Sony shocked everyone back at IFA 2009 with the introduction of the X series VAIO notebook, which is the direct successor to the TT series in the USA. It appeared super slim at the time and in its delicious teaser video courtesy of Sony Europe some people got extremely curious about its arrival. Well, in a special event (we were invited, but couldn’t make it) at Guastavino’s in NYC, Sony revealed the full details on the new VAIO X series and has called it the world’s lightest notebook – at 1.6 pounds with standard battery, measurements at its narrowest point: 10.95″ (W) x 0.55″ (H – about half an inch thin aka 13.9mm) x 7.29″ (D). Check out the VAIO X pre-order at SonyStyle.
The VAIO X, due October 22nd, in black and champagne features a durable carbon fiber casing, seamless aluminum keyboard panel and a touch pad with multi-touch functionality. This allows you to easily zoom in and out, flip through pictures, rotate items and scroll vertically and horizontally without ever touching your mouse. There’s also a Motioneye web camera built-in.
To compliment Windows 7 Home Premium, Sony has went with an Intel Atom Z550 2.0ghz with 2GB of DDR2/533Mhz RAM. That is pretty strong considering how tiny this laptop is, but some early critics wanted more power for the price. Some have pegged it simply as a bigger VAIO P, since the hardware specs are similar. Well let me say that this is definitely much more sleek. Men are from VAIO X, women are from VAIO P. Although, I could see a hot chick wielding this thing and winning my heart forever. If I ever run into you oh woman of my destiny with a VAIO X and a warm smile, be easy on me.
What’s really nice is that it comes with a 64gb SSD standard. That’s the kind of power play that makes a person who is evaluating this compared to a Macbook Air say “Hey, wait a minute.” For a little more, the Signature Collection VAIO X (in Black or Champagne) comes with a 128gb SSD and is priced $200 more.
The LED backlit 11.1 inch widescreen (1366×768) is powered by a Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 500. I believe Sony went with the GMA500 because it is low power consumption and fits accordingly with their overall implementation and design. Audio is covered with Intel HD Audio, which I have always found to be satisfactory.
Wireless capabilities are abundant with 802.11b/g/n, Bluetooth (2.1, Stereo A2DP), GPS, and Verizon Wireless Mobile Broadband Built-in (for the USA, other territories will have similiar WWAN offerings). An ethernet jack is also included, supporting up to Gigabit ethernet. Other I/O include Headphone, Microphone, and 2 USB ports.
Sony has blown me away with the news that this notebook will have a standard battery and an extended battery (picture courtesy of engadget) included in the price. This is great news and really puts them ahead of anything else on the market. Who else offers you two batteries? If your trying to keep it nice and light with the Standard Capacity Battery the VAIO X can be used for 3 hours, or if you prefer pop on the Large Capacity Battery for a stunning 12 hours of run time. Great move Sony.
I think that when you purchase a PC like this it will find most of its use in ultraportable situations. A business person would love to have something like this for a myriad of situations – plane, office, meeting, lunch. A college student could pull this off. The nice thing is that it doesn’t have an explosive price like the VAIO TT did. I think Sony will do well with the X Series because it’s $1,300 – not $2,000 – 3,000 like the TT. This is a direct competitor to the Macbook Air in my eyes and wins in several segments. Don’t try and tell me Snow Leopard is better than Windows 7, either. I’ve used both and they are both excellent operating systems.
Sources: Engadget – Sony VAIO X announced, starts at $1,299, VAIO X spotted in champagne, propped up by extended battery, ripped apart; Sony USA – X Marks The Spot: Sony Delivers World’s Light Notebook; Sony Japan – Vaio X Announcement; VAIO Community Blog – VAIO Breaking News: New X and CW Series Notebooks Announced in NYC. Thanks to the Girls at @SonyElectronics, too.
Oh yeah, we’ll be doing a hands-on with this beast soon at SonyStyle.
