Sony Unveils Revolutionary New PC Form Factors At Technology Entertainment Design - TED - Conference
I know went they lose one it hurt, but when they gain new one it rarely affect the stock price.
Sony Unveils Revolutionary New PC Form Factors At Technology
Entertainment Design - TED - Conference
MONTEREY, CALIF. (Feb. 18) BUSINESS WIRE -Feb. 18, 1999-- Company
Redefines Personal Computing Experience with LCD Slimtop
Computers and Micronotebook with Built-in Camera
Sony today announced two totally new VAIO(R) PC form factors: a sleek
LCD desktop computer and a micronotebook with an integrated digital
camera. The announcements support Sony's mission of combining
innovative technology and design in order to enhance the desktop and
notebook computing experience.
With design, ease-of-use and size now ranking alongside technical
capabilities as top criteria in the PC buying process, Sony's VAIO
Slimtop(TM) LCD computers and the VAIO(R) C1X PictureBook(TM) computer
are expected to attract a high level of attention from the industry
luminaries who attend the Technology Entertainment Design (TED)
Conference.
"Just as TED was developed to bring together the brightest minds to
create new possibilities and explore the potential of human creativity,
so Sony pushes the boundaries of the personal computing experience
today by delivering unique innovations with the VAIO Slimtop and
PictureBook," said Ken Omae, vice president of PC Marketing for Sony
Electronics' Information Technologies Marketing Division. "The TED
Conference is the perfect setting to announce these 'out-of-the-box'
products since they combine the best in PC technology, entertainment
features and industrial design."
"At the very first TED in 1984, a representative from Sony tossed shiny
discs into the audience and many people saw CDs for the first time.
Now, a decade and a half later, Sony is bringing another first to the
conference," said TED founder Richard Saul Wurman. "As exotic
communications become ubiquitous, Sony's name always seems to be the
first on new products." VAIO Slimtop LCD Computers
Sony's PCV-L400/PCV-L600 VAIO Slimtop LCD computers may redefine the
home computing experience. According to Omae, the VAIO Slimtop LCD
series represents the future of desktop PC design. Just as the
award-winning VAIO 505 notebook became the design reference standard
for micronotebooks, Omae predicts that the VAIO Slimtop computer will
become a new standard in desktop form factors.
A powerful personal computer that packs innovative user convenience
features and custom software into a less than 12-pound package (weight
of CPU), the VAIO Slimtop LCD computer is roughly 75 percent smaller
than standard desktops thus affording users much needed desktop real
estate.
In order to achieve such a slim profile, Sony's product design team
incorporated many notebook components, such as a high quality digital
multimedia LCD, a slim CD-ROM and floppy disk drive and a PCMCIA card
slot. Through creative industrial design, the company was able to merge
desktop and notebook components giving the system an extremely small
footprint.
The new system is so versatile that the user has numerous set-up
options including hiding the CPU behind the display and storing the
keyboard underneath the LCD to make the VAIO Slimtop computer the
perfect size for a home office, executive suite or even kitchen. Sony
even designed the keyboard with a convertible palm rest that becomes a
keyboard cover so that the user can "tuck the unit away" when it is not
in use.
Easy to setup and install via a simple three-cable connection from CPU
to keyboard, LCD and power outlet, the PCV-L400 and PCV-L600 offer a
clean, minimal cable design. In fact, just one cable from the
electrical outlet to the CPU provides power for the entire system.
Other Sony convenience features include a VAIO Smart(TM) Convertible
Keyboard with six programmable power keys, an Ergo-Angle(TM) Multimedia
LCD(a) for optimal viewing angles and reduced eye strain and an
AutoAlert(TM) Email Notification System that signals the user of
incoming email via a LED featured on the flat panel display.
Continuing to support Sony's commitment to the new Memory Stick(TM) IC
card-based digital data storage format and to developing new
applications for digital imaging, the new PC systems are also equipped
with a dedicated Memory Stick media slot for integrating imaging
functionality. (a) Requires ISP service
Users can capture images with a Memory Stick camera or other device
with a PC card slot (via a Memory Stick PC card adapter) and then
insert the Memory Stick card into the slot on the VAIO Slimtop
computer. The desktop system intuitively recognizes that the Memory
Stick card has been inserted and automatically launches Sony's
PictureGear(TM) image management software for instant viewing of the
images. A 4MB Memory Stick card is included with each VAIO Slimtop
system.
Omae believes that the VAIO Slimtop LCD computer is the ideal desktop
for users looking for a stylish system that is "anything but a beige
box." The L400 features a 400MHz Pentium(R) II processor, a 6.4GB hard
drive and 64MB SDRAM. The L600 has a 500MHz Pentium III processor, a
10.8GB hard drive and 128MB SDRAM. Both systems also include such
features as v.90 integrated modem, parallel and serial ports, USB port,
24X CD-ROM (Max.), Memory Stick Media slot, PCMCIA card slot, 4MB VRAM
and integrated Internet communication capabilities.
Unique Sony Features:
-- Exclusive Ergo-Angle Multimedia LCD - High quality display with
enhanced viewing options
-- Unique dual hinge design provides twice the flexibility to
achieve ideal viewing angle
-- High quality 14.1-inch digital LCD (Active Matrix XGA TFT)
provides sharp images, enhanced viewing angle with slim
footprint
-- VAIO Smart Convertible Keyboard
-- Unique ergonomic palm-rest converts to a keyboard cover
-- Mouse/Keyboard connections optimized for left or right hand
use
-- Six Programmable Power Keys - For one button functionality
-- Suspend/Resume and Power buttons on keyboard
-- AutoAlert Email Notification System(b) - Quick and easy access to
new email messages
-- Program system to wake-up once a day on preset schedule
-- Automatically dials-up and collects email
-- LED on display notifies of new mail arrival
(b) Requires ISP service.
-- Memory Stick Slot - Integrates imaging functionality into the PC
-- Built-in Memory Stick media slot offers users a simple and
quick way to transfer images from devices into the PC
-- Offers users expandability via removable Memory Stick media
-- Compatible with Memory Stick digital still and video cameras
as well as other devices with PCMCIA slots (via Memory Stick
PC card adapter)
Key Specifications:
Sony VAIO PCV-L400 Sony VAIO PCV-L600
VAIO Slimtop LCD VAIO Slimtop LCD Computer
Computer
Display 14.1" XGA TFT Active 14.1" XGA TFT Active Matrix
Matrix, Ergo-Angle(TM) Ergo-Angle(TM)Multimedia LCD
Multimedia LCD with with built-in multimedia
built-in multimedia speakers
speakers
CPU 400MHz Pentium II 500MHz Pentium III processor
processor
Operating System Windows(R)98 Windows(R)98
Hard Disk 6.4GB Ultra DMA HD 10.8GB Ultra DMA HD
Standard RAM 64MB PC - 100 SDRAM 128MB PC - 100 SDRAM
Expandable to 256MB Expandable to 256MB
CD-ROM Drive 24x CD-ROM Drive 24x CD-ROM Drive (Max.)
(Max.) with CD-Text with CD-Text Support
Support
Video Memory 4MB SGRAM 4MB SGRAM
Graphics Chip ATI Rage LT Pro ATI Rage LT Pro
AGP 2X 2X
Modem v.90 v.90
Unique Features Dedicated Memory Stick Dedicated Memory Stick
media slot media slot
Type II PC Card Slot Type II PC Card Slot
VAIO Smart Convertible VAIO Smart Convertible
Keyboard Keyboard
AutoAlert(TM) Email AutoAlert(TM) Email
Notification System Notification System
Availability March '99 March '99
ESP $2,299(c) To be determined
(c) Prices listed are estimated U.S. selling prices. Actual prices
may vary.
VAIO C1 PictureBook Micronotebook
Sony is transforming the mobile PC platform by introducing a new breed
of PC product that blurs the lines between mobile computing and digital
imaging -- a micronotebook computer/digital camera hybrid called the
VAIO C1 PictureBook. A unique product in terms of design and
functionality, the PictureBook is a fully equipped micronotebook with
an integrated, easy-to-use Charged Coupled Device (CCD) camera that
captures digital still images and motion video.
Using the same elements found in the award-winning VAIO 505 SuperSlim
line such as keyboard size, display and power, this device brings new
meaning to the term mobile. Weighing in at a mere 2.5 lbs (less than
the 505) and measuring only 1.5" thick, the PictureBook computer is a
full Windows(R) 98, 266MHz Pentium MMX(TM) system roughly the size of a
paperback.
According to Omae, in addition to creating a hybrid micronotebook form
factor, Sony's PictureBook computer will revolutionize the way
consumers view Internet communications by elevating it to the next
level. "Now a child can sing happy birthday to her Grandma across the
country complete with audio and video and send it via email rather than
just sending a note and a JPEG image," said Omae. "It completely
changes the impact of electronic communications."
With a built-in swivel camera housed cleverly in the top bezel of the
display, user's simply press the capture button to snap a still image
or record up to 60 seconds of video. Another click launches a program
that automatically attaches the image or video to an email. Now, there
is no need for separate devices, cables or other data exchange steps
for transmitting images.
By providing quick and easy digital imaging and Windows-based PC
capabilities such as word processing, creating presentations and
sending email, the PictureBook computer is an all-in-one solution for
both home users and professionals on the go including real estate and
insurance agents, landscape architects, journalists, location scouts
and interior designers.
The system includes Sony's Smart Software Suite for ease-of-use with
such applications as capturing still/video images, creating email or
video mail, and converting documents into HTML format for posting on
the Web. Users can also take photographs automatically simply by
setting the Auto Shutter feature. Once programmed, images are instantly
captured as the system detects motion in a given environment.
Other features include the unit's XWIDE(TM) active matrix TFT display
which provides XGA width (1024 pixels) and Sony's MOTION EYE(TM) camera
that swivels to accommodate various angles and even flips over the
bezel of the display for self portraits. Creating 360-degree panoramic
virtual tours is also quite intuitive with Sony's bundled PictureGear
imaging software.
The PictureBook computer comes fully loaded with a 266MHz Intel Pentium
processor with MMX technology, 4.3GB hard drive, integrated V.90 modem,
64MB SDRAM (upgradable to 128MB), USB floppy disk drive, video and USB
ports.
Optional accessories include an extended-life battery and CD-ROM drive.
A USB mouse and USB/parallel printer interface converter cable are also
added options.
Unique Sony Features:
-- MOTION EYE Camera
-- Provides all-in-one solution for imaging and communication
-- Swiveling camera allows for easy access to capture images
even self portraits
-- XWIDE Active Matrix Display
-- Provides XGA width (1024 x 480) with the brightness of a
SVGA display
-- Doubles as the camera's view finder
-- Sony's Smart Software Suite
-- Smart Capture enables users to easily capture still images
and save as a .JPEG file or up to 60 seconds of
compressed/uncompressed motion video in .AVI format.
-- Smart Write allows users to create an email with an image
embedded in the document.
-- Smart Publisher converts documents created by Smart Write
into HTML format for posting on the Web.
-- Sony's DVgate(TM) Still
-- For easy digital video image capture via i.LINK(TM)
interface.
-- Mobility without Compromise
-- Full Windows 98 operating system
-- Magnesium display housing
-- 90 percent-size keyboard
Key Specifications:
Sony VAIO C1 PictureBook PCG-C1X
Display XWIDE 8.9" XGA TFT Active Matrix
1024 x 480 resolution
CPU 266MHz Intel Pentium processor with MMX
Operating System Windows 98
Hard Disk 4.3GB HD
Standard RAM 64MB SDRAM
Built-in Camera 1/6" CCD Camera with 270K pixels
Battery Li-Ion Battery
Digital Video i.LINK (IEEE-1394)
Modem v.90
Availability March '99
ESP $2,299.99(d)
The VAIO Slimtop LCD and PictureBook computers are also being announced
and demonstrated at the Photo Marketing Association (PMA) tradeshow
today.
Sony Information Technologies Marketing Division Background: Based in
San Jose, Sony Information Technologies Marketing Division (ITMD) of
Sony Electronics, markets branded computer products, including VAIO(R)
computers, Trinitron(R) displays, and other multimedia products through
distributors, resellers and consumer retailers. For additional
information about Sony PC products, call (888) 4SONYPC, or visit Sony's
World Wide Web site at: www.sony.com/pc. To order Sony VAIO computer
and peripheral products directly from Sony VAIO Direct(SM) call (888)
315-SONY.
TED Background: The Technology Entertainment and Design Conference
(TED) was conceived in 1984 with an observation about the nature of
late 20th Century communications: Three primary communications-driven
businesses/professional areas in our society were emerging, merging and
evolving together in ways undreamed of just a few short years before.
These three core disciplines all facilitated the development of new
ways of seeing and learning. New ways of transforming information and
conveying ideas. New ways of understanding our environment, our society
and our selves.
TED stands for the triad of these subject areas (Technology,
Entertainment and Design) that were reshaping the context of our world
when these conferences began and which continue to do so today. (d)
Prices listed are estimated U.S. selling prices. Actual prices may
vary.
-0- pnb/sf* jar/sf
CONTACT: Sony Electronics Inc.
Gina Aumiller, 408/955-4027
gina_aumiller@mail.sel.sony.com
or
Sony Electronics Inc.
Marie Domingo, 408/955-5142
marie_domingo@mail.sel.sony.com
KEYWORD: CALIFORNIA
INDUSTRY KEYWORD: COMPUTERS/ELECTRONICS COMED PRODUCT TRADESHOW
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