Sony debuts beefed-up 18.4-inch VAIO AW laptop

Sony's 18.4-inch Type A VAIO laptop was already impressive enough when it made its debut in Japan earlier this month, but it looks like the slightly revised VAIO AW just announced for the UK has now taken things one step further. Of course, there's not much room to upgrade that 1,920 x 1,080 18.4-inch display, but you can expect to get a slightly speedier T9600 Core 2 Duo processor and, most notably, a 128GB SSD drive that's joined by a 500GB SATA drive in a RAID arrary, something Sony describes as a "world's first." Also, it looks like prices for this monster actually start at a fairly reasonable £999 (or just over $1,700), but you can pretty safely bet that any "world's first" features will demand a hefty premium.

[themanwithoutaplan @ Oct 1st 2008 12:56PM]

Sexy!

[avester @ Oct 1st 2008 12:58PM]

Are those optics for the web-camera?

If so, Sony has thought about everything!

[Mitch @ Oct 1st 2008 1:05PM]

What kind of RAID is sony running with a 128 GB solid state and a 500 GB spinner? For some reason I thought both RAID 1 and 0 both need same size drive..

[MTruland @ Oct 1st 2008 1:41PM]

No, it should just pick the smallest drive size (the SSD) and either be that size (Raid1) or twice that size (Raid0).

[sunkssss @ Oct 1st 2008 1:06PM]

What's that camera lens doing in this photo?

[StalematE @ Oct 1st 2008 1:24PM]

when is panisonic going to make a 150" laptop?

[Phil Perman @ Oct 1st 2008 1:29PM]

The photographer wasn't paying much attention when he took the press shots?

[schmitty338 @ Oct 1st 2008 2:34PM]

A poor attempt at a size comparison, perhaps?

[Mr. B @ Oct 1st 2008 2:00PM]

...the same reason Adobe Lightroom is on the screen.

[djpurpose @ Oct 1st 2008 2:04PM]

Might be targeted as a portable photography computer. Much better than trying to view a 20MP photo on a 1024x768 display.

[Rogue_Genius @ Oct 1st 2008 2:05PM]

I'm gonna go with Mr. B, they are likely emphasizing the screen size and the ability to view crisp, hi res images on screen. Great for photo editing, viewing, etc.

[Erik @ Oct 1st 2008 3:07PM]

@StalematE:

Probably about a week after Panasonic does.

[nicko.dvz @ Oct 1st 2008 10:30PM]

Bah. Let me know when they get 2560x1600 on a notebook.

[Jacob @ Oct 1st 2008 1:05PM]

"a 128GB SSD drive that's joined by a 500GB SATA drive in a RAID arrary"

Um... unless I'm missing something, why the heck would you want a 128GB SSD and a 500GB HDD in a RAID array?? (1) Doesn't that defeat the purpose of the SDD and (2) you're losing 372GB of space on the 500GB HDD...

[Brian! @ Oct 1st 2008 4:56PM]

You know, it could be Raid 0. So that all the storage is in one drive, but the first part of the storage is on the SSD. That way the OS and all your apps you first install end up on that drive and the rest of your data just fills the rest and on to the HDD.

Of course, as your software gets more fragmented you lose a bit of the advantage. You need to pair that with a defraging utility that puts system files and applications at the "hub" of the disk drive. Which would be the SSD in this case.

[loosely_coupled @ Oct 1st 2008 8:25PM]

Yeah, that wouldn't make sense from any perspective. Much better to keep the drives seperate.

[Brian! @ Oct 2nd 2008 12:55AM]

It makes sense in the respect that you have a large logical drive for room for all your apps. In theory your OS is on the SSD so it loads fast. Also, your swap files are going end up being on the SSD.

But my workstation, with all the Adobe apps, 3D software and higher-end compositing/editing software plus the couple audio apps I use too, I have about 220 gigs of installed software. Oh, well, to be fair Warhammer Online is stuck in there too, and that is a mucher of space.

Still, if I were on the go having all those apps on SSD while knowing I won't run out of C: space is great. If you have ever had your C: fill up, you know what a pain in the --- that is. So Raid 0 can be useful in this regard.

[Major4Play @ Oct 1st 2008 1:06PM]

Slightly off topic but why do large laptops always have the touchpad offset to the left ?
Totally pointless since most of us are right handed. And why do we still have to have a number key set ?

Put the touchpad in the middle, make it larger (since we have the space) and lose the numerical keypad.

[Chris @ Oct 1st 2008 1:29PM]

because thats how all other keyboards are. Some want a number pad. just because you dont, doesnt mean others do.

[rwfu666 @ Oct 1st 2008 1:10PM]

If it were in the absolute center, your right palm would be all over it. That's why it's centered relative to the main keyboard (like it's centered with the space bar) so you can use the touchpad with your thumb(s) without having to shift your hands from the typing position

[schmitty338 @ Oct 1st 2008 1:11PM]

Many people would rather have the numerical keypad on a laptop this huge instead of just empty space on each side.

Also, given the fact that it does have a numerical keypad, it makes sense to center the touchpad to the letters, and not the entire keyboard.

That said, it is true it would be nice to see them use some of that extra real estate to increase touchpad size, but that is true for all but the new Macs.

[linuxamp @ Oct 1st 2008 8:50PM]

It's in the center of the main keyboard.

[kjb434 @ Oct 1st 2008 1:07PM]

So what you are saying is that i don't have to carry around my 19in monitory with me to get a large screen with my laptop? I can just buy this monster?

[Benson @ Oct 1st 2008 5:54PM]

http://www.internettablettalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=20862

[Benson @ Oct 1st 2008 5:56PM]

OK, that one was my fault; I meant to copy/paste my previous comment (which engadget dumped at the bottom of the page), but missed copying.
One more try!

You can get this, and then just carry your 19" monitor (now with attached keyboard!) around. It's not really getting as much smaller as you might hope. :/

[webon @ Oct 1st 2008 1:10PM]

thats cheap considering its sony

[akumax @ Oct 1st 2008 1:22PM]

why the heck is there a lens in there...

[rudyv1 @ Oct 1st 2008 1:22PM]

Here is your answer guys:
Hard Drive Capacity (GB) 628 (500GB HDD + 2x64GB SSD Raid 0 support)

[Poom @ Oct 3rd 2008 4:48PM]

That sounds awesome!!!

[me @ Oct 1st 2008 1:25PM]

looks like 64bit

http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&categoryId=8198552921644576902

[xcise @ Oct 1st 2008 4:23PM]

628 GB (Dual 128GB Solid State Drive with a 500GB SATA Hard Disk Drive [4200rpm]) [add $900.00]

it seems that this one is an option...
and costs $900...

$1700 price is for "250 GB SATA Hard Disk Drive [5400 rpm]"...

[Big Bad Bun-gee Cord @ Oct 1st 2008 1:31PM]

Uhhh.... Sooooonnny. Its not big enough! 18.4? Forget that! I heard Dell countering with a 22in and then what? OHHH! Rolling on 24's? I am waiting for a 105in laptop that comes with its own custom VW GTI. That way the laptop can be affixed to the roof on a ski rack. When i surf the internet everyone can see how unique and special i am simply by looking at the roof of my car. I have a MySpace, i am important! Ok seriously, this thing is nice looking and if i had an extra 1,700 i would drop cash-money and by a few of these off the back of a truck.

[Craig @ Oct 1st 2008 1:29PM]

I think they are suggesting that this product is idea for the high end user (read: professional photographer). If I'm not mistaken, that's Adobe Lightroom (photo editing software) running on the back system too.

[Shinigami @ Oct 1st 2008 1:29PM]

Was I the only one to question this?

"earlier this month"
posted Oct 1st 2008 at 12:51PM

Link in the text: "posted Sep 9th 2008 at 5:58AM"

Fix please :)

[Chris @ Oct 1st 2008 2:10PM]

Batterylife I read is from 2.5 hours up to 3 hours. not that long. The 16" brother gets up to 5, better then HP's 16" whitch is only 3.

[KilgoreTrout @ Oct 1st 2008 1:59PM]

Any, and I mean ANY laptop bigger than 12 or 13" are like a badge for suckers, dorks, and/or assorted loosers.
If you really cant set up your own barebone rig then buy a desktop (very decent rigs have become quite affordable lately) and a netbook ,(possibly a 10" wind).

You'll save money, get much more fun and work done, and you'll contribute to show to the likes of Sony and HP that the sucker's market nich is fast disappearing.

[Sarig @ Oct 1st 2008 2:07PM]

Because we all have a dedicated space to set up a desktop system in. With a desktop replacement like that Sony, you can just hide it under the table when you're not working with it. And if you're strong, you can carry it out to the car, and from the car to the office.

Oh sorry, I suppose I'm a dork, sucker and a...what? a looser?

If you can't see the point of a device that isn't designed to either occupy a large amount of space, or be easy to carry, you need more imagination!

[Samo @ Oct 1st 2008 2:08PM]

You sir, are a tool.

There's always a reason to have a laptop over a desktop, and vice versa. This lappie is clearly aimed at photographers (hence Lightroom and lens), and they would want to see their 10000000~MP photo in the greatest detail whilst out in the field.

Can you do that with a rig? no, not even with a shuttle because you don't have a power supply, unlike lappies which have battery!

To wit, I think that these aren't "Replacement desktops", more like "Moveable powerhouses", where you can use it where-ever, e.g. at a client's house / wedding, etc

/rant

[noyp @ Oct 1st 2008 8:13PM]

I want a 13.1" laptop

[Jose @ Oct 2nd 2008 10:01AM]

If i buy this and take it to work, can I drive in the Carpool lane?

[Vicada @ Oct 1st 2008 2:30PM]

Anyone interested in a kidney transplant? Seriously, I'm in great shape! That will just be about 2000 bucks.

[ChrisG @ Oct 1st 2008 2:34PM]

I like it the look, but this won't stop me from waiting for those new macbooks.

[Jose @ Oct 1st 2008 2:35PM]

And so much for buying a gas-sipping scooter--I'd need at least a 250cc motorcycle to lug myself and this behemoth!

[miguel @ Oct 1st 2008 2:40PM]

Is there any word what kind of technology the panel would be? I hate TN screens and I would think pairing a TN panel with an RBG led lighting system would be a bit of an oxymoron. Color shifting is NOT photographer friendly. The RGB led screen is also a $624 upgrade which means we should have a top of the line lcd screen and not just a top of the line backlighting system but Sonys been known to do odd things.

I'm crossing my fingers cause this would also make an amazing portable blu-ray player. Definately not something you want to carry on a 15 minute one-way walk to class, but its definately doable when you only need to carry it from the parking lot to the office etc.

[KilgoreTrout @ Oct 1st 2008 2:43PM]

"Samo & Sarig
There are desktops much smaller than this thing (not to mention much cheaper ) and if you lack space you can use your TV screen as monitor and save even more space.
If you really live in a cupboard or an igloo you can get an all in one , and they would all be better alternatives.

Yes, OK, I can imagine too some few instances in which some professional needs would be better served by such a machine, but also in these limited instances better and much cheaper alternatives are not difficult to find. (portable HD, USB keys or memory cards in a TV monitor, etc. etc.)

But then if you' re very rich, this is your fourth or fifth PC and you feel you can have a use for it go ahead and make Sony happy.
What can I say : I pity you.

[KilgoreTrout @ Oct 1st 2008 2:43PM]

"Samo & Sarig
There are desktops much smaller than this thing (not to mention much cheaper ) and if you lack space you can use your TV screen as monitor and save even more space.
If you really live in a cupboard or an igloo you can get an all in one , and they would all be better alternatives.

Yes, OK, I can imagine too some few instances in which some professional needs would be better served by such a machine, but also in these limited instances better and much cheaper alternatives are not difficult to find. (portable HD, USB keys or memory cards in a TV monitor, etc. etc.)

But then if you' re very rich, this is your fourth or fifth PC and you feel you can have a use for it go ahead and make Sony happy.
What can I say : I pity you.

[Brian! @ Oct 1st 2008 5:06PM]

There are a number of cases where professional photographers, videographers and even high-end designers can use a laptop like this. Yes, you can outfit a shuttle PC or something and lug around a flat panel monitor, but the fact is that solution not elegant.

Having a laptop means you can easily close it and be on the road again. No need to connect cables all around, attach speakers, etc... Just open it at your new location and start going.

These days with digital HD cameras, well, drop in your storage card and you can view your footage right there and even make some edits on-site. DPs already do this with other laptops. This just gives a bigger screen for everyone to crowd around.

I have even seen that portable Dell 20 inch beast used in similar situations.

[Benson @ Oct 1st 2008 5:53PM]

You can get this, and then just carry your 19" monitor (now with attached keyboard!) around. It's not really getting as much smaller as you might hope. :/

[linuxamp @ Oct 1st 2008 8:57PM]

We've created new terms for small x86 devices (UMPC/MID) and cheap/small laptops (netbooks), why not a new name for gigantic laptops. Desktop replacement is a mouthful. gamebooks/gametops, lapstation, PWS (portable workstation)...

[Gary92110 @ Oct 4th 2008 3:37PM]

Sager has offered a QUAD CORE laptop for over a year now...it smokes anything less than QUAD CORE!