Sony VAIO P hands-on

We just grabbed a first look at Sony's new VAIO P. At first glance, the screen is bright and ultrasharp -- certainly stretching the limits of our eyesight. We'd say the keys are a little bit light and shallow for our taste, but good as far as most "netbooks" go, and the "nipple," like all like pointers, will take getting used to and careful calibration, though it's definitely sensitive. It's certainly not hefty, but we'd say there's the standard amount of Sony build quality, and while high for a netbook, $900 doesn't "feel" too far off. We love lightweight, but this netbook almost feels like it lacks innards, the real deal seems almost like it's a mock-up device. Videos of all its best sides after the break.

Gallery: Vaio P hands-on

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[dimdig23 @ Jan 7th 2009 8:15PM]

that is a nice looking machine
what do you think of it?

[Ken @ Jan 7th 2009 8:21PM]

I agree that this is expensive, but sony is trying to appeal to both the netbook crowd as well as the notebook crowd with this one. The machine seems to have a lot of good things going for it and depending on how they spec out the Pseries vaio it could be worth the 900 dollar price tag.

If it performs like my sz series Vaio, has ample storage (hopefully a bigger SSD) and actually gets the 4 hours of battery life then its worth it for anybody that is looking for strong mobile computing (especially with the GPS, Built in verizon and optional 8 hour battery...which after reviewing sonystyle.com looks like the extended battery wont stick out from the side or back like the other netbook models which is awesome)

as of right now it looks good to me and deserves my hard earned money if it accomplishes what I need it to.

[Jeremy K. @ Jan 7th 2009 8:21PM]

Sexy!

[loocas @ Jan 7th 2009 8:21PM]

Useless

[Tinu @ Jan 7th 2009 8:23PM]

It looks nice but pricey. Since it's a "netbook", I would say they should have named it "Vaio :-P". Nothing like a smiley face built right into the name =).

[Flyingaero @ Jan 7th 2009 8:29PM]

Hahahahaha! Its like sony is trying to fail. I mean seriously. Its not hard to find a netbook that has better specs and a look better than what this is dishing out. This is just a keyboard with a computer attached. Ill take my HP mini 1000 to go please

[ZeoSzeHo @ Jan 7th 2009 8:31PM]

Honestly, $700 and I'll definitely take one.

[Z-Man @ Jan 7th 2009 8:39PM]

Nice - but they won't sell many for $900...especially in this economy. I do like the "nipple" mouse, much better than balls (track balls, that is).

[dimdig23 @ Jan 7th 2009 8:39PM]

from the sonystyle website the specs are
VAIO® P Series Lifestyle PC
Intel® Processor (1.33GHz, 512kB L2 Cache)
Genuine Windows Vista® Home Basic

Model Features: 8" display with XBRITE-ECO™ LCD technology, 2GB RAM, 60GB HDD, 1.5 lbs., GPS, integrated mobile broadband, glossy Onyx Black, Bluetooth® technology

which is fine but theres also a 1500 dollar model which has a 128gb ssd
that is a lot IMO.

[loocas @ Jan 7th 2009 8:40PM]

Right, as if it really wasn't totally useless. Go ahead and low rank me again...

[Tom G @ Jan 7th 2009 8:51PM]

I think the bezel makes this look ugly as hell. Why get such a pixel dense screen when you can make the screen so much bigger?

[roach @ Jan 7th 2009 9:07PM]

I agree. USELESS.

I have seen OLD laptops this size. My buddy had one in the food industry, to place orders with.....

What can you honestly do on this thing that you can't on a eee or S10?????

And what is it? 10-12 inches wide??????

[dark star @ Jan 7th 2009 9:24PM]

it has a removal battery??????
how?
surely this is blasphemy!!!!!

major sarcasm at apple gears :-p

[mayq @ Jan 7th 2009 9:42PM]

I think this may be the best notebook/netbook for me. I already have a nice desktop at home, and I've been looking for an ultraportable that does not cost too much. I love the way they removed the touchpad and made it smaller. Most netbooks just look a little bit too bulky.

I just hope that windows 7 comes soon for this model too.

[Darren @ Jan 8th 2009 2:47AM]

I guess this would be an appealing laptop for those who think the currently crop of netbooks are too large and underpriced.

[GK1985 @ Jan 8th 2009 5:16AM]

What an amazing looking machine, definitely something I would consider purchasing... BUT my first thoughts as a Brit was that after looking at the $900 price tag across the pond, I thought that as long as the price is south of £500, then it would sell like hot cakes!

I was happy to see that it was already available in the UK but absolutely horrified to find out that Sony priced it at £850 to £1,369!

Astonishing! I'm glad to see someone at Sony still has a sense of humour, but the pricing department clearly needs to have their budget cut (and then have their heads checked!) as they have stopped anyone purchasing it in the UK, by simply getting the American price and swapping the $ out for a £!

Does anyone else agree or am I off the mark here!?

[adrian @ Jan 8th 2009 8:12AM]

The price is too high but it does look very nice indeed.

[Baz @ Jan 8th 2009 8:13AM]

Oh, look - a Sony product that is twice the price it should be for the specs it has.

Quelle surprise.

[roach @ Jan 8th 2009 8:20AM]

Ha. Thanks for the down-rank Engadget!!

Hope to see you clowns with this in Starbucks JUST so I can beat you up.

[dennis @ Jan 8th 2009 10:09AM]

I've been reading through the comments, and I think Sony has nailed this product and its intended demographics.

People who say it's too expensive, or don't like the overall form factor: you people are not Sony's intended customers. They don't want you even being able to think about having one of these.

If you're thinking:
- "That would fit perfectly in my purse / Gucci bag / fake Gucci bag!" or
- "That would fit perfectly in my gadget bag / man purse / purse!" or
- "What a great way to do work while I'm waiting for my clients at the restaurant of the four to five star hotel!"
YOU are Sony's intended customers. Yes, you can buy an Asus Eee or MSI Wind, but then you'd be revealing your lack of interest in the overall appearance of your lifestyle from a short to medium range distance.

[MicroF_ckingSoft @ Jan 8th 2009 12:42PM]

A MUCH MORE INFORMATIVE hands-on is available from PC Magazine:

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2338331,00.asp

Where the author writes:

"The target audience is primarily women, but Sony plans to extend its reach to college students and young professionals. According to Sony, women aren't too concerned about what's inside the system; how it looks is more important."

[RichardBronosky @ Jan 9th 2009 12:23AM]

Although Sony is style competitive with Apple, they cannot price their products like Apple. When you buy an Apple you get a great design, and a great user experience by avoiding MSFT. When you buy a Sony like this you get this wonderfully promising design, and the same old frustration you are faced with on every other MSFT machine. If the whole world hates America so much, why do they use "our [MSFT] OS"?

[Matthewmongan @ Jan 9th 2009 1:19AM]

Personally, I like it. not the price but the machine. Looks like a good replacement for the Jornada 720 i had to trash last month. I miss that outdated, useless for anything but writing, machine. Yes, I am the only person on the planet who can touch type on a J720 with hands of normal proportions, honest it got me through college. Unfortunately it seems to be 200 too much for me. they should have a SKU without 3g.

I also question the structure of the case. it seems that it would suffer from torsion being so thin, long and narrow. (yes yes, that's what she said...)

[Carlos @ Jan 9th 2009 8:19PM]

I already pre-ordered the SSD model. Can;t wait to get it!! This is perfect, I've been waiting for a computer this size for years!!

[Flashpoint @ Jan 18th 2009 11:47AM]

This may be the most competitively priced min-laptop Sony has ever put out.

Typically, SONY would slap on a $1999 price tag.

[Micromuffin @ Jan 23rd 2009 6:42PM]

will it blend?

[prateeko @ Jan 7th 2009 8:15PM]

DO WANT!!

(but for less, like, 50% less)

[Homeboy @ Jan 7th 2009 8:59PM]

I agree. That's $900, about the monthly mortgage payment many home owners can barely comply with. Sony is offering an amazing product at a non-recession friendly price. I love everything about it and look forward to trying it out in a Sony store in NY later this month, but damn the price. From a functional perspective I'm finding it almost impossible to justify forking over 9 large ones for that irresistible laptop.

[Pegsinho @ Jan 8th 2009 5:14AM]

$900? Try "starting from £849" in the UK store! Thats over $1,200 for the base model!

I would happily pay £600 ($900) for it!

Sort it out Sony!

[KarlW @ Jan 8th 2009 8:09AM]

If it was £400, I'd order one today.

At £849, they can keep it.

[Micromuffin @ Jan 18th 2009 9:48AM]

I can get one for $450 (339 euros)

[op2rules.net @ Jan 7th 2009 8:15PM]

Man this looks real cool!

[sid @ Jan 7th 2009 8:15PM]

wow!
amazing...
i want one

[G @ Jan 7th 2009 8:15PM]

Sexy

[jack @ Feb 5th 2009 1:09AM]

Nipple. *snicker*

[finite_rings @ Jan 7th 2009 8:16PM]

$900's of beautiful

[Shyam D @ Jan 7th 2009 8:16PM]

As long as the keyboard is half decent, It could still be a winner at that price point.

[Homeboy @ Jan 7th 2009 9:13PM]

The keyboard doesn't look bad. My concern is the IBM-clitoris, how comfortable is that to use for browsing as I can see my fingers getting exhausted after half an hour or so. Maybe a tiny track ball would have been better. That is the the biggest drawback I can see with this device, Sony should bundle it with a free super portable bluetooth mouse.

[derX @ Jan 7th 2009 9:32PM]

"IBM-clitoris"


xDDDDDD You NEED to be highest ranked.

[Invisiblemoose @ Jan 7th 2009 10:42PM]

@derX: You new to the internet or something?

[joshky @ Jan 7th 2009 11:39PM]

@homeboy:

you'll be suprised at how comfortable the clit is. most people who invest a few hours getting used to it will almost hate going back to the trackpad. at leas for me, it feels more comfortable than the pad (as you need to move less to use it and its much closer to your home keys). also, surfing the web with that is not too bad, and indeed quite enjoyable if you use firefox + grab and drag addon (remember to turn the friction way down so it slides)

[Caleb @ Jan 8th 2009 3:15AM]

I agree with Homeboy. I hate those stupid trackpoint pointers. That is the one and only reason I will not buy one of these. The track ball on my G1 Android phone is 1000% better then any trackpoint type pointer in existance. They are the hardest to use pointer there is and definatly anti-ergonomic.

[gabe @ Jan 7th 2009 8:16PM]

hmm - does it also include the Atari Joystick on the right?

[finite_rings @ Jan 7th 2009 8:24PM]

you = fail.

that's a lock

[Sean @ Jan 7th 2009 9:03PM]

@finite rings
you = fail
you could not even recognize his sarcasm

[ugg.tryptophan @ Jan 8th 2009 1:18AM]

that would be awesome.

[helloUser @ Jan 7th 2009 8:17PM]

$900??? How is this still classified as a netbook with that pricetag? Completely misses the purpose of being a netbook, theyre supposed to be small and minimal to reduce costs wherever possible so everyone can have a cheap laptop on them at all times. 900 bucks can get me a good laptop, you know, core 2 duo or something, or THREE Asus EEE PC laptops.

[zunq @ Jan 7th 2009 8:22PM]

Then don't buy it, if you want the same old netbooks from 10 other manufacturers you're not really missing anything. It's obvious from the comments that the majority are drooling over it and I'm excited myself.

[Luis Neng @ Jan 7th 2009 8:38PM]

Well... actually Sony never called it as a netbook.
I'm gonna get one when it hits the stores! :D

[Adam Williamson @ Jan 7th 2009 9:27PM]

$900 makes it a netbook by Sony's standards. I paid $1,300 for my old Picturebook - second hand.

I'm gonna be all OVER this one.