Sony’s netbook u-turn

After claiming that netbooks were a waste of time, Sony has entered what it once called, “the race to the bottom” and announced the release of a Sony netbook – the Sony Vaio W.

sony vaio viao w netbookSony Vaio W specs

Available in white, pink or brown, the specs are not too impressive for a machine that’s going to launch for around $500.  The Vaio W includes; a 10.1″ screen, an Atom N280 processor, 1GB of RAM, Windows XP and a 160GB hard drive.

It’s 2.6lb in weight and will come with a higher than average resolution screen, at 1,366×768 as well as bluetooth and 802.11n wifi.

The Vaio W gamble

This move into the netbook marketplace is quite a gamble for Sony, as you can buy a netbook of similar spec for a $100 less.  However, the build quality of Sony’s notebooks is pretty good, as are their keyboards.  Sony will be banking on enough people being prepared to pay extra, for their well-known fit-and-finish.  We shall see, with the Sony Vaio W available from August 2009!

Photo credit: Sony

Bookmark and Share
7 Responses to Sony’s netbook u-turn
  1. Aditi Mobile
    July 7, 2009 | 10:54 pm

    Sony’s netbook is out. thetechnewsblog- http://sn.im/mbp5l

  2. Michelle
    July 8, 2009 | 7:02 am

    RT @thetechnewsblog: Sony makes BIG u-turn: http://bit.ly/VQtAB

  3. Tim Polc
    July 8, 2009 | 7:28 am

    RT @thetechnewsblog Sony makes BIG u-turn: http://bit.ly/VQtAB

  4. Barry G.
    July 9, 2009 | 9:15 am

    Great news!

    With just a few exceptions most netbooks are really poor build quality. At least sonys will be well built. WOrth the extra hundred bucks in my opinion.

  5. Jim Connolly
    July 10, 2009 | 5:44 am

    I use a Samsung NC10 – purely for the battery life and build quality. I could have got a ‘cheaper’ alternative, but those things looked like kids toys.

    Sony usually offer pretty high quality builds and if quality is what you want, the extra hundred dollars will be worth it.

  6. [...] The demand for cheaper, more portable computers has seen netbook sales grow by an impressive 20% on last year and given many PC manufacturers and suppliers a much-needed boost.  Even Sony, who recently claimed the market for netbooks was ; “a race to the bottom” has now entered the market, with their Sony Viao W netbook. [...]

  7. wlan netzwerk
    March 21, 2010 | 7:47 pm

    Do you think it is wise to get a Samsung NC10 or should I get an AsusEE?