View Full Version : Sony PCV-W20 Review
Checkout our latest review of the Sony PCV-W20 (http://reviews.designtechnica.com/review53.html)A cross between a laptop and a desktop computer, the PCV-W20 proves that great things do come in small packages.
Cloud
04-14-2003, 10:09 AM
Whoa, I didn't even know that Sony makes a system like this. I am REALLY digging the design and the flip up keyboard. Anyone else try this system out?
vladmin
04-14-2003, 12:05 PM
I think it definately looks cool and sony has always had a knack for making things look cool. But I think that it's completely impractical from a serious computing standpoint. Things that I value most are system flexebility and scalablity which the W20 does not offer. If i'm going to dump money on a new system I want the security of knowing I can serioulsy hook it up, and not work around it's limited expansion cabability. If say I tripled my salary or won the lottery or something I would definately get one fot the kitcheonette area in my new lower east side loft apt. once I finished scooping up all the designer furniture I wanted :) . I never got into the all-in-one computer packaging scheme. From a strictly aesthetic point (IMHO) a keyboard, LCD monitor, and mouse with the box hidden somewhere looks much more pleasing than the W20 or an imac.
RageSlave
04-14-2003, 08:00 PM
This is an excellent review man! Good work!
Ioman
04-14-2003, 10:57 PM
I really enjoyed reviewing this system. I know that a lot of computer users that put a lot of time on their system may not find a system like the PCV-W20 the most practical. What is nice about it is that it can be used as a family tool in a sense. We had the PCV-W20 setup in our kitchen desk area and connected to the network via wireless connectivity. What is nice about it is that the keyboard folds up leaving a very small footprint for the system. The clock is large and easy to read and is very practical. When someone wants to pay bills online, look for a recipe, check the local weather or world news, the W20 system is right there and ready to go.
It is a lifestyle computer, not a hardcore gaming system. It is my belief that it is more suited to casual use than heavy use. Say a friend comes over with a digital camera and wants to show everyone what they took, just plug it into the PCV-W20 and you are all set. I think that the system really sells itself, while the "idea" of what it is trying to accomplish doesn't as well. It can be very practical if used as an "appliance" in the home.
BadEthics
04-24-2003, 09:19 AM
I enjoyed reading it. The two people who wrote it did a good job.
Archon
04-27-2003, 04:16 PM
it does look sexy, however, I would say, different from Ioman, that I am a hardcore gamer, so this wouldnt suit me well. Secondly, for anyone who would need something like this, $1599 is a lot of spare change to just throw around.
llbbl
04-28-2003, 01:25 PM
Ioman did a good job updating the article and combining the original material that I had written for the W-10.
It's too bad they don't have expansion slots. I'm a hardcore gamer and this would be perfect for LAN parties. My friends and I have always talked about mounting an LCD on a case for ease of transport. That onboard video card is horrible though.
Ioman
05-01-2003, 10:30 AM
Originally posted by tdub
It's too bad they don't have expansion slots. I'm a hardcore gamer and this would be perfect for LAN parties. My friends and I have always talked about mounting an LCD on a case for ease of transport. That onboard video card is horrible though.
Even if it had an upgradeable card, I think it would be bad for gaming. With the keyboard attached the way it is, there is little manueverability. I like to use the arrow keys when gaming so my keyboard is usually at an angle. It would be better if the ketboard was detached.
arrow keys? gaming? i don't understand :-p
Unregistered
07-12-2003, 02:02 AM
It's a great computer, aesthetically as pleasing as any PC out there; however, the keyboard is it's Achille's Heel...my son spilled grape juice on the keys today, and the keyboard no longer works...
sonyman
07-12-2003, 07:11 AM
Originally posted by Unregistered
It's a great computer, aesthetically as pleasing as any PC out there; however, the keyboard is it's Achille's Heel...my son spilled grape juice on the keys today, and the keyboard no longer works...
Just curious, and I know this is a stupid question but....
How well does any keyboard stand up against grape juice?
nedlyj
07-12-2003, 07:55 AM
Originally posted by sonyman
Just curious, and I know this is a stupid question but....
How well does any keyboard stand up against grape juice?
I agree. I don't think this can be considered its "achilles heel". Unless you have a membrane keyboard surface, all of them are susceptible to spills.
-n
Ioman
07-12-2003, 10:54 AM
Originally posted by nedlyj
I agree. I don't think this can be considered its "achilles heel". Unless you have a membrane keyboard surface, all of them are susceptible to spills.
-n
Well the archilles heel is the fact that the keyboard is attached to the computer! There is no way (that I know of) to replace the keybaord seperately.
Unregistered
07-12-2003, 12:47 PM
Is the keyboard the achilles heel or is the grape juice? It appears grape juice might be the spoiler or achilles heel. To go one step farther, maybe it was the child that was the achilles heel. In short, the keyboard did cause the accident. The keyboard was the victim.
Unregistered
08-06-2003, 09:03 PM
Yes, but in a normal computer, spilled grape juice results in the purchase of a new keyboard, $10-40 depending on your taste. With this thing, the spilled grape juice takes it completely out of comission until it's replaced (don't know if you can hook up a USB keyboard, haven't tried). This post has made me a little more careful around mine ;>
Having said that, I got one of these for the apartment (my work gives me a decent laptop, but I don't always want to bring it home)-- it takes up no space, and causes no cord clutter. It's not a hardcore gaming machine, and was never intended to be. It can't be modded, upgraded (much), or turned into the computer equivalent of a pan-galactic gargleblaster. It was designed to be a functional machine with a gorgeous screen that takes up minimal space and is very attractive to look at-- and it is a complete success in these.
Ioman
08-06-2003, 10:10 PM
Originally posted by Unregistered
Yes, but in a normal computer, spilled grape juice results in the purchase of a new keyboard, $10-40 depending on your taste. With this thing, the spilled grape juice takes it completely out of comission until it's replaced (don't know if you can hook up a USB keyboard, haven't tried). This post has made me a little more careful around mine ;>
Having said that, I got one of these for the apartment (my work gives me a decent laptop, but I don't always want to bring it home)-- it takes up no space, and causes no cord clutter. It's not a hardcore gaming machine, and was never intended to be. It can't be modded, upgraded (much), or turned into the computer equivalent of a pan-galactic gargleblaster. It was designed to be a functional machine with a gorgeous screen that takes up minimal space and is very attractive to look at-- and it is a complete success in these.
I think you hit the nail on the head. You are exactly the type of person Sony is targeting with this system. I have an Apple Imac my wife and I use downstairs in the kitchen, the PCV-W20 would be a great substitute as well. The attached keyboard would worry me too, it would be great if Sony included a splash proof keyboard.
By the way, please register so we can chat some more friend.
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