Bangalore: A refurbished version of the Vaio P Series Lifestyle Pocket PC is announced by Sony. The small, lightweight design gives it an edge over the traditional laptop. Weighing just over 600 grams, the new series promises to come with new features and updated design.
The business envelope sized Pocket PC's base configuration will include a 1.6GHz Intel Atom Z530 processor, 2GB RAM, 8-inch (1600 X 768) display, 64GB SSD, Wi-Fi 802.11n, memory card reader, Bluetooth 2.1, motion eye camera, quick web access, stereo speakers and microphone, two USB ports and an optional WiMAX.
However the main USP of the Sony Vaio P is it comes with an array of one-touch buttons that provide users with single-click access to software. It incorporates a one-button quick-boot option called Instant Mode that promises to deliver fast access to the Web, email and photos.
In terms of software, it comes with Windows 7 Home Premium. But it can also be ordered with Windows 7 Professional. Dan Ackerman in his blog says about the machine that the Vaio P is certainly one of the most portable ways to get the full Windows 7 experience we can think of.
Measuring 9.6x 0.78x 4.7 inches, the new device features built-in real-time GPS, together with a Bluetooth radio for streaming audio in stereo to compatible speakers and headsets. The machine also comes with Norton Internet Security 2009 as well as a 30-Day trial of Microsoft Office 2010 Starter.
Shipping with the device will be the standard 2500mAh lithium ion battery that is expected to run for 3.5 hours. Yet, one has the choice of ordering for an extended battery pack that is able to operate for 7 hours off a single charge. The PC will be available in varied colors including electric orange, neon green, hot pink, icy white and classic black.
Another interesting aspect of the new series is that it can turn on sideways to change the viewing orientation from the traditional computer landscape mode to a portrait mode. This feature will make the device more suitable for reading eBooks.
Pre-order prices begin in the $800 range. However, Sony says the new machine will not be shipped before first week of June. Sadly though, India will not see the launch of the PC as the earlier response was not so good from the Indian market. "Sony currently enjoys a market share of seven percent in India and the latest in the Vaio series available in India is the E series with three different variations in the size," said Mukesh Srivastava, Product Manager, VAIO India.
