilities, similar to the ones on the PCV-T. The 17" Trinitron model came with a remote to control the TV capabilities.
Detailed specs
Processor: Pentium MMX 200/233MHz, AMD K6 400MHz on later models
Graphics: ATI RAGE 128VR 8MB / ATI 3D RAGE PRO
Chipset: ALI Aladdin V
Memory: 32MB (Standard) 256MB (Maximum) PC100 SDRAM, 2x DIMM slots
Display: 17" Trinitron CRT Monitor, 14.1" TFT LCD
Storage: 4.3GB or 8.4GB IDE HDD
Weight: 7.5 kg
Original OS: Microsoft Windows 95
MSRP: 200, 250, 400k yen
Audio: SoundBlaster Pro, Built in mono speaker, Sony Control A1 (MDS-PC),
Daily usage today
The PCV-M is a novelty item. It will be okay for some old games (depends on graphics card) and word processing. Obviously they will work fine for any task that was an applicable use back in the late 90s. For example, browsing the old web will work, but keep in mind that only old static HTML pages will work, anything remotely modern will not work.
They can be found every once in a while on Yahoo! Auctions Japan or Mercari Japan. You will need a Japanese proxy service for this though.
Resources
Recovery Disks unknown.
Drivers unknown.
Disassembly guide unknown.