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New Sony Notebook Delivers Stunning Blu-ray Entertainment at Entry-Level Price
by Shane Sturgeon on June 19, 2009 Category: Blu-ray

New Sony Notebook Delivers Stunning Blu-ray Entertainment at Entry-Level Price

SAN DIEGO, June 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony today unveiled the VAIO(R) NW notebook -- a new line of PCs that provide a powerful high-definition experience while starting at just $800 for the standard model and $880 equipped with Blu-ray Disc(TM) technology.

Part of a series, the NW notebook features an optional Blu-ray Disc ROM drive making it ideal for viewing pristine HD content on-the-go. It also has the added convenience of DVD and CD read/write functionalities.

The model features a high-resolution 15.5-inch widescreen display (diagonal), making it easy to view two full web pages -- no side-to-side scrolling necessary. Sony's XBRITE-ECO(TM) LCD technology has also been added so movies and photos can be enjoyed in brilliant clarity and razor-sharp detail.

For those who prefer to watch content on a big screen television, the PC has an HDMI(TM) output connector so it can be connected to a TV set for a larger viewing experience in high-definition.

"This notebook sets a precedent in the industry merging powerful Blu-ray technology with a portable, head-turning design -- all for an unheard of low price," said Mike Abary, senior vice president of the VAIO business group at Sony.

Gracefully thin, the notebook has a wavy textured finish and is available in three colors: walnut brown, birch white, and rattan silver.

The NW notebook features an isolated keyboard making it comfortable while reducing typing errors. Its translucent, textured touchpad enables you to smoothly control mouse movement.

The model is equipped with a "display off" button so you can turn off its screen while the notebook continues to run in the background. This lets users conserve power while enabling them to quickly resume PC functionality without waiting for it to boot back up. An instant internet button launches directly into the web without having to wait for the Windows(R) operating system to load.

The series comes with three Sony entertainment software applications. Offerings include VAIO Movie Story software -- an easy way to produce your own high-quality home movies, VAIO MusicBox software -- a fun and automated way to enjoy music based on one's mood, and Click to Disc/ Editor software -- for easy video editing and creation.

Easily transfer data, such as photos from your digital camera or music from an MP3 player, to and from the PC with a multitude of connectivity options including three USB ports and ExpressCard(R), SD card and Memory Stick PRO(TM) slots.

A built-in webcam and microphone lets users video chat with family, friends and colleagues. A third-party internet service provider is required.

The PC incorporates an Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo processor for fast processing speeds and multitasking. An optional dedicated ATI Mobility Radeon(TM) HD 4570 graphics card makes it perfect for watching movies. It comes pre-installed with Microsoft(R) Windows Vista(R) Home Premium 64-bit.

ENERGY STAR 5.0 compliant, the NW notebook comes in packaging comprised of 98 percent recycled content. Sony will also recycle your old PC. (www.sony.com/green).

The VAIO NW notebooks will be available online at www.sonystyle.com/pr/nw. It will also be sold at Sony Style(R) stores and authorized retailers nationwide starting this month.

Source: Sony Electronics

Posted by Shane Sturgeon, June 19, 2009 7:22 AM

Reader Commentary

Reply
submarine • Jun 20, 7:46am
Great price. I have a 4 year old 17" Sony VGN-AR190G Blu-ray laptop. One item that may also effect this new unit.

If you're purchasing this laptop to send AV to a large video display, check that it has enough video processing power to handle the much larger screen size.

My AR190G is pushing the limit with a 60 inch Sony LDC via HDMI. I had to call Sony's tech support after I bought mine to be informed that 60" screens may be a tad too large for the video processor.

I'm not convinced it's the world's best BR processor for larger monitors (60" and up), although it is very acceptable. Screen size compatability needs to be up front in the literature.

After 4 years, my 190 is running great. It's at a "natural" 88% defragged - I've never defragged it and have run Norton Internet Security from day 1 with live updates every four hours and a full system scans daily....
Reply
Richard • Jun 20, 8:56am
I had to call Sony's tech support after I bought mine to be informed that 60" screens may be a tad too large for the video processor.

Did Sony really tell you that? It's just the screen size? :shock:

It has nothing to do with screen size and everything to do with the size of the pixel matrix. The laptop screen is 1440x900 and naturally the video card will be chosen solely on that need to meet price points. A 60" anything is more than likely 1920x1080. If you could buy a large 1280x720, 720p display the video card would actually have more processing power. Ultimately if the laptop was running a 1080p equivalent screen, for PC that is 1920x1200, there would not be a problem.... within reason... just because a PC supports that scan rate does not mean the video card has the horsepower to satisfy all users and the needs of their individual applications....
Reply
submarine • Jun 20, 4:09pm
Nothing more technical than display size was volunteered. It's one of their models and they knew the specs. The rep may have been told to say that verses getting into pixel compatability.

The displays' pixel resolution and video cards' processor compatibility, plus other planned uses, should be thoroughly validated prior to making a purchase decision. I'm all Sony on TV, camcorders, and cameras. One tech support number and a great electronics reputation....
Reply
rtywonia • Jun 21, 6:58am
Seems like this is not that newsworthy since it does not let you record on BluRay. We need a lap top which will allow you to record 1080P movies and record them on a BluRay disc that you can just pop into a BluRay player.

Watching a BluRay disc on my lap top is just not that interesting to me....

About Shane Sturgeon

Shane Sturgeon is the Co-Publisher and Chief Technologist of HDTV Magazine, an industry publication with HDTV roots going back to 1984, when Dale Cripps founded The HDTV Newsletter. Today, HDTV Magazine is a leading online resource for HDTV news and information and captures the eyes and imaginations of over 3 million visitors annually. Mr. Sturgeon has a background in information technology and has served in various consulting capacities for Fortune 500 companies such as J.P. Morgan Chase, Verizon Communications, Proctor & Gamble and Nationwide Insurance. He has a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Wright State University.