PCG-C2GPS
Overview
The Sony VAIO PCG-C2GPS was a subnotebook released by Sony in November 1999. It wasn't supposed to be a successor to the PCG-C1 but more of a revision, being based on the PCG-C1XE.
It was aimed at navigation and being a device that could be taken outside, due to its reflective polysilicon TFT display. This display uses external light as a light source instead of a backlight, which means that it can be seen even in direct sunlight. There was an attachable light unit that "clipped" onto the back of the unit and made the display visible in the dark.
Sony wanted the PCG-C2GPS to be used for navigation in the car and on foot and included a "Handy GPS Receiver" which had the ability to be used seperately with an AA battery or with the unit via USB power. It could record location information at regular intervals to the built-in 512KB memory by pressing the "Mark" button. It could also record location which could've been used to show where on the map you had been.
The camera from the PCG-C1 series was removed and the bottom bezel was increased in size. This laptop is slightly lighter than the PCG-C1XE, due to the thinner screen and lid and due to the removal of the camera which allowed for less moving parts on the top bezel.
Being a VAIO, this laptop also came with a plethora of Sony software, including the navigation software and many others, such as: BatteryScope, DVgate, PictureGear, etc...
The PCG-C2GPS was gray, with a purple battery and mouse buttons.
This laptop was a Japan exclusive, with only one model launched, presumably due to it having mediocre success. The starting price was around 300k Yen.
Detailed Specs
Processor: Intel Pentium II 266MHz
Graphics: NeoMagic MagicMedia256AV(NM2200)
Memory: 64MB
Storage: 8.1GB IDE HDD
Display: 8.9" Ultra Wide XGA 1024x480 reflective polysilicon TFT
OS: Windows 98 SE
Weight: 960g
Size: (W) 248 mm x (D) 153 mm x (H) 24 mm
Battery life: 2.5h (Small Battery), 5.5h (Large Battery), 11h (Extra Large Battery)
Other: PC-Card Slot, GPS reciever, External backlight, Jog Dial, i.Link port, Infrared port, Headphone and Microphone jack, 1x USB, 56kbps modem, Display adapter terminal
Daily Usage Today
Today the PCG-C2GPS is not particularly useful, apart from office tasks. Retro gaming and other tasks are almost impossible.
It is only a collector's item and there has been only one sighted auction of one.
Resources
Forum post containing PCG-C2GPS
Disassembly Guide
Downloads
There are no known PCG-C2GPS Recovery disks.
Credits
Sony