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By Craig Simms, CNET.com.au
Jan 21, 2008

Sony's desktops--sorry, Panel PCs--don't get as much fanfare as their laptops. It's small wonder as these things are gorgeous, even if they do look like an amplifier that escaped from the 1980s.

Editors' note : This review is based on tests done by our sister site CNET.com.au. As such, please note that there may be slight differences in the testing procedure and ratings system. For more information on the actual tests conducted on the product, please inquire directly at the site where the article was originally published. References made to some of other products in this review may not be available or applicable in Asia. Please check directly with your local distributor for details.

Design

Brushed aluminum and powder-coated, perforated plastic are the orders of the day, with clear plexiglass surrounding the screen. The LM18G's lot in life is clearly to be as appealing as a TV, and to hide the computer-like components--it's even wall-mountable. Small wonder then that there's no holder behind the screen to hide the keyboard or mouse.

The keyboard does feature a foldover cover, however, to hide those unsightly digit-flexing devices known as keys, which can cleverly fold out to make a wrist rest. This becomes completely useless if trying to type with the keyboard on your lap as there's no way to remove the rest, but for normal desk use it's supreme. The mouse is reasonably standard fare apart from its somewhat ovoid shape, and both are wireless. You'll waste six AA batteries here, with no charging dock in sight. At least on the keyboard there's an indication of how much charge you've left--for the mouse you'll find out when it stops working.

Volume control is also provided on the keyboard, as is screen brightness. In fact, it's obvious this is a laptop trapped inside a TV's body (and inherits the price hike with it)--the ExpressCard and PC Card slots, as well as the modem in the back prove that. An optical audio-out and microphone jack finish off the back ports, with a big silver cover included to hide these and others away and manage cables if you're the overly tidy type.

The glossy screen itself can be adjusted by the neck, which acts like a picture frame. Depending on your height, the neck can be pushed out further so the screen faces you at a comfortable angle--which is a good thing as the vertical viewing angles are rotten. You really do have to sit down to use this PC.

Features

If it's on a laptop, it's on the LM18G. A card reader offers Memory Stick Pro and SD compatibility, a headphone jack is present, as is wireless networking, a slightly more generous five USB ports, a 1.3-megapixel Webcam, Gigabit Ethernet and FireWire. Amusingly there's even a wireless LAN on and off switch--a feature usually reserved for laptops to save power--but this thing can't be disconnected from the wall or its hernia-inducing power brick. The power button sits inconviently on the top right behind the clear bezel, while another next to it allows you to turn the screen on or off, to avoid slow boot times and also save power.

There's also an A/V input port for older cameras and S-video in, so the unit can be used to show or capture video from older video cameras. These are built into the hybrid TV tuner, which unfortunately isn't dual, so you can't record a show while watching another. A remote is bundled, but is infrared--so this is line-of-sight action only.

In terms of other accessories, a 12cm to 8cm disc adapter is included, so the smaller discs won't get lost in the slot-load drive--and that, folks, is it.

Performance

We didn't expect a massive amount of grunt out of the Panel PC, and we were right, scoring a wheezing 1,942 in 3DMark06, and a not-too-bad 4,803 in PCMark05. Then again, it really doesn't need more than this, and it could be argued that it's even a little overpowered for its lot in life--so most will be happy with it. We just wish Sony could cut down on the overly loud laptop-esque fan noise the thing makes.

No doubt the VGC-LM18G will find its way onto some people's walls and benches, and it is thoroughly enjoyable to use. But it has got a few more revisions to go before it's perfect.

Service And Support

Sony VAIO desktops have a one-year local warranty. At Sony's support Web site, VAIO owners can download the latest drivers. For simple problems, the company offers an online knowledge database for troubleshooting. Should the unit require further diagnosis or repair, the customer will need to send the unit to the service center.

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