Sony debuts VAIO PCG-TR1A notebook

[Ioman]

Complete with an integrated camera, widescreen format display and DVD/CD-RW combo drive, the new VAIO® PCG-TR1A notebook is no larger than a hardback novel but performs like its larger counterparts.

The new model blends style, stamina and mobile visual communication capabilities to yield a PC that's exponentially greater than the sum of its parts. And it's all packed into a newly designed silvery-white magnesium alloy casing that weighs a mere 3.1 pounds.

"So many people want to watch DVD movies while they are traveling, but bringing along an external DVD-ROM drive defeats the purpose of having an ultra-portable PC," said Mike Abary, director of VAIO notebook marketing for Sony Electronics' IT Products Division. "With the TR1A, mobile users have the best of everything - high powered computing and entertainment that won't break your back."

The ultimate mobile companion, the TR1A notebook features Intel's Centrino mobile technology with an Intel® Pentium® M processor running at 900 MHz for extra-long battery life. With the extra battery time, users can view DVD movies on the road on the PC's widescreen LCD display. Sony's exclusive XBRITE™ display technology ensures a vivid screen, sharp focus, and rich color even at wide viewing angles.

With the built-in camera, users can capture still shots or video directly to the hard drive or use the PC's integrated IEEE 802.11b wireless connectivity for live web conferencing.

Big Time Multimedia

As with any Sony PC, the TR1A notebook comes with a wealth of connectivity options, including two USB 2.0 ports, a Memory Stick® media slot, and an i.LINK® (IEEE 1394) digital interface for speedy, no-hassle transfer of digital content among a universe of compatible products.

Enhanced multimedia software adds to the PC's mobile entertainment appeal. SonicStage™ Mastering Studio software, Sony's updated music management application, allows users to digitize aging analog music sources such as vinyl records and tapes with professional recording studio features to enhance quality and reduce noise.

DVgate™ Plus video editing software allows for the capture and export of digital video to and from DV and MICROMV™ camcorders. The application also includes one-click video capture and precision editing features for easy-to-use, high quality video editing.

The TR1A notebook also includes VAIO Media™ software, Sony's simple interface for sharing digital content among PCs or consumer electronics devices on a home network.

It will be available next month at select retail outlets for about $2,000 and can also be purchased online at www.sonystyle.com in a variety of configurations.

[Ioman]

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[Ioman]

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[Cloud]

Ok this laptop is freaking awesome. It is about time Sony introduced a system this tiny with a Centrino based CPU and integrated 802.11b networking. The fact they were able to put a DVD/CDRW drive in as well is amazing considering its size.

I read earlier that Sony introduced a similar sized system but with a Transmeta CPU instead and no integrated wireless networking. I remember saying to myself "What is Sony thinking!?"

[sonyman]

BTW, ship date for the new TR1A is July 11.

[neuroking]

Sweeeet, but when will someone bite the bullet and make a 802.11a/g/BT laptop?

This thing is jsut as heavy as a U101 plus the external drive, and much much speedier.

Hey, anyone got any news on a Sony Tablet PC? Just wondering...

Brandon

[zzz]

This Vaio looks great as I am in the market for an ulltralight and travel a lot but also need a lot of power.

Have been looking at the Sharp Actius UM32W except it doesn't go past 512 RAM and has no DVD and at least the ones I saw at Circuit City had hazy screens very unlike Sharp.

Also looked at the Sharp with the XP-M 1800+, though I can't remember it's name. It's a bit heavier but does have an internal DVD.

My only concern with this Vaio is that the screen is so small. Is 1280x1040 actually usable on a 10' screen ? Also, does anyone know what the memory is expandable to on this baby ?

thanks

[Ioman]

Originally posted by zzz
This Vaio looks great as I am in the market for an ulltralight and travel a lot but also need a lot of power.

Have been looking at the Sharp Actius UM32W except it doesn't go past 512 RAM and has no DVD and at least the ones I saw at Circuit City had hazy screens very unlike Sharp.

Also looked at the Sharp with the XP-M 1800+, though I can't remember it's name. It's a bit heavier but does have an internal DVD.

My only concern with this Vaio is that the screen is so small. Is 1280x1040 actually usable on a 10' screen ? Also, does anyone know what the memory is expandable to on this baby ?

thanks

I should have one coming in for review next week so I will be able to tell you. I am looking at the Sony for the same reasons, and I am also worried about the high resolution on such a small screen. What also worries me is that the keyboard might be too small to be usable as well.

[sonyman]

Originally posted by zzz
This Vaio looks great as I am in the market for an ulltralight and travel a lot but also need a lot of power.

Have been looking at the Sharp Actius UM32W except it doesn't go past 512 RAM and has no DVD and at least the ones I saw at Circuit City had hazy screens very unlike Sharp.

Also looked at the Sharp with the XP-M 1800+, though I can't remember it's name. It's a bit heavier but does have an internal DVD.

My only concern with this Vaio is that the screen is so small. Is 1280x1040 actually usable on a 10' screen ? Also, does anyone know what the memory is expandable to on this baby ?

thanks

According to the chipset specifications on Intel's website it will hold at least 1gig, maybe even 2gigs of memory. I like the idea of the built in CMOS camera for web meetings. But I also have the same concerns as Ioman. I too am wondering what the keyboard will feel like. Let me know what you think if you get your hands on one Ioman.