Sony tonight upgraded its extra-small VAIO P netbook in the US to keep in sync with Windows 7. The new models now all run Windows 7 Home Premium or Professional and with this change alone should run much faster than the older models bogged down by Vista's steep requirements. They likewise have been brought into step with Japanese updates and have the option of up to a 2GHz Atom, a 256GB solid-state drive and a champagne-colored shell.

A base system will continue to sell for $850 with a 1.33GHz Atom, 2GB of RAM, an 80GB conventional hard disk and both GPS as well as a 3G modem for Verizon's EVDO network. An upgrade to a 64GB solid-state drive lifts the price to $1,000 but also adds a 1.6GHz Atom. The 2GHz chip and 256GB drive come in a range-topping $1,900 model.

Refreshed models should arrive in shops by the end of November.