Sony VAIO R and L on Vista

Preparing its existing PC models for Windows Vista, Sony on Wednesday revamped two of its most exotic PC lines in Japan. The most conspicuous changes are to the VAIO L series, the company's iconic all-in-one system. Newly added are four new 15.4-inch widescreen models tinted with green, pink, silver, and white. As with the earlier 19-inch version, the smaller models fold up to transform into a clock radio with music controlled by a wireless remote. Each of the new versions is equipped with a 1.73GHz Celeron M, 100GB hard disc, and DVD-RW drive. The 15.4-inch L model ships later this month for $1,325.

The larger 19-inch edition has received its own refresh and now becomes Sony's premium PC/TV hybrid. Customized through Sony's website, the range-topping silver model is equipped with a 2.16GHz Core 2 Duo, Blu-Ray drive, GeForce Go 7600 video, and 300GB of storage. Prices start at $1,450 but increase to $3,315 for the ultimate model, Sony says.

More upgrades follow after the jump.

Sony today also updated the VAIO R Master system with better performance for its Japanese buyers. Only just unveiled in the US as the VAIO RM with a dual-core CPU and GeForce 7600 video, the system sold in Sony's home territory can now be customized with a quad-core, 2.66GHz Core 2 Extreme processor to help it both author and decode Blu-Ray movies. Graphics upgrades also give the R Master the choice of faster 7600 GT or Quadro FX 1500 video, and storage has been updated to hold as much as 1.5TB of data. The system ships by mid-February for $3,370 in base trim when equipped with the Core 2 Extreme chip.

By Electronista Staff