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    Sony Announces Affordable VAIO W Netbooks

    Discussion in 'Notebook News and Reviews' started by Jerry Jackson, Jul 7, 2009.

  1. Jerry Jackson

    Jerry Jackson Administrator NBR Reviewer

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    Just when you gave up all hope that Sony would release a netbook that costs less than $900, Sony today launched its attractive new line of netbooks--the VAIO W Series. Featuring cool colors, 10-inch screens with high-resolution, as well as a comfortable keyboard and touchpad, the VAIO W promises to make a splash for just $499.

    [​IMG]

    Like all the netbooks that have come before it, the new W Series should prove to be a nice secondary PC for browsing the web from any room in your home or while you're relaxing at a coffee shop. The VAIO W will only be offered in one hardware configuration at the time of launch but comes in your choice of three colors— berry pink, sugar white and cocoa brown.

    The W Series offers more screen real estate than most netbooks thanks to a high-resolution, 1366 x 768, LED backlit 10.1-inch widescreen display, making it easier to view one or even two web pages without the need for side-to-side scrolling.

    The VAIO W also features an isolated keyboard which should prove easier to type on compared to many of the keyboards found on 10-inch netbooks. The VAIO W likewise has a larger touchpad and mouse keys compared to typical netbooks, so the touchpad will likely be easy to control.

    [​IMG]

    As an added bonus, the VAIO W comes with VAIO Media plus Multimedia Streaming software, a media sharing application that lets you wirelessly stream content across DLNA-enabled devices throughout your home network. In other words, you can wirelessly send video, music and pictures from the VAIO W to your compatible primary PC or PLAYSTATION3 and vice-versa.

    The list of standard features also includes two USB ports, built-in Bluetooth for connecting to wireless peripherals, a built-in webcam and microphone for video chats, and a standard 160GB hard drive for storing all your photos, files and videos. The VAIO W comes Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition operating system, so this netbook should actually provide better performance than the more expensive Sony VAIO P running Windows Vista.

    The VAIO W Series netbook will retail for about $500. It is available for pre-orders today online at the Sony Style website. It will also be sold at Sony Style stores and at other major retailers around the country starting in August.

    [​IMG]

    Sony VAIO W Specifications:

    • Processor: Intel Atom N280 (1.66GHz, 667MHz FSB)
    • Memory: 1GB DDR2 SDRAM (533MHz)
    • Hard Drive: 160GB 5400rpm hard drive (SATA)
    • Display: 10.1" TFT LCD with LED backlighting (1366x768)
    • Expansion: Memory Stick Duo with MagicGate card slot and SD card slot
    • Graphics: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950
    • Ports: 2 USB ports, VGA, headphone output, Ethernet, and DC-in
    • Networking: Ethernet 10/100, 802.11b/g/n wireless, and Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
    • Battery: Standard 3-cell Lithium-ion (VGP-BPS18)
    • Software: Microsoft Windows XP, Microsoft Works and 60-day trial version of Microsoft Office, VAIO Mulitmedia Suite, 30-day trial of Norton Internet Security 2009.
    • Weight: 2.6 lbs with standard battery
    • Dimensions: 1.28 x 10.5 x 7.1 inches (H x W x D)
    • Warranty: 1 year limited warranty with 1 year toll-free technical telephone assistance
    • MSRP: $499

    Stay tuned to NotebookReview.com for a full review of this new Sony netbook.

    Related Articles:
     
    Last edited by a moderator: May 5, 2015
    Jerry Jackson, Jul 7, 2009
    #1
  2. Jerry Jackson

    Jerry Jackson Administrator NBR Reviewer

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    $499 isn't too bad for a 10-inch netbook with a high-res screen ... though I'm hoping the retail price will drop closer to $400 sooner rather than later.
     
    Jerry Jackson, Jul 7, 2009
    #2
  3. Clutch

    Clutch cute and cuddly boys

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    Looking at the pic the keyboard looks smaller that what it could be, the Dell mini and HP's goes to the very edge.
     
    Clutch, Jul 7, 2009
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  4. ImakE

    ImakE Notebook Evangelist

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    Looks like it has an excellent KB! Just in time for back to school sales as well.
     
    ImakE, Jul 7, 2009
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  5. Andrew Baxter

    Andrew Baxter -

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    Kudos on the decision to put in a higher-res screen, with the VAIO P and W we can see Sony understands the dramatic advantage of higher-res when it comes to small screen companion PC devices. It'll be interesting to see if customers are willing to pay a little more for this better screen and the Sony name. The looks certainly stand out too.
     
    Andrew Baxter, Jul 7, 2009
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  6. boypogi

    boypogi Man Beast

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    too expensive ;)
     
    boypogi, Jul 7, 2009
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  7. Hahutzy

    Hahutzy Notebook Deity

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    Considering each Sony laptop vs its competitors, this one's "Sony" logo costs the least. So maybe that's what they're relying on.
     
    Hahutzy, Jul 7, 2009
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  8. Phil

    Phil Retired

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    Are there any other netbooks with N280 and 1366*768?

    The only one I know of is HP Mini 5101 series, but I don't know the price of those.

    I know Dell Mini 10 has the high res screen too but it doesn't have N280.
     
    Phil, Jul 7, 2009
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  9. armadilo

    armadilo Notebook Evangelist

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    Strange choice from Sony...I hope they don't discontinue the P series. There is the P that is 8" and the TZ/TT that are 11.1". What is the point releasing a netbook between these models, with a much cheaper price?
    I think Sony is trying to take some profit here (with an affordable Vaio netbook), due the economical crisis and the big loss that they had last semester.
    Still, I didn't expected it!
     
    armadilo, Jul 7, 2009
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  10. markhedder

    markhedder Notebook Deity

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    True.. after doing some reading, seems like there really aren't many 1366x768 as I had initially thought (odd I guess). I take back my comment.
     
    markhedder, Jul 7, 2009
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  11. VendettA

    VendettA Notebook Consultant

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    Looks good to me . . . :D
     
    VendettA, Jul 7, 2009
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  12. MidnightSun

    MidnightSun Emodicon

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    Nicely-specced machine, although it is on the higher side for what people would pay for a netbook.

    Offtopic:
    The pervasiveness of video games in society is apparent ;)
     
    MidnightSun, Jul 7, 2009
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  13. macadocious

    macadocious Notebook Guru

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    macadocious, Jul 7, 2009
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  14. Phil

    Phil Retired

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    Phil, Jul 7, 2009
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  15. spectrablue

    spectrablue Notebook Enthusiast

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    vga out instead of hdmi????
     
    spectrablue, Jul 7, 2009
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  16. Jayayess1190

    Jayayess1190 Waiting on Intel Cannonlake

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    The Mini 10 now has an N280 option. And like I said in the other thread, $499 for 2 usb ports...
     
    Jayayess1190, Jul 7, 2009
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  17. Hahutzy

    Hahutzy Notebook Deity

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    Hahaha, you bet.
     
    Hahutzy, Jul 7, 2009
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  18. kornchild2002

    kornchild2002 Notebook Deity

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    When will Sony learn that their products just can't command a high premium price like they used to? It is true that there aren't many 1336X768 10" netbooks but does that equate to a $100 price hike? Absolutely not.

    Besides, we are just around the corner from the GMA 4500MHD coming out in netbooks (Acer announced an 11.6" netbook that runs one of these, we just don't know when it is coming out) and other companies (such as Gateway, even though they are made by Acer) are already packing AMD Athlon 64 processors with ATI X1270 gpus. The N280/GMA 950 combination is already starting to show its age and people shouldn't be charged $499 to take part in it.

    Edit: it is also coming with a three-cell battery. That means that 8-10 hours of real world usage is going to be out of the question. Yep, a $499 price tag is way too high for this. Sony should have priced it at $350 for a three-cell option or $399 for a six-cell option (or just gone with six-cell since three-cell batteries are extremely dated).
     
    kornchild2002, Jul 7, 2009
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  19. macadocious

    macadocious Notebook Guru

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    I don;t get that. Many computers come with 2 usb ports.
     
    macadocious, Jul 7, 2009
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  20. admlam

    admlam Notebook Deity NBR Reviewer

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    Ow... up to 2 hr battery life with the standard 3 cell. While the screen is very nice, what's the point of a netbook if you're going to be tethered to an outlet?
     
    admlam, Jul 7, 2009
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  21. Jayayess1190

    Jayayess1190 Waiting on Intel Cannonlake

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    Most netbooks come with 3.
     
    Jayayess1190, Jul 7, 2009
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  22. makaveli72

    makaveli72 Eat.My.Shorts

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    And trust me that extra usb port is very important and neccessary...at least to me. I actually wish there were 4 instead of 3 on my netbook. :rolleyes:
     
    makaveli72, Jul 7, 2009
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  23. MGS2392

    MGS2392 NAND Cat!

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    Affordable in Sony's terms is still expensive. Generally, Sony products do look nice, and some may consider the extra cost worth it (as with Apple products). But this... I'd say I'd rather have an eee, because this doesn't look much more special.
     
    MGS2392, Jul 7, 2009
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  24. Phil

    Phil Retired

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    Phil, Jul 8, 2009
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  25. BrokenStr8

    BrokenStr8 Notebook Consultant

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    Yeah the cpu on the Mini-10 are the Atom Z520/Z530 . I was really thinking the N270 and N280 are regulated to only have the crap 1024x600 resolution.Seems this Vaio will be the only one to have this combination.I don't think the price is too bad for the display and Sony quality.It will still have problems with videos like most other netbooks though.
     
    BrokenStr8, Jul 8, 2009
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  26. Ishkabibles

    Ishkabibles Notebook Guru

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    Over $100 more for hi res but 1 less usb port and significantly less battery than what can be had elsewhere (cough 1005ha cough). Like someone else said, what's the point of a netbook if you have to keep it plugged in?

    They need to throw in something extra like including both the 3 cell and 6 cell or a pc slot or a ext dvd drive. It's cheap by sony standards but still too expensive for a netbook.
     
    Ishkabibles, Jul 8, 2009
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  27. Ishkabibles

    Ishkabibles Notebook Guru

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    Ug... it has a small misplaced right shift key. WTH Sony!?!?!?!?!
     
    Ishkabibles, Jul 8, 2009
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  28. ImakE

    ImakE Notebook Evangelist

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    I use my Acer Aspire One as a low power and cheap media server, running 24/7 plugged in.. mine came with the 6 cell, but, wish it had the 3 since it doesnt have the hump. Although i would need at least 3 USBs, one for the DAC and two for the external HDD.
     
    ImakE, Jul 8, 2009
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  29. Huskerz85

    Huskerz85 Notebook Evangelist

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    Battery Life plus 1GB of DDR2 RAM doesn't quite measure up.....
     
    Huskerz85, Jul 8, 2009
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  30. Ishkabibles

    Ishkabibles Notebook Guru

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    Good For You! :)
     
    Ishkabibles, Jul 8, 2009
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  31. Wolfpup

    Wolfpup Notebook Prophet

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    Not bad. With this close in price, I'd be more comfortable buying a Sony than anything else... BUT, I wish it still came with Vista. That was one of the nice things about the crazy expensive P or whatever series that is. Guess licensing costs more for Vista, but I don't want to have to go backwards, even for a mini-laptop.
     
    Wolfpup, Jul 8, 2009
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  32. Ahbeyvuhgehduh

    Ahbeyvuhgehduh Lost in contemplation....

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    That is the first thing I noticed too.

    Pity....

    Screen resolution is an attractive feature, but the battery life just kills it for me.

    Ah well.
     
    Ahbeyvuhgehduh, Jul 9, 2009
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  33. Phil

    Phil Retired

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    There will be 6 cells no doubt... expensive at Sony, cheaper at ebay. Often coming from the same factories.
     
    Phil, Jul 9, 2009
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  34. Ahbeyvuhgehduh

    Ahbeyvuhgehduh Lost in contemplation....

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    Even so ... twice that (and possibly more) and you get about 5-6 hours battery life.

    Still not quite enough to tempt me. ;)
     
    Ahbeyvuhgehduh, Jul 9, 2009
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  35. uqmoore

    uqmoore Notebook Consultant

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    uqmoore, Jul 13, 2009
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  36. Tech Buggz

    Tech Buggz Newbie

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    I was going to order one from [Link removed] but I thought the price looked too good to be true and the site looked quite poor.

    Ordered it off somone else
     
    Tech Buggz, Jul 14, 2009
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  37. chen

    chen Notebook Deity

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    Nice resolution for a 10" screen and finally something affordable from Sony :)
     
    chen, Jul 16, 2009
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  38. Red_Dragon

    Red_Dragon Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Took them long enough. I think this should have came out when the p series dropped.
     
    Red_Dragon, Jul 16, 2009
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  39. Analys1s

    Analys1s Notebook Enthusiast

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    It still seems too expensive. :p
     
    Analys1s, Jul 16, 2009
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  40. Red_Dragon

    Red_Dragon Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Just a little bit, im sure many people will go for it though
     
    Red_Dragon, Jul 17, 2009
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  41. lixuelai

    lixuelai Notebook Virtuoso NBR Reviewer

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    I would just for the N280 + higher resolution combo. The color scheme is ugly though. Why cant they just stick with black or white instead of 2 tone :S
     
    lixuelai, Jul 17, 2009
    #41
  42. Red_Dragon

    Red_Dragon Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Red_Dragon, Jul 20, 2009
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  43. runtohell121

    runtohell121 Notebook Deity

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    runtohell121, Jul 20, 2009
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