Holiday 2012: Sony VAIO Tap 20 Mobile All-in-One Desktop Computer

It appears that not even all-in-one (AIO) desktop computers are immune to the “tablet craze” taking over the computing industry. The popularity of tablets has flourished because of their ease of use and portability, and now their influence has reached other computing devices. Sparked by the redesigned Start Screen, the use of live tiles and the integration of a user-friendly touch interface in Windows 8, many laptops are starting to feature touch screens of their own. AIO desktop computers are also adopting capacitive touch screens to take full advantage of Windows 8, including the Sony VAIO Tap 20 Mobile All-in-One Desktop Computer.

 

The Sony VAIO Tap 20 Mobile All-in-One is available in two different colors. The Sony VAIO Tap 20 Mobile SVJ20215CXB All-in-One Desktop Computer (Black) and the Sony VAIO Tap 20 Mobile SVJ20215CXW All-in-One Desktop Computer (White) are both pre-loaded with Windows 8 (64-bit) operating system and have dual-core Ivy Bridge 1.7 GHz Intel Core i5-3317U low voltage processors. Both systems also have 4GB of 1600 MHz DDR3 RAM, a 750GB 5400 rpm hard drive, integrated Intel HD Graphics 4000, 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0, and a 2-in-1 media card reader. The Sony VAIO Tap 20 Mobile SVJ20217CXW 20” All-in-One Desktop Computer (White) is similarly equipped with Windows 8 (64-bit) operating system, integrated Intel HD Graphics 4000, a 2-in-1 media card slot, 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0. But only the SVJ20217CXW model comes with a dual-core Ivy Bridge 1.9 GHz Intel Core i7-3517U low voltage processor, 8GB of 1600 MHz DDR3 RAM, and a 1TB 5400 rpm hard drive. All three VAIO Tap 20 Mobile All-in-One configurations also include a wireless keyboard and a laser mouse.

The Sony VAIO Tap 20 Mobile All-in-One has a 20” capacitive LED touch screen that takes advantage of the Windows 8 multi-touch-friendly operating system. Measuring 1.78” thin and weighing about 11.5 pounds, the VAIO Tap 20 has the same streamlined appearance as previous VAIO all-in-one desktops. What sets this computing platform apart from competing AIO desktop computers is the VAIO Tap 20’s built-in battery.

While most AIO desktop computers continuously require a power outlet to work, the Sony VAIO Tap 20 Mobile All-in-One can run on its built-in battery when unplugged—simply pick it up and go. Bring it to the living room, the kitchen or even when traveling to present at your booth during a trade show. Although this is no 10" tablet, you will have a portability and flexibility previously unavailable from AIO desktop computers.

Sony’s Rapid Wake technology preserves your data and minimizes battery drain by entering into an energy-saving sleep mode. To continue using your VAIO Tap 20, simply press the power button to return from sleep mode in about two seconds. The VAIO Tap 20 provides an estimated 2 hours and 45 minutes of battery life on a single charge, giving you enough time to clear out your unread emails or tighten up your unfinished project before plugging in.

The other “tablet-like” feature of the VAIO Tap 20 is its 20” capacitive touch screen, which makes use of Windows 8’s touch interface. You’ll be able to use multi-touch gestures to navigate through the Start Screen and live tiles with ease. The display also has an in-plane switching (IPS) panel for improved viewing angles and crisp image quality. Outfitted with a 16:9 aspect ratio, a 1600 x 900 native resolution and powered by integrated Intel HD Graphics 4000, the screen uses Mobile BRAVIA Engine 2 to add sharpness filters and noise reduction to the picture. Drawing upon technologies originally developed for Sony’s HD televisions, the VAIO Tap 20 Mobile All-in-One displays vibrant content that is rich with detail.

To better utilize the capacitive touch screen, the Sony VAIO Tap 20 Mobile All-in-One comes with ArtRage Studio Pro and Family Paint software. ArtRage Studio Pro contains all the tools of ArtRage Studio, such as oils, watercolors and inking pens, so you can produce natural-looking artwork directly on screen. Family Paint is more family oriented, allowing kids to draw and express themselves using size-adjustable pencils, crayons, markers, stamps and an eraser. With 10-point touch support, your kids can apply all the creative tools to the digital canvas using both hands at the same time.

Lay it flat to play games with friends and family, or angle it up to check the scores or read the news. While you will be able to tilt-adjust the Sony VAIO Tap 20 Mobile All-in-One like a traditional AIO desktop computer, its stand also supports multiple viewing positions that help utilize the touch screen's full capability. Further enhancing the ergonomic features of the VAIO Tap 20 are indents on both sides of the screen, for better grip, when used away from the desk.

The FingerTapps Organizer app comes preinstalled in the Sony VAIO Tap 20 Mobile All-in-One and acts as a calendar as well as a message board. Publish your schedule and appointments so everyone knows where you are; post reminders, to-do lists, voice messages and more for your family to read and hear. The FingerTapps Organizer app makes scheduling your family’s activities both easy and painless.

The VAIO Tap 20 is an intriguing experiment from Sony. A 20" capacitive touch screen with multi-position stand lets you maximize the potential of Windows 8 while the built-in battery enables unprecedented portability from an AIO desktop computer. Sony has also developed a bag to fit the Sony VAIO Tap 20 All-in-One for easy transport. Moving the Sony VAIO Tap 20 All-in-One around the house is also uniquely convenient. And not having to deal with a plethora of cables is also a nice touch. The Sony VAIO Tap 20 Mobile All-in-One will most likely find a place in the homes of people who enjoy its in-house mobility as well as its touch-screen functionality, or with professionals looking to mobilize their presentations.

Your Feedback

Have you purchased a Sony VAIO Tap 20 Mobile All-in-One recently? How has your experience been so far? Do you use it primarily as an all-in-one desktop computer with the mouse and keyboard or do you utilize the touch screen? How often do you run on the built-in battery? Let us know in the Comments section, below!