Sony VAIO TXN10 Ultraportable Notebook to Include Integrated Sprint EVDO Rev. A

Sony is going to be offering a new version of its 2.8lb, 11.1" widescreen ultraportable VAIO TX with integrated EV-DO Revision A (Rev. A) via Sprint. Sprint's EV-DO Rev. A offers broadband download as well as upload speeds.

Sony VAIO TXN10 (view large image)

About Sprint EVDO Rev. A in the TXN10

The Sprint wireless broadband network covers more than 157 million people in 216 major metropolitan areas, as well as 486 airports across the nation. Sprint plans to roll out its upgraded technology (EV-DO Revision A) in the months ahead and reach more than 40 million persons in select markets by year end. In 2007, Sprint will continue its aggressive rollout of faster EV-DO Revision A technology. With this advanced technology, VAIO TX notebook users should expect to benefit from average download speeds of 450 to 800 kbps and upload speeds of 300 to 400 kbps in the markets where EV-DO Revision A network improvements will be rolled out.

"Clearly, we are again ahead of the pack in integrating a unique combination of hardware, software and Sprint's Mobile Broadband Service into our PCs for an unparalleled mobile computing experience." said Mike Abary, vice president of VAIO product marketing for Sony Electronics in the United States.

"This VAIO PC is a model example of notebook technology and is another way Sprint is extending the power of our mobile broadband service to customers" said Kathy Walker, chief network officer at Sprint. "Sprint has the nation's largest mobile broadband network and has partnered with a premier computer manufacturer, Sony, to enable mobile professionals to do more in more places."

About the VAIO Sony VAIO TXN10

Built for the Road, Designed to Turn Heads With an elegant carbon fiber chassis, the VAIO TX notebooks weigh just 2.8-pounds and at less than one-inch thin (at its narrowest point). Its razor-thin profile makes it easy to carry virtually unnoticed, wherever you go.

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The VAIO TXN10 will carry a low voltage Intel Core Solo processor, an update to the current Pentium M processor being used. The new TX units are also equipped with a fingerprint sensor for added peace-of-mind security and G-Sensor shock hard-drive protection to reduce the risk of hard drive damage from accidental falls or run-ins. TheTXN10 willemploy a vibrant XBRITE 11.1-inch widescreen display (measured diagonally), DVD+R double layer/DVD+RW drive and Sony's Instant Mode, so you can watch movies or listen to music without having to boot up the machine.

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Sony VAIO VGN-TXN10 Series notebooks, with mobile broadband capability, will be available in late September, starting at about $2,300 in charcoal, platinum, sienna and slate blue, and can be purchased at select retailers and dealers nationwide, online at www.sony.com/pr/tx or at SonyStyle stores in select fashion malls around the country.

Additional information on Sprint Mobile Broadband including coverage maps and service plans can be found at http://powervision.sprint.com/mobilebroadband.

 

Sprint... it would be hilarous if they brought out Nextel and put the walky-talky buttons on laptops... sorry couldn't help myself. ;

 

HA HA .... I don't think your that off. Just might happen

That would kill me if I ever hear a "chirp" from a laptop.

 

What about the older TXs with Cingular's EDGE? Is it possible to swap it out and put Verizon's EVDO into them? They are otherwise basically the same notebook right?

 

I really appreciate the heads up on the ultralights. I still enjoy my Sony T250 after a year; typing on it now. It goes everywhere with me, tethered or bluetoothed to an EVDO Sprint A900 wireless phone.

One benefit of an EVDO card is that you can use it in any laptop. With the TXN you are kinda confined to that laptop. I believe Sprint already has a PCMCIA Rev. A card out.

http://www.evdoinfo.com/EVDO_Products/PC_Cards/Merlin_S720_EVDO_Rev_A_for_Sprint_20060824806/

I am seriously considering going that route and getting a laptop with a dedicated GPU, perhaps with Apples next revision MB/MBP. But I'll get a compatable laptop before making an EVDO decision; don't think the Sprint card fits in the MBP slot. But then there's that EVDO USB stick comming out...wow...

 

They'll still offer Cingular in certain models of the TX but not both. EV-DO is becoming more popular as the standard I think so Sony had to offer it up.

 

I always did like that TX series. Too rich for my blood though.

Is the Sprint EV-DO optional or does the card you get determine which model you buy?

 

The battery life is remarkable; according to one tester above 9 hours for the core solo.

http://www.trustedreviews.com/article.aspx?page=7624&head=0