New Sony Vaio hybrid shown off in pictures
updated 08:48 pm EDT, Mon August 27, 2012
VAIO Duo to feature hardware keyboard, Windows 8 Pro
Images have emerged of a hybrid tablet-notebook device soon to be released by Sony: the VAIO Duo 11. Pocketnow has uncovered pictures of the new device, which appears to be an ultrabook with a sliding mechanism allowing it to convert into a tablet. The device appears set to compete with Microsoft's Surface tablets, as it also incorporates pen input, though it is uncertain whether it will launch within the same time frame.
Specifications on the device are few in number, but from the pictures one can discern that it has a chiclet keyboard with the full compliment of PC keys. The keyboard is reportedly very thin, allowing the device to maintain a slim profile when in tablet mode. The keyboard, which appears to be backlit, features a retractable stand and does not seem to be detachable from the tablet.
The device is likely to be aimed at the professional set, as it likely runs the Pro version of Windows 8. This is apparent due to the fact that it is pictured with a stylus input, and Windows RT does not support pen inputs. Additional details on the device are unavailable, though more may leak out as the launch date for Windows 8 nears.
