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Paul Huang · Jul 14, 2002, 10:08 PM

OK, there has got to be a first. Sony is the first company to pack a DVD-R drive in a notebook computer. This beast has a 16.1" 1600x1200 screen and the power supply BRICK (really a brick) weighs 24 ounces (1.5 pounds). The computer is easily 8.5 pounds.

Is it enticing? You be the judge. The URL below is in Japanese.

<a href="http://www.jp.sonystyle.com/Style-a/Catalog/02su/Grx91gp/feat3.html" target="_blank">http://www.jp.sonystyle.com/Style-a/Catalog/02su/Grx91gp/feat3.html</a>

Q27 · Jul 14, 2002, 10:54 PM

I just find this a little bit odd. Why would Sony put a DVD-R/DVD-RW drive in their machine when they are trying to push their format to the top, DVD+R/DVD+RW. Unless it is just a typographical error. But isn't the purpose of a notebook computer, to be portable? The screens just keep on getting bigger and bigger.

cmoney · Jul 15, 2002, 12:48 AM

<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by Q27:
I just find this a little bit odd. Why would Sony put a DVD-R/DVD-RW drive in their machine when they are trying to push their format to the top, DVD+R/DVD+RW. Unless it is just a typographical error. But isn't the purpose of a notebook computer, to be portable? The screens just keep on getting bigger and bigger.<hr /></blockquote>Heheh, that computer is indeed huge. I think you'd have to carry a portfolio case around or maybe a small suitcase would do. :-)

Anyway, maybe DVD-R/RW is the only drive available in that size right now.

seanyepez · Jul 15, 2002, 02:29 AM

The drive isn't necessarily bigger than comparable notebook DVD-ROM or CD-RW drives. It's truly a standard-sized DVD-writing drive. Most OEM components are all the same size and interchangeable.

It uses the same chassis as the GRX-series VAIO's here. Sony really did find a DVD writer that fit in a notebook... <img border="0" alt="[Skeptical]" title="" src="graemlins/bugeye.gif" />

I have a feeling Apple's going to follow suit very soon.

tooki · Jul 15, 2002, 06:10 PM

Sony probably didn't have to look, they probably just built it themselves!

tooki

seanyepez · Jul 15, 2002, 08:38 PM

<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by tooki:
Sony probably didn't have to look, they probably just built it themselves!

tooki<hr /></blockquote>I don't think they'd venture into a new market (portable optical drives) just to incorporate DVD-writing drives into their notebooks... <img border="0" alt="[Skeptical]" title="" src="graemlins/bugeye.gif" />

nana2 · Jul 18, 2002, 09:59 AM

AFAIK SOny already make several portable external optical drives (CD-RW, combo, etc). They also manufacturer several internal notebook optical drives.

haunebu · Jul 18, 2002, 04:53 PM

<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by Paul Huang:
 The computer is easily 8.5 pounds.

Is it enticing? You be the judge. The URL below is in Japanese.

<a href="http://www.jp.sonystyle.com/Style-a/Catalog/02su/Grx91gp/feat3.html" target="_blank">http://www.jp.sonystyle.com/Style-a/Catalog/02su/Grx91gp/feat3.html</a><hr /></blockquote>Nope, it's 3.6Kg, or 7.9 pounds. And after Apple's .Mac fiasco, it sure is looking enticing. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Frown]" src="frown.gif" />