Sony makes concept real with new 'full flat' VAIO S
updated 08:10 am EST, Tue February 22, 2011
Sony VAIO S 2011 made official
Sony today made real the VAIO concepts it showed at CES just a few weeks ago, headlining them with a new VAIO S. The 13.3-inch system uses a "full flat" design whose flatter magnesium shell and aluminum surface keep it light, at under 3.9 pounds, and thin, at 0.94 inches. The design also has a unique double battery trick: while the stock battery provides as much as seven hours, a separate battery can attach without having to interrupt the session and doubles the life to 14 hours.
The design is relatively upscale with a backlit keyboard and an improved display with reduced gloss to make it more readable outside. Sony has also promised a fast boot option that can start up in half the time of a typical Windows notebook.
Sony has so far only outlined a high-end spec for the VAIO S that comes outfitted with a dual 2.7GHz Core i7, 8GB of RAM, a 128GB SSD and Blu-ray for storage, and a Radeon HD 6630M for graphics with live switching. Other systems are likely to have less costly components.
The VAIO S doesn't have a price, but it should reach at least Europe starting in March. Americans have always had access to the VAIO S and should get their own configuration soon.
Official shots
