Sony VAIO P Series encroaching on Communicator territory?
Published by Steve Litchfield at 7:43 UTC, May 11th 2010
Not Symbian-related, but hopefully of interest, especially to long time fans of the Nokia Communicator series, is Sony's re-launch of its VAIO P Series, a clamshell sub-netbook that is claimed to fit in a jeans pocket. Details, images and links below, though the fact that it runs Windows may be a dealbreaker for some, I suspect.
VAIO P Series to Boast Bold Colors and New Touch Features
WHO: The new Sony VAIO P Series features an array of built-in one-touch buttons that enable you to instantly access the web, adjust screen resolution and even tune-up your PC. A convenient trackpad built directly into the LCD bezel and a mobile nav grip have also been added making it easier than ever to access content on-the-go. Taking fashion to the next level, the P-Series is now available in five vibrant new colors electric orange, neon green, hot pink, icy white and classic black.
WHAT: Measuring about the size of a business envelope and roughly as thin as a cell phone the P Series weighs in at just 1.4 pounds. It integrates full PC features so users can edit documents, watch online videos, and organize photos all with an ultraportable design.
The new PC features one-touch buttons providing convenient shortcuts with just a click.
Press the WEB button, and this Instant mode option launches directly into your browser. You can even press it when the PC is turned off and it will launch you into your web browser without a full boot through the Windows operating system.
The ASSIST button launches Sony s own VAIO Care "! software, an easy-to-use program that lets you tune-up, maintain, update and troubleshoot the PC.
A resolution button lets you increase or decrease screen resolution for optimal viewing.
The P Series also boasts a unique mobile nav grip to surf the web without a mouse or keyboard. A trackpad and left- and right-click buttons are built right into the LCD bezel, providing a creative solution to navigate the web and a new way to interact with a PC.
It features a high-resolution, 1600 x 768, LED backlit 8-inch ultra-wide display (diagonal), making it easy to view everything from entire spreadsheets to full web pages. Plus, for a more convenient way to read long web pages without all the scrolling, turn the P Series on its side to change the viewing orientation from landscape mode to portrait mode. A new array of stylish carrying cases and wireless mice are now available.
WHEN: Available now for pre-sale atwww.sony.com/pr/pseries and at select retailers around the country for about $800. To find the closest Sony Style store, please visitwww.sonystyle.com.
From the press release:
"The new Sony VAIO P Series features an array of built-in one-touch buttons that enable you to instantly access the web, adjust screen resolution and even tune-up your PC. A convenient trackpad built directly into the LCD bezel and a mobile nav grip have also been added making it easier than ever to access content on-the-go. Taking fashion to the next level, the P-Series is now available in five vibrant new colors electric orange, neon green, hot pink, icy white and classic black.
Measuring about the size of a business envelope and roughly as thin as a cell phone the P Series weighs in at just 1.4 pounds. It integrates full PC features so users can edit documents, watch online videos, and organize photos all with an ultraportable design. The new PC features one-touch buttons providing convenient shortcuts with just a click. Press the WEB button, and this Instant mode option launches directly into your browser. You can even press it when the PC is turned off and it will launch you into your web browser without a full boot through the Windows operating system.The ASSIST button launches Sony s own VAIO Care "! software, an easy-to-use program that lets you tune-up, maintain, update and troubleshoot the PC.A resolution button lets you increase or decrease screen resolution for optimal viewing.
The P Series also boasts a unique mobile nav grip to surf the web without a mouse or keyboard. A trackpad and left- and right-click buttons are built right into the LCD bezel, providing a creative solution to navigate the web and a new way to interact with a PC. It features a high-resolution, 1600 x 768, LED backlit 8-inch ultra-wide display (diagonal), making it easy to view everything from entire spreadsheets to full web pages. Plus, for a more convenient way to read long web pages without all the scrolling, turn the P Series on its side to change the viewing orientation from landscape mode to portrait mode. A new array of stylish carrying cases and wireless mice are now available."
News Discussion
buster
It's not really a new device, as a friend of mine has had one of these for a year; being a Sony, it's very nicely designed with a corresponding price tag...
Captain Jon
What the heck? This is old news. Older if you take into account that this form factor was evolved from their old Picturebook series, one of the first "netbook" like devices before Asus got there.
In any case the Vaio P is nice and to me is well worth the price tag especially when compared to the build quality of cheapo netbook toys out there. Besides there are cheaper Sony netbooks (like
this) if one can't afford the Vaio P.
Insane Reindeer
The last P Series was a fantastic bit of kit so I am guessing these will be as well. I like the addition of both in built 3G and GPS on some of these. Still way out of my price league though, and knowing Sony I doubt if the price will ever drop low enough either!
malerocks
Yes, this product line is pretty old news. In India, we have been seeing ads of a pretty girl wearing tight (and low) jeans and this thing sticking out of her back pocket since a very long time... ;)
Unregistered
Device is great, but the physical size is precisely why we're seeing the use of Meego, Android and iPhone OS in sub-notebooks, tablets and smaller. Using Windows is absolutely ridiculous. And when you think that these smaller devices are the future of personal computing, you realise that Windows is increasingly redundant and Microsoft will surely follow. Windows Phone 7 is too little, too late.
abubasim
The VAIO P has been around for quite some time. Sony's just announcing updated models of it.
I have the original model with a slow 1.3 GHz Atom processor and an even slower 4200 rpm 60GB HD. Fully functional as a laptop but the slow hardware and the extremely high resolution display doesn't make it a laptop replacement but more a 'best of what's left' option.
Jay H
Come on guys, what part of the word "re-launch" in the article suggested that Steve wasn't aware that the P Series had existed before?
Unregistered
Don't remember seeing that word there. He must have stealth edited it.
Original:
"Not Symbian-related, but hopefully of interest, especially to long time fans of the Nokia Communicator series, is Sony's announcement of its VAIO P Series, a clamshell sub-netbook that is claimed to fit in a jeans pocket. Details, images and links below, though the fact that it runs Windows may be a dealbreaker for some, I suspect."
UKJeeper
Perhaps its a 'premium content' thing. The full article (with all the words) is only visible to registered users....
mivpl
a new device, as a friend of mine has had one of these for a year; being a Sony, it's very nicely designed with a corresponding price tag...
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