05/09, 11:11am
Appears to be 13-inch version of Sony Vaio Duo 11 Ultrabook
A video clip on YouTube claimed to be leaked from training videos for the Dixons Store Group in the UK appears to show an unannounced larger version of the Sony Vaio Duo 11. Using the same "Surf Slider" hinge found on the 11-inch version, the mystery Ultrabook is shown in the clip to have a 13-inch Full HD Triluminos touchscreen that lines up with the top of the keyboard when propped up.
more
05/07, 7:43am
Sony revamps 2013 notebook line with new Vaio Fit 14, 15-inch models
Sony Japan has revealed a new lineup of notebooks for 2013 that also carry new branding. The new ‘Fit’ series encompasses a wide range of notebooks that the company is targeting at "students and business users who are looking for a step up and want more of a premium design but still at an entry-level price point." The 14- and 15-inch touchscreen notebooks also span a wide price range, starting at $550 with the high end models topping out at $2,210.
more
03/15, 2:11pm
Sony VAIO Ultrabook, now $670
Today's deal of the day from TigerDirect.com is on the 13.3-inch Sony VAIO Ultrabook which carries a list price of $920, but has been cut by $250 to $670 with free US shipping. That is $100 less than the lowest price we have seen offered anywhere else. The Sony VAIO Ultrabook features a 1.8GHz Intel Core i5 processor, 6GB of RAM and a 500GB combo drive with 24GB SSD. A one-year warranty on parts and labor is included from Sony.
more
01/09, 9:01pm
VAIO T lineup to evolve this spring
Earlier this week Sony announced the evolution of its VAIO T lineup with the addition of an updated 14-inch model and a brand new 15-inch model. Sony was stringent in providing any actually specs or pricing for the new models and have only given "spring 2013" as a vague release date. However, both the T14 and T15 were present on the show floor so Electronista stopped by the booth to take a look.
more
10/12, 7:28am
Bigger ultrabook to gain optical drive
Sony has introduced one new notebook, and intends to offer a touchscreen version of another. The Vaio T14 is a 14-inch version of its existing T13 line and retains the physical style and specifications of its predecessor, while the Vaio T13's optional touchscreen is a $100 upgrade that also adds edge-to-edge glass to the display.
more
10/12, 5:00am
Convertible tablet notebook weighs under 3 pounds
Sony is putting its convertible 11.6-inch Windows-8 slider on sale later this month. Introduced at IFA in Germany and last seen passing through the FCC in September, the Vaio Duo 11 can switch between being a tablet and a notebook, thanks to a mechanism that slides out the keyboard from behind the screen.
more
09/06, 12:20pm
Windows 8 tablet's specs confirmed as it goes through FCC testing
Sony's Duo 11 hybrid ultrabook that was introduced at the IFA show in Germany at the end of August has now appeared at the FCC. This means the 11.6-inch convertible tablet is nearing its on-sale date. At the same time, the listing confirms some of its earlier specs.
more
08/07, 10:09am
Sony Nasne PVR due to arrive in Japan on August 30 for $214
Sony's Nasne PVR has been delayed after the first batch suffered from faulty hard drives. The device, which looks like a slim PS3, will begin shipping on August 30 in Japan. This is the same date that Sony will release the torne 4.1 software for the PS3 and VAIO TV with Nasne software for notebooks.
more
06/04, 8:43am
Sony offers up LL Cool J-inspired Vaio E 14P
Sony has chosen Computex to take the wraps of its new VAIO E14P Future Sounds My Connect Studio Package. The Sony take on Beats Audio includes a revamped and specially-styled E-series notebook, bundled with Sony DJ-style headphones and a Boomdizzle All-Access Pass all for $900. The All-Access pass gives each user a one-year subscription to LL Cool J’s Boomdizzle (an online music creation and real-time collaboration website), 10 hours per month of session time, and 25 exclusive tracks.
more
06/04, 7:45am
Sony's first ultrabook due in June from $770
The Sony Vaio T13, is set to arrive in North America this month starting from $770. Although Sony claims that its Vaio Z series has ‘long exceeded ultrabook specifications,’ the T13 is the first Sony notebook to officially carry the ultrabook tag. Despite suggestions that they T13 would arrive with older 2nd-generation Core series processors, Sony has confirmed that they will instead be packing Intel’s latest 3rd-generation Core series ‘Ivy Bridge’ chips.
more
04/17, 8:10am
Sony launches unifying Nasne hybrid NAS, PVR
Sony CEO Kaz Hirai has announced the Nasne, a sophisticated network attached PVR that ties together a number of its frontline consumer electronics products. The device combines a multi-channel tuner that can receive digital and satellite TV signals with 500GB of storage. Recordings can then be viewed using an owner's PS3, Vaio PC, PS Vita, Tablet S/P, or Xperia handsets.
more
04/10, 9:25am
Sony VAIO E 14P remakes familiar design
Sony has quietly revamped its VAIO E in Europe to make real one of the CES prototypes we saw in January. The VAIO E 14P has a new, wrap-around design that makes the top surface look like one continuous shell. The white, black, and pink 14-inch PCs all have a new two-tone design with trim around the edges, keyboard, and trackpad in a contrasting color that sets off the design.
more
03/30, 1:15pm
Press images, early tech specs leak of new VAIO C
Sony will soon refresh its existing VAIO CA and CB notebooks, if the leaked images embedded below are any indication. Shared by NotebookReview forum members, the leaked press images are accompanied by some early specs from sources. The 14-inch (VAIO CA) models will get a choice of Intel's Ivy Bridge processors while the 15-inch (VAIO CB) versions will run on Intel's Sandy Bridge CPUs, at least initially.
more
03/23, 4:45pm
Manual references Chrome OS
Sony appears to be preparing to bring a Vaio-branded Chromebook onto the market, as the VCC111 series. The company has yet to formally unveil the device, however the FCC has posted pictures of the notebook with a keyboard layout that omits the Windows key. The pictures are accompanied by literature that includes directions to "start Chrome OS."
more
03/06, 5:35pm
Crossover device first revealed at CES
Sony may be readying its hybrid slate for a market launch. Pocketnow has posted a picture of the company's marketing collateral which shows the tablet/notebook cross bearing the "Vaio U" series label. Sony had shown off a prototype of the device concept, sporting a slide-out QWERTY keyboard, at CES back in January.
more
01/22, 11:20pm
Sony preps spring 2012 VAIO refresh
Sony in a post-CES update has tweaked several of its VAIO notebooks for the spring. The VAIO Z now has the option of 4G LTE access on Verizon, making it one of the first full-powered notebooks with the choice. The $1,950 ultraportable now comes in a Carbon Fiber Silver color and gets newer Core i5 and i7 processors from the late 2011 upgrade.
more
01/16, 9:05pm
We look at Sony's Hybrid, ultrabook at CES
Sony had a surprisingly large number of prototype devices at CES 2012, including a pure tablet. Those were only a small piece of its prototypes. We revisited to catch the rest as well as to see just how Sony was gearing up what looked to be a more direct challenge to Apple for 2012.
more
01/10, 12:35pm
Sony shows many unreleased 2012 Windows prototypes
Sony in the aftermath of its CES 2012 opener began showing a slew of unmentioned concepts and prototypes at its booth. Among the examples was a new, mystery VAIO tablet concept behind a glass case. The new device, presumably intended to run Windows 8, had an all-rounded design with an aluminum back and a separate, illuminated, capacitive touch keyboard.
more
12/28, 12:55pm
Apple power cutoff technology blamed
Toshiba's Canvio-series USB 3.0 hard drives are failing to connect properly with the MacBook Air and the MacBook Pro, according to PhoneNews. The site says it tested five Canvio drives with a new 2011 Air; none of them mounted, and in most cases, the drives are said to have failed to even spin up. The issue appears to be Mac-centric, since it was otherwise reproduced only on a Sony VAIO notebook and a current-generation MacBook Pro.
more
11/24, 3:15pm
Microsoft details Black Friday sales
A day ahead of Black Friday, Microsoft has posted a teaser page for its own online store's discounts. The company plans to give away free Windows Phones to anyone who signs up for a two-year contract, undercutting even a one-cent Amazon deal. It's not known if this includes a modern phone like the Focus S or is limited to older hardware.
more
10/02, 9:00am
Sony ships new VAIO SE and upgrades others
Sony chose an unusual Sunday timeframe to tune the VAIO notebook line. As promised earlier, the 15.5-inch VAIO S is now on sale as the definition of Sony's new mid-range. Known as the VAIO SE, its focus is on HD content with a 1080p display and dedicated Radeon HD 6630M video.
more
08/31, 1:05pm
Sony Vaio L all-in-one first with HDMI 3D input
Sony's product launches before the IFA show are continuing, with an all-in-one Vaio L the latest unveiling. The 24-inch 3D desktop has a multi-touch display and a touch-sensitive bezel. It will get a choice of second-gen Intel Core processors, NVIDIA GeForce GT 540M graphics, 8GB of RAM and a 1TB hard drive.
more
08/31, 12:10pm
Sony shows 15.5-inch Vaio S with 1080p display
Sony on Wednesday introduced a new addition to the Vaio S lineup with a 15.5-inch model. It sports a 1080p display and measures under one-inch thick while weighing in at 4.4lbs. Its magnesium and aluminum alloy case can be had in black or silver.
more
08/04, 12:40pm
Thunderbolt ViDock to give Mac external graphics
Village Instruments could be the first with an external graphics card for Macs and other computers using Thunderbolt. Company head Hubert Chen confirmed after an unexpectedly large response to a question that the company would make a Thunderbolt version of the ViDock. The much improved bandwidth over the current ExpressCard version could give even ultraportables like the MacBook Air desktop-level video performance with software support.
more
07/28, 9:45pm
MacBook Air 2011 uses mini Eagle Ridge chip
An investigation into the new MacBook Air's internals has revealed that Apple is using a new, relatively untested Thunderbolt chip. Nicknamed Eagle Ridge, it has two 10Gbps bidirectional lanes (40Gbps) where the Light Ridge chip in the iMac, MacBook Pro, and Mac mini has a full four. The part tracked down by AnandTech can only drive one display over Thunderbolt but is also much smaller and most likely cheaper, a key to fitting it into even the 11-inch, $999 Air.
more
07/24, 7:10pm
We review the greatly sped up 13-inch MacBook Air
The redesigned MacBook Air in October 2010 sparked a minor revolution in notebooks; after years of ultraportables (even Apple's) being relegated to the margins, they were suddenly the future of computing. Intel went so far as to coin a new notebook concept, the "ultrabook," to spur Windows PC builders to do what Apple was doing. But with stiff competition emerging from Samsung, Sony, and even ASUS, Apple has had to step up its game with a much faster processor and Thunderbolt for desktop-level external storage. We'll see in our review of the 2011 13-inch MacBook Air if it's enough to keep the lead -- and possibly to replace traditional notebooks.
more
06/27, 8:50pm
Sony VAIO Z repositioned as MacBook Air challenger
Sony chose Europe as the first venue to unveil a redesigned VAIO Z. The new system is now more consciously pitched as a MacBook Air equivalent and moves both the optical drive and even dedicated graphics to an external box, the Power Media Dock. The new PC is the first non-Mac to use Thunderbolt, albeit not in Mini DisplayPort form, and uses the high-speed cable to handle not just Blu-ray or DVD but AMD Radeon HD 6650M video, three USB ports, Ethernet, 3D-capable HDMI, and VGA.
more
06/15, 11:15am
Sony VAIO C and E get spring 2011 remakes
Sony on Wednesday morning reworked the VAIO C and E for the summer. The 14-inch EG, 15.5-inch EH, and 17.3-inch EJ are the more radical breaks with new patterns and fingerprint-resistant shells. Buyers still have the pick of more recent Sandy Bridge-era Core i3 and i5 processors but can pick an AMD Fusion-based 1.6GHz E-350 in the EH to keep the price down but still get HD-capable video.
more
06/08, 10:40am
Integrates 3D TV, PC, console gaming
Sony has announced an addition to its VAIO L Series, the All-in-One Desktop PC with 3D. The 24 inch 3D display has the same full HD resolution and touchscreen function as the VAIO L Signature shown at CES this year. It ships with a wireless keyboard and mouse, and one pair of USB rechargeable, active shutter 3D glasses.
more
06/05, 5:00pm
Sony VAIO Z21 revealed in store listings
Four store listings at Italian online shop F2F (one, two, three, four) have slipped out Sony's plans for an upgraded VAIO Z in Europe. All of them will use Sandy Bridge-era Core processors, very fast SSD storage, fingerprint readers, and built-in 3G. The HDMI has been upgraded to put out 3D video, and the webcam has been given a lift to use the low-light Exmor sensor technology from other camera-equipped Sony gear.
more
05/25, 10:00am
Sony VAIO S and F get mid-cycle upgrades
Sony picked Wednesday to upgrade two of its most popular notebooks. The VAIO S we just reviewed is now getting an upgrade to a 1600x900 display that turns its 13.3-inch screen into more of a desktop replacement. It also has options for two solid-state drives in a RAID stripe to give it very fast load times.
more
05/22, 8:55pm
Our review of Sony's redesigned VAIO S
Truly light notebooks have almost always been sacrifices that either shed the optical drive or use low-power processors that could take them out of the running as desktop replacements. Sony's current VAIO S tosses both ideas aside: at 3.6 pounds, it's nearly a full pound lighter than a 13-inch MacBook Pro yet still has an optical drive, a 2.3GHz Core i5, and even dedicated graphics. But does that necessarily mean it's worth the expense? Our early 2011 VAIO S review finds out.
more
03/19, 10:45pm
Sony rumored for VAIOs with Thunderbolt, Chrome OS
A pair of rumors from a historically accurate source have Sony planning two ultraportable VAIOs, one of which could be its direct answer to the MacBook Air. The centerpiece, nicknamed the Hybrid PC, would by itself be a fast ultralight with a Core i7, an SSD, HDMI 1.4, WiDi and a weight of just under 2.5 pounds. When docked, however, the system seen by Sony Insider would turn into a full desktop replacement with a Radeon HD 6700M (Whistler-XT), a Blu-ray burner, and full expansion with Ethernet, VGA, and a unique connector that merges USB with AC power.
more
03/07, 7:50am
2011 Sony VAIO S reaches US shores
Following quickly on the heels of the European launch, Sony on Monday brought the 2011 VAIO S to the US. Its version shares the same "full flat" design that keeps 0.94 inches thick and has an optional sheet battery to keep it running much longer, here reportedly 15 hours. For the American version, Sony has mentioned the option of dual SSDs in a RAID stripe, much like the VAIO Z.
more
02/22, 8:55am
Sony VAIO CA and CB take neon concept real
Sony on Tuesday took the second of its notebook concepts into reality on Tuesday by launching the VAIO CA and CB. The line comes in a wrap-around translucent plastic and has the option of rare neon orange and green hues that create a "glow" around the edges and the trackpad; black, white and (in Europe) pink are also available. TV integration is a cornerstone as they both have the option of WiDi 2.0 wireless video streaming to an adapter as well as Remote Keyboard to steer menus and the keyboard on a Bravia TV, Blu-ray player or PS3.
more
02/22, 8:10am
Sony VAIO S 2011 made official
Sony today made real the VAIO concepts it showed at CES just a few weeks ago, headlining them with a new VAIO S. The 13.3-inch system uses a "full flat" design whose flatter magnesium shell and aluminum surface keep it light, at under 3.9 pounds, and thin, at 0.94 inches. The design also has a unique double battery trick: while the stock battery provides as much as seven hours, a separate battery can attach without having to interrupt the session and doubles the life to 14 hours.
more
02/21, 11:35am
Sony S2 and Windows 7 slider tablets coming
Sony's delayed entry into tablets should include more than just one model, sources said Monday. A second Android 3.0 model, the S2, would take advantage of Sony's dual-screen patent to create a unique ovoid, book-like model with two 5.5-inch displays. The Engadget tip suggested it would behave like a more advanced version of the Kyocera Echo and run apps that use the separate screens, such as Gmail showing a message list on one and the actual message on the other.
more
02/16, 9:45am
Sony S1 tablet to use Android 3, use Qriocity
A major leak on Wednesday has unearthed Sony's plans to finally join the mobile tablet space. So far only called the S1, the 9.4-inch tablet would run a customized version of Android 3.0. The device spotted by Engadget would be focused heavily on Sony's Qriocity media service and would come with games from the PS1 era likely using PlayStation Suite, the Bravia remote app and some form of PlayStation integration.
more
02/08, 8:30am
LG files ITC complaint against Sony over PS3
LG on Monday quietly disclosed a complaint it had launched against Sony with the International trade Commission to block sales of the PlayStation 3. The Korean company argued that the 160GB slim PS3 (also known as the CECH-2501A) violates a patent LG claims to hold for Blu-ray disc playback. The suit is believed in retaliation for Sony's action against LG in an attempt to keep its phones out of the market.
more
02/07, 11:20am
Sony Vaio YB netbooks now in the US
Sony is now shipping its VAIO YB netbooks in the US. The computer we tried at CES sports an 11.6-inch, 720p display and is powered by a 1.6GHz AMD Fusion processor that gives it 1080p video and faster 3D than Intel CULV notebooks in the class. A stock configuration comes with 4GB of RAM onboard, along with a 500GB hard drive, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HDMI output and Ethernet.
more
01/07, 8:50pm
We tour Sony's VAIO computers at CES
We visited Sony's booth at CES to get a closer look at a number of devices, including not just existing computers but a pair of concept notebooks. The PC builder had a unique 13-inch prototype that had what it called a "sheet" battery. Possibly like those on modern MacBooks, it could trade some accessibility for longevity; Sony claimed twice the battery life of normal notebooks.
more
01/03, 10:15pm
Sony exiting netbooks using AMD Brazos
Sony plans to make its exit from low-end netbooks when it launches new models at CES, tipsters said on Monday night. The company "wants to get out" of the low-profit category and should use AMD's Fusion processors based on the Brazos platform to get a more expensive but also much faster system with 1080p video support. The resulting computer would cost over $500, CNET's source said.
more
12/21, 2:20pm
Sony VAIO tablet surfaces at FCC
Sony's hints of tablet plans were validated today with an FCC filing. The slates would all fall into the business-focused VAIO PC group and would include multiple models, all with some variant of the PCG-31xxxL model number. Most of their details aren't known, but the VAIO name implied they would use Windows 7.
more
11/13, 2:50am
Limited edition Vaio models now shipping
Sony has launched its Holiday 2010 Vaio Signature Collection notebooks. Given the Signature treatment are the Vaio X, P, EA and Z notebooks. However, arguably the most dramatic effect has been applied the Vaio EA with its intricate Arabesque Gold finish.
more
11/12, 9:55pm
Best Buy Black Friday to have big Mac deals, more
Best Buy's Black Friday sale in two weeks will be marked by key sales on Macs, e-readers and smartphones, a copy of the flyer shows. The big-box chain hopes to head off likely Apple sales by offering a $125 gift card for buying either a 13-inch MacBook Pro or a 21.5-inch iMac. The deal isn't the steepest for the computers Best Buy should have on November 26, as BFAds notes it will also take $150 off of any Samsung notebook and take $200 off of a Pentium dual-core equipped Sony VAIO EB to bring it down to $400.
more
11/10, 9:25am
Sony VAIO Y gets 11.6-inch model
Sony on Wednesday launched a new VAIO Y model that has unintentionally but effectively become its answer to the new MacBook Air. The YA1 occupies the same category as its Apple counterpart and uses an ultra-low voltage 1.33GHz Core i3 to keep both the cost down and extend the battery life, albeit at the cost of performance. Sony claims six hours of runtime, although it doesn't mention under what conditions, and is forced to use Intel graphics where the Air is using the currently faster GeForce 320M.
more
11/07, 12:05pm
We test Sony's VAIO Z ultraportable
The Sony VAIO Z is designed to blur the distinction between regular ultraportables and full-size notebooks. At least in theory, it should be as fast as even some desktop replacements but still svelte enough to fit in tight spaces. The design induces sticker shock at $1,800, but we'll learn in our VAIO Z review whether that gets the best of both worlds and draw some comparisons with the new MacBook Air.
more
10/29, 3:10pm
Sony call talks PS phone strategy and tablet
Sony during the call discussing its latest results has strongly hinted that the company is developing a PlayStation phone. Without mentioning the device itself, the company said the hardware would be delivered from the Network Services group that handles both computers and the PlayStation brand. It's also moving Sony Computer Entertainment, the PlayStation division, into the Sony City headquarters to "better incorporate" it with the planning teams for a mystery product.
more
10/29, 12:50pm
Sony Q3 2010 back in profit through PS3 and PCs
Sony wrapped up its week with results for its summer quarter that brought it back to health. It had a net profit of about $384 million versus a loss of $326 million a year ago and owed much of this to its Networked Products group, which covers both PlayStation consoles and its VAIO PCs. Computers were the biggest help, as the company was facing "expanding market share in all regions."
more
10/26, 12:05pm
MacBook Air SSD faster than Sony VAIO Z in testing
A new showdown (video below) between the 11-inch MacBook Air and the Sony VAIO Z has landed an unusual victory for Apple. Despite the Z having dual SSDs in a RAID stripe and theoretically outperforming the single SSD of its rival, it took almost three times longer to start in the Laptop test, launching from a cold boot in about 40 seconds where the Mac took just 15 for the same task. Wake from hibernation was also about twice as slow on the Sony system at five to six seconds where the Mac can take just two to three.
more
