Sony VAIO L trumps iMac with Blu-Ray
updated 04:15 pm EDT, Tue October 3, 2006
Sony VAIO L Gets Blu-Ray
Sony's VAIO LS1 has been characterized as a distinctive counterpart to the iMac that trades some performance for its media center role. Today at CEATEC, Sony Japan introduced an updated L series that in some ways matches or exceeds Apple's newer models. The new L is the first all-in-one PC to receive an optional Blu-Ray drive, giving it the ability to author and play next-generation movies as an alternative to watching TV using the built-in tuner. In contrast, Apple's current iMacs are limited to DVDs and videos purchased from the iTunes Store.
Sony has also addressed complaints regarding performance by increasing the choice of graphics and processors. Unlike the fixed specifications of the LS1 currently available in the US, the new L series can be upgraded to use a 2.16GHz Core 2 Duo mobile processor and either GeForce Go 7400 or 7600 video. A fully-equipped L will cost the equivalent of $3058 US when it ships to Japan on November 6th. A North American launch will likely follow.
