Sony is unveiling a new line of Vaio Fit laptops today. And it’s refreshing its lineup of all-in-one desktops and Ultrabook laptops. The moves are part of the company’s effort to stay competitive in the PC market through a combination of advanced technology, good design, and reasonable (but not the cheapest) prices.
The Fit laptops have a unique aluminum case and two variants. The Fit 14-inch (pictured above) and 15-inch models represent the high end, while the Fit E models are entry-level machines with fewer whiz-bang features.
The new Fit machines use Sony Exmor R sensors from Sony’s digital imaging group. Those components enable a web cam that can capture good images even during low-light chats. The machines also come with near-field communication (NFC) so users can quickly exchange web URLs and enable Bluetooth or Wi-Fi direct connections simply by touching any compatible NFC device to the new Fit.
The Japanese company’s big selling point for the Fit is its superior design at an entry-level price. The company is unveiling the latest version of its Tap 20 all-in-one desktop. It is also refreshing its L Series 24 PCs and its Vaio T Series 15 Ultrabook. By the end of the summer, touchscreen technology will take over the bulk of Sony’s desktop and laptop computer lines.
The Fit laptop is built with weight-saving aluminum materials and features Sony’s signature diamond cut Vaio logo. It has a high-definition 1,920 x 1,080 display on the 15-inch model and 1,600 x 900 on the Fit 14-inch model, and an optional capacitive touchscreen and a light-emitting diode backlit display. The machines are powered by third-generation Intel Core processors.
The laptops also have Sony’s ClearAudio+ tech and a virtualized surround sound experience. The Fit E 14-inch and 15-inch models include big box speakers. The Fit models have a full-size backlit keyboard, and the 15-inch model includes an integrated number pad. The touch pad is large, and Sony has included its Rapid Wake tech for instant PC resume.
The Vaio Fit models also come with ArtRage Studio, a touch-oriented painting program, and the Sony Imagination Studio software — a $200 value. Nvidia stand-alone graphics are optional.
The Sony Vaio Tap 20, a 20-inch all-in-one device, now comes pre-loaded with Sony Imagination Studio and it also has Intel Wireless Display tech. The Vaio Tap 20, the Vaio T Series 15 Ultrabook, and the Vaio L Series 24 will be available in mid-May for $899, $849, and $1,249, respectively.
The Fit 14 and Fit 15 will be available in mid-May in black, pink, and silver for $649 and $699, respectively. The Fit E 14 and Fit E 15 come in black, pink, and white and sell for $549 and $579.
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