Sony is known for giving alphabet letters to the different models of Vaio computers. Now, Sony has unveiled the colorful E series this week. This is just after Sony launched of its W-series Eco Edition miniature laptop. Sony Vaios are considered the best laptop computers for high-end audio/video tech with exclusive software, making them ideal for recording music, photo editing, and general multimedia use outside Apple computers. They are invariably fast computers boasting cutting edge performance and attention to style.
Sony markets their laptops in the premium price range, abhorring the release of cheap laptops, and targets users pushing the boundaries of multimedia technology. Many of their new offerings boast fingerprint sensors and core duo processors, and all share the inimitable Vaio logo.
Here are some interesting features of the E series. The laptop has a ‘Web’ button that loads a Linux-based graphical user interface that allows you to browse the Internet without having to wait for Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit to load. This is a nice feature that mirrors the differentiation netbook manufacturers have catered to recently. There is also a fancy Web clipping tool that allows you to keep track of anything interesting you come across during your browsing session, and gain access to these things from any other PC or Web-connected mobile phone. The Sony Vaio E series has a large 15.5-inch screen in resolutions up to 1080p HD, as well as a full keyboard with number pad that runs edge-to-edge across the bottom width of the laptop.
The line is available in a variety of high-gloss colors: Caribbean Green, Iridescent Blue, Coconut White, Hibiscus Pink and Lava Black. The E series has a $700 starting suggested retail and is available for pre-orders today through SonyStyle.com. From recent press releases, Sony will make the E series available through their distribution line in March 2010. The E series feature 15.5-inch displays, Intel Core i5 processors with Hyper-Threading and Turbo Boost, up to 500GB of hard-drive storage, HDMI ports and each runs Microsoft’s Windows 7 Premium OS. An optional Blu-ray ROM drive is available as is Bluetooth connectivity. The laptops include a built-in Web cam. In addition, three matte colors are also available: Maple Brown, Silvery White and Gunmetal. The keyboards include separate number pads. Sony recently has made some very good HD media-focused laptops sporting big screens, most notably in their F and NW lines (see F series review summary below). The NW series started in the high 800 dollar range and has dropped about $100 since its release. While laptop prices keep dropping, Sony has announced a new line of multimedia laptops that offer new Intel processors and an aggressive price point. The Vaio E could potentially offer as much as other Blu-ray Vaios do at a price range that Sony quotes as being “about $700.” According to Sony’s Web site, the Vaio E series prices start at $799. All new VAIOs start with a new model prefix – VPC.
Product Review Digest of Sony F Series Laptops:
The F Series is the next generation model line that follows the older FW models. Over the past year, the Sony VAIO FW-270j was positively reviewed and recommended for entertainment purposes. Specifically, it has an HDMI port for using the computer as a potential blu-ray dvd player that sends the picture to your HDTV. The battery life would barely make it through a full length movie, and the battery generally lasts three hours. The reviews suggest that this model is not ideal for gamers. The FW series came out in 2008. Cnet reported that the FW270J display is not really true 1080p, despite the sticker on the system implies that it is an ideal portable entertainment center.
The new Sony F series continues the tradition of big screen notebook line. Sony features an innovative technology , called TransferJet, in this line of notebooks which allows users to move photos from select cameras by merely placing them on the laptop’s palm rest (albeit with added cost and time). This multimedia machine has some drawbacks, but when it comes to performance, most reviewers consider the F Series is one of the best Core i7 notebooks around.
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