Sony Adds More Connectivity Options to Select VAIOs

In an attempt to make its portable VAIO computer systems more appealing to consumers, Sony announced plans to provide some of its Sony notebooks with an option for a Gobi module. According to Sony, upcoming models of its VAIO P, Z, and TT series of portable computer systems will be featuring the aforementioned Gobi technology, enabling the systems to provide users with a larger number of connectivity options.

Sony Electronics announced that it partnered with chip maker Qualcomm, in order to provide some of its VAIO laptops with Qualcomm's Gobi chip. This should be good news for the users who require their portable systems to be always connected, as the Gobi module supports both CDMA and GSM data networks. The new systems will allow users to take advantage of 3G connectivity speeds and have Internet access in more places than was previously available, without the use of the Gobi technology.

 

“By embedding Qualcomm technology into our notebooks we are offering our customers an attractive combination of performance and ease of use,” said Mike Abary, senior vice president of VAIO product marketing at Sony Electronics. “We expect Gobi 3G connectivity to be a sought-after feature and a significant enhancement.”

 

Obviously, the new connectivity options come at a price, but Sony is yet to provide us with the full details regarding the price tag of the new connectivity options. However, 3G connectivity will require users to sign a contract with a network operator.

 

The use of Qualcomm's Gobi technology will provide VAIO users with a choice for sending and receiving emails and access some of the other Internet functionalities, without being constrained by lack of Wi-Fi hot spots. One of the VAIO systems that will benefit the most from the integration of the new technology is the company's P-series, which comes as an ultra-portable computer system, built on Intel's Atom technology.