Digital Trends

Sony VAIO C1MW PictureBook March 11th, 2003 | by Benj Mauck

Introduction

In case you still think the PDA & notebook are still distinguishable, guess again.  Sony's new VAIO C1MW PictureBook Series Notebook blurs the boundaries of both form factors and offers a solution to impress your family, friends, and colleagues.  But at a cost of about $2000, can it really compete?  Read on to find out...

Features

Two very notable features set this Sony Picturebook apart from competition; first and foremost — its petite proportions.  The form factor is halfway between a PDA and a notebook; yet with nearly all the features of a full size notebook.  Unfortunately it is not quite small enough to fit in your pocket, yet not quite big enough to have a full size keyboard and screen.  This might leave some people wondering if there is really a need for such a crossover vehicle in the electronic realm — something we have also been pondering.  The half-height LCD (1280x600) and slightly compressed keyboard probably will eliminate the device from many business, home, and gaming markets.  Yet there are certainly some benefits — especially when computing on the bus, train, or plane in coach class — where even a laptop can seem bulky.  The intermediate size would also allow lugging around only a small backpack or large purse.  Wearing it on the hip or in the pocket will unfortunately not quite work as well as a PDA. But at only 2.2 lbs, the extra weight is nearly inconsequential if you are already using a briefcase or backpack.

Size is not the only identifying attribute of this VAIO.  The built in Motion eye camera is really the most intriguing part of the design — and probably the selling feature.  The camera is built in on top of the screen and can flip to point to or away from the driver.  The software loads at the push of the capture button and live video begins showing up within seconds.  JPEG shots or MPEG2 video can then be recorded and replayed quite easily.  With the included 30 Gigabyte hard drive a quick calculation shows that about 10 hours of streaming video and audio can be recorded at a time before running out of room.  The possibilities with this are actually quite interesting.  The immediate application that comes to mind would be recording business meetings or lectures at school.  Because the camera lens is extremely small and can flip toward the front of the room, it is far more inconspicuous than to manipulating a video camera or even a tape recorder in class.  In fact it is doubtful that that it would be recognized for anything but a PDA or calculator in school.  The video quality is fairly impressive, though the resolution is only 640x480.  Playback may drop a few frames if other applications are going — but will look smooth after burning it on CD and playing it when you get home on your desktop.  No need to be stationary while recording, but do not expect all the features of a camcorder either.  Video editing software is included to allow for some decent home video creation immediately after recording.