PCG-GR: Difference between revisions
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==Overview== | ==Overview== | ||
The Sony VAIO PCG-GR Series was a high-end multimedia focused desktop replacement laptop launched by Sony in the year 2002. | The Sony VAIO PCG-GR Series was a high-end multimedia focused desktop replacement laptop launched by Sony in the year 2002. The GR Series Vaios listed with only GR in the model number, can be considered as the base versions, with no additional focus on performance, portability or multimedia. This does not mean that a standard GR is not capable of multimedia or performance. | ||
[[File:Sony Vaio PCG-GR5E-BP.jpg|alt=A Sony Vaio PCG-GR5E|thumb|375x375px|A Sony Vaio PCG-GR5E]] | [[File:Sony Vaio PCG-GR5E-BP.jpg|alt=A Sony Vaio PCG-GR5E|thumb|375x375px|A Sony Vaio PCG-GR5E]] | ||
With its size of 32.5 cm by 26.9 cm by 3.8 cm b(12.8 by 10.6 by 1.5 inches) and weight of up to 4.1 kg (9.1 pounds), it is clear that the PCG-GR was designed to be stationary. This is also complimented by the rather small battery, lasting only 90 minutes, as reported by CNET. A second battery could be installed, making the quite unportable laptop a little bit more portable. | With its size of 32.5 cm by 26.9 cm by 3.8 cm b(12.8 by 10.6 by 1.5 inches) and weight of up to 4.1 kg (9.1 pounds), it is clear that the PCG-GR was designed to be stationary. This is also complimented by the rather small battery, lasting only 90 minutes, as reported by CNET. A second battery could be installed, making the quite unportable laptop a little bit more portable. | ||
Revision as of 14:51, 1 August 2022
Overview
The Sony VAIO PCG-GR Series was a high-end multimedia focused desktop replacement laptop launched by Sony in the year 2002. The GR Series Vaios listed with only GR in the model number, can be considered as the base versions, with no additional focus on performance, portability or multimedia. This does not mean that a standard GR is not capable of multimedia or performance.
With its size of 32.5 cm by 26.9 cm by 3.8 cm b(12.8 by 10.6 by 1.5 inches) and weight of up to 4.1 kg (9.1 pounds), it is clear that the PCG-GR was designed to be stationary. This is also complimented by the rather small battery, lasting only 90 minutes, as reported by CNET. A second battery could be installed, making the quite unportable laptop a little bit more portable.
As all high-end VAIO laptops, the PCG-GR was very well built, though only out of plastic. The keyboard is good enough to type on it for hours, and the magnificent SXGA+ screen on the higher-end models were a pleasure to look at.
Thanks to its size, the GR was able to pack a lot of features such as a choice of a DVD-ROM or CD-RW/DVD-ROM, dedicated volume control keys, FireWire, S-Video and AV input, a single PC Card slot and a Memory Stick slot. The ports on the backside include a NTSC video-out, an 10/100 Ethernet port, a 56Kbps Modem, as well as microphone and headphone connectors and 3 USB 2.0 ports.
The desktop replacement was available in two choices of screen size: 14.1" or 15.1". Depending on the buyers' choice, this VAIO was shipped with an 8MB or 16MB ATI Mobility Radeon GPU. This was paired with a range of Desktop Pentium IIIs, ranging from 866MHz to 1130MHz and a choice between 128MB and 256MB DDR-SDRAM, with the possibility of upgrading to 512MB of memory. This makes the PCG-GR a pretty powerful laptop for it's time.
The PCG-GR came preinstalled with Windows 2000 Professional. Together with the OS also came a plethora of multimedia applications, including SonicStage and DVGate.
Detailed Specs
Processor: Intel Pentium III 866, 933 or 1130 MHz
Graphics: ATI Mobility Radeon 8MB or 16MB
Display: 14.1" XGA or SXGA+ TFT | 15.1" active-matrix
RAM: DDR SDRAM (upgradable up to 512MB)
Storage: 2.5" IDE
OS: Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional
Weight: 2.88 kg
Operating Humidity: 20% to 80% (not condensed), provided that humidity is less than 65% at +35°C
Daily Usage Today
Today the PCG-GR is definitely still usable, especially when paired with the newer Windows XP instead of Windows 2000. Thanks to its decent hardware, playing 3D games from around that time should be no problem. With software such as the MyPal web browser, light modern tasks should still be possible.
Resources
Sony JP VAIO PCG-GR Series Presentation Page
Sony VAIO PCG-GR Series User Manual
Sony VAIO PCG-GR Series Software Manual
Sony VAIO PCG-GR Series Service Manual
Downloads
Follow our guides to download and install drivers. Recovery discs are also available, and will be downloadable very soon.
Sources
Sony, NotebookReview and CNET
Pictures: castar.tistory.com