Benchmark: Sony VAIO PCG-C1XS PictureBook Laptop Computer (page 2)

BYO Editing Software

There are a few shortcomings inherent to the VAIO PictureBook. To start with, Sony doesn't ship the unit with any "real" editing software. The program Sony included, DVGate Assemble, won't allow you to do anything more than trim and change the order of the clips that you've captured with the DVGate Motion capture utility. We would have liked them to have at least included Adobe Premiere LE (limited edition) to allow you to add transition effects, titles and audio editing capabilities. To really use the PictureBook to edit video, you'll need to install your own video editing software.
This leads us to another shortcoming. The unit does not have a built-in CD-ROM drive. This was likely a decision made by Sony to keep the unit as small as possible. The lack of a CD-ROM makes installing software a bit of a hassle. To install your editing software, for instance, you would need to acquire an external CD-ROM drive. Sony sells the PCGA-CD51 ($299) as an accessory for the PowerBook. Having to purchase the external CD-ROM drive isn't the end of the world, but it is an added expense that potential buyers should take note of nonetheless. Capturing music from a CD, something that video editors do often, poses the same problem. You'll need that CD-ROM drive.
Fortunately, the machine has more than enough power to run the full versions of popular video editing software packages, such as Adobe Premiere ($579) or Ulead MediaStudio Pro ($595).
The VAIO PCG-C1XS is a small but powerful video editing laptop. It features a built-in i.LINK port, the DVGate Motion capture utility and it is powerful enough to run your favorite editing software. The 400MHz processor keeps this machine running fast. If you're looking for a featherweight DV editing station with the power of a desktop editor for around $3,000, the VAIO PCG-C1XS will deliver.

TECH SPECS

Sony VAIO PCG-C1XS

PictureBook Laptop Computer
Processor Mobile Pentium II 400MHz
RAM 64MB SDRAM (expandable to 128MB)
OS Windows 98
Drives 12GB Hard Drive, USB floppy
Monitor 8.9-inch XWIDE Active Matrix XGA TFT (1024x480)
Sound 16-bit CD quality
Capture Card integrated i.LINK
Video Card 128-bit with 2.5MB RAM
A/V Inputs and Outputs i.LINK, USB, mike in, headphone
Other Inputs and Outputs VGA, phone line, PCMIA
Included Accessories built-in 1/6-inch CCD 410,000 pixel still and video camera (320x240 30fps or 640x480 15fps), Infrared 4Mbps, 1.1Mbps, 115kbps IrDa standard, 56kbps modem, built-in microphone and speakers, AC adapter

TEST RESULTS

Strengths