Sony gives VAIO S and VAIO Z lines Ivy Bridge upgrade, outs two new VAIO E models
Sony began introducing its new Ivy Bridge lineup last month with the VAIO E Series 14P, a multimedia laptop complete with gesture controls. Today, the company announced two larger models to round out that family, the VAIO E Series 15 and 17. Unlike the 14P, these notebooks don't come with Ivy Bridge power, but then their larger displays (15.5 inches and 17.3 inches, respectively) and an optional Blu-ray player on the larger model should be enough to tell you that these are entertainment-focused machines rather than next-gen powerhouses. Both the VAIO 15 and 17 run Intel Core i5-2450M CPUS and handle graphics with a AMD Radeon 7650M GPU and either 1GB or 2GB of VRAM depending on the model. Each also has a 750GB hard drive spinning at 5,400 RPM, plus a built-in webcam, USB 3.0 with a sleep-charge feature, HDMI, Bluetooth and WiFi. The main difference between the two is screen resolution: while the 15.5-incher sports a 1366 x 768 display, the 17.3-inch version has a more brilliant 1600 x 900 pixels. Pricing info is still MIA.
While the VAIO E 15 and 17 didn't make the Ivy Bridge cut, Sony's business-focused VAIO S and VAIO Z lines will get the processor update. The VAIO S will be available in 13.5- and 15.5-inch flavors, each sporting backlit keyboards and a thin design featuring aluminium, magnesium or carbon fiber (depending on the model). While the 13.3-incher's display resolution is yet to be determined, the 15.5-inch model will ship with a 1080p IPS screen. And while we simply know that the VAIO S 13 will come with a choice of Core i5 or Core i7 processors, the VAIO S 15 runs a Intel Core i7-3612QM with 8GB of RAM and an NVIDIA GT640M LE GPU (along with an integrated Intel HD Graphics 4000 chip). On the storage side, the 15 has a 1TB hard drive. Both the VAIO S 13 and 15 will have SSD options, and Sony will offer a separate sheet battery for up to 14 hours of longevity. Weight-wise, the outlet is short on specifics, though both models will tip in at less than 4.4 pounds.
The 13.1-inch VAIO Z will have the same Core i7 CPU and 8GB of RAM as the VAIO S 15, but it switches out the 1TB hard drive for a 256GB SSD. Sony is positioning this model as its fastest notebook ever, and certain configurations will offer 3G/LTE connectivity. The optional Power Media Dock will add an optical drive an AMD Radeon HD 7670M graphics (the notebook itself is limited to Intel HD Graphics 4000). The Z is even lighter than the VAIO S, weighing less than 2.6 pounds and measuring less than 0.7 inches. As with the previously mentioned models, pricing and availability info has yet to be released. Check out the full press releases and product galleries below.
Show full PR text
VAIO E Series notebook family grows: Easy-to-use new VAIO E Series 15 and E Series 17 models
15 May 2012
New-look 'wrap-around' design
Get up and running in moments with Rapid Wake + Eco
Large multi-gesture touchpad for intuitive 'button-free' control
Rich powerful sound with xLOUD and Clear Phase
Backlit keyboard on selected models
The easy-to-use family of E Series VAIO notebook PCs from Sony expands this summer. The recently-announced VAIO E Series 14P is now joined by larger screen models of 39.5cm (15.5") and 43.8cm (17.3") to broaden your choice of friendly HD entertainment options.
Sporting a signature 'wrap-around' design with softly rounded corners, VAIO E Series is ideal for families, students and anyone who wants to enjoy fuss-free multimedia computing.
VAIO E Series 15 teams fresh, individual looks with everything you need for everyday tasks. With Intel® processors, generous storage, smooth graphics and clear, high-contrast 39.5cm (15.5") VAIO Display, there's all the power you need to breeze through the day.
Boasting a 43.8cm (17.3") VAIO Display Plus Full HD on selected models, VAIO E Series 17 gives you extra screen space to enjoy movies on Blu-ray Disc™ (on selected models), edit photos or play games.
Need a break? There's no need to shut down or hibernate. Just close the lid and VAIO E Series goes into an ultra-low power deep sleep, keeping your data safe for up to ten days1. When you're ready to resume, simply open the lid. Rapid Wake + Eco ensures you're up and running in moments, with all your files just as you left them.
It's easy to navigate through documents and media files with the large, button-free touchpad. Selected models also feature a backlit keyboard for comfortable typing when the lights are dim. Video chats are clearer and crisper with the built-in HD web camera powered by 'Exmor for PC' that ensures sharper details, higher contrast and rich colours. Movies and games sound rich and natural, thanks to xLOUD™ and Clear Phase™ technologies that boost speaker volume levels without distortion.
VAIO even makes a handy 'any time' charger for your smartphone. Just plug in your phone via USB for a handy top-up - even when the computer is switched off or in sleep mode.
New VAIO E Series 15 and 17 is available in a choice of white, black or (E Series 15 only) silver colour finishes. Configure your PC to order at Sony Store Online, together with a range of coordinated accessories for your VAIO.
Show full PR text
Enhance your productivity with faster, smarter mobile VAIO PCs from Sony: New VAIO S and Z Series
15 May 2012
New VAIO S Series: versatile mobility with the power you need
New VAIO Z Series: ultimate mobility, ultimate speed, ultimate convenience
VAIO S Series:
Made for mobility: thin, light and robust in carbon (S Series 13P), aluminium and magnesium
Optional docking station with 500GB HDD
Optional extended sheet battery
Slot-in optical drive
Backlit keyboard and large touchpad with gesture control
VAIO Z Series:
Fastest-ever VAIO with 3rd generation Intel® Core™ i7 quad-core processors (on selected models) and 3rd generation SSD RAID
Less than 1.2kg and 17mm slim in carbon fibre and aluminium
Work for up to 14 hours with optional sheet battery
Power Media Dock adds optical drive and advanced graphics
Show you won't compromise on power or mobility with two speedy new VAIO notebook PCs from Sony.
New VAIO S Series
Offering a seductive blend of power and portability, new VAIO S Series can handle the demands of the toughest working day.
Available in a choice of 33.7cm (13.3") and 39.5cm (15.5") screen sizes, the slim, full-flat design of VAIO S Series 13 and 15 slip easily into a travel bag for quick access whenever you need it. The series is elegantly styled in tough, weight-saving materials like magnesium, aluminium and carbon fibre (depends on model), with even S Series 15 models tipping the scales at below 2kg.
All S Series feature a new slot-in optical drive (Blu-ray Disc™ or DVD) that maintains the notebook's slim, low-profile looks while maximising chassis rigidity.
You'll enjoy a clear, detailed view of presentations, graphics and games on the high-contrast VAIO Display Plus that features enhanced scratch resistance and an anti-reflective coating to minimise glare, even when you're outdoors. For even richer colours, VAIO Display Premium is also available on S Series 13 models. Larger screen-size S Series 15 models feature a Full HD VAIO Display Plus, offering super-wide viewing angles for a practical, high-impact image when sharing projects with clients and colleagues.
Whether you're creating presentations or browsing your media collection, typing is a pleasure on the comfortable backlit keyboard that's complemented by a large 'button-free' touchpad with gesture control.
Smart, ergonomic operation is matched with plenty of power to handle whatever the day throws at you. 3rd generation Intel® Core™ i7 quad-core processors (on selected S Series 15 models) are partnered by optional SSD storage and powerful NVIDIA® GeForce® dynamic hybrid graphics to make light of your daily work and entertainment needs. Selected S Series help you stay even more productive on the move with high-speed LTE/3G WWAN mobile broadband.
Available as an option, a new docking station for S Series includes an integrated a 500GB hard disk drive. It's a great way to back up all your files automatically when you're in the office or to add more storage. There's also an optional sheet battery that boosts stamina up to 14 hours for those long continental flights.
New VAIO Z Series
Taking you to new extremes, VAIO Z Series gives multi-tasking mobile professionals the very last word in performance, looks, mobility and expandability.
Crafted in tough, superlight carbon fibre and aluminium, the tough 'hexashell' design of VAIO Z Series is designed to impress instantly in the boardroom. Weighing under 1.2kg and less than 17mm slim, it's your ultimate mobile partner, with effortless power to rip through any business challenge.
Inside, you'll enjoy performance to match your desktop PC. VAIO Z Series further strengthens its claim as the fastest ever notebook from Sony, with 3rd generation Intel® quad-core processors on selected models. They're teamed with latest third-generation SSD Flash RAID drives to store files and access you data even faster. Depending on configuration, LTE/3G WWAN connectivity provides super-fast mobile broadband while you're on the move.
The Power Media Dock on selected models further expands the capabilities of VAIO Z, giving you unparalleled convenience and flexibility. Watch movies on the optical drive, and enjoy even more graphics power plus a simultaneous view of spreadsheets, trading figures and CAD renderings on up to four screens.
VAIO S Series and VAIO Z Series: smart, powerful performance
You're always ready for action with new VAIO S Series and Z Series. Just open the lid: Rapid Wake + Eco gets you up and running in moments. When you need to take a break, VAIO goes into an energy-efficient deep sleep, storing your data safely without running out of power – up to 90 days1 on Z Series. Both models also offer class-beating stamina, with an optional 'sheet' battery that lets you work uninterrupted for up to 14 hours.
Typing reports and documents on the backlit keyboard is made even more comfortable with an ambient light sensor that automatically dims screen brightness for those late-night report write-ups.
