Alternatively, they will have the option to connect to a computer and download it via PC companion.

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While the update isn't available over-the-air, PC users may snag the latest OS with Sony's PC Companion, whereas Mac users can do the same with the Bridge application.

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Second, while the Asus Eee PC may have been closer to a computing appliance or companion than a PC, the deluge of netbooks from large PC companies such as HP, Acer and Dell that have followed have overwhelmingly run Windows and have been embraced by consumers as small and cheap, if underpowered, laptops.

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The first Palm-based PDAs were marketed as a companion to the PC.

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The HP DreamScreen, a companion to the PC, connects easily to a wireless or wired network to bring photos, music and video into any area of the home.

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