Sony's iMac-like Vaio VGC-LS1 announced, reviewed

Back in our former lives as sales drones for the big box retailers, we used to cram all our computing gear onto the coffee table, because, well, we couldn't afford a proper desk. We sure wish Sony had been around back then with its all-in-one Vaio VGC-LS1 Media Center desktop, which like the latest generation of iMacs, packs all of the PC components neatly in and around a flat-panel LCD. First appearing in Japan several months ago, the LS1 will finally make it stateside come September, and PC Mag finds the Core Duo-equipped multimedia powerhouse to be a worthy adversary for similar machines from Apple (a wireless keyboard and mouse come standard here) and especially Gateway (its horribly-designed Profile 6 isn't even fit for public display). The LS1 improves upon Sony's previous all-in-one offering, the VA11G, by getting rid of the hardware at the base of the display as well adding ExpressCard and SD slots -- though you still have to deal with an unsightly appendage in the form of a tethered USB IR receiver dongle. The built in TV tuner, dual-layer DVD burner, and 250GB hard drive make this model sound perfect for college students or as a bedroom PC, but the main drawback lies in its lack of HD support: not only is it missing a Blu-ray drive, you're not getting a single HDMI, DVI, or component input for filling that 19-inch, 1,680 x 1,050 screen with high definition goodness. Overall, though, the $2,100 machine comes across as a pretty capable performer with an eye-catching design and only a few, mostly minor drawbacks -- meaning that we would have been proud to give it a home in our dingy little studio apartment.

Read- LS1 announcement
Read- PCMag review

[EdZ @ Aug 22nd 2006 12:17PM]

It's a bit unfair to call it iMac-like, seeing as there were pleanty of all-in-one computers before the iMac.

[RP @ Aug 22nd 2006 12:18PM]

what's up with the keyboard and mouse? the mouse just looks horrible.

also, that image is pretty low quality. you guys should've chosen a better one :D

http://common.ziffdavisinternet.com/util_get_image/13/0,1425,sz=1&i=137083,00.jpg

[chris @ Aug 22nd 2006 12:23PM]

Kind of unfair too as its nowhere near the visual style of an iMac. Sorry, this just looks like another sad attempt to emulate the iMac's success. The specs aren't terrible but they aren't THAT good for the price either.

[Jervis @ Aug 22nd 2006 12:24PM]

This picture doesnt do it justice. Saw this one in person at a Sony showroom, this thing made the iMac look cheap. It's hands down the best computer design to date! Wish I can install OS X though

[LukeA @ Aug 22nd 2006 12:24PM]

Whynot just get an iMac? They cost less and still have all the same features as this.

[Stephen P. @ Aug 22nd 2006 12:36PM]

Other than the tv tuner, its not marginally better than the imac. I'd have to say the imac is still a bit more appealing, but thats my opinion. Seeing how I'm gonna be looking for an all in one next summer as i head off for college, I think I'd still pick the imac right now considering its like 800 dollars cheaper than this.

[par @ Aug 22nd 2006 12:39PM]

It seems as if the designer has fallen into a coma for the last 15 years and woke up to design this before anyone told him that sharp corners aren't hip anymore.

[Raaaaaah! @ Aug 22nd 2006 12:41PM]

lol too bad it still runs on Windows.

[dixiedix @ Aug 22nd 2006 12:57PM]

The tethered IR receiver represents the problem with Sony's products when compared to Apple's: compromise. Apple would never have such a half-baked solution as a wireless keyboard....that has er...a wire.

[Christy @ Aug 22nd 2006 1:09PM]

Geez, you Apple fanboys are defensive! Relax!

I happen to think that this design exceeds the iMac's. But i agree that the price is a little too much for the value. Plus, i never really like Sony's software.

[5ftassassin @ Aug 22nd 2006 1:57PM]

Way to miss-lead the public, you found the worst picture possible on the site. The 20" I-Mac is pretty much the same price after you add 2gb of ram. If it's ripping off the design of something it would be Sony's XBR 2 LCD not an I-Mac.

Sony Style has more pics if you click on the more pics link.
http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_DisplayProductInformation-Start?CategoryName=cpu_lsseriesdesktops&ProductSKU=VGCLS1&TabName=specs&var2=

[glacia00 @ Aug 22nd 2006 2:10PM]

Wow, did engadget ever set the tone of the posts by calling it 'imac-like'.

We all know that 4-5% of computer buyers love the Mac design but it's all opinion and personal preference isn't it? Weird comments like, "sharp corners aren't hip anymore" really crack me up.

It's as unlikely I will buy this as an Imac (all in one's are a bad idea from an engineering standpoint) but I much prefer this to the look of an Imac. The shiny white plastic look has never appealed to me. And thinking about it the rounded corners look a bit dated to me. That will be hard for some fans of Apple products to believe but Mac doesn't appeal to everyone. It reminds me of the mod design look of the 50s which is fine if you like it.

http://www.predicta.com/index.shtml

[Zac @ Aug 22nd 2006 2:19PM]

It is entirely fair to call it iMac-like. The computer has specs that are nearly identical to a 20" iMac (Core Duo, 250GB HDD, Dual-Layer DVD-RW, remote, wireless keyboard and mouse, built-in web cam, 802.11g . . . need I go on?) all built into the display with just 2" of clearance. The visual style of machine is different than the iMacs (and I will admit, it is a very pretty machine) but the idea of the whole thing is clearly iMac inspired.

That said, I think we can put the final nail in the "Macs are over-priced" myth here. Over $400 for another gig and a half of RAM and a TV tuner. At worst the iMac is an equal value, but I'd say unless Sony cuts off hundred or two from the price, the iMac is a better buy (purely considering hardware).

[Excuse me for my terrible grammar @ Aug 22nd 2006 2:22PM]

iMac 20" hs only $1999 which is $100 less than Vaio VGC-LS1 with 2GB RAM.

iMac got better RAM which is 633Mhz while Vaio is only 533 Mhz, and one inch more large monitor.

And yes, iMac can running both Windows and Mac Os X. lol

[pbuddy @ Aug 22nd 2006 2:55PM]

It's not fair to call this thing "APPLE LIKE" it looks nothing like the apple. This design is way better! Look at this website and play around and you know what I mean! I know that apples design is one of the best, but knowing sony, what they create is timeless. The use of glass of this thing make you stare at it for a long time. Too bad they didn't release the 15.4 inch model in the states. THat one lets you put a laptop battery in the back and take it around like in the video. Watch it!
http://www.vaio.sony.co.jp/Products/Concept/Vision/

[Alex @ Aug 22nd 2006 3:00PM]

I'm a Mac user, but I'm not trying to defend Apple. To me LS1 does look better than iMac. But LS1 definitely has its downside.

On top of everything others have mentioned above, I've noticed 2 things:

Despite the significantly more expensive price, iMac uses Radeon X1600, while Sony's LS1 uses Intel's GMA 950...

You also can't customize LS1 at all for the time being.

[pbuddy @ Aug 22nd 2006 3:10PM]

In continuation to the link to my comment, Don't forget to look at the different CHANNELS about the L, there's different videos among other things to give you a good view. I especially like the girl drawing on the glass!
http://www.vaio.sony.co.jp/Products/Concept/Vision/

[pbuddy @ Aug 22nd 2006 3:17PM]

OH sorry for posting again! but there is an interview for ESQUIRE mag. with one of the designers of the L. It all in japanese but you get a good view of the L live! look for it in the Channels!

[Rockstar @ Aug 22nd 2006 3:23PM]

@par.. it's not sharp btw.. it has a rounded corner. beside I can't imagine my dell ultrasharp has that iMac's curvy.. yay..

[djsyndrome @ Aug 22nd 2006 3:54PM]

"I happen to think that this design exceeds the iMac's. "

I would love to see what you drive. '86 Cavalier?

[Raider @ Aug 22nd 2006 4:27PM]

"It's a bit unfair to call it iMac-like, seeing as there were pleanty of all-in-one computers before the iMac."

Yeah, plenty of all-in-one computers, including the Apple II, which was the very first personal all-in-one computer. ZZZzzzzzZZZZZZzzzZZ

[Raider @ Aug 22nd 2006 4:39PM]

Hmmmm... the keyboard is better, definitely the mouse is better. But from the side it looks like a busted PlayStation 2. The actual front of the machine "looks" good, but as a whole it is made from cheaper materials. I guess you take whatever you can to get rid of the chin.... but you are trading a real GPU for an integrated one. It might as well be a monitor with an Mac mini strapped to the back. Oh wait it does have a TV tuner, that is good. But wait again, most of Sony's monitors are garbage...

[Zac @ Aug 22nd 2006 7:55PM]

Oh wow, I didn't realize this thing used an intergrated graphics chip and had slower RAM. At 1,699 the 20" iMac is definitely a way better value. I am surprised Sony is charging so much for this thing. It looks nice, but if Apple can sell the 20" iMac for so little then they should be able to bring the price way lower.

[modish @ Aug 22nd 2006 9:39PM]

I love Apple, I use a Mac, but apple fanboys makes me ashame of admitting it. They think they know design because they use a beautifully designed Mac. You ppl shoul realize that there is a whole world out there other than Apple, explore it rather than being so freaking defensive about how your Mac is better than anything else! Then again, I suspect these ppl who's defending Apple are switchers who don't know what they're talking about.

[keith waddington @ Aug 22nd 2006 11:03PM]

I live in Japan and I've seen these things in person. They are ok but the screens are very glossy and, to be honest, the design is ho-hum. The mouse feels like it should cost 99 cents from a dollar store.

They are also overpriced and are being promoted heavily by Sony. They will sell well here because Computers in Japan are now basically small TVs with Windows lurking in the background. And that's what this is, after all.

It's funny to see people realise that Macs are good value when compared to Brand name models, instead of all those bottom of the barrel Dell comparisons we usually have to hear!

cheers

waddo
http://www.waddo.net/

[exorcize @ Aug 23rd 2006 12:00AM]

I have seem the L series in person when it first came out in japan, very eye catching at first sight but after looking it closely, there are too many details, lines, and they tried to have the expensive look with low grade material. iMac defintely look better in my opinion. Still the best looking desktop Window based PC I have yet seem though!

[kyle allen @ Aug 23rd 2006 2:21AM]

i don't like eiter this or the imac. theres no point to them. there like laptops that arent portible, sure you can hand them on your wall or whatever, but couldent you do that with a tablet?

[myscrnnm @ Aug 23rd 2006 2:23AM]

iMac-like?! Sony had stuff like this so long before the iMac G5 it's not even funny.