Sony VAIO P overhaul gives trackpad, tilt sensor [U]
updated 08:50 am EDT, Mon May 10, 2010
Sony VAIO P gets major redesign
Updated with US info) Sony started the week aggressively by revealing a new VAIO P. Confirming its earlier teaser, the new system has a paperclip-shaped side profile but stands out more for its new input: a trackpad and buttons on either side of the screen let users steer the mouse even if they stand upright. An accelerometer is also new and, when tilted 90 degrees, can be used to read in a book-like portrait mode.
The system inside is still based on the Atom Z500 series and gets different configurations depending on the country: the American and Japanese versions start with a 1.6GHz Z530 and can scale up to a 2.13GHz Z560, while the European version may be locked into just the 1.86GHz Z540. Every version has the VAIO P's distinctive 8-inch, 1600x768 display, 2GB of RAM, a 64GB solid-state drive, 3G and GPS. Certain Japanese models can get WiMAX-based 4G.
Japanese pricing is likely to sit at about $862 and hints at a price between $799 and $899 for the US version. European pricing hasn't been set, but it should ship to the region in June.
Update: The US version will cost $800, or about $200 less than the previous solid-state model. It should come in all five colors, including exotic green, orange and pink colors as well as more conventional black and white.
