The PCV-W10 is not built to satisfy the true power user. Although it does feature an impressive 512 MB of fast PC-2100 DDR RAM (expandable to 1 full GB) and a large 60 GB hard drive, the unit is constrained somewhat by a serviceable but far from state-of-the-art 1.6 GHz Intel Celeron processor and a 32 MB SiS 650 integrated graphics chip. Well suited to most home and home office use, Internet surfing, light gaming, and many basic business-related tasks, the PCV-W10 is nevertheless not ideal for high-end, graphics-based rendering applications or the latest crop of 3-D games.

It is, however, ready to satisfy fans of multimedia entertainment. Included inside the PCV-W10 is a combination CD-R/CD-RW/DVD drive through which you can burn and play music compilations and enjoy the latest Hollywood blockbusters. Movie buffs in particular will appreciate the system’s 15.3-inch LCD viewing screen for its DVD-friendly 16:9 wide aspect ratio. Music aficionados can play their CDs through the integrated stereo speakers even when the unit is closed.

Sony has enhanced the PCV-W10 with a variety of welcome amenities, including a V.90 data/fax modem, a 10Base-T/100Base-TX Fast Ethernet interface, a Sony Vaio keyboard and hassle-free optical mouse, three lightning-quick USB 2.0 ports for the new breed of plug-and-play peripherals, and a high-speed IEEE 1394 interface for outboard devices such as DV camcorders. Pre-installed software includes Microsoft’s Windows XP operating system, Corel WordPerfect Office 2002, and a broad range of Internet, multimedia, and antivirus and recovery software.