Category: "AV Center PC"
Price: Open Price; estimated around 350,000 yen
Release date in Japan: Middle of December, 2004
The Gist: Sharp has introduced the first desktop-based Mebius PC, though
they insist on calling it an "AV Center PC." Given the case's form factor --
it looks much more like a DVD recorder than it does desktop PC -- I tend
to agree.
There's really two parts to this new setup from Sharp: the PC and the
included screen. I'll go over each one in that order.
The PC itself, as I mentioned, looks more like a DVD recorder than it
does PC. But frankly, considering its intended application, this is a
great idea for Sharp. Audio/Video related functionality includes an
integrated TV tuner, hardware video capture, DVD recording, and enough
inputs and outputs to shake a stick at. But that's not where the
innovation in this PC lies; I believe PCs with plenty of junk integrated
and almost too many inputs and outputs already exist. Rather, the
innovation lies in Sharp's "StationAV" software. This software appears
to be similar in functionality to the launcher software that is included
with Windows XP Media Center. That being said, I'll go out on a limb and
say Sharp's software works better. To top off the AV functionality, Sharp
includes wireless keyboard and mouse, as well as a remote controller.
Furthermore, the front of the case is equipped with an LED screen that
shows track name, the time, and so forth. As far as specifications are
concerned, you'll find a 2.66GHz Celeron processor, 512MB of memory, 250GB
hard drive, and 8x multi-format DVD drive. Interestingly enough, this PC
runs not Windows XP Media Center Edition but plain Windows XP Home Edition.
If you noticed the price above, 350,000 yen probably seems quite steep
for a PC of these specifications. It may have a flashy looking case, but
in all honesty, I'm sure you could come up with a far cheaper mini-ITX
based machine on your own. But relax. Sharp has attempted to justify that
price by including a 26-inch widescreen LCD. The maximum resolution on the
screen is 1266 x 768 (TV mode) and 1360 x 768 (in PC mode). That would
provide enough resolution for 720p HDTV, if you're in to that sort of thing.
It's also got an integrated TV tuner, so if you don't feel like hooking it up
to your shiny new PC, you don't have to. Alternatively, you can combine the
TV tuner of the PC and the screen itself to allow for fun activities such
as picture-in-picture.
Sharp plans on selling just this screen for around 230,000 yen beginning in
December as well. When you subtract this from the purchase price of the
screen + PC combo, you come out with a cost of 120,000 yen for the PC alone.
Seems like a pretty good deal if you ask me. But unfortunately, Sharp hasn't
announced plans to sell just the Mebius PC-TX26GS by itself.
Yes - you are right - all 3 posts were copied. Is there anything wrong with that ? I found the articles interesting and cut and pasted them. Have you never cut and pasted anything ? I would find it amazing if you havn't. I spent quite a while searching for new information - since I like to keep up to date with new technology. It seems to me that some people on this site are just _waiting_ to stab someone in the back - if they think they havn't written something completely original ?? Why ?? - Most forums are about being friendly - not about kicking people in the goolies. If you didn't find it interesting - or had read it somewhere else - fine. But maybe others would find it interesting. I could have re-written it and "pretended" I had just returned from Japan - but I think its more honest to just cut and paste it - if I feel its of interest! I can write original stuff and have written lots of it - and you will see more in the future. OK ?
Mike
QUOTE(Dooga @ Dec 31 2004, 01:03 AM)
The technology is fine, but the post has an odd format. Why are there line breaks every so and often? Are you sure he didn't just paraphrase someone else's site?
About the technology: I thought it was already out... I mean it's a computer... you can do anything to a computer... change the designs etc. to make people think it's a new technology!
About the technology: I thought it was already out... I mean it's a computer... you can do anything to a computer... change the designs etc. to make people think it's a new technology!
Does new technology only consist of things that are not yet re-leased ? Of course you can do anything with a computer - thats why we use them. I merely included it because its got a large ( 26" LCD ) which is unusual - and would ( to me ) be new technology since I havne't seen a computer with 26 LCD before - have you?
The line breaks are because I copied it - I am beginning to see that people seem to consider this a capital offence - so in future I will make sure all my stuff is as "original" as everyone elses.
Mike
(*Note from Zenchi: Next time, please use the edit button. Also, do provide a link instead of copying and pasting the whole thing, that way you can comment on this story. Thank you.)
