Smaller Just Got Better: Sony Brings Brilliant Video to Its Tiniest Notebook PC

Business Wire, Oct 15, 2001

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 15, 2001

Popular VAIO PictureBook Line Offers New Model with Latest

High-Performance Crusoe Processor, Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition

and DVD-Quality Video

Like the jewel of the Nile -- rare, brilliant and highly sought after, Sony's new VAIO(R) C1MV PictureBook(R) notebook PC proves that even the smallest computers can deliver the highest quality multimedia features. Announced today, the latest PictureBook PC will dazzle business users and hobbyists with quality video-capturing capabilities and the newest energy-saving Transmeta 5800-series Crusoe(TM) processor.

"Sony has taken the new PictureBook model to the next level," said Mark Hanson, vice president and general manager of VAIO PC marketing. "This PC gem not only offers users the best entertainment experience they can find, but also a powerful notebook PC suited for the business environment. In fact, this new model is so stunning and feature-rich, it may redefine the word PC to mean 'powerfully chic.'"

One-inch thin and weighing a mere 2.2 pounds, the C1MV PC has a 20 GB hard drive and the latest 733 MHz Crusoe 5800-series processor, allowing the system to run more efficiently while still maintaining a high level and length of performance. Arriving on store shelves in mid-November, the C1MV PC wrapped in a cool new outer casing will retail for around $1,900.

Mobility and Convergence Capabilities -- With a Convenient Port Replicator

For easier and faster connectivity, the PictureBook PC comes bundled with a light-weight, external port replicator, benefiting users with multimedia ports for digital video transfer and creation and a 10/100 Ethernet port for rapid connectivity to office networks and broadband for the home. Business users now can simply remove their PC from the port replicator leaving unnecessary cables at their desks or bring the replicator with them for enhanced connectivity while working remotely.

The C1MV PC is also equipped with a V.90 modem, i.LINK(R) (IEEE 1394) interface and MagicGate(TM) Memory Stick(R) media slot for even more remote networking and connectivity capabilities. To ensure maximum mobility for professionals, an optional quad-capacity lithium-ion battery affording up to 15 hours of untethered power is available.

DVD-Quality Video and Clear Graphics

The new PictureBook PC offers multimedia innovation for creative users with a built-in, progressive scan camera for one-button capture of digital still and video images on a PC. Together, exclusive VAIO software and the Microsoft(R) Windows(R) XP Home Edition combine to offer advanced audio and video capabilities and one place to download, create, edit, store and share digital content simply and with fewer steps.

With MPEG1, MPEG2, MPEG4 and JPEG support, the PictureBook PC gives users a DVD-quality viewing experience on a 1280 x 600 screen -- the clearest pictures and best resolution available for its size. Plus, the C1MV PC houses a built-in real-time MPEG2 encoder and decoder so consumers, using an external video source or built-in digital camera, can easily convert files to MPEG2 and enjoy high-quality video playback.

Blueprinted to unleash the imagination, the new PictureBook PC also hosts a radiant selection of digital video editing software, including Sony's MovieShaker(TM), PictureGear(TM), Smart Capture Preview and DVgate(TM) software, plus an i.LINK interface to support high-speed digital video and audio data transfer. With these features, users have limitless ways to express their creativity -- in multimedia business presentations, home movies, or video e-mails.

     Key Specifications, VAIO PCG-CIMV PictureBook PC, Fall 2001:

                               PCG-C1MV

CPU                       Crusoe(TM) processor TM5800 733 MHz(note 1)

LCD Display               8.95" UWSXGA (1280 x 600) TFT screen with
                          XWIDE(TM) polysilicon display technology

Operating System          Microsoft(R) Windows(R) XP Home Edition

Dimensions                1" x  9.8" x 6.0" (H x W x D)
                          2.2 lbs. (with standard battery)

Interfaces                VGA output, USB, i.LINK (R) (IEEE1394) S400
                          interface(note 4), RJ-11 phone jack, audio
                          in, headphone output, Port Replicator,
                          MagicGate(TM) Memory Stick(R) interface

Standard RAM              128 MB DDR SDRAM (exp. to 256 MB)

Hard Disk                 20.0 GB(note 2) fixed

Software Applications     Adobe Acrobat(R) Reader(TM)
                          Sony DigitalPrint
                          Adobe PhotoShop Elements(R)
                          Sony DVgate(TM)
                          Smart Capture Premium
                          Sony MovieShaker(TM)
                          Microsoft(R) Word 2002
                          Sony PictureGear(TM)
                          PC-Cillin(R) 2000
                          Sony VisualFlow(TM)
                          Quicken(R) 2002
                          VAIO(R) Support Agent
                          QuickTime(TM)
                          WinDVD(TM) 3.1
                          RealNetworks(R) Real Entertainment
                          Suite

Battery                   Lithium-ion battery(note 3) 2.0-4.0 hours
                          with standard battery 4.5-8.0 hours with
                          optional double-capacity battery 8.5-15.5
                          hours with optional quad-capacity battery

Digital Video             MPEG1, MPEG2, MPEG4 and JPEG support
                          MPEG2 encoder and decoder
                          ATI MOBILITY(TM) RADEON(TM) -M graphics chip
                          8 MB SDRAM

Digital Audio             Hardware MIDI
                          Built-in stereo speakers
Modem                     Integrated V.90 modem

Port Replicator
(Bundled)                 USB(1), RJ-45 Ethernet, VGA output, AV out,
                          AV in

Additional Features       Supports one type II card; CardBus support

Optional Accessories/
Estimated Prices          --  External 8X max. DVD-ROM drive
                              (PCGA-DVD51/A) $400

                          --  External 8X4X24X max. CD-RW drive
                              (PCGA-CDRW52) $500

                          --  Additional external 24X CD-ROM drive
                              (PCGA-CD51/A) $250

                          --  Additional lithium-ion battery
                              (PCGA-BP2S) $150

                          --  Double-capacity lithium-ion battery
                              (PCGA-BP4S) $500

                          --  Carrying case (PCGA-CCB or PCGA-CCR5)
                              $50

                          --  USB mouse (PCGA-UMS1/A) $50

                          --  USB floppy drive (PCGA-UFD5) $80

Availability              November 2001

Estimated Price           PCG-C1MV: $1,899