SAN DIEGO, July 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony today took the wraps off a new
line of sleek, powerful, lightweight PCs -- the VAIO(R) Z Series notebooks.
Weighing just over 3 pounds, the VAIO Z model incorporates a vivid
13.1-inch widescreen display with Sony's own XBRITE-DuraView(TM) LCD
technology for scratch-resistant durability and 100 percent color saturation.
Select models feature a high-resolution 1600 X 900 widescreen display,
providing a 40 percent wider workspace than a standard display within the same
"footprint" -- so the view increases while the notebook's size does not. This
makes it easier to view multiple documents or lengthy spreadsheets on a single
screen.
A seamless sheet of brushed aluminum adorns the keyboard panel elegantly
framing its individual keys. The spacing between the keys is precisely
engineered to create a comfortable typing experience while helping to prevent
mistakes.
"Today's mobile professional demands not only portability from a notebook
but that it meets their productivity needs as well," said Mike Abary, senior
vice president of VAIO product marketing at Sony Electronics. "This new model
is an amazing engineering feat packing the full functionality of a larger PC
into an ultra-light form factor."
The unit is housed in a durable carbon-fiber casing to help endure the
knocks, bumps and accidents common to frequent travel. It also incorporates
G-Sensor(TM) Shock Protection technology to counteract sudden movements
helping to prevent damage and data loss.
It is powered by new Intel(R) Centrino(R) 2 technology, the chipset
designed for sizzling performance, unbelievable system responsiveness, and
energy efficiency.
Road warriors will love its built-in 802.11n wireless LAN capabilities
making it faster and easier to connect to compatible wireless networks with
greater performance and range than ever before. For blazing-fast wireless
access beyond networks and hotspots, the unit features optional built-in
wireless Sprint(R) Mobile Broadband, the nation's largest wireless broadband
network.
The Z model has an optional Blu-ray Disc (BD) optical drive for enjoying,
creating and storing high-definition content. Enjoy BD movies in stunning
clarity while on the road or utilize the HDMI output during meetings and make
presentations come to life in full 1080 HD resolution. Compatible HDTV and
HDMI cable required, sold separately.
It also includes a switch-on-the-fly hybrid graphics system, allowing you
to set graphics performance instantly for striking presentations that "pop" or
extend battery life -- all without having to reboot.
The PC employs a biometric fingerprint sensor, a Trusted Platform Module
compliant chip and proprietary hard disk drive password protection software to
help protect data from unauthorized access.
Equipped with a trial version of the My Memory Center(TM) service, the PC
lets you easily transfer valuable data from your old computer to your new one
via a password-protected online account. The unit comes pre-installed with
Windows Vista(R) Business operating system. A Windows(R) XP Pro downgrade is
also available for select models.
It is equipped with plenty of slots, ports and jacks, including a Memory
Stick(R) media/SD card slot, three USB ports, i.LINK(R) IEEE-1394 port,
microphone and headphone jack and a PC Card (type-II) slot making it easy to
transfer files from external devices.
The PC is also available in a dual channel 128 GB solid state drive (SSD)
model. Faster and more durable, the SSD unit provides a rapid boot-up and
quicker access to applications than is typical of standard hard drives.
All models are Energy Star(R) 4.0 compliant, hold an EPEAT Silver ranking
and incorporates eco-conscious features such as a mercury-free LED backlit
LCD. Sony will even recycle your old PC (http://www.sony.com/recycle).
The standard VAIO Z notebook will start at about $1,800 while the SSD
model will go for around $2,300. Both models will be available online at
http://www.sony.com/pr/z. They will also be sold at Sony Style(R) stores and
select retailers around the country starting in August.
SOURCE Sony Electronics Inc.
Jon Piazza of Sony Electronics Inc., +1-310-498-5254, jon.piazza@am.sony.com;
or Caitlin McCabe of Ruder Finn, +1-646-220-2261, mccabec@ruderfinn.com, for
Sony Electronics Inc.
