VAIO Type P

(Gadgets(96)
Fri 2009/01/09 07:11
Akihabaranews gets hands on and more photos of the recently announced "Pocket Style PC VAIO Type P.

Specs are...
Vista Home Premium
Atom Z520 @ 1.33GHz or with a Z530 (1.6GHz) / Z540 (1.86GHz) 2GB of RAM 60GB of HDD or up to 128GB of SSD 8” UWXGA Screen with a stunning 1600x768 resolution WiFi B/G/N a 1.3Mpix Camera Module WAN and GPS (in Option) for just 639g and 245 x 19.8 x 120 mm
Akihabaranews got some video footage below too - not only did it look slow bit Akihabara news also said it was slow first hand too.
Performance wise we had some trouble watching Dailymotion HD Video, however, Sony's staff took on this problem and showed us a nice Full HD trailer running smoothly on the Vaio P with Windows Media Player (they had to close all open software). As for boot time... not up to expectations, Vista is still a resource hog and installing 7 on this beast may be the best thing to do.
More of the Vaio P Type at:- http://pc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/2009/0108/ces04.htm http://av.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20090108/sony.htm http://pc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/2009/0108/sony.htm http://japanese.engadget.com/2009/01/07/ces-2009-vaio-p/ http://www.vaio.sony.co.jp/Products/P1/index.html?s=jp_bn_vaiotop_typep Geek Stuff 4 U are taking pre-orders for 1,230 yen. I used to be a sony fanboi many moons ago and had a few Vaio machines - looked cool but performance was crap. I asked a comrade who worked at Sony what was that all about and she said that what Sony try to do to keep costs down is to first design a cool looking product and when thats done take existing parts / technology thats 10 years old (her own words) and try to stuff it in. Anybody here owned and felt the pain of Vaio machines?
Polls
Posted on Fri 2009/01/09 07:11 by
Danny Choo in Tokyo (Registered on Mon 2006/12/11 12:18)
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Tami in Germany - Düsseldorf (Registered on 2007/12/16 11:54)
IT-Architect, SysAdmin, WebDesign and Coding, Virtualization (VMware + NetApp)
Didn't have one myself, but a friend used to... he only had hassle with it.
Then again he really was dumbfounded with computers overall, so it was maybe his fault most of the time. ;)

I had a few things from Sony - Amp, TV, MD player and stuff years ago, that wasn't bad though.
(ID #440864) Posted on 2009/01/09 07:27
Pandaman0529 in Jersey (Registered on 2008/12/09 11:46)
Student
Ugh...Vaio
I can understand the "looks cool put performance is crap"
I own a 2 Vaio desktops, and 3 laptops. They look sleek, but Sony really can't compete performance wise against other well-known companies...
(ID #440867) Posted on 2009/01/09 07:28
R3v3nG3 in Trinidad & Tobago (Registered on 2009/01/07 01:45)
Okatu on training / student
O.O wow that is small... it is soooo cute ^.^
but for some reason i like bigger screens >.<
hmmm..... it looks as though the system runs good though ^.^
(ID #440870) Posted on 2009/01/09 07:29
nintendokid in London (Registered on 2008/11/15 04:47)
Gamer,Anime Watcher,Student,Youtuber (below is my YouTubepage click for reviews and more)
Looks Awsome!(first time in in the first 10 comments!)
but looking at it u can kinda telll is gonna suck...........yet i wpuld still get 1
(ID #440877) Posted on 2009/01/09 07:36
Mimi in self destruction (Registered on 2008/03/11 08:31)
Mimi
Wow, I'd really love something light like that but it looks kinda too small. 
(ID #440881) Posted on 2009/01/09 07:39
xjaymanx in Vegas, baby! (Registered on 2006/12/29 12:13)
Technical Writer/Editor, Designer, Collector, Artist, Nice Guy
@Mimi-chan: LOL, I gotta copy this quote for future reference...
(ID #441140) Posted on 2009/01/09 11:40
aquilla in The United Kingdom (Registered on 2008/10/23 04:56)
Unemployed Dollfie enthusiast
It might be small, but who has pockets that big? It's not pocket size at all.
(ID #440884) Posted on 2009/01/09 07:43
Hidden Oasis in California, United Sates (Registered on 2008/10/28 13:51)
College Freshmen
That's a really weird resolution. I would never be able to find any fitting wallpapers for it. I don't have any Vaio computers. It really does look cool, but I don't want it.
(ID #440885) Posted on 2009/01/09 07:43
chirokitsune in Tallahassee, FL (Registered on 2008/10/28 07:54)
Web Developer
Cute and small but you might want to fix your price. I'm sure it's not 1,230 yen. That's only like 12-14 US Dollars.
(ID #440889) Posted on 2009/01/09 07:45
Kilkrazy in London (Registered on 2008/04/18 03:31)
Producer
It's not the hardware, it's the OS that is the problem.

Sony should dump Windows and install a customised Linux system. It would improve performance and reduce costs.
(ID #440890) Posted on 2009/01/09 07:45
First Paladin in his harem (Registered on 2008/11/20 02:20)
Pianist
Vista on a tiny computer like that doesn't make sense IMO. I only consider windows to be good for gaming, that's it.
(ID #441661) Posted on 2009/01/09 19:57
Riz in Indiana,USA (Registered on 2009/01/03 05:25)
High School Student & Otaku
Ha! >:D I was right! Pocket sized laptops.
(ID #440897) Posted on 2009/01/09 07:55
jinstevens in Portland, OR, USA (Registered on 2009/01/06 05:58)
Blogger, consultant
tl;dr version: Vaio pocket PC not new; wouldn't run it on Vista; only know Vaio from second hand sources <_< >_>

They've had pocket PCs of this sort for years. I remember seeing pocket PCs from Toshiba back in 1996/1997 when they ran Windows 95 and later a slimmed down version of the operating system that was the forerunner of Windows CE. Stuff like this isn't really that new. The solid state drives of 60 - 120 GB yes and the nice screen, but everything else about it is pretty mediocre.

They should also do themselves a favor and not run Vista on it. Vista is so resource intensive and pocket versions of any OS has its own issues in terms of compatibility. I can already see the headache for the IT tech trying to get one of these on the corporate network, getting it to run the corporate email package, etc. just because some exec brought it home from Japan because he thought it was cool.

I've only heard second hand stuff about Vaios. I thought they mostly targeted the casual user and students. I wouldn't recommend any Vaio model as a corporate standard (I used to evaluate desktop / laptop machines for a couple of fortune 500 companies). For corporate users, I'd go with a manufacturer that a) could commit to not switching out components for as long as possible, b) had good channels for distributions, c) had a strong track record for support. Sony (at least for it's Vaio line) wouldn't fit any of those criteria.
(ID #440898) Posted on 2009/01/09 07:56
Riz in Indiana,USA (Registered on 2009/01/03 05:25)
High School Student & Otaku
D; I feel bad now. *Goes to corner and crys* Eh This is the first time Ive heard of them being this size so I thought it was new. =/
(ID #440909) Posted on 2009/01/09 08:04
Halconnen in Karlsland (Registered on 2008/11/18 17:19)
Student
Am curious. Which ones fit those criteria in your opinion?
(ID #441384) Posted on 2009/01/09 14:20
jinstevens in Portland, OR, USA (Registered on 2009/01/06 05:58)
Blogger, consultant
I've been out of that line of work for quite some time, but I used to recommend IBM (now Lenovo) for laptops, and Compaq (now HP) for desktops. None of the companies are what they used to be (Lenovo IMO got better, HP got worse) when I evaluated machines, so take this with a grain of salt. 

I looked at Dell and at the time they were really more focused on the consumer market. It bothered me that two machines of the same model they shipped me for eval had significant differences with chip sets and componentry. That's a non-starter for a corporate client. I have no idea how good / bad they are now.  Toshiba's corporate line from what I remember was quite good too, but I heard they aren't what they used to be.
(ID #441634) Posted on 2009/01/09 19:03
Hosaka in London, UK (Registered on 2008/09/25 03:27)
Software Developer
Typing this on a Vaio right now. It is getting pretty old (over 4 years!), so will be replaced very shortly though; I will probably get a MacBook as I want to try developing some apps for the iPhone, and to see if OSX deserves the hype. 
(ID #440899) Posted on 2009/01/09 07:56
Evo00 in United Kingdom (Registered on 2008/11/03 23:58)
Casshern - Student
Wow looks very nice. I've always wanted to buy a Mac Book or a Vaio . Wow small and portable. It looks good but I don't really like the mouse so I'm gonna buy wireless mouse for it.
(ID #440900) Posted on 2009/01/09 07:58
jinx626 in Rosemead, CA (Outside Los Angeles) (Registered on 2008/05/28 12:33)
Government Goon
900 USD (basic model) for what is essentially a netbook, no thanks.  Similar netbooks with similar specs cost around 300-500USD.  Also running Vista on a netbook, i wonder how well it will perform.  The only thing i do admit is the weight and slick design of it...However, i still love my Acer Aspire One to death.  
(ID #440902) Posted on 2009/01/09 07:59
kaeze in Melbourne, Australia, Earth (Registered on 2007/04/09 19:49)
Illustrator & Designer
This is Sony jumping on the whole "netbook" bandwagon.  Specs wise, it's not bad and it's a good looking product.  It's the only netbook I know that starts off with 2GB of ram, which is what you at least I reckon what you need to run Vista.

I work as a graphic designer at an IT distribution company (we distribute the Xbox 360 as well) and the numbers we move on netbooks (like Asus EeePCs, HP mini, Acer One, Lenovo S10s, Benq U101, etc) are quite amazing.

As for the Sony Vaio products, I've always thought it was too over-priced compared to other brands.  I like their designs but I wouldn't pay for that extra cost for it or just for their brand name.
(ID #440907) Posted on 2009/01/09 08:04
Halconnen in Karlsland (Registered on 2008/11/18 17:19)
Student
This is in jest, but:

"The concept seems to work fine with Macs."
(ID #441388) Posted on 2009/01/09 14:22
EMîkro in Germany (Registered on 2008/09/16 22:55)
Student | J-Drama beau
Looks nice, but very expensive and with an english or japanese keyboard -> need a german one :P
(ID #440913) Posted on 2009/01/09 08:07
Meimi132 in Leicester for Uni, Norfolk for Home. (Registered on 2007/12/04 05:29)
Student, Otaku, She-Geek(Sheek lol)
I don't want a mini laptop, cute as they look. I want one that works, fast and with a great graphics card. So I can game onda go! lol
(ID #440914) Posted on 2009/01/09 08:08
Mirage in New York City, USA (Registered on 2008/12/27 10:47)
Young Grasshopper
Ouch... Fitting Vista into something so small isn't a good idea ^^;

I did own a Vaio laptop in the old days (a bulky one if i might add) and it didn't take long until it started to age to death :/.
(ID #440918) Posted on 2009/01/09 08:15
NPC in Rocklin, CA (Registered on 2007/12/06 16:43)
JR. College Student
The new EEE keyboard-computer looks cooler.

Also, anyone notice that shirt? "tree crime rate"? what? lol
(ID #440919) Posted on 2009/01/09 08:18
redmango in limbo (Registered on 2008/08/08 21:58)
NEET (Desktop Support / Admin)
I still use a Vaio, a U70p that dates back to 2003. It's my primary internet computer even though I have Mac Pro. It's usually left on and does not utilize as much electric as the Mac Pro there by not impacting my electric bill.
(ID #440922) Posted on 2009/01/09 08:22
redmango in limbo (Registered on 2008/08/08 21:58)
NEET (Desktop Support / Admin)
The new type P is interesting. I would mine having one if the 1.86 GHz was available in the US and if a 500 GB hard drive could fit in the type P.
(ID #440927) Posted on 2009/01/09 08:25
KyokoHunter in UK (Registered on 2008/06/08 21:26)
Civil Servant
I actually have two Vaios - one of which is my old laptop, which I'm going to be giving away soon. It's a bit like an early MacBook Air, in that you can disconnect it from a docking station and it becomes a very slim, CD-less laptop. Very good and very reliable (both of them as I had one before it), but would never have paid the original price it sold for.

Second is the family PC, which does look nice. Was only marginally less powerful and looks much better downstairs. Still running fine (fingers crossed).

Am currently using a Samsung laptop, but the iffy build quality and speed with Vista tempt me back towards a Vaio. Or a MacBook, if I could stump up the cash...
(ID #440936) Posted on 2009/01/09 08:33
JamesJoyceYes in USA (Registered on 2007/12/17 18:43)
Student
I'm very glad I've never bought a Vaio. Does sony try to stuff 10 year old tech in their other stuff though?!
(ID #440938) Posted on 2009/01/09 08:34
jinstevens in Portland, OR, USA (Registered on 2009/01/06 05:58)
Blogger, consultant
I'm sure it's not that bad. I had a friend of mine that bought a "gaming" PC from a shop that does business on the web and was shocked to discovered that the builder still put a IDE (not SATA) hard drive into it. I didn't even think they sold IDE compatible motherboards anymore so I suspect it was just old stock. I told him to return it and I ended up pretty much building one out for him for about $600 US less than what he spent. What's really lol worthy is my friend's hardcore gaming requirement is Maple Story. 
(ID #440955) Posted on 2009/01/09 09:09
Halconnen in Karlsland (Registered on 2008/11/18 17:19)
Student
You still see plenty of motherboards around that have one IDE controller on for downwards compatibility. (Like mine.)

This is actually especially critical when you buy premade cheap PCs online. For some reason people then like to stuff an old IDE drive, and like a DVD drive onto the same controller, which lets the entire system spin into performance hell. -_-'

Can't understand why you would do that nowadays, either, given the pricetag of current SATA HDDs. It's probably old stock that's still piled up in storage somewhere and that people want to get rid of.
(ID #441398) Posted on 2009/01/09 14:27
Caco in Singapore (Registered on 2007/09/03 01:51)
Service and Support Engineer
I even saw in one add here in Singapore that they are selling what they say is a "Gaming System" but it only has 512kb Ram, 80gb Hard drive running on windows vista. Plus the VGA is onboard. What kind of games can you actually play on those things? Vista on a 512kb RAM (even if it's the home basic) is really slow. then you still need to share some RAM to your VGA since it's an onboard VGA. How much RAM would you still have? And an 80gb Hard Drive? How many GB of Hard Drive Space does vista needs? And the games nowadays eats up a big chunk already. I remember before that the first Dawn of War with all the expansions is already around 20gb I think. What else can you fit in that small Hard Drive?
(ID #575601) Posted on 2009/04/23 11:55
Halconnen in Karlsland (Registered on 2008/11/18 17:19)
Student
Intel Atoms and 2GB Laptop RAM modules obviously cannot be 10 years old, so it obviously was an exaggeration of sorts. Same to the highres 8" display, as far as I know.
(ID #441392) Posted on 2009/01/09 14:24
kokost in Canada (Registered on 2008/09/20 07:43)
Student
Wow... a Sony employee actually saying that about their own machines. I think certain Sony products are nice... just not the vaio line. The unique appearance of their laptops and desktops are quite impressive but lets face it, you're paying a premium price tag for a computer that is really worth about half its value. A friend of mine has multiple vaio machines and she loves them. Oddly enough... they don't break on her... the same can't be said for my brother's girlfriend's machine. She had her enormous laptop for less than a year and one of the hinges broke. I only saw it after and it was not a pretty sight... This machine is like the first gen macbook air for me. Light weight and unique but certain aspects tick me off a lot. In this case, its the small screen.
(ID #440962) Posted on 2009/01/09 09:14
lightningsabre in Vancouver (Registered on 2007/08/30 19:39)
Pseudo-Graphic Designer, 太もも Appreciator
I almost bought a Vaio once... Those specs are very minimal... 2GB ram for Vista is not enough to do much. And I see that they say it's slow. Rams are quite cheap and small these days, why not make it 4 GB at least? Sheesh!
(ID #440977) Posted on 2009/01/09 09:19
GundamJehutyKai in Foundation II Stellvia (Registered on 2007/09/12 22:45)
Service desk support
I found that Vaios tend to be fairly decent and somewhat reliable but not worth the premium price they command, same as macs really. You're paying for the brand.

For the most part, sony electronics are very good. The only issues i've had was with their camera (specifically, the T9) and one vaio laptop, which was negated as I knew another friend who had the same laptop model and it worked very well.

But I was surprised that they were putting vista on the Vaio P. As stated, that OS is a resource hog and it would have made more sense to delay the launch by a few months and put windows 7 on it.
(ID #440982) Posted on 2009/01/09 09:25
Len-Vesper in Quebec City, Canada (Registered on 2008/02/17 05:06)
Medical Research and Design
Cute looking gadget, not often you see widescreen in 16:10 format on that small a device.  Nice resolution for it, too.

I don't think I'd pay for that though, I'd rather get a Apple product if I'm going to pay brand name premium on a holster-able device.

That girl on the right in the first picture looks completely stoned, though, and not quite sure what she's holding. XD
(ID #440984) Posted on 2009/01/09 09:28
froggy in France (Registered on 2008/11/21 01:54)
Marketer
very widescreen ! but still too small, looks a bit bigger PSP
(ID #440987) Posted on 2009/01/09 09:33
Darkdam in New York (Registered on 2007/09/01 12:03)
Student & Part time worker in a Day Care
Never got a Vaio before and don't see how they've kept the prices low for the 10 year old parts. My friend has one and never complained about it so I'm guessing that it works fine. I would probably never get a small computer with less then 2 ghz of ram, that would be like back to my windows 95 days.
(ID #440995) Posted on 2009/01/09 09:36
Halconnen in Karlsland (Registered on 2008/11/18 17:19)
Student
"2 ghz of ram."

*snerk*
(ID #441400) Posted on 2009/01/09 14:27
Raptor in パース市、西オーストラリア (Perth, Western Australia) (Registered on 2008/03/09 18:54)
ソフトウエアエンジニア (Software Engineer)
Geek Stuff 4 U are taking pre-orders for 1,230 yen.
Wow! thats cheap! Only $12US for a ultra portable laptop.
(ID #441021) Posted on 2009/01/09 09:56
Cyberchaos in Australia, Sydney (Registered on 2008/02/17 20:43)
AdvDip Network Security - CCNA - Ironport - Security+
an 8" screen at 1600x768.......
my eyes are going to DIE

and i thought my 9" at 1024x600 on my Eeepc was horrendously small - though im very much used to it now
(ID #441023) Posted on 2009/01/09 09:58
silent1134 in Los Angeles, California (Registered on 2007/08/22 15:45)
???Confused???
I'm using one as we speak...though it's four years old and starting to lag as of late...
(ID #441039) Posted on 2009/01/09 10:17
kona.kona in Singapore (Registered on 2008/10/16 02:06)
Student
Vaio is awesome looking, but spec wise, I always wondered if it was worth the hefty price. With the same price, I built my own comp with much better specs. Vaio would be what you want if you just want to use it for school projects and lectures, and showing off to your friends how godly your laptop looks.

Until you play games with them.
(ID #441058) Posted on 2009/01/09 10:35
Okita in Germany (Registered on 2008/10/28 12:16)
Student & Game Designer
I do prefer SONY in every way, but not at laptops & vaio =)

also too small

AND: Vista = lol
(ID #441088) Posted on 2009/01/09 10:56
Patrick Barron in Michigan, United States of America (Registered on 2008/02/09 07:34)
Grocery Store Clerk
I have had a Vaio and it was a good machine for me. One the two non-IBM computer that me and my dad have used.

That PC notebook looks cool. I night consider getting one for my next portable computer.
(ID #441092) Posted on 2009/01/09 10:59
Gibson in California (Registered on 2007/05/28 04:42)
Student artist
Danny the price is $1,230.50. With that kind of money you can buy a small laptop at a decent price
(ID #441100) Posted on 2009/01/09 11:12
azn-n3ss-__- in Brisbane (Registered on 2008/07/28 21:09)
大学生
Never liked sony that much.. expensive and looks good but performance wasn't what you could get from other products in the same price range!

On a side note, is Windows 7 supposed to be less resource intensive than Vista?
(ID #441118) Posted on 2009/01/09 11:23
Koshiko in Sydney, Australia (Registered on 2007/08/03 13:49)
website/graphic designer
Thanks, but no thanks. At that price I'll pass =/
(ID #441142) Posted on 2009/01/09 11:42
(Re-ACT) in cali, usa (Registered on 2009/01/07 15:41)
bum,hachi roku driver
they should have used xp instead of the bloated vista os, which is not meant for small and underpowered computers like that vaio P. Plus I'd pay extra money for a good looking laptop if it had the performance to back it up(can't stand slow computers,it decreases productivity)...
(ID #441145) Posted on 2009/01/09 11:44
The Lyrical Loli in Los Angeles, California, U.S. (Registered on 2007/10/14 16:44)
Kokoro Kotonoha's personal trainer
Alright! Finally PC strikes back at you Mac fan-boys.

I've never owned a Vaio before but i've always been meaning to own a laptop and the size of this is just perfect. I'll look into this soon.
(ID #441162) Posted on 2009/01/09 12:06
(Re-ACT) in cali, usa (Registered on 2009/01/07 15:41)
bum,hachi roku driver
^ If your going to own a laptop that make sure it has decent hardware otherwise its painfully slow and full of headaches like mine.
(ID #442651) Posted on 2009/01/10 16:25
I Am Kaze in England (Registered on 2008/12/29 03:00)
Looking for Work
I love the Chicklet Style Keyboard like the MacBooks. Such a comfortable keyboard and great way to keep your keyboard clean without the keys getting clogged with crap!
(ID #441170) Posted on 2009/01/09 12:13
(Re-ACT) in cali, usa (Registered on 2009/01/07 15:41)
bum,hachi roku driver
^ Only problem with that kind of keyboard style is if your keyboard breaks then your screwed.
(ID #443501) Posted on 2009/01/11 08:35
FMPhoenixHawk in Michigan, USA (Registered on 2008/01/20 08:09)
Scientist, unemployed.
I have a VAIO right now.  Well, it's still partly a Vaio.  I had to replace the power supply, the motherboard and the case because I upgraded the RAM.  (The case was just because the motherboard was full-sized, the Vaio case is only a 3/4)  But that was really the only problem I've had with it.
(ID #441177) Posted on 2009/01/09 12:17
Henry in /usr/bin/ (Registered on 2006/12/25 20:29)
anime/cosplay events organizer
Indeed that Vaio is a stylish piece of machine but yeah I heard some things that the performance is crap and it is expensive...

Good thing that I haven't bought one and left me in despair XDD
(ID #441224) Posted on 2009/01/09 12:47
Ninja Poe Bear in California (Registered on 2008/07/10 18:18)
Studio Bleach founder/owner
I am currently using one. And I chose Sony and not Apple because of three reasons:

1) At the time, Apple's Bootcamp still had issues.
2) Sony is my other favorite electronics company, next to Apple.
3) Satsuki Igarashi (CLAMP) once said she uses Sony Vaio.

I think I only truly enjoyed it for a month or two before issues came up. I mean, I paid a tad bit more for a custom model, and issues ended up arising. A couple of dead pixels formed on the screen, mouse pad does not work properly at times, and yeah... Up to one point, RO (the MMORPG) almost crashed my laptop.

So yeah... It's either this or my iMac G4. And I only use my iMac for music and storage since it has slowed down a bit over the years. And when I have the money, I am going to stick with Mac. Because no offense to Sony, but they either need to look into a Mac/PC hybrid or even their own OS... Because this no longer works for me.
(ID #441253) Posted on 2009/01/09 13:07
Ekowc in Finland (Registered on 2007/07/15 18:25)
Ordinary soul (student)
heh, a rather small netbook, a tad too small for me.
I hope it runs linux, because I don't want to use vista(crap).
(ID #441305) Posted on 2009/01/09 13:41
Monkee in Canada (Registered on 2007/02/08 22:14)
Otaku / Student in Computer Science
Design looks cool bu the specs aren't what I'm looking for...Actually I own a ASUS laptop
(ID #441308) Posted on 2009/01/09 13:41
Kyone in Boston, MA (Registered on 2009/01/03 00:12)
College student, Mech programmer and striving photographer.
This VAIO type P looks like its meant for business instead of entertainment. If you want to type up emails, essays and browse the web then its perfect for on-the-go research. But if you just want to browse youtube all day outside then I suggest you get a normal sized laptop. I'd get it since I'm crammed full of research papers this semester -.- but MAN you'd need big baggy pants to fit that baby in a pocket.
(ID #441309) Posted on 2009/01/09 13:42
garturo62 in Arizona (Registered on 2008/12/23 16:44)
none
I think this is the smallest you can make it while still having a full qwerty keyboard.
(ID #441312) Posted on 2009/01/09 13:42
LesterHo in Tokyo, Japan (Registered on 2008/11/17 00:58)
Student
Oh great. This is what I have been looking for. I will be getting one soon for my work.

The problem about the Sony is the battery which doesn't last longer. I had a Vaio laptop few years ago and had a problem with the battery after changing it 3 times but still the features is better and new they came up with a mini one which I have been looking for except they are putting the mouse in the middle of the keyboard just like the old ones.
(ID #441321) Posted on 2009/01/09 13:45
Keigami in Alaska (the Snowy Hell) (Registered on 2008/12/06 21:30)
Student of Computer Info. & Office Sys.
I'd always been impressed by the SONY VAIO looks but as far as actual performance it failed me miserably, SONY generally makes great products but unfortunately it doesn't seem computers are among them.
They sure know how to make them shiny and appealing looking though.
(ID #441335) Posted on 2009/01/09 13:50
marvin (Registered on 2006/12/25 00:54)
hmm... sony is trying to compete with the asus eeepc, msi wind and ibm lenovo s10 market? wonder if finding drivers for xp would be a problem for it?
(ID #441352) Posted on 2009/01/09 13:59
marvin (Registered on 2006/12/25 00:54)
wait a minute? $1,230.50?!? so much for affordable. ^^; what else can I say.... it's a sony. ^^;
(ID #441378) Posted on 2009/01/09 14:14
WiseFreeman in DC Cloning Laboratory (Registered on 2007/11/07 19:20)
DCX001-Prototype
Look like every PC giants started to venture into mini laptop after Intel Atom announced.

ASUS
DELL

now Sony...


It's a Sony~~~~~~
(ID #441367) Posted on 2009/01/09 14:06
x33b in Chicago (Registered on 2007/11/24 06:01)
Network Admin
The point of a netbook is to be cheap portable web access. Another example of Sony pricing themselves out of the competition. The Dell Mini 999 and the Asus EEE pc are what netbooks should be.
(ID #441405) Posted on 2009/01/09 14:35
XSportSeeker in Brazil (Registered on 2007/08/22 06:42)
Dropping computers, starting all over again at Journalism
Cute and all, but would be useless to me.
Screen too small, not powerful enough, probably expensive for what you get...

It'd be interesting if it was touchscreen though...

I'm holding my money... next laptop will probably be an HP tablet. The latest one is nice, but I heard it has some problems...
(ID #441410) Posted on 2009/01/09 14:39
zyuan in the coolest driver's high! (Registered on 2007/10/12 13:55)
student
vaios are overpriced. All show and no go. Pretty much garbage. I've been through enough to tell. Since Vaio, I've been more cautious about Sony products. Only solid stuff I still have from them is two TV, the old PS2, and a mp3 player. 
(ID #441478) Posted on 2009/01/09 15:55
zyuan in the coolest driver's high! (Registered on 2007/10/12 13:55)
student
Oh yea, the Type P looks like it could promote carpal tunnel or arthritis. Not to mention it looked really stupid when the girls put it inside their pocket >_> *continues with VAIO hate* Sorry... just side effect of past mental scars ^^;
(ID #441484) Posted on 2009/01/09 15:58
Kinoshinta in New Mexico, USA (Registered on 2008/09/01 16:50)
College Student
o.o; and I thought Mac Books were getting smaller...
(ID #441492) Posted on 2009/01/09 16:09
Kururu_luva in Richmond, BC Canada (Registered on 2007/01/20 18:17)
Gonna get my eyes killed by those midgets @_@
(ID #441563) Posted on 2009/01/09 17:52
Arekusu in The Lost Woods (Registered on 2006/12/31 19:36)
Video Game Design Student and Dai Gurren Dan member
[f] 
I own a VAIO, I'm currently using the FW11M, the FW series being the one with the green light/power button in the hinge. SO far i haven't had any problems and i'm very pleased ^__^
(ID #441603) Posted on 2009/01/09 18:18
Sabekuji Kaneda in Parañaque, Philippines (Registered on 2008/06/21 21:50)
Mechanical Engineering student
VAIO is crap? Well that shattered my dreams. It looked so cool too T_T

I guess I'll be buying a Mac instead LOL XD

BTW I don't like such small laptops. I hear they heat up really fast. My teacher once had that and it broke just a couple of months after she bought it O_o
(ID #441605) Posted on 2009/01/09 18:21
clone in stardestroyer (Registered on 2009/01/09 19:54)
still prefer macbooks series!
(ID #441666) Posted on 2009/01/09 20:03
Claude in Singapore (Registered on 2007/10/25 21:54)
Undergraduate Otaku
I'm sorry, but I think it looks like crap. But I am probably impartial to all netbooks because I look for sheer performance in my notebook and don't mind lugging a 17" 3KG beast around everywhere I go. =X

However I think the HP Mini Mi series and Acer One are awesome choices for netbooks. :D

http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/shopping/computer_can_series.do?storeName=computer_store&category=notebooks&a1=Category&v1=Mini&series_name=minimi_series
(ID #441697) Posted on 2009/01/09 20:58
dexterngo in Philippines (Registered on 2007/02/26 17:25)
Anime Critic
i'd rather purchase an MSI or HP Mini Note.
(ID #441716) Posted on 2009/01/09 21:17
jimmyt in NorthEast, UK (Registered on 2008/06/05 05:11)
a 'creative' type
Now everyone's on the mini-notebook band wagon. I think performance wise there's never going to be much difference as the hardware will be similar no matter who makes it (of course the more you pay the 'better' the hardware should be), they're all aimed for general PC tasks so no wonder whenever any1 throws anything intensive at them they complain that they're not good.
It's going to be a design thing and whatever extra a company can work into it to make it stand out. I'm sure I saw a shot of one sporting a PSP/PS3 style XMB menu for an instant on style interface - which almost makes them an advanced PSP thing ^_^.

Sony fans will 'lap' them up whilst any design wise peep will also take a look!
(ID #441807) Posted on 2009/01/09 23:28
narunegi in Johore Bahru, Malaysia (Registered on 2008/08/21 18:42)
I'm using one right now.Quite good, but the keyboard has some problems here and there, so i bought an external keyboard instead.but the rest is working fine.

the new vaio looks cute, good for those always on the run. it will be better if they change it into a tablet laptop instead
(ID #441841) Posted on 2009/01/10 00:37
Harts in Estonia (Registered on 2008/06/02 15:38)
Student
Haven't had a VAIO before and don't plan to buy a pocket pc, like the normal size laptop better. And if I need something small, I'll use my Symbian running N95.
(ID #441878) Posted on 2009/01/10 01:53
Tsukasa-san in Sweden (Registered on 2008/02/19 19:44)
大学生です
1600x768 - what a odd resolution.

 
(ID #441895) Posted on 2009/01/10 02:12
Natso in Texas, USA (Registered on 2009/01/10 01:44)
Programmer
Just looking over the specs (and being a computer geek myself, though I have some opinionated quirks)
Vista Home Premium - eww, get it booted with XP, boost performance and reliability
Atom Z520 @ 1.33GHz or with a Z530 (1.6GHz) / Z540 (1.86GHz) - don't think I could handle that, personally, especially coupled with Vista (slowing it down even more)
2GB of RAM - no complaints here
60GB of HDD or up to 128GB of SSD - assuming it's not your only computer, and it's not your main computer, no complaints here either
8” UWXGA Screen with a stunning 1600x768 resolution - I'd be worried about how bright the screen is able to get, in this case.  Also, akward resolution, I'm not a fan of this at all.
WiFi B/G/N - no compltaints here
a 1.3Mpix Camera Module - my problem: it's exposed.  If it had some sort of slide-over cover, that'd be good
WAN and GPS (in Option) - unnecessary, not worth paying extra for imo 

Only reason to get it is if you >need< something of this size (hardware-wise) and you're not doing anything CPU-intensive.  Camera and GPS are a waste, recreative use of these models isn't advised...
(ID #441914) Posted on 2009/01/10 02:40
DeepEye in Italy (Registered on 2009/01/10 06:56)
Student
Actually, Vista runs very well on that kind of hardware. I own a MSI Wind netbook and Vista runs smooth on that 1.6ghz atom and 2gb ram pc. It runs better than XP, the boot is faster and the battery lasts longer. Moreover, on modern mid range & hi end computers  (1-1.5yrs old) Vista is far superiori to XP in terms of speed and stability. I've never had a single crash/bsod/whatever since i'm using Vista. Oh yes, and i'm using Vista 64bit. 

The design of the new Vaio is awesome but the hardware is the same of low-end netbooks... And 999€ starting price is just ludicrous.
(ID #442095) Posted on 2009/01/10 07:06
RogueTrooper in Berkshire UK (Registered on 2009/01/07 03:42)
Dental Technician, i make teeth!
Never owned one and really never plan to. 

For something small i use a blackberry storm.
(ID #441918) Posted on 2009/01/10 02:46
pooks in Toronto,ON (Registered on 2008/09/28 05:49)
3D Video Game Artist
Im not sure about walking around with the VAIO in your back pocket, but the size it quite reasonable for certain daily tasks.

Just got an email confirmation from Sony here in Canada, and they are going for $899.99 (Girls not included), grab them while they are hot!

SSD will definitely help the performance of this mini-me-laptop even with Vista installed. Is it me or is SSD the future of all Storage now?
(ID #442016) Posted on 2009/01/10 04:56
(Re-ACT) in cali, usa (Registered on 2009/01/07 15:41)
bum,hachi roku driver
^ Nah its just you, SSD's are still painfully expensive per size and write speed of most ssd's are slower if not slightly faster. Expect to pay a premium on top notch SSDs like intel's x-25m if you want a fast hard drive. Even with SSDs on a vista laptop, you still have a perfomance bottleneck from the Operating system itself so there is little gain in overall performance.
(ID #443496) Posted on 2009/01/11 08:32
MasterSkirtChaser in Canada (Registered on 2008/04/29 12:11)
Student
gah... fingers... not accurate enough... to hit... one key!~
(ID #442105) Posted on 2009/01/10 07:21
Tequila (Registered on 2008/08/26 22:40)
Don't own one, and don't want one.

I just can't stand these EEE pc and it's clones. it's a hype like Wii I tell ya! everyone wants one, and when you ask them what's so nice about it they will answer: dunno, it's just nice to own one XD
(ID #442233) Posted on 2009/01/10 09:51
cloudy in Los Angeles (Registered on 2008/08/09 18:46)
Student, I hate school. FML
wonder whats the price... specs isn't good as hp or asus or levnos.
(ID #442265) Posted on 2009/01/10 10:17
Lethia in シンガポオル (Registered on 2008/10/18 03:58)
Kawaii Pink Stuffs FanGirl, Cat Lover, Otaku, MP3 Hunter, Matcha & Afternoon Milk Tea Addict.
if I ever buy a laptop, it will be for the color instead of the functionality ^^; vaio is one of my favourite pink laptop so far. 

But that one is really too small for laptop..too small not good :/
(ID #442312) Posted on 2009/01/10 11:04
exurbanotaku in America (Registered on 2008/01/11 05:47)
Consultant
My family PC is a Sony Vaio and since we purchased it, we have had a few issues with it (e.g. - hard disk failure [twice], overheating, etc.) though some of these issues may have been the result of incompetency on behalf of the user rather than the actual machine.  Then again, my friend owns a Vaio laptop and has also experienced hard disk failure.
(ID #442551) Posted on 2009/01/10 14:48
Deranged in Loughborough UK (Registered on 2007/02/18 05:59)
Aeronautical Engineer
Oh god, I remember back when some portable devices had keyboards that cramp... it was horrible... Sticking to my iPhone on the go me thinks. I usually have my macbook with me anyways.
(ID #442764) Posted on 2009/01/10 17:24
Setsukyie in Malaysia (Registered on 2008/01/05 13:14)
Student during the day, otaku at night, and amateur musician ^_^
VAIO is over-priced, and not worth it, enough said.
But it looks cool, that's for sure xD
(ID #443094) Posted on 2009/01/10 23:38
DarkFader in Netherlands (Registered on 2007/10/31 08:18)
hw sw engineer
I had a VAIO laptop and the mainboard broke twice. I then got a replacement Acer laptop which was much nicer&faster. But eventually the video circuit started to give problems. Now I own a MacBook from which I had the plastic replaced after a year.
The point: it doesn't really matter which brand. They all break eventually.
(ID #443155) Posted on 2009/01/11 00:32
sanshiki in somewhere where i belong =D (Registered on 2008/02/21 21:33)
student
LOL Notice the girl on the left's eyes. xD
(ID #463220) Posted on 2009/01/27 00:00
Sat Nav in england (Registered on 2009/04/02 01:36)
anime + games collector
i wish i had one i think i repaired a couple in te past and they worked out okay. so i guess im a viao fan.
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