PCV-W
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Overview
The Sony VAIO PCV-W is a series of all-in-one desktop computer released by Sony from 2002 to 2004. Being the first all-in-one desktop model of the VAIO family, the PCV-W is designed around the concept of "a more personal VAIO for home users". It is aimed at home users who want a space-saving computer, yet needing power to consume media content such as television and CD/DVD playback. Therefore, the machine has built-in TV receiver/recorder, DVD drive and even a NetMD drive on select models (as shown here) for media consumption.
In order to save space and make the machine as compact as possible, the keyboard is integrated into the machine by hinges, just like laptops do. This is a distinct design feature of Sony, which was retained until the discontinuation of VGC-LJ lineup in 2009. When the keyboard is closed, the upper part of the display is still visible, and the Motion Clock application will turn the machine into a beautiful desktop clock when in standby mode, while the user can also play CD tracks through the application. When the user needs to use the machine, simply open the keyboard. Later models (PCV-W5xx and W7xx) even has two set of hinges at the keyboard assembly, such that the user can use the whole screen while having the keyboard half-folded, accessing the media control buttons for enjoying DVD content.
Detailed Specs
Processor: Celeron (Coppermine) (PCV-W101), Celeron (Willamette/Northwood), Pentium 4 (Willamette/Northwood)
Graphics: Integrated SiS/VIA graphics
Chipset: VIA ProSavage PN133T (PCV-W101), SiS 650/651 (other models)
Memory: 256MB (Standard), 512MB-1GB (Maximum), SDRAM (PCV-W101) or DDR (other models)
Display: 15.3 inch (PCV-W1xx) or 17.5 inch (PCV-W5xx/W7xx) widescreen LCD, all at 1280x768 pixels
Storage: 40-160GB IDE HDD depending on models
OS: Windows XP Home Edition
Weight: 9.5kg (PCV-W101) to 13.5kg (PCV-W702B)
MSRP: unknown
Daily Usage Today
The Sony VAIO PCV-W is limited to very lightweight tasks nowadays, such as word processing, playback of old DVD-Video or CD discs and playing retro games. As the machine is designed for home media consumption, it has quite extensive connectivity such as i.LINK (FireWire 400), RCA/S-Video input, PCMCIA expansion slots and even DVD-RW drive in some models, therefore it could be a good bridge machine between various retro appliances like home consoles or DV recorder. For the models with MD drive, the machine is a good candidate for MD playback and write. The PCV-W is also a good CD player considering its design, capability and a set of exceptional speakers.
Resources
PCV-W120(L) Recovery CD (on Archive.org)
Credits
Article by ASCII.jp on the release of PCV-W series
Article by ASCII.jp about the PCV-W101
Article by PC Watch on the release of PCV-W111, W121 and W500