Hot on the heels of its neon colour VAIO C series, Sony Electronics has announced the VAIO S range of notebooks, bringing high performance to the 13.3" form factor.

 

As is the case with the new C series, Sony is employing Intel’s second generation Core i5 and Core i7 CPUs, while also offering dual channel solid state drive options on certain models.

 

Select models will also sport a premium design in black or white with magnesium and aluminum materials, with all models incorporating a built-in lithium polymer battery. Sony claims that when the battery is used with the new large-capacity optional sheet battery, it enables users to stay unplugged for up to 15 hours. Intelligent charging also enables users to charge the optional sheet battery separately and attach it to the system without having to shut down first. 

 

 

It’s not only the integrated Intel graphics that the new notebooks will rely upon as select models will boast AMD Radeon HD 6630 1 GB Hybrid Graphics cards, which not only provides these notebooks with a graphical boost, but also allows for a more optimised overall computing performance and lower power consumption.

 

Certain models will feature dual channel solid state drive for faster performance as well as better mobility, whilst Sony has included its one-touch VAIO, ASSIST and WEB buttons (like on the VAIO C series), enabling users to quickly launch Media Gallery software, VAIO Care software and providing them with access to the web without full boot-up into Windows.

 

All models incorporate backlit keyboards, illuminating the lettering for typing in low light situations, as well as a built-in web camera that boasts Sony’s “Exmor” sensor that allows for improved low-light performance. Face tracking technology allows the camera to automatically adjust focus and like the eyes of Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa painting, the camera will follow users as they move around while video chatting. A built-in microphone will ensure that users are able to chat with their family, friends and colleagues.

 

 

 

Sony has included its Blu-ray Disc drive on select models, as well as Intel’s Wireless Display 2.0 technology, enabling users to view their favourite HD videos, high-resolution photos and listen to their music on their HDTV via an adapter (sold separately).

 

“We continue to raise the bar when it comes to the mobile computing experience,” said Mike Lucas, senior vice president of Networked and Technologies and Services Division at Sony Electronics. “The VAIO S Series laptop makes no compromises by offering the ultimate, full-featured ultra-mobile PC.”

 

The VAIO S Series laptops are available in the US starting at around $970 (about R6663), with the optional sheet battery going for a recommended retail price of approx. $150 (less than R1030).