Sony unveils new-look laptop PCs

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TOKYO (Reuters) -- Sony Corp. on Monday unveiled a new series of its VAIO personal computers -- the latest effort by the electronics giant to integrate its consumer electronics, PC, and media empire.

Sony's two new notebook computers, formally launched on Monday, mark a clear departure from its current line of PCs.

One is a new VAIO laptop with a radically new translucent design that sets itself apart from the purple-grey VAIO PCs.

The other blurs the line between digital handheld camcorders and mini PCs, and is designed specifically to record and broadcast video clips. It also uses a new type of processor.

Previously, Sony had only released preliminary prototypes of the PCs, which will be sold in Japan from mid-November.

"We've designed a new series of VAIOs to better reflect customer preferences for design," said Keiko Iijima of Sony's marketing division for information technology products.

The newly designed VAIO QR sheds the magnesium-grey outer shell seen on its conventional line of laptops and adopts a blue-black translucent plastic surface that is so dark it is almost opaque.

And with a light grey aluminum pipe surrounding the outer edges connecting into a fold-out handle, it is reminiscent of Apple Computer's iBook laptop.

The aim is the same -- to make laptops a fashion statement as much as portable personal and business information tools.

Japan's PC manufacturers have been working hard at increasing their appeal to a wider audience. Hitachi Ltd. has a series of desktops with a milky-white translucent shell.

Inside, the VAIO QR is pretty much the same as its predecessors. It is equipped with a 13.3 inch (34 cm) flat-panel screen, CD-ROM, and the usual array of ports for peripherals.

The new VAIO is expected to retail for around 200,000 yen ($1,856), the lower end of its price range for notebook PCs. No plans are in place yet for a wider choice of colors, Sony said.

Sales are to begin in the latter half of November.

The VAIO GT, on the other hand, could be mistaken for a video camcorder, with a large video lens unit attached to its side. Both the video lens unit and the display can be rotated 180 degrees.

Inside, the VAIO GT uses Transmeta Corp's Crusoe chip, which conserves laptop battery life by using software to perform many functions previously reserved for hardware.

The new lens-equipped laptop will have a battery life of up to 17 hours, depending on battery size and usage.

The VAIO GT is expected to retail for around 300,000 yen ($2,784), and will come with software that will allow users to make live "personal broadcasts" through an Internet connection and a designated Web site.

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  • VAIO Notebook Computers

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