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Sony's 13-inch VAIO Z line gets updated, your wallet hurts just thinking about it
Think Apple's MacBook Air is one overpriced ultraportable? Have a gander at the build sheet for Sony's refreshed VAIO Z. The same machine that we took a peek at this February has seen a predictable fall update, right alongside legions of other Sony lappies. The 13.3-inch machine can now be ordered with a presumably lap-melting Core i5-460M (2.53GHz), Core i5-580M (2.66GHz) or Core i7-640M (2.8GHz), an optional carbon fiber colored casing, up to 8GB of DDR3 RAM, 256GB or 512GB SSD, optional Blu-ray Disc burner, an SDXC card reader and NVIDIA's GeForce GT330M graphics card. Oh, and did we mention that there's a 1920 x 1080 screen resolution on this thing? Maybe that explains the $2,249.99 starting price.
Sony updates VAIO F, E, and L with shiny new silicon, a pinch of Blu-ray and some denser screens
Fall is fully upon us and winter around the bend, which can only mean one thing -- time for Sony to refresh its alphabet soup of Vaio laptops with some seasonal upgrades. First and foremost, the 16.4-inch VAIO F is getting a kick in the graphical department -- just as expected, you can grab a GeForce GT 425M 1GB for a nominal $50 fee -- and there's a pair of standard-issue USB 3.0 ports to power some potent peripherals. The Vaio L touchscreen all-in-one, meanwhile, is getting a Blu-ray burner at the $2,199 level, and both the VAIO EA and VAIO EB have access to 2.53GHz Core i5-460M and 2.66GHz Core i5-580M processors for $130 and $230 premiums, respectively, as well as ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5650 graphics for a mere $100. Last but not least, the EB and EC can trade in their weak 1366 x 768 displays for 1920 x 1080 full HD panels nearly worthy of Paul Miller's enthusiasm, and until October 9th that particular $50 upgrade costs you the very reasonable price of free.
Sony VAIO laptops start getting PS3 Remote Play update in the US
It's been available for some VAIOs in Japan, and some intrepid individuals have even gotten it working on non-VAIO computers, but it looks like VAIO users in the US can now finally get some official PS3 Remote Play support. We're still trying to track down a complete list of the computers supported, but it looks like the update at least covers the VAIO EA series, and includes all the functionality you'd expect -- streaming, Bluetooth keyboard support, etc. Be sure to let us know in comments if the update has hit your VAIO. [Thanks, Adam]
Intel Core i5-580M and Core i7-640M highlight Sony's Asian laptop refresh
Sony's decided to litter its Asian portal with a smattering of blood-red "coming soon" signs, signifying an unannounced but seemingly very real wave of laptop refreshes. The F Series gets to play with NVIDIA's new 425M mobile GPU, but the real hotness is to be found in the Z Series, which get access to 2.8GHz Core i7-640M and 2.66GHz Core i5-580M CPU options from Intel. You'll recognize both as mostly roadmap fodder until now, and they're joined by the i5-560M, which makes its debut on a couple of Sony's midrange consumer lines. Basically, it's a whole lot of new silicon in what look like the same old enclosures, but that's not going to stop us from speccing out a Quad SSD-equipped VAIO Z just for the fun of it. We can probably expect these upgrades to journey westward soon as well, so why not hit the source link for a little bit of advance reconnaissance? [Thanks, Wes]
3D Sony Vaio landing next year, we preview the prototype
See this computer here? Yeah, well Sony's going to launch a laptop next year that will most likely look nothing like this. Intrigued? We thought you would be. Sony announced today that it will be launching at least one laptop next year (probably a mini-series of 'em) with a 3D-capable 240Hz LCD. The laptop will be using a built-in IR blaster to sync with your regular Bravia shutter glasses, but it's unclear whether the price of a laptop will get you a free pair of the precious specs. The prototype we got to look at here has a 16-inch 16:9 display, housed in a current F series chassis, but all that is of course subject to change when the final model lands. We do have to say, in comparison to some of the other 3D laptops we've seen, Sony's tech comes off looking pretty good, but there's nothing here to convince us this is anything beyond a niche luxury for now -- although an ability to use this screen as a 3D display for our PS3 might help us change our mind (we asked, the answer is no). Expect to hear more about this mysterious beast at next year's CES. %Gallery-100924%
Rocket Project team successfully launches a Vaio into the stratosphere
Earlier this spring, Sony's Rocket Project gave eight lucky high school students several Vaios, a crash course in rocketry, and the opportunity to design and build a rocket that could make it to the stratosphere. Well, what do you know? After a few weather-related setbacks, the thing finally launched on Friday, July 23 from its launchpad in the Black Rock Desert in Nevada, achieving Mach 2.8 (nearly three times the speed of sound) in the process. Wernher von Braun never had it so good! Video after the break.
Sony thinks E Color is the new black, gives you a whole site's worth to choose from
If your gear isn't pushing the performance envelope, you typically have to resort to alternative means for attracting those precious customers. Sony's newish VAIO E series is an exponent of just such a philosophy, with its lurid colorings and replaceable keyboard skins. The company's decided to take things up a notch, however, by now offering a Color Combo site where we can combine the gnarliest hue mismatches this side of Colorware. The chromatic choices include the laptop's case and keyboard as well as the additions of a wireless mouse and a reversible sleeve. Everything that isn't bolted down to the computer will of course cost you extra, but will you really let a little bit of cash stand between you and that magenta dream machine?
Sony to recall half a million 'too hot to handle' VAIO laptops
Well, this isn't good. Sony's issued a warning that about half a million of its VAIO laptops are at risk of seriously overheating, and could even cause burns. The company says that the heat-monitoring chips of its VAIO F and C series laptops (which were launched in January) could be defective, causing them to overheat and physically warp. Sony says it's received about 40 total complaints about the issue, and that affected customers will be able to download a software fix or contact the company directly to have the laptop picked up for a repair.
Sony selling AMD powered VAIOs for the first time in years
We've been keeping a close eye on AMD's big laptop comeback over the last couple of months, and in addition to gaining steam with HP, Dell, Toshiba and Lenovo, it appears AMD's also gotten Sony back into its court. Both Fry's and Best Buy are now carrying AMD Athlon II X2-powered machines, and as you may expect, the prices are quite tempting. Conversely, the Intel-based lineup ranges from $699 to $799, but until we get our hands on one of these ourselves, there isn't exactly a fair comparison to draw at this point. You can hit the source links for the complete specs, but the 15.4-inch EE Series with 4GB of RAM / 320GB of storage and a Blu-ray player is going for $650 while the 17.3-inch EF with a 500GB hard drive for $720. Both also have integrated ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4250 graphics, but regardless, the move certainly bodes well for AMD's newest processor / graphics, since it appears that Sony hasn't used AMD in its systems since 2005. We guess a welcome back hug is in order.
Sony Vaio Z gets Core i7 processor, 1920 x 1080 display in the US
Sony's rather quietly refreshed its VAIO Z laptops in the US -- to include Intel's Core i7 processor and a new, optional 1920 x 1080 display. The new display upgrade is free until July 3rd so if you've been thinking about grabbing up a VAIO Z, now's probably the time to do it. You can check out our full review of the earlier VAIO Z here. Hit up the source if you just can't wait to start shopping. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Sony's second-gen VAIO P now available for pre-order
Sony's VAIO P certainly isn't for everyone but, if it's for you, you can now finally get your pre-order in for the latest version on the SonyStyle website. Contrary to what we had heard earlier, however, the luxury netbook now starts at $899.99 (not $799), which will still get you the same Atom Z530 processor and 2GB of RAM, but a larger 128GB SSD -- the expected 64GB option is seemingly nowhere to be found. You can rest assured that the neon green, hot pink and electric orange color options are all still available, though. Look for it to start shipping around June 25th. [Thanks, Chris]
Sony VAIO EA and EC Series excite with colors and Core i3
You've really got a thing for florescent these days, don't ya Sony? Just like its colorful 15.5-inch EB series, Sony's new 14-inch VAIO EA and 17.3-inch EC Series are available in colors that can only remind us of 80's workout attire, including bright green, blue, and pink. Though (thankfully!) for us more conservative types, the two new lines are also available in a matte white, brown and black. The budget systems ring up at around $700, and both feature a Core i3 350M CPU, 4GB of RAM, a 320GB hard drive and Windows 7 Home Premium. There is a Blu-ray option and an onboard HDMI port. Sony's also gone and added its own instant-on OS, which is launched by hitting the WEB button above the keyboard. Our favorite part about the two machines? Funny enough it has nothing to do with the laptops themselves -- it happens to be the rubber keyboard skins that Sony will sell for $25 along side these lappies for keeping the chiclet keyboards safe from crumbs and everyday ware. Both models will be up for pre-order today, though will ship in July. %Gallery-94643%
Sony's VAIO W Billabong hits US shores June 11th, $500 buys you a ride
Remember the boardshort-inspired VAIO W Billabong netbook that surfaced in Australia last week? The limited edition lappy's headed stateside, too, and its Imperial Lime lid and faster 1.83GHz Atom N470 CPU will only cost you $50 more than the stock model. Mind you, this is otherwise the same pricy VAIO W that wasn't worth five Benjamins last fall, but if you're the type that dreams of barreling down a tunnel of deep blue ocean nightly, we suppose the occasional concession can't hurt. Now available for preorder via the source link, the mini-notebook ships June 11th; PR after the break.
Sony hangs ten with Billabong, pops out gnarly special edition VAIO W netbook
Sony's never been one to craft a "low-cost laptop," and even the company's minuscule VAIO W netbook remains one of the most expensive in the sector. But this, friends, might just be one worth the premium. Announced over in Australia, the limited edition VAIO W you're peering at above has been designed in partnership with Billabong, and the Imperial Lime lid is certainly the primary selling point. Expected to ship Down Under next month, the 10.1-inch machine will be outfitted with a 1.83GHz Intel Atom N470 CPU, 2GB of RAM, a 1,366 x 768 resolution panel, Windows 7 Starter and a GPU that's incapable of handling 1080p material. You'll also find an Ethernet jack, a pair of USB 2.0 sockets, built-in webcam and a 250GB hard drive, but none of those ho hum specs help to justify the AU$749 ($619) price tag. The lid, on the other hand...
VAIO adds 'Remote Keyboard' support
In addition to getting Remote Play support, Sony's VAIO computers will be able to act as a virtual keyboard for your PS3 system. The "Remote Keyboard" feature can be used in PlayStation Home and games that support the PlayStation keyboard. It may not be as portable as the official PS3 wireless keypad, but it should be far more comfortable. Although, we have some concerns over the questionable key mapping (image after the break). Software support for PS3 connectivity is currently only available on the P series of VAIO laptops. If you can brave the Japanese website, and would like to try it out, download the software here. [Thanks, Copland!]
Sony teases VAIO Ultra Mobile, Clippy chuffed (Update: new VAIO P)
Interesting. Sony's teasing a new VAIO "Ultra Mobile" in Japan. No idea what this could be: refreshed VAIO X lappie, VAIO P netbook, or a new take on its venerable VAIO UX micro PC? With Intel's Moorestown just around the corner we're leaning towards the latter, hoping for it anyway -- Sony doesn't tease just any old product without good reason. Oh, wait. Update: A previously proven Sony tipster tells us that a new VAIO P is the mystery device. In fact, it's orange and the paper clip to the left actually represents the unit as viewed from the side. Trippy.
PS3 firmware update 3.30 makes PC remote play VAIO-ble
Most folks don't know that PS3 Firmware Update 3.30 didn't just prep the system for 3D support, renovate the Trophy section, and totally crash user's lengthy Dragon Age: Origins sessions. It also added a tab under the "Remote Play" section of the XMB – an unassuming option simply labeled "PC." The notes accompanying the update confirm that "future models of the VAIO PC" will be able to access certain titles on the PSN, though the full capacity of said access is unknown. The notes mentioned that further details on the VAIO's Remote Playability will be announced on Sony's website next month. Until then, you can keep on playing your PSN games on your PS3, just like you always have, since the dawn of time, you caveman. [Via Videogamer]
PS3 firmware 3.30 sneaks in remote play from PC, bitstream audio options
Additional trophy sorting and 3D gaming readiness should have been enough to satisfy and PS3 owner after the latest v3.30 system update (hey, at least it didn't take anything away this time) but there's a couple other surprises in store. If you're the kind of person who loves (or hates) their beeps and bloops, there's a toggle for Bitstream Direct (output audio with the original digital signal prioritized) or Mix (mixed with sound effects such as button sounds and then converted to bitstream format) on Blu-ray movies, while future VAIO PC owners can get a taste of remote play without any PSP intermediary. Other, unconfirmed, reports include updated Flash compatibility, enhanced region free Blu-ray movie playback, the usual complaints of bricked or otherwise busted consoles as well as erroneous claims of an updated EULA that maintains Sony can update your PS3 whenever it wants (newsflash - it's always said that.) Sure, you can always wait for a custom build from Geohot instead, but we've got a Fat Princess to rescue.
Sony announces 'division two' series of VAIO laptops built by other manufacturers
Well, here's a bit of a surprise. In an interview with PC Pro, the deputy president of Sony's VAIO Business Group, Ryosuke Akahane, has revealed that the company will soon be effectively splitting its laptop business into two distinct groups. The first, called "division one," will continue with laptops designed and built by Sony as before, but the second, or "division two," will rely on laptops built by other manufacturers. Those behind-the-scenes changes may not be readily apparent to consumers, however, as the so-called division two laptops will still carry the VAIO name, and will apparently have the same "taste of VAIO" and "style of VAIO," with Sony naturally first approving all third-party designs. Presumably, this will also lead to some less expensive VAIO laptops, although Akahane was quick to point out that it's not following the Dell model with different brands at different price points, saying instead that a new brand is "not efficient," and that it wants to "enhance the identity of VAIO more and more."
Sony VAIO E series keyboard skins spotted in the wild
Sony's new VAIO E series laptops are already pretty colorful to begin with, but it looks like those still not satisfied with their options can also do a bit of accessorizing courtesy of Sony itself, which is offering a series of keyboard skins for the laptop. Similar to protective skins from the likes of zCover and others, these skins run $20 apiece, and are available in your choice of green, blue, purple, black or pink. What's more, according to the folks at Sony Insider, they supposedly improve the feel of the keyboard, and don't seem like they're prone to falling off after a bit of use. Hit up the link below for a taste of some of the other color combinations available.