Sony VAIO Tap 20 hands-on (video)

At the tail-end of Sony's IFA 2012 presser, Kaz Hirai announced two updates to the VAIO line, one of which was the Tap 20. The so-called tabletop PC is a Windows 8 device targeted at families as it can easily convert from a very traditional upright position to a full flat profile. The device is still a work-in-progress, as one of the company's reps confirmed to us, so it could hit shelves later this year with a much slimmer profile and less weightier feel. We spent some time getting to know this sliding slate, so follow on after the break to see how it fared.

%Gallery-163683%

Surprisingly, the Tap 20's stand is incredibly sturdy and consequently takes a bit of effort to budge. We had to use considerable force to shift the unit from its upright position and down so that we could use it as if a "surface-like" tablet. The resolution across this 20-incher's IPS panel comes in at 1,600 x 900, keeping it just below full HD. It's evident from the product demo and pre-loaded software that Sony is gearing this as a family-friendly PC. To make use of its 10-point multi-touch functions, we sampled a quick game of Fruit Ninja and were pleased with its responsiveness. Hopefully, further optimizations are on the way and a more compelling software suite.

There's no concrete release or price point for the Tap 20 as of yet -- much of that depends on Microsoft's Windows 8 plans, so consider this your first taste of what's to come this holiday season.

Update: We were given some specs in error and have amended to clarify.

Mat Smith contributed to this report.