Computing

Those Sony Vaio netbooks that were announced the other day? They just got local pricing. Ouch.

You’re looking at $999 for the 10.1-inch netbook running XP on a 1.66GHz N280 Atom processor. There’s a 160GB HDD, 1GB RAM and two USB ports as well.

The specs alone don’t seem to justify the pricetag, considering they’re pretty much identical to every other netbook on the market at the moment. Maybe every one was blessed by a Shinto priest before shipping out of Japan?

The W series netbook will hit shelves on August 12.

New Sony mini notebooks offer the ultimate portable style, convenience and performance
VAIO W series ideal for casual computing and staying connected on the go

Sydney – 9 July, 2009 – Sony Australia has announced its chic new line up of sub $1000 mini n otebooks – the VAIO W Series. Featuring an ultra-portable design, the W Series is the perfect shape and size to use around the home, or on the go, to conveniently check your emails, surf the web or update your social networks.
The VAIO W comes in three vibrant colours – berry pink, sugar white and cocoa brown. A more subtle shade of the exterior hue finishes the inside of the notebook, while the touchpad is lined with a splash of brightness.
“Use of smaller, or secondary PCs is on the rise in Australia and around the world,” said Jun Yoon, Channel Marketing Manager for VAIO at Sony Australia. “The size, design and colour selection make the VAIO W series the ideal companion for ultra-portable computing on the move.”
“The VAIO W lets you quickly look up something online, whether you’re searching for a recipe in the kitchen or checking Facebook and YouTube, from the comfort of your lounge. It’s also sturdy enough for the kids to use, or to slip in your bag for use on the road,” Yoon continued.
The VAIO W incorporates a high-resolution, 1366 x 768, LED backlit 10.1-inch widescreen display, making it easy to view a full web page, along with content on each side.
The model features an isolated keyboard with springy and responsive keys, making it comfortable and easy to use. Its carefully designed touchpad and mouse keys are functional and easy to control. The VAIO W also includes a built-in webcam and microphone allowing you to video chat with family, friends and colleagues. When connected to any Wi-Fi network, you can even do this on the go.
The W Series unit is ENERGY STAR 5.0 compliant, EPEAT Gold registered and incorporates eco-conscious features such as a mercury-free LED backlit LCD.
Easily transfer data, such as photos from your digital camera or music from an MP3 player, to and from the notebook with the unit’s two convenient USB ports. Incorporated Bluetooth enables peripherals, such as a wireless mouse, to be utilised without tying up the unit’s ports.
A roomy 160GB hard drive is included, providing ample storage for all your photos, files and videos.
The model also comes with VAIO Media plus Multimedia Streaming software, a media sharing application that lets you wirelessly stream content across DLNA-enabled devices throughout your home network. Enjoy your content anywhere in the home, including on your big-screen TV, by streaming video, music and pictures from your W Series to any compatible PC, BRAVIA LCD TV or PLAYSTATION®3.
It comes pre-installed with Microsoft® Windows® XP Home Edition operating system.