vaio
Latest
Sony intros Blu-ray burning AR50, FZ20, L Series VAIOs
Sony recently took the wraps off a new range of Blu-ray burning VAIOS in Europe, including two laptops and an all-in-one desktop. On the top end of the laptop side of things, the VAIO AR50 series boasts a 17-inch WUXGA LCD, along with a 2.4GHz Core 2 Duo T7700 processor, 2GB of RAM, a 500GB hard drive, and NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT graphics, with that aforementioned Blu-ray burner conveniently tucked inside. The FZ20, on the other hand, packs a 15.4-inch display with a mere 1280 x 800 resolution, along with a 2.2GHz Core 2 Duo T7500 processor, 2GB of RAM, a 300GB hard drive, and GeForce 8600M GS graphics. Rounding things out, the VAIO L Series all-in-one desktop remains much the same as we've seen before, with it boasting a 22-inch 1680 x 1050 display, an unspecified Core 2 Duo processor, 2GB of RAM, a 320GB hard drive, twin analog/DVB-T TV tuners, and GeForce 8400M GT graphics. From the looks of it, the whole lot is available in Europe now, with the Blu-ray add-ons demanding a none-too-surprising premium over less-equpped models.
Sony debuts the VAIO CR20 and NR10 series laptops
Looking to get personal and intimate with a new laptop? Looking for a moderately powered system that comes in custom colors? Well check it out, dudes and dudettes, Sony is back on the scene with the VAIO CR20 (pictured) and NR10 series, 14.1-inch and 15.4-inch (respectively) portables that are going to quasi-rock your world. Both new systems sport an Intel Core 2 Duo T7250 2GHz CPU, coupled with the always-thrilling Santa Rosa chipset, 2GB of RAM, a 200GB hard drive, and an ATI Mobility Radeon X2300 (the CR20), or the Intel X3100 integrated graphics chip (NR10). The CR20 sports 802.11a/b/g/n and Bluetooth 2.0, plus an integrated 1.3-megapixel webcam, while the NR10 does plain-old 802.11a/b/g. Both new systems come in a variety of colors, with the CR20 offering stylish choices like "Luxury Pink," and "Sparkling Sand," while the NR10 supposedly invokes the "soft fabric which was its inspiration" by touting silver and brown color schemes. The new models will be available Autumn 2007, no word on price.
Sony intros new business-minded VAIO BX51 laptop
Sony looks to be keeping its business customers in Europe well supplied with new VAIOs, with it today introducing yet another update to its BX Series, this one finally taking things into Santa Rosa territory. As with previous models in the line, the BX51 boasts a 15.4-inch 1280 x 800 " X-black" display, but it ups the processor to a 2GHz T7250 Core 2 Duo, which gets backed up by 2GB of RAM, a 120GB hard drive, and the usual range of Santa Rosa-related features. You'll also be able to get your choice of Windows XP Professional, which comes standard on the VGN-BX51XP model, or Windows Vista Business, which comes pre-loaded on the VGN-BX51VN model. That latter model also adds built-in Bluetooth, a 1.3 megapixel "Motion Eye" webcam, and a slightly more spacious 160GB hard drive. Look for both to be available in Europe by the end of the month, setting you back €1,120 or €1,350 depending on the configuration (roughly $1,600 to $1,880).
Sony set to release new NR Series VAIO laptops
It looks like Sony's about to add yet another addition to its VAIO line-up, with NotebookReview now reporting that the company will soon be releasing a pair of laptops in its new NR Series. Apparently headed for Europe first, these will each boast 15.4-inch WXGA displays, with the higher-end charcoal-colored model packing a 2GHz T7250 Core 2 Duo processor and the lower-end silver-colored model scaling things back to 1.5GHz T5250. Otherwise, the two seem to be more or less identical, each relying on the standard Intel X3100 graphics, and each coming equipped with a 200GB hard drive, along with the usual ExpressCard and memory card slots. While there's no official word on pricing or availability just yet, NotebookReview speculates that they could be coming this fall for as little as $899 for the base configuration.
Sony bumps the specs of VAIO F- and C-series laptops
Not much to tell, but Sony just confirmed the updated specs we've already seen on their 15.4-inch VAIO F-series of laptops with Core 2 Duo T7250 processor, Blu-ray disk drive, and HDMI (a bit too early still for DisplayPort). They've also updated their VAIO C-series (pictured) for the ladies with options for a new T7250 processor and Radeon X2300 graphics. Yup, just seasonal updates to keep 'em fresh and in the news. [Via Akihabara News] Read -- VAIO F-series Read -- VAIO C-series
Sony adds WWAN to select SZ6 / TZ20 VAIO laptops
Those scouting a sexy new VAIO may be lured a tad closer to the SZ6- and TZ20-series, as Sony has recently announced that select models in both lineups will boast integrated WWAN capability. Dubbed everywair, the specially equipped lappies will reportedly be able to cruise the HSDPA highway thanks to twin diversity antennas "concealed in the lid," which purportedly "boost signal quality in marginal areas." Additionally, the SIM card will be inserted "directly into the laptop itself," and the included VAIO Smart Network software should make managing your connections a lesson in simplicity. Oh, and for those wondering, current models should hum along at a maximum of 3.6Mbps, but a firmware upgrade will boost that figure to 7.2Mbps "when the service becomes available."[Via JournaldGeek]
Sony's Vaio LT HD PC/TV all-in-one packs Blu-ray, CableCARD support
Sony's "floating glass" all-in-one L series has been solid in the looks department for a while now, but the specs have never been much to write home about. Until now, anyways. The new LT HD PC/TV comes in standard and HD models, with the HD version scoring a Blu-ray burner. Other specs include a 22-inch WSXGA+ LCD, 1.3 megapixel camera, Core 2 Duo processor, 2GB of RAM, discrete graphics and 802.11n WiFi. We're particularly stoked about the CableCARD slot for viewing HD channels, and it's always nice that the TV function of the PC can be switched on and off independently, so you don't have to wait for the unit to boot to start watching. The standard version will go for $1,900, while LT HD runs at a steep $2,900, and both should be available this October.
Sony set to introduce VAIO FZ2 laptops
It's not all that long ago that Sony bumped its VAIO FZ laptops into Santa Rosa territory, but it seems that the company is planning to expand the line even further, with Notebook Italia today getting word of a pair of new FZ2 series laptops. As with its current FZ offerings, these new laptops will each pack 15.4-inch WXGA displays, but they get an upgrade in the processor department to your choice of Core 2 Duo T7250 or T7500, along with NVIDIA GeForce 8400 GT graphics on the higher-end of the two, 2GB of RAM, a 250GB hard drive, and your choice of Blu-ray or DVD combo drives. No word on a release date just yet, it seems, but they'll apparently set you back $1,299 or $1,399 depending on the configuration.[Thanks, Laura]
Sony expands VAIO SZ line with new SZ6 series
Sony's made no secret of its plans to give its VAIO SZ line of laptops a Santa Rosa refresh, but it looks like the company's now let loose a few more details, including the all important word on pricing and availability. In addition to that Santa Rosa boost, these ones (dubbed the SZ6 series) all come equipped with 13.3-inch LED backlit displays, along hybrid hard drives boasting 160GB of traditional storage and 256MB of flash memory. According to Laptoping.com, a range of different pre-configured and build-to-order models are available, coming equipped with your choice of Core 2 Duo T7500, T7700 or T7250 processors, and an option of standard 120GB, 160GB, or 200GB hard drives if you're not quite ready to hop on the hybrid bandwagon. Look for these to set you back between $2,060 and $2,700 depending on the configuration, with them apparently set to ship on August 1st.Read - Laptoping.comRead - Sony VAIO SZ SeriesRead - Amazon.com pre-order
Sony quietly launches VAIO TP1 Living Room PC
If you can force your brain to remember back to January, you may recall Sony's curiously designed TP1 HTPC. Interestingly enough, it seems that Sony has indeed launched the device and didn't even bother to tell anyone, but that doesn't mean you can't be brought up to speed. Be warned, however, that Living Room PC does not equate to high-end AV center, as this modestly-spec'd machine lacks an HD optical drive and CableCARD option. Internally, you'll find a 1.83GHz Intel Core 2 Duo chip, 2GB of DDR2 RAM, a 300GB 7,200RPM SATA hard drive, dual-layer DVD writer, ATSC / NTSC TV tuner, GMA 950 integrated graphics set, and HDMI / DVI / VGA outputs. Moreover, Sony included a 4-pin FireWire connector, audio in / out, four USB 2.0 ports, Memory Stick / SD slots, 802.11b/g, and Vista Home Premium to run the show. So if you're still intrigued by this ho hum (albeit Viiv-certified!) PC, you can snag it right now starting at $1,599.99.[Via CNET]
Sony Vaio TZ review roundup
The first reviews of Sony's new top-of-the-line ultraportable, the Vaio TZ, are are starting to trickle in, and they're surprisingly mixed. While there's no doubting the overall hotness of the industrial design, the older, non-Santa Rosa chipset, 1.1GHz Core 2 Duo ultra low voltage processor, and integrated GMA 950 graphics don't seem to provide all that much bang for your $2,200 bucks, and the system seems to be preloaded with tons of crapware -- Laptop Magazine straight up says the TZ ran "as if it were broken" until they cleaned it up. Still, most reviewers found the design, battery life, available 32GB SSD, and WWAN options to be intriguing enough to rate high scores -- either that, or this thing is even sexier in person.Read - Laptop MagazineRead - CNETRead - TrustedReviews
Sony intros 24-inch VGP-D24WD1 monitor
VAIO users wanting to keep things coordinated now have a new option to consider, with Sony recently introducing its 24-inch VGP-D24WD1 widescreen monitor, apparently designed specifically to go along with their Type R desktops. From the looks of it this one hits all the right spec marks, boasting a 1920 x 1200 resolution, 92% NTSC color purity, a 1,000:1 contrast ratio, 400cd/m2 brightness, and a 6 ms response time, along with a pair of HDCP-compliant DVI ports and one VGA port. Look for this one to be available in Japan "soon" for ¥129,000 (or roughly $1,060).[Via Akihabara News]
Sony makes LocationFree Vaio, introduces Vaio LF-V30 Base Station
Good bye LocationFree, hello Vaio Base Station LV-V30 ("with LocationFree technology"). We were hoping Sony didn't kill LFTV, and thankfully it looks like that's not the case. The LF-V30 takes component in/out and converts into standard def and QVGA, and will run you about $250 come September. Another hot shot after the break.
Sony Vaio UX gets iPhone interface makeover
Unfortunately, we could be seeing the early beginnings of a polarizing trend, as the oh-so-hackable Sony Vaio UX becomes yet another non-Apple device to sport iPhone-esque visuals. The aptly-dubbed uPhone boasts an interface that looks awfully similar to that found on Apple's handset (and a good deal better than those knockoffs, might we add), and relies on a well disguised flavor of Windows to pull it all off. Currently, the project is still a work in progress, and while he has got Skype, a calculator, and a few fancy slide transitions up and running, there's still work on the horizon. Head on through the break for a few short clips of the device in action.[Via DAPReview]
Sony launches HD marketing blitz in Europe
Sony's no stranger to launching controversial marketing campaigns around the globe, and it looks like Europe will become the firm's next victim. As high-definition technology gains ground overseas, Sony is reportedly readying a "major Pan-European marketing campaign to demonstrate the breadth and depth of HD offerings and to educate consumers about the intricacies of HD." The advertising will be seen on television, in cinemas, in stores, and even online, meaning that you'll be hard pressed to evade the Apricot Poodle "Experiment" commercial (glimpsed on the right) unless you go Amish for a month or so. Of course, considering the recent reports of Blu-ray disparity, we bet Sony will do its part to back the BDA all the while.[Via TechDigest]
Sony VAIO TZ first impressions
Sony's SSD-riffic VAIO TZ laptop still hasn't officially made it to North America, but that hasn't stopped some folks from doing the importing thing to get their ultraportable fix, one of which has kindly put together a few first impressions for NotebookReview. On the whole, the individual (known only as "Outrigger") seems to be quite pleased with the purchase (despite the premium price), especially digging the laptop's good looks and LED-backlit screen, as well as its "extremely long" battery life. On the downside, as nice as that SDD drive is, Outrigger would have liked to see more than 32GB of it, as well as more than one RAM slot. Not surprisingly, he also found that the laptop is "not made for gaming," with none of Santa Rosa's benefits to be found either. Still, if portability is your top concern, it looks like a solid enough choice, assuming that the near $3,000 price tag doesn't turn you off, that is.
Sony intros VAIO RM1N HD editing workstation
Sony looks to have heeded the calls of those bemoaning the single Core 2 Duo processor powering its otherwise top-end VAIO RM HD editing workstation, as its now taken things all the way up to a Core 2 Quad Q6600 processor in its latest RM1N model. As before, this one boasts a dual-box design, with the main PC components housed in one box, and the optical drives (including a Blu-ray one), hard drives, and memory card reader stuffed in the other. In addition to that new quad-core processor, the RM1N also gets a new NVIDIA GeForce 8600 GTS graphics card, along with the same 2GB of DDR2 memory and dual 500GB 7200rpm SATA hard drives as before. Also getting a boost is the price, with it now running just shy of $5,000.[Via Reg Hardware]
Sony busts out VAIO upgrades aplenty in Japan
Much as they did back at the time of Vista's launch, Sony decided to refresh a bunch of its laptops in one fell swoop, today announcing no less than 21 new VAIOs in four different model ranges. Those include the VAIO A, BX, FZ and G series, which each get upgrades of varying degrees. The top end of the lot are the VAIO A series laptops, which pack 17-inch displays (1920x1200 on the higher end model), T7100 or T7300 Core 2 Duo processors, up to 2GB of RAM, two 120GB hard drives, an optional Blu-ray drive, and NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT graphics. Taking things down a notch, the FZ series laptops each boast 15.4-inch displays, along with Core 2 Duo processors and slightly smaller hard drives, while the VAIO BX models will give you a choice of 14.1 or 15.4-inch displays, Core 2 Duo processors, up to 2GB of RAM, and a max 120GB hard drive. Rounding out the line-up is the VAIO G, which is lightweight in more ways than one, boasting a 12.1-inch display, a Core Solo U1400 processor, 1GB of RAM, and an 80GB hard drive. Look for all them to roll out in Japan over the course of July, with them starting at just ¥109,800 ($900) and going all the way up to ¥400,000 ($3,285).[Via Impress and Akihabara News]
Sony's Vaio CR series finally gets official
No real surprises at this point, but here's skinny on Sony's "worst kept secret" Santa Rosa-based Vaio CR series of 14.1-inch laptops. Sony is going the multi-color route with these, hoping to attract the fashionistas in the room with sangria, cosmopolitan, dove, indigo and black color options. Sony also packed in some fun keyboard-bordering LED action and even an option for a color-coordinated bag and mouse. Prices start at $1,350 and Sony will start shipments at the end of this month. Processors are all Core 2 Duo T7100, graphics do the Intel GMA X3100 thing, the display manages a 1280 x 800 resolution, and 2GB of RAM comes standard. Hit up the gallery for more pics.%Gallery-3848%
OS X makes itself at home on Sony Vaio UX
If you think running OS X on your Xbox 360 (well, the PC-stuffed version) is 1337, how about cramming Apple's latest operating system on a handheld Vaio? A long-winded sev7en over at MicroPCTalk has apparently taken it upon himself to do just that, and while we'd offer up kudos if he simply shared photographs and nonchalantly bragged about his success, offering up a full blown installation guide is darn near saintly. The aptly-named Mac OSUX project allows users to more easily carry OS X around in their cargo pockets, and all that's reportedly required (or recommended) is a Vaio UX, copy of OS X, a docking station, external USB 2.0 optical DVD drive, keyboard and mouse, and marginal reading comprehension skills. If you fit the aforementioned mold, feel free to hit the read link and get to it.
