PCV-M: Difference between revisions
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[[File:PCV-M with infrared wireless keyboard.png|alt=PCV-M with infrared wireless keyboard|thumb|412x412px|PCV-M with infrared wireless keyboard]] | |||
== 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 option that was supposed to be used with the MDS-PC1 MiniDisc deck. [[File:PCV-M300TV7.jpg|thumb|PCV-M300TV7 with MDS-PC1]] | 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 option that was supposed to be used with the MDS-PC1 deck. | ||
[[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. | |||
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]] | |||
[[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 233MHz, AMD K6 400MHz on later models | ||
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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]] | |||
'''MSRP:''' Unknown | '''MSRP:''' Unknown | ||
== Daily usage today == | == 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. | 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 | 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 == | == Resources == | ||
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== Credits == | == Credits == | ||
[https://www.sony.jp/products/Consumer/PCOM/COMPO330A/spec.html Sony] | [https://www.sony.jp/products/Consumer/PCOM/COMPO330A/spec.html Sony] | ||
[https://pc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/article/980225/m300.htm PC-Watch] | |||
Revision as of 22:22, 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 option that was supposed to be used with the MDS-PC1 deck.
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.
Detailed specs
Processor: Pentium MMX 233MHz, AMD K6 400MHz on later models
Graphics: ATI RAGE 128VR 8MB
Chipset: ALI Aladdin V
Memory: 64MB (Standard) 256MB (Maximum) PC100 SDRAM, 2x DIMM slots
Display: 17/15" 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: Unknown
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.