The biggest strike against the VAIO X seems to be the heat it generates. Luckily, the 6-cell battery raises the laptop off of the user's lap and helps solve the problem. But if you're going to use the 4-cell battery, better bring a heat shield for your legs.

Speaking of batteries, Sony worked some power management voodoo on this thing. According to Laptop Mag's tests, the thing runs for 9 hours and 49 minutes, way longer than the average 6-cell running time of 6 hours and 10 minutes.

Head on over to Laptop Mag to get their full impressions. [Laptop Mag via @mspoonauer]

Coming after the HP TouchSmart's jugular, the Vaio L will have all the multimedia goods and seems to be packed with new Sony multimedia software that brings Sony TV to your PC. [Sony]

VAIO L Series Puts TV, Internet and Blu-ray Disc Movies One Touch Away

NEW YORK, Oct. 8, 2009 – Sony today unveiled its new touch-enabled, multi-media machine- the VAIO® L Touch HD PC/TV.

With the VAIO L Series' multi-touch screen easy access to your PC, HDTV, DVR- your entire entertainment hub- is readily at your fingertips.

Equipped with a 24-inch (diagonal) WUXGA (1920x1080) widescreen panel, the unit displays high-definition content in Full HD resolution.

Select models feature a Blu-ray Disc™ optical drive so you can enjoy high-definition movies. A rewritable BD drive for recording, storing and playing back personal content on high-capacity BD media is also available.

"The L Series is the ultimate multi-media hub- it's your PC, HDTV and DVR in one compact, stylish device," said Mike Abary, senior vice president of the VAIO business group at Sony. "And with cutting-edge features such as multi-touch, it's ideal for media lovers who appreciate HD performance and cutting-edge technology."

Select models feature a built-in tuner so you can connect to your digital cable TV service and Over-The-Air (ATSC) HD TV signals (antenna required) and watch television on your PC

An optional HDMI™ input is available, so in addition to the unit's built-in HD features you can connect a compatible HD cable box, satellite receiver or PLAYSTATION®3 (all sold separately) via a single cable and enjoy HD entertainment without powering on the PC.

And with built-in DVR capabilities and up to a terabyte of storage, you can create a personal entertainment library with up to 100 hours of HD television.

It comes with Windows® 7 Home Premium or Professional 64-bit operating system. Leveraging these new operating systems, the L Series is able to offer new functionalities such as a touch screen display enabling you to do anything you could do with a mouse with the touch of a finger.

Launch directly into Sony's own Media Gallery software by pushing the designated VAIO button on the keyboard and create high-quality home movies and slideshows in three simple steps. Import your photos and video, choose a theme and soundtrack, click finish and the software does the rest, generating a professional-looking movie complete with special effects- all by touching the screen.
The unit packs a powerful Intel® Core™ 2 Quad processor (select models), loads of RAM, and a dedicated NVIDIA® GeForce ® series graphics for graphic-intense gaming and movies.

By utilizing built-in wireless 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi technology and your wireless router (required, sold separately), you can position the model virtually anywhere in your home and access the Internet, email or home network.

The model is ideal for anywhere space is at a premium. It has a mounting capability that allows users to attach a VESA-compatible mount (sold separately) to it and hang it on the wall of your bedroom, kitchen, office or attach to your desk.

When not mounted to the wall, the L Series features an adjustable stand to help you adjust the unit to meet your desired viewing or touch angle or simply to decrease the slant for space-saving. A wireless keyboard, mouse and remote control (select models) are included.

The VAIO L Touch HD PC/TV will start at about $1,300. It is available for pre-orders today online at www.sonystyle.com/pr/l. It will also be sold at Sony Style® stores and select retailers around the country starting next month.

Thanks to its 11.2 inch display it looks really compact and that carbon fiber outside and keyboard, oh that keyboard, make my mouth water. As for what is on the inside, we don't know much. The guys at NetbookNews say there is discussion of an Intel Atom processor (they seem to be hoping for the next generation Pineview CPU), but we won't be surprised if they go with Intel's new ULV offering. Either way it is something low powered since Sony has been touting crazy all day battery life (from the video though the battery doesn't seem to be replaceable).

Now it would be typical Sony to jack up the price on this 1.5 pound baby, but I am thinking it might not be as high as some anticipate (crossing my fingers for under $750). Don't forget Sony was saying a few months ago it wants to enter the low cost ultraportable space. Our sources tell us this sweet lappie will launch sometime in October with Windows 7. [Netbook News]

Update: Aaaand that's cause it's apparently got an Atom processor inside Engadget's been told. Didn't Sony learn anything from the Vaio P?

For those keeping score on thinness, Adamo is 0.65 inches and weighs around 4 pounds, while MacBook Air's ballooning ass is 0.76 inches and it weighs about 3 pounds, though both of them have 13-inch screens versus the X-series 11.1-inch display. But still, Atom? And god, I don't even wanna know how much it's gonna cost. [Engadget]

One of Sony's Senior VPs said that the company is going to be releasing some Vaio notebooks that take advantage of touch capabilities "at the launch of Win 7," which is October 22nd.

In addition, we may see the movie and TV content that you can currently download on the PS3 coming over to Vaios as well. They're also discussing bringing games over, so you can pay for the casual games that have been converted from free online flash games for the console market, right on your laptop. How convenient! [Laptop Mag via Electronista]

The NW features a 15.5-inch widescreen display (albeit 1366x768), along with a HDMI output connector for plugging it into a TV, so you can enjoy the full 1080p goodness of your Blu-ray discs. There is also a "display off" button, which does exactly what you would expect, ideal if you have got this plugged into a big screen in a darkened room.

Specs include an Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 4GB RAM, up to 400GB hard drive and an optional dedicated ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4570 graphics card to improve your movie watching. Slot-wise there are three USB ports, ExpressCard, SD and Memory Stick PRO.

Available this summer the Vaio NW can also come without the Blu-ray drive for a saving of $80... but given this is all about HD and movie watching I really don't know why. [Sony]

Not to repeat everything on the ad, but the kid picks a Sony Vaio because it has Blu-ray and because Macs are "a little small", even though his mom says "they are pretty" before making the most disgusting face ever caught on video.

The mom seems to be happy to be getting a couple hundred bucks in cash, and the kid seems to be happy because hey, free computer. But in the end, does it really matter which OS you choose? Does it? You give me a $1500 blank check and I'll pick a $200 Eee and buy $1300 worth of ice cream. That's right, I haven't had ice cream in a while. [Thanks Ravi!]

There's just the Sony New Zealand teaser page to go on for now, but there's also a contest going on at the moment that could net you a "revolutionary new VAIO" that will "change the way you look at laptops." We'll see. [Sony New Zealand]

The Price: $2800 (as tested)

The Verdict: The LV took everything the LT did well, and added more things to make it even better, without sacrificing much. In terms of the exterior improvements, the overall size of the computer is cut down due to the omission of the see through bezel in the LT. And instead of just a spring loaded foot for the computer to rest on like before, the LV now sits on an articulating arm, which is attachted to a base. This makes adjusting the angle of the LV easier than before. And for those who plan to use this away from the desk, the wireless keyboard now has a built-in trackpad, which makes couch surfing all the easier.

But the real new appeal here is the addition of an HDMI-in port, which allows your screen to work with the latest home theater and gaming consoles, independently of the PC. And it pretty much works as advertised. You plug in your HDMI product, switch the input source over from the computer, and voila—your Vaio LV is functioning as a TV. I tested a Roku Netflix Box and Xbox 360 with the LV, and both worked without a problem. The picture looked really sharp, and there was no visible artifacting caused by the display. It should be noted that the HDMI does not work with windows at all, so importing HD content from HDMI products is not a possibility.

As a computer, the Vaio LV performs well, with a few slight spec bumps over the LT. But it's quick, responsive, and is able to take on a decent workload. We even tested Tivo PC on the LV, and it functioned without so much as a hiccup on the hardware side. But there's nothing radically different about the Vista experience this time around, so if you're still curious, check out the LT review.

All in all, The LV really is an improved semi-upgrade from the Vaio LT. It's not different enough that recent LT owners should be cursing the stars, but those deciding between the LV and the still available LT should go with the LV. [Sony Vaio LV on Giz]

The TT also has 2 USB ports, built-in webcam, Bluetooth and 802.11n Wi-Fi. The TT will be available this summer in three colors—Black, Red and Champagne Gold—and starts at $2000. Models with Blu-ray start at $2700, while SSD models start at $2750. [Sony]

SONY UNVEILS WORLD’S LIGHTEST BLU-RAY DISC NOTEBOOK

SAN DIEGO, Sept. 23, 2008— Sony today took the wraps off the world’s lightest computer with Blu-ray Disc™ technology— the VAIO® TT Series notebook.

Housed in a lightweight carbon-fiber chassis, this new model weighs just 2.87 pounds and is less than 1-inch thin.

“This engineering marvel packs the power of HD technology into an ultra-light, ultra-portable notebook,” said Mike Abary, senior vice president of VAIO product marketing at Sony Electronics.

Select models play Blu-ray Disc movies in full HD 1080p resolution when connected to a compatible HDTV. These units can also record, store and play back personal content on high-capacity BD media.

It features an 11.1-inch widescreen display (measured diagonally) with Sony’s XBRITE-DuraView™ LCD technology, delivering 100 percent color saturation for a wide range of vibrant colors and true-to-life picture quality. This technology also produces a brighter screen thanks to an energy-efficient white LED backlight so you can view photos in crystal-clear resolution.

The display is ideal for Blu-ray Disc movies. Since many HD films are shot using a 16:9 aspect ratio, the unit’s extra-wide LCD is constructed with the same dimensions. This minimizes the black bars that typically appear, letting you view movies in their intended format.

For those who prefer to watch content on a big screen television, the TT model also has an HDMI™ output connector so you can connect it to a compatible high-definition TV for a larger viewing experience (connector cable sold separately).

It is equipped with Intel® Centrino® 2 processor technology for powerful PC output and energy-conserving features that deliver long battery life.

Select VAIO TT notebooks feature a dual channel 256GB (128GB X 2) solid state drive (SSD) with RAID technology. The result is quicker boot-up times, faster application launches and overall enhanced performance.

The PC integrates wireless Wide Area Network (WAN) technology provided by the Sprint® Mobile Broadband Network and its latest mobile network technology, EV-DO Revision A. For this, a separate Sprint service subscription is required.

The notebook comes with the choice of Windows Vista® Home Premium, Vista Business and Vista Ultimate operating systems. Windows® XP Professional is also available on select models.

All models are ENERGY STAR® 4.0 compliant, hold an EPEAT Silver ranking and incorporates such eco-conscious features as a mercury-free LED backlit LCD.

The TT model starts at $2,000. The BD version will go for about $2,700, while the SSD model (128GB) for around $2,750. It is available in a premium carbon black, silk black, champagne gold and crimson red.

The VAIO TT notebooks will be available online at www.sonystyle.com/pr/tt. They will also be sold at Sony Style® stores, military base exchanges, and select retailers around the country starting this fall.

VGN-TT190UBX:
• 11.1 inch LED screen with XBRITE-DuraView™ (1366×768)
• Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor SU9400 at 1.4ghz
• 4GB of DDR3 RAM
• 2.87 pounds
• (2x) Blu-Ray writer, reader / DVD writer, reader / CD writer, reader
• 250gb (128GBx2 RAID) solid state hard drive
• HDMI output, 2 USB ports
• Built-in camera
• Memory stick Pro, SD slot
• Bluetooth, 802.11b/g/n, ethernet
• Windows Vista Ultimate

Common features of the VGN-TT190EIN, VGN-TT190EIR, VGN-TT190NIB:
• 11.1 inch LED screen with XBRITE-DuraView™ (1366×768)
• Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor SU9300 at 1.2ghz
• Up to 4GB of DDR3 RAM
• 2.87 pounds
• Hard drive options max out at 160GB (non SSD, SATA 5400rpm)
• DVD writer, reader / CD writer, reader
• HDMI output, 2 USB ports, VGA output
• Built-in camera
• Memory stick Pro, SD slot
• Bluetooth, 802.11a/b/g/n, ethernet; we are unsure which model will have the EVDO that was cleared by FCC
• Windows Vista® Home Premium (VGN-TT190EIN/VGN-TT190EIR), or Windows Vista® Business (VGN-TT190NIB can also get XP Pro)

[Sony Insider]

The RSS headlines can be overlaid on the photos, as can a clock. As you can see above, Sony has eschewed tacky photo frame styling for a sleek, minimal look, which makes the somewhat steep price tag hurt a bit less. The network, RSS and audio streaming are welcome additions to normal frame fare, but as the sole widgets on this $300 frame, they are as much reminders that this apparently capable hardware is being underutilized as they are useful features. The CP1 will be available at Sony Style stores and online sometime in mid-October. Full press release below. [Sony]

DENVER (CEDIA Booth #600), Sept. 3, 2008 ⎯ Sony today unveiled the wireless VAIO® CP1 Wi-Fi photo frame, making it easier than ever to share digital images as well as receive news and stream Internet radio in real-time.

Utilizing built-in Wi-Fi technology, the CP1 model lets you stream photos from a VAIO PC directly to the device. Featuring more than 16 million colors and 800x480 resolution, photos locked away on your PC will now come to life on the photo frame’s brilliant 7-inch LCD screen.

In addition to streaming images from a VAIO PC, the CP1 model can also connect to Google™ Picasa™ web albums. This enables you to view up to four web albums simultaneously, as well as upload photos directly to a Picasa account.

“How many times have you uploaded images to our PC— vowing to share them— never to see them again,” said Xavier Lauwaert, product manager for VAIO product marketing at Sony Electronics. “This new frame provides an easy way to retrieve and share these precious memories that otherwise would have been forgotten.”

In addition to its ability to wirelessly access photos, the CP1 model can display images from compatible Memory Stick® media, SD cards or digital still cameras providing instant access to your latest shots. It is also CompactFlash® media card-compatible, making it convenient for those who use a digital SLR camera.

And with 128MB internal storage, up to 100 digital images can be saved directly to the new photo frame for viewing anytime.

Keeping your images and slideshows organized is easy as well. Content is grouped into sections called “frames,” making it easy to enjoy photos, information and music. You can choose from Slideshow— for movie-like presentations, Flow— which creates a slideshow with fun, special-effects, and Dissolve— a more traditional view that fades images into one another.

It also has an RSS (Really Simple Syndication) reader built-in, which enables it to grab news headlines and entertainment content from the Internet and display it along with your slideshows. Operating in real-time, the RSS function provides you up-to-the-minute information.

The new CP1 model also features built-in stereo speakers and an Internet radio player for enriching slideshows with your favorite style of music.

Other features include a digital/analog clock and the ability to save energy by dimming the screen automatically when a room’s lights are turned off.

The VAIO CP1 digital photo frames will retail for about $300. They will be available at Sony Style® stores and online at HYPERLINK "http://www.sonystyle.com/cp1" www.sonystyle.com/pr/cp1 starting in mid-October.

SONY UNVEILS WORLD’S FIRST 16.4-INCH WIDE
MULTIMEDIA NOTEBOOK

Extra-wide LCD and Blu-ray Disc Technology Make for a Powerful HD Experience

SAN DIEGO, July 15, 2008 Sony today unveiled the VAIO® FW notebook—a multimedia PC that displays HD movies the way they were meant to be seen.

Part of a series, the VAIO FW notebook comes in multiple configurations, including a premium and a standard model. The premium model plays Blu-ray Disc™ high-definition content like movies in full 1080 HD resolution when connected to a compatible HDTV. It can also record, store and play back personal content on high-capacity BD media.
Weighing a little over six pounds, the FW notebook features the world’s first 16.4-inch display, which combines the benefits of a slightly larger17-inch widescreen with the smaller “footprint” of a 15.4-inch model.

The display is ideal for Blu-ray Disc movies. Since many HD films are shot with a 16:9 aspect ratio, the unit’s extra-wide LCD is constructed with the same dimensions. This minimizes the black bars that typically appear, letting you view movies in their intended format.

The extended workspace also lets you view two full websites at once or compare two documents side-by-side without tabbing back and forth.Combined with Sony’s patented XBRITE-HiColor™ LCD technology on select models, the display delivers razor-sharp details, bold colors and glare-free viewing.
-more-

For those who prefer to watch content on a big screen television, the unit also has an HDMI™ output connector so you can connect to a high-definition TV set for a larger viewing experience.

“This PC is a multimedia masterpiece thoughtfully crafted to help consumers enjoy the full excitement of HD,” said Mike Abary, senior vice president of VAIO product marketing at Sony Electronics. “It’s a shining example of how cutting-edge technologies can be brought together to unlock a world of high-definition entertainment.”
The notebook is powered by new Intel® Centrino® 2 technology, the chipset designed for sizzling performance, instant system responsiveness and energy efficiency. Select units come pre-installed with the Windows Vista® Ultimate operating system.
The series comes with three entertainment software applications. Offerings include VAIO Movie Story software— an easy way to produce your own high-quality home movies, VAIO MusicBox software— a fun way to enjoy music based on your mood, and Click to Disc/ Editor software— for easy DVD/ BD video-editing and creation.

The model also includes VAIO Media software, a DLNA-enabled media sharing application that lets you wirelessly stream content stored on your PC throughout your home network. Movies, music and digital still images can be streamed from the notebook to a PLAYSTATION® 3 or VAIO Home Theater PC that is connected to a TV for big-screen enjoyment.

The PC is equipped with plenty of slots, ports and jacks, including a Memory Stick® media/SD card slot, three USB ports, an i.LINK® IEEE-1394 port, microphone and headphone jack, and a 34mm ExpressCard® slot making it easy to transfer files from external devices.
With the notebook’s integrated Wireless-N technology, also known as 802.11n, you can wirelessly surf the web, e-mail and stream HD content with greater range and reliability than ever before when connected to a compatible hotspot.
Most FW models are Energy Star 4.0 compliant and incorporate such eco-conscious features as powder coating, which is a painting technique that is solvent-free. Sony also recycles old PCs (www.sony.com/recycle).
Available in titanium gray and powder white, the FW standard model starts at about $1,000, while the FW premium will go for around $1,750. The VAIO FW series will be available online at www.sony.com/pr/fw. They will also be sold at Sony Style® stores and select retailers around the country starting later this month.

NEW SONY PC HITS TRIFECTA MERGING CHIC COLORS,
MOBILITY AND HIGH-END PERFORMANCE

SAN DIEGO, July 15, 2008 Combining sizzling performance with a sophisticated design, Sony today introduced a new line of ultra-portable PCs— the VAIO® SR Series notebook.

Constructed of lightweight, durable magnesium alloy, the SR notebooks are available in five striking colors– night black, sunset pink, glossy pink, classic silver and glossy silver.

“This notebook is a dream come true for the consumer who won’t compromise profound processing power for jaw-dropping style,” said Mike Abary, senior vice president of VAIO product marketing for Sony Electronics. “It meets the needs of everyday work and play while delivering the freedom, performance and style consumers crave.”
Weighing just over four pounds, the SR notebook boasts a 13.3-inch LED backlit widescreen display and Sony’s patented XBRITE-ECO™ LCD technology for clear, crisp images that truly “pop” off the screen.

Equipped with a uniquely designed keyboard, the unit’s individual keys are slightly raised, producing a user-friendly touch and improved typing experience.

The notebook is powered by new Intel® Centrino® 2 technology, the chipset designed for lighting-fast performance, instant system responsiveness and energy efficiency.

Select models come pre-installed with the Windows Vista® Home Premium operating system. A Windows® XP Professional downgrade is also available.

With the SR notebook’s integrated 802.11n LAN technology you can wirelessly surf the web and check email with greater range and reliability than ever before when connected to a compatible hotspot. And connecting with friends and family has never been easier thanks to the unit’s optional built-in webcam and microphone.

The notebook also incorporates G-Sensor™ Shock Protection technology to counteract sudden movements helping to prevent damage and data loss.

The PC features Switch technology enabling customized “personalities” or modes for home, work and entertainment. You can customize each mode with its own wallpaper and a set of five shortcuts to correspond to various scenarios. Set your favorite websites for home, office applications for work, and programs that allow you to enjoy music and movies when you are ready to relax.

The unit comes with three entertainment software applications. Offerings include VAIO® Movie Story software— an easy way to produce your own high-quality home movies, VAIO MusicBox software— a fun way to enjoy music based on your mood, and Click to Disc/ Editor software— for easy DVD/ BD video-editing and creation.

It also comes with VAIO Media™ software, a DLNA-enabled media sharing application that lets you wirelessly stream content stored on your PC throughout your home network. Movies, music and digital still images can be streamed from the notebook to a PLAYSTATION® 3 or VAIO Home Theater PC that is connected to a TV for big-screen enjoyment.
The PC has plenty of slots, ports and jacks, including a Memory Stick® media/SD card slot, three USB ports, i.LINK® IEEE-1394 port, microphone and headphone jack and a PC Card (type-II) for easy transfer of files from external devices.

SR models are Energy Star 4.0 and EPEAT Silver compliant. They also incorporate eco-conscious features such as a mercury-free LED backlit LCD to help minimize the risk of mercury seeping into vulnerable eco-systems at the end of each unit’s lifecycle. Sony will even recycle your old PC via participating Waste Management Recycling Centers (www.sony.com/recycle).

Sony VAIO SR Series notebooks will be available at the end of the month starting at about $1,400. Pre-orders begin online today at www.sonystyle.com/pr/sr. They will also be sold at Sony Style® stores and select retailers around the country.

[Sony]

SONY'S WELL-ROUNDED HOME THEATER PC GOES HIGH-DEF

LAS VEGAS (CES, Booth #14200), Jan. 6, 2008 ⎯ Sony today introduced a new high-definition version of its stunning, spherical digital living system— the VAIO® TP Home Theater PC.
A unique approach to the home PC design, the new model's round chassis serves as an entire entertainment center, where you can watch and record analog, digital and cable TV, including premium HD channels (CableCARD™ required). It can also access the Internet so you can play back online TV programming on a compatible big-screen television.
The VAIO HTPC comes in both a standard and a premium configuration. Both versions feature a Blu-ray Disc™ optical drive to enjoy high-definition movies. The premium model comes with two external CableCARD compatible TV tuners so you can view and record two HD television programs simultaneously.
With built-in DVR functionality, each unit can record up to 50 hours of HD television programming and pause and rewind live TV for on-demand playback.
Engineered to be easy to use, the models connect to compatible high-definition televisions via an included HDMI™ cable for playback in full HD 1080 resolution through a single cable. And with integrated BRAVIA® Sync™ technology, based on HDMI-CEC functionality, you can power on connected devices, at the touch of a button, eliminating the need for multiple remote controls (on certain BRAVIA HDTV models only).
-more-
"We're defining the digital home by integrating the latest HD technologies into a one-of-a-kind showpiece," said Mike Abary, senior vice president of VAIO product marketing at Sony Electronics. "This new unit will revolutionize the way you watch TV, allowing you to turn your entertainment center into an eye-popping, high-definition media hub."
Designed to Compliment Any Home
The console's small, circular shape is engineered to fit into areas of the house not typically known for having a PC, such as the living room, without the added network cables. With its built-in wireless LAN technology and a wireless router, it can be positioned virtually anywhere in the house and still access your home network.
The model also comes with a remote control and a matching, wireless keyboard ergonomically designed to fit on your lap so you can surf the Web from the comfort of your couch without the restraint of tangled cords.
Power of the PC for Your Living Room
The unit is equipped with a powerful Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processor T8100, allowing for high performance while maintaining a smaller, cooler form factor— making it ideal for a living room setting. It also employs the Windows Vista® Home Premium operating system, discrete graphics and a half-terabyte hard drive.
The VAIO TP Home Theater PC standard model, available in polar white, will start at about $1,600, while the premium model, available in piano black, will go for around $3,000. Both will be available online at HYPERLINK "http://www.sony.com/pr/tphd" www.sony.com/pr/tphd and sold at Sony Style stores and select retailers around the country starting later this month.