Sony Bring Mobility To The All-In-One PC
0Overall Score

Windows 8 has seen a plethora of hybrid notebook-meet-tablets spawn, but there’s one company taking the mobility of Windows 8 even further. It is the previously unimaginative Sony.

Every now and then a product is introduced that is so original, so obviously ingenious that in a moment of quiet reflection you ask yourself “why didn’t I think of that?.” Sony’s Vaio Tap 20 is exactly one of those products


Click to enlarge

It’s an all in one PC that takes inspiration from the popular tablet category by featuring an in built battery and a form factor geared to mobility. The screen spans 20 inches, can recognise 10 points of touch and couples Sony’s Mobile Bravia Engine 2 with an in-built 2.1 sound system for theatrical movie viewing. With this repertoire, the 5.2kg Vaio Tap 20 appears to double as a mobile television.


The Tap 20 comes with a slew of apps aimed at entertaining the familiy

Inside is hardware common to high end all-in-ones and, although the Tap 20 can come in a variety of configurations, at the top end it’ll include an Intel Core i7 processor, 8GB of DDR3L RAM, a 1TB hard drive and Intel’s HD Graphics 4000. It comes with a wireless mouse and keyboard ensuring it remains a functional PC, just one that can be moved from room-to-room.

 

The other thing the Tap 20 is big on is connectivity. Sony envision it as a staple device in the home ecosystem with its access to Sony’s Entertainment Network and its ability to ‘throw’/stream personal photos, music and content to compatible DLNA devices. They’ve equipped it with a NFC chip and use it to eliminate the tedious task of setting up WiFi and Bluetooth as tapping a compatible device will instantly generate a connection.


Click to enlarge

 
Rich in ports, it hosts Ethernet, USB 3, USB 3 with USB charge and memory Stick Duo/SD combined slot. At the front is a 1.3MP webcam capable of high definition video recording and is powered by Sony’s Exmor for PC software.


Click to enlarge

In a way this mobile all-in-one PC has a lot more in common with a tablet than a tablet-wannabe laptop. Running Windows 8 or Windows 8 Pro, its release will coincide with the OS’ launch which is due on October 26th.