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VAIO TT disappears from Sony's US site (update: gone for good)
We've always loved the super-expensive VAIO TT with a passion, but apparently the netbook onslaught was just too much for the well-reviewed 11.1-inch machine to take: it's gone from Sony's US website, and we're guessing that it's not going to return. That's too bad, since we've always felt the TT was one of the more beautiful laptops ever made, and while we could never justify its fully kitted-out $4,450 price tag, we always had one on our want list. Hopefully Sony has some grander plans for this size point than the sadly-generic VAIO W -- in the meantime, light a candle and check our unboxing and hands-on gallery below. Update: We just heard back from Sony -- yep, the VAIO TT is gone, and it's not coming back. Shed a tear, will ya? %Gallery-34090%
Sony bringing Gobi WWAN module to VAIO Z, TT and P
Hey, you! VAIO P modder! Hold up on that HSDPA hack just a minute -- er, on second thought, you should probably proceed, 'cause Sony isn't about to take back your current machine when this Gobi-equipped model ships. Quite curiously, Sony has announced here in Barcelona that its VAIO Z, VAIO TT and VAIO P laptops will soon be embedded with Qualcomm's Gobi, which provides both EV-DO Rev. A and HSDPA support on a single module. As it stands, Sony's US model VAIO P only supports Verizon Wireless' mobile broadband network, which should leave a pretty bitter taste in the mouths of early adopters. There's no mention at all of when Sony plans to start shipping these oh-so-connected machines (nor if they'll be coming to US shores), but we're hoping it's sooner rather than later.Update: In order to address some understandable confusion with this release, Sony has provided the following response: "All of the P Series shipped to date come equipped with Gobi mobile broadband technology and the instant-mode option, but certain feature deployment varies region by region. As such, the mobile broadband feature is exclusively supported by the Verizon Wireless network for all US customers." In other words, all existing VAIO P units (even US models) have the Gobi chip -- it's up to you to hack away that Verizon lock and get down to business, though.
Sony's VAIO TT gets high marks in full review, still painfully pricey
We already detailed the basics of Sony's VAIO TT -- you know, the outfit's slap in the face to the netbook arena -- earlier this month, but the crew over at CNET had a chance to benchmark the unit and toss out some quantifiable talking points. Overall, critics found it just as appealing as we did, but they couldn't help but point out just how debilitating the insane price tag is. Of note, they weren't particularly wowed with the sheer performance, but the magnificent battery life (nearly 4-hours in a video playback drain test) and the speedy SSDs were gushed all over. At the end of the day, this thing is still too expensive for the majority of laptop buyers, but those not alarmed by the $2,000+ sticker should hit the read link for a look at the full writeup alongside a few benchmarks.
Sony VAIO TT: unboxing, hands-on and impressions
It's not too often we get to toy around with a $4,449.99 laptop (these start at around $2,000), but that's precisely what we were able to do when Sony's packed-to-the-hilt VAIO TT (VGN-TT198U to be precise) arrived on our doorstop. The model we received included dual 128GB SSDs, a Blu-ray writer, 11.1-inch LED-backlit display, HDMI output, built-in MOTION EYE webcam, 802.11n WiFi, a 1.4GHz Core 2 Duo SU9400 CPU, 4GB of DDR3 RAM, Bluetooth and a pair of USB 2.0 ports. The 2.87-pound unit is essentially a huge thumb of the nose to netbooks everywhere, boasting a frame that's in the same ballpark (in terms of size) with innards and a price tag that contrast sharply. For those just interested in seeing what south of five large can buy you these days, head on down to the gallery below; if you're actually considering one of these puppies, hop on the past the break for a few impressions. %Gallery-34090%
Sony's Vaio TT gets dissected, found to contain small components
Of course it had to happen sooner or later, but we're a little taken aback that someone at Sony had the temerity to slice open a newborn Vaio TT and put it on display -- in a booth at CEATEC, no less -- for the whole world to see. Righteous indignation aside, the thing is pretty impressive, especially considering that without the Blu-ray drive it would only be about half the size. We have one more pic for you after the break, and be sure to check out our look inside the Z series while you're at it.[Via Sony Insider]
Sony reveals limited edition 007 VAIO TT, USB Micro Vault and Reader Digital Book
In a move to pump up the impending theater debut of Quantum of Solace, Sony is simultaneously opening up a new promotional game and introducing a few new pieces of limited edition gear. Obviously, we're a touch more concerned with the kit than the game, so we'll skip over those details and head right to the meat of it. The outfit will be offering up 100 limited run VAIO TT laptops that are emblazoned with a 007 logo on the palm rest and a matching leather protection case. Additionally, a Special Edition Bond bundle for the Reader Digital Book will feature an embossed cover with a 007 logo and coupon codes for free downloads of Ian Fleming's novels Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace. Lastly, we've got the 007 USB Micro Vault in 8GB and 16GB flavors, both of which come pre-loaded with the Quantum of Solace trailer and other miscellaneous "bonus content." Wild guesses as to price / release dates are being accepted now.
Sony's 11-inch VAIO TT: world's lightest Blu-ray laptop
It took a few days hours longer than expected, but Sony's VAIO TT is here. And it's sexy. This 11.1-inch beauty features a sub-1-inch thick, 2.87-pound chassis made from carbon-fiber, and Sony claims it's the lightest notebook on the planet to pack Blu-ray capabilities. Arriving in a variety of configurations, the VAIO TT is available with an XBRITE-DuraView LCD, Intel's Centrino 2 technology, an HDMI output, dual channel 256GB (128GB x 2) SSD setup with RAID, Sprint WWAN (EV-DO Rev. A) and Windows Vista running the show. The Fall-bound TT -- which will arrive in premium carbon black, silk black, champagne gold and crimson red outfits -- will start at around two large, with the Blu-ray model going for $2,700 and the SSD edition demanding $2,750. There's no direct mention of a battery life figure, which scares us just a tad, but you can dig into the full release just after the break. %Gallery-32418%
VAIO TT specs leak out
Well, the VAIO TT didn't make its rumored appearance today, but specs for the TZ replacement showed up on Sony's VAIO Adviser tool, and things are looking good -- particularly the top-of-the-line VGN-TT190UBX, which sports a 1.4GHz SU9400 Core 2 Duo, 4GB of RAM, Blu-ray burner, HDMI out and 128GBx2 RAID SSD storage in a 2.87-pound package. Yeah, we'll take three. The other configs aren't quite as smoking hot, but you're looking at 11.1-inch screens, 160GB hard drives, 1.2GHz SU9300 Core 2 Duo processors, and Vista Home Premium all the way around. Too bad we don't have prices, pictures, or release dates yet, but we're guessing we'll find out lots more soon.
Sony VAIO TT to be announced Monday?
Sony's recent netbook angst doesn't seem to be slowing the spate of VAIO updates we've been seeing lately -- word on the street is that a new VAIO TT will replace the super-hot VAIO TZ on Monday. There's not much to go on other than some FCC docs which confirm WiFi, Bluetooth and an EV-DO option, but expect the same 11.1-inch screen as the TZ. Now the real question -- does anyone want Monday to actually get here? Read - Sony Insider post Read - FCC docs [PDF]