14 DAY TRIAL // Yesterday, Sony announced the launch of a new notebook, the VAIO FW, a mobile PC capable of rendering HD movies the way they were meant to be displayed. There will be multiple configurations available for the new FW notebook, including a standard and a premium model. The latter is able to play Blu-ray Disc high-definition content in full 1080 HD resolution while connected to a compatible HDTV. The mobile PC can also record, store and render personal content on high capacity BD media.
Weighing only six pounds, the VAIO FW comes with the first 16.4 inch display in the world. The new machine combines the benefits of the larger 17 inch screen with the smaller mark of a 15.4 inch display. Fairly enough HD films are shot at a 16:9 aspect ratio, and the display has been designed with the same dimensions; it proves to be ideal for Blu-ray Disc movies playback. The black bars that usually appear are diminished, and movies are viewed in the intended format.
The workspace provided by the new display has also been extended, allowing users to see full web sites or put documents side by side for comparison. The VAIO FW notebook also comes with Sony's patented XBRITE-HiColor LCD technology, which allows the display to deliver bold colors, razor-sharp details and glare-free viewing. The HDMI output connector allows multimedia enthusiasts to connect the notebook to a high-definition TV set to watch movies on larger screens.
"This PC is a multimedia masterpiece thoughtfully crafted to help consumers enjoy the full excitement of HD," said Mike Abary, senior vice president of VAIO product marketing at Sony Electronics. "It's a shining example of how cutting-edge technologies can be brought together to unlock a world of high-definition entertainment."
The newly announced Intel Centrino 2 technology powers up the Sony VAIO FW notebook. The performance level is heightened, the energy efficiency increased, and the system response times minimized. Windows Vista Ultimate comes pre-installed on select models. Also included in the package are three entertainment software applications. The VAIO Movie Story software allows users to make their own high-quality home videos, the VAIO MusicBox offers means of enjoying music according to the mood, while Click to Disc/Editor Software enables easy DVD/BD video editing and creation.
Content stored on the PC can be easily streamed wirelessly through a home network with the VAIO Media software, a DLNA-enabled media sharing application included in the model. Different type of content, including movies, photos or music can be transferred this way to either a PLAYSTATION 3 or a VAIO Home Theater PC.
More connectivity is featured through the various ports included in the new model. Users are provided with a Memory Stick media/SD card slot, three USB ports, an i.LINK IEEE-1394 port, microphone and headphone jack, and a 34mm ExpressCard slot for easy transfer of files from external devices.
Most FW models incorporate eco-conscious features including powder coating, a painting technique that is solvent-free, and are also Energy Star 4.0 compliant. The available colors for the FW standard notebooks are titanium gray and powder white. The price for these models starts at $1,000. The VAIO FW premium model will have a minimum price tag of $1,750. The notebooks are available on Sony's site, and will also be on display at Sony Style stores and retailers later this month.
