Sony Australia has announced a new range of VAIO notebook models that offer more portability and entertainment features for users to access their favourite social networking sites on the go and share music, photos and videos with family and friends.

"The VAIO range reflects the changing needs of consumers in today's world, including the photographic powerhouse AW series, the lightweight and uncompromising professional options like the Z series, or ultra-portable and lightweight notebooks like the P series that are ideal for social networking on the go," said Jun Yoon, Channel Marketing Manager for VAIO at Sony Australia.

"With people spending more time on social networking sites as well as looking for different, affordable and innovative products, we predict that the consumer market for portable PCs will grow by 15% in 2009, compared to 2008¹," said Felipe Rego, PC Analyst at IDC Australia. "Among other reasons, the rise in social networking will lead to consumers demanding smaller, lightweight devices that provide connectivity and longer battery life."

The majority of the new models in the line-up of VAIO notebooks are DLNA™ certified, enabling easy sharing of videos, photos and music stored on other DLNA capable products like HiFi systems and PlayStation 3 consoles in your home network.

Z series – Uncompromising design, ultra performance
At just 13.1 inches and weighing a maximum of 1.53kg, the Z series is truly a go-anywhere notebook and a must-have for uncompromising professionals. A new addition to the Z series range, the VGN-Z48GD/X features a 256GB Solid State Drive (SSD) which takes Z series performance to a whole new level.

Faster and more durable, Solid State Drive (SSD) technology, or flash technology, enables a rapid boot up and significantly faster data processing by up to five times. Without moving parts, SSD technology provides a more durable storage solution which is less prone to physical damage and far more tolerant of sudden motion changes when compared to a Hard Disc Drive (HDD).

Other key features of the Z series are the latest Intel® Centrino® 2 Processor Technology and 6 GB DDR3 RAM for fast performance, a 16:9 Clear Tough LCD display with LED backlighting that has enhanced durability and 100 percent colour gamut (compared to NTSC). Another important feature is the unique hybrid graphics system that is ‘hot switchable’ enabling either maximum battery life in "stamina mode" which uses the integrated graphics components or best graphics handling in "speed mode" by using the 256MB dedicated graphics card.

NW series – Chic, everyday PC performance.
With a sophisticated new chassis design, the NW series highlights modern style in a mobile PC ideal for everyday productivity and entertainment.

The NW enjoys superior performance thanks to an Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor. Wireless LAN technology enables connection to wireless networks such as a home network or public hotspots at cafes and airports. Media libraries can also be created with a built-in DVD burner.

As the ideal PC for day-to-day productivity and entertainment, the NW series has a quick one-touch 'web' button which gives fast access to the internet without having to boot up into the windows operating system. The 15.5 inch Clear Bright LCD Lite screen also incorporates a 16:9 aspect ratio for full screen viewing. There are also an abundance of connectivity options including three USB ports, HDMI, WiFi, Bluetooth® and DLNA capability.

Go gold with P series
The hottest notebook on the market is even more dazzling with the new gold edition P "Pocket Style PC" series. The eight inch notebook is about the size of a business envelope and combines premium design and network functionality for unmatched mobile style and functionality.

Ideal for social networking on the go, the VAIO P weighs just 594g (SSD model) while integrating full PC features. The VAIO P has an "Instant Mode" that directly launches into either Sony's Xross Media Bar interface for access to photos, music and video or into a web browser for quick access to the internet – all without booting up Windows. Also incorporated into the P Series to enhance the mobile experience are a built-in webcam, noise-cancelling technology with headphones (SSD model) and built-in wireless LAN 802.11b/g/Draft n and Bluetooth®.

AW series – Professional AV and Photo Editor
The AW is ideal for the multimedia enthusiast or photographer who likes to view or edit high-definition content. This notebook delivers the power of a high-end desktop in a notebook form-factor. Photographers can easily connect an (Alpha) DSLR camera to edit their own photographs via USB or the inbuilt Compact Flash or Memory Stick Slots. Equipped with an extra-wide 18.4 inch LCD display and a screen resolution that displays 100 percent Adobe® RGB coverage, this notebook delivers vibrant colours in stunning Full HD clarity. For those who prefer to watch content on a big screen television like a BRAVIA LCD TV, the unit has a HDMI output so you can connect it to a compatible HDTV set for a larger viewing experience (cable sold separately).

The AW35 comes with a Blu-ray Combo Drive for playback of high definition content, including movies in Full HD resolution, with the step-up model (AW37) incorporating a Blu-ray Disc™ Drive Burner for recording, storing and playing back content on high capacity Blu-ray media.

CS series – 'Crocodile Skin'
The new CS series ‘Crocodile skin’ notebooks, available in red, pink and brown, have a unique finish that stand out, whilst boasting a number of impressive interactive features.

Incorporating Artificial Intelligence technology, the CS36 literally lights up with your touch. A full colour LED and new touch sensor mean the CS responds when you touch its cover. Original VAIO software uses powerful built-in intelligence to organise your digital world creatively for maximum enjoyment.


1. Source: Australian PC Tracker, 1Q09, IDC, 2009