Sony unveils first AIO desktop with Blu-Ray
updated 09:35 am EDT, Mon August 27, 2007
Sony VAIO LT
Sony today became the first computer builder in the US to offer Blu-Ray in an all-in-one PC with the introduction of the VAIO LT. Larger than the Japanese L series, the 22-inch LT is large enough to be used both as a PC and for watching HD video content; an optional version now includes a Blu-Ray rewriter that can play and burn dual-layer 50GB discs. Every LT also brandishes HDTV and analog TV tuning that runs independently from the PC, allowing users to watch live video (including over CableCARD) without waiting for the PC to boot up. A VESA wall-mount kit is an option for particularly space-conscious users who need even less of a footprint in the living room or at a desk.
Although Sony did not reveal full specs for the PC's launch, it revealed that every system will include a Core 2 Duo processor, 2GB of memory, a 1.3-megapixel webcam, and 802.11n Wi-Fi. Every model also has a free slot for an easily mounting a second hard drive, eliminating one of the limits to expansion for many all-in-one systems. A stock LT15E model will ship with a DVD burner for $1,900; the top-end LT19U at $2,900 will pack the Blu-Ray drive plus a 2.2GHz Core 2 Duo, a 500GB hard drive, and a 256MB GeForce 8400M GT that can fully decode 1080p video without a significant demand on the CPU. Both variants will ship in October bundled with a media remote.
Brandishes??
08/27, 09:52am reply
It "brandishes" HDTV and analog tuning? Isn't it time to stop browsing the thesaurus for fancy words when you don't know what they actually mean?
jvoskuil
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Feb 2006
It actually looks decent.
08/27, 09:58am reply
But if it runs any version of Widnows, I'll pass (regardless of how close it copies the form factor of the new iMac). And no matter how good they look or what new tech Sony throws inside, I'd never go back to Sony. I had a VAIO many moons ago, and in fact, that unit is what made me switch to the the Mac platform in the first place. Doing a project in Publisher and it crashed, and crashed...and crashed. Sony support was a joke, and I wound up selling the Sony to a friend and buying the first edition tower G4. Sony may very well produce the second-best computer in terms of eye candy, but as long as it runs Windows....
DCW
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2007
Re: brandishes
08/27, 11:33am reply
Its the correct word. From what I gather, it literally holds the HDTV and TV tuner in its hands, swinging it wildly around. Odd design choice. Seems like an injury lawsuit waiting to happen. (Although all the lawyers are busy suing apple, so maybe they felt it was safe).
But, hey, at least its VESA capable without the need to buy some mounting kit. And wireless keyboard and mouse that look like they match the computer (still not sure how a white mouse is supposed to fit in with the new metallic imacs), and can do HDTV tuning.
testudo
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2001
This is it...
08/27, 11:45am reply
This is what I am waiting for. Once the Mac Pro has blu-ray, it's time for me to upgrade (...crosses fingers...)
surferboy
Mac Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2003
Wall-mounted PC?
08/27, 12:12pm reply
It could be a good thing to use a VESA wall-mount, but how many people really want to pull a chair up and face a wall? And if you have it on desk, is it too far way? You can't move it around. Sounds fine for a kiosk setup, but as a workstation? Can others chime in and save they love working with a PC screen mounted on a wall?
anthology123
Dedicated MacNNer
Joined: Nov 2000
Re: wall mounted
08/27, 01:58pm reply
It could be a good thing to use a VESA wall-mount, but how many people really want to pull a chair up and face a wall?
Many a person, office worker or home user, have their desks facing a wall, and, as such, already are facing in that direction.
Wall mounting has the advantage of just getting it off your desk, more room to actually push stuff aside and do non-computer related stuff. Esp. in cramped quarters (think schools, which is where people always tout the iMac as being effective, if it could be mounted).
Also, keep in mind its being treated as a combination PC/TV. Many a people wall mount their flat-screens.
But, with computers, wall mounting is less often done then, say, arm-mounting, where you can then treat the monitor just like the old iMac G4, the lampshade mac.
testudo
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2001
yay
08/27, 02:32pm reply
blueray rocks! I hope it wins over HD DVD
BelugaShark
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2007