DUBAI, 1 November 2005 — Sony Gulf FZE has revealed what it considers to be the next generation of PC portability with its new VAIO Personal Computer TX series. The new models provide powerful computing in an ultra-slim, stylish and lightweight design with up to nine hours (VGN-TX17GP) and 8.5 hours (VGN-TX16GP) of mobile power on a single battery charge. The super-slim profile blends well with the new VAIO’s powerful performance and extreme AV capability to make the VAIO TX series a serious contender in the premium notebook segment targeting frequent travelers and mobile professionals.
At a press conference held to launch the VAIO TX series, Masaru Tamagawa, managing director, Sony Gulf FZE, was extremely upbeat. While Sony is struggling in many other geographies, in the Middle East Sony has shown growth of up to 80 percent in some markets. Tamagawa stated that despite staff layoffs in other areas of Sony’s global operations, he anticipates that there will be no decrease in Sony’s presence in the region due to its exponential growth in the Middle East over the last four years. Tamagawa added that VAIO notebooks have been extremely strong performers since they were first launched in the region in 2001 and he has no doubt that the new VAIO TX series will also be well received.
“VAIO is definitely unique — you’d never mistake a VAIO for any other computer,” said Tamagawa. “These stylish notebooks make a strong fashion statement by seamlessly integrating pioneering technologies with cutting-edge design. We are pleased to announce the next generation of PC portability — the new VAIO TX series. The new series expands the definition of what a VAIO can do. This compact notebook provides the complete portable experience in a sleek and stylish package and we definitely believe that this series will reaffirm Sony’s leadership in the premium segment of laptops in this region.”
The VAIO TX series is available in high-tech sapphire black (VGN-TX17GP/B) and platinum white (VGN-TX17GP/W), while the VGN-TX16GP is available exclusively in platinum white (VGN-TX16GP/W). Tamagawa remarked that Sony hopes the platinum white colored notebooks will be particularly popular with women.
The VAIO TX series is portable in part due to its ultra-slim display design with a 4.5mm ultra-thin panel. To achieve this substantial accomplishment, the newly developed White LED has been incorporated in the TX-series to allow the light guide to be slimmer and lighter, while the Glass Cell and System Board of the LCD have both been made slimmer and lighter than conventional models. With its razor-slim profile, the TX series fits easily into any small fashionable bag.
Made from carbon fiber materials, the same materials that are used for strength and speed in airplanes and race cars, the TX series offers durability in the lightweight design. Despite being only 1.24kg (VGN-TX17GP) and 1.26kg (VGN-TX16GP), the display cabinets are 200 percent more rigid and 30 percent lighter than Sony’s benchmark T series with the same features. The bottom cabinet is a carbon composite that is 400 percent more rigid than normal plastic. The TX series’ advanced carbon fiber materials enhance the strength and reduce weight so travelers can enjoy their PCs without worrying about damage.
The new VAIO notebooks are based on Intel Centrino Mobile Technology using the Intel Pentium M Processor ULV. As of yet Sony hasn’t made available an AMD processor in its notebooks, although Tamagawa believes it is only “a matter of time till we offer both and allow consumers to choose.” He added that the company has no strategic commitment to Intel.
Mobile essential features in the VAIO TX include built-in Bluetooth 2.0+ Enhanced Data Rate (EDR) for enhanced data transfer speed with minimizing power consumption, further extending its wireless communications capability. With the recommended Bluetooth compatible headsets and the VoIP application of the user’s choice, the TX series enables voice communications online.
The VGN-TX17GP and VGN-TX16GP have the longest battery life for a notebook PC with a built-in optical drive using the standard supplied battery. With its long battery life, long-haul business travelers can rest assured that the TX series will be up and running throughout their trip, maximizing their productivity. The optional large battery VGP-BPL5 offers stamina of up to 14.5 hours for the TX series. Individual power consumption settings further maximize battery life with a choice of presentation mode, mobile mode or power-saving mode depending on the usage required.
While its portability sets it apart from other notebook computers, Sony feels that the style of the TX series makes its own distinct statement. The TX series has incorporated the gravity joint hinge to complement the ultra-thin panel and maintain the harmonious balance and optimum proportions that enhance its mobility. The 11.1-inch WXGA (1366 x 768) Clear Bright LCD Real Wide Screen provides pleasurable visual quality. The SonicStage Mastering Studio Audio Filter application software means that TX series owners enjoy studio-quality sound. The keyboard has been carefully placed to add to the continuity and solidness of the cabinet, while the palm rest area is specially designed with a shimmering effect that accentuates its ergonomic feel. Even the touch pad has been designed to allow for soft and smooth touch control that fits the needs of those who want to travel without the added burden of a mouse.
The VAIO TX replaces portable AV players. When work is done, users can slip in a DVD disc and enjoy personalized entertainment. The TX series has a one-touch AV Mode button which empowers the VAIO Zone entertainment interface for instant playback of DVDs, CDs or photo galleries even when the Windows operating system is turned off or in standby mode. With the Memory Stick slot and SD Card slot, users can view photos and listen to music stored on such media immediately in Instant AV Mode.
“The specs in the VAIO TX series are outstanding but we believe you shouldn’t love anything for its specs,” said Tommy Ishida, senior manager, Marketing Communications, VAIO Group, Sony Corporation, Japan. “In a mobile PC that you take with you everywhere, you want something that shares your sense of style and place. VAIO is about more than function. In designing the TX we have added even more value in a more attractive form. That form will grow even more attractive the more it is used.”