Sony update VAIO P - new features, still pricey

Monday, 10 May 2010 23:25 Mathias Wedelholm

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Sony VAIO logo Sony's VAIO P never became a huge success, probably because it mostly offered the same specs as other netbooks at twice the price. Okay, there were some unique features like the ludicrous display resolution and a little extra in the form of GPS, but it still was not great value for money.

The logical step would probably have been to lower the price a little, but Sony instead opted to add a few features. Now VAIO P has an optical mouse in the lower right corner of the screen bezel, with matching buttons on the left. That allows you to control the device with your thumbs while holding it in your hands. An interesting addition, but how often is it even relevant?

They also added in an accelerometer, which has two functions. Shaking the device a little is associated with a back/forward function, and by holding it vertically the display will go into portrait mode so as to function as an e-reader. With a resolution of 1600 x 768 pixels, this is a fine idea.

The hardware also got a minor upgrade. Now the VAIO P can be configured with an Intel Atom Z560 processor (2.16GHz), but of course that costs more than the standard model with the Atom Z530 (1.6HGz) CPU. You can also get a 256GB SSD, where the previous maximum was 128GB. Otherwise there are 2GB of RAM, Windows 7 Home Premium/Professional (32 bit) and a battery that lasts 5 hours (the extended battery option doubles that to 10 hours).

Not much is new beyond that. You still get 802.11 b/g/draft-N WiFi, 3G, Bluetooth V2.1 + EDR and Ethernet LAN. Other features include GPS, digital compass and integrated microphone plus webcam.

Sony VAIO P weighs 0.632kg (with the standard battery) and should launch around the world in June. Only the Japanese price is available at the moment, ranging from $861 to $1,708. Ouch.

Source: netbooked

Sony VAIO P