Sony’s Vaio UX with Vista Premium has a 1.2GHz Core 2 Solo U2200 processor and 64GB SSD, 802.11a/b/g WiFi, Bluetooth 2.0+EDR, 1.3 megapixel webcam, CF slot, memory stick slot, USB 2.0, fingerprint sensor, 3-hour battery, 1GB memory, Intel 945GMS Express chipset, and 4.5-inch, 1,024 x 600 pixel display. A lot in a little package measuring 150.2 × 95 × 32.2~38.2-mm.

Let me say that, even though I’m a sucker for ultraportable notebooks, and I think the Sony Vaio TZ18GN is a nifty machine with some nice specs:

• 11.1-inch LCD
• 32GB SSD
• Core 2 Duo
• 1GB RAM
• 2.5lbs

I still feel that $4,300 is a lot to pay for a notebook that’s not some sort of crazy beefed-up 21-inch monster desktop gaming replacement rig. And the striking thing to me is that the SSD option adds "only" $700, which means that the standard HDD version of this puppy is $3,600 if my math doesn’t fail me. And that’s a lot, as well. And, yes, of course, Sony’s not really asking for $billions.

Some guy (yeah, you know, him) has hacked his Sony Vaio UX to closely resemble the iPhone’s interface. Looks pretty convincing. He has a ways to go, but I’m sure he’ll get there. And you can find him by the hundreds of Apple lawyers circling overhead. Of course, it’ll never be an iPhone, because the UX is not, well, you know, actually a phone.

Sony is known for making notebooks that are almost–but not quite–perfect. The VAIO TZ, which should make it to the States sometime soon at around $3,000, is a perfect example. Consider these specs: SSD, LED-backlit screen, nifty battery life, and all tucked away in a luscious form factor. But, a chicklet-style keyboard? Hate ‘em! I do dig the green light at the edge, which would be soothing for those late night writing struggles on the *(&@#$ chicklet-style keyboard!

Sony has given is an early Christmas with 21, yes 21! new models of the popular VAIO. Four new series include the VAIO A, BX, FZ and G series, each with upgrades.

The top end of the lot are the VAIO A series laptops, with 17-inch displays (1920×1200 on the higher end model), T7100 or T7300 Core 2 Duo processors, up to 2GB of RAM, two 120GB hard drives, an optional Blu-ray drive, and NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT graphics.

Next is the FZ series with 15.4-inch displays, along with Core 2 Duo processors and slightly smaller hard drives.

VAIO BX models offer a choice of 14.1 or 15.4-inch displays, Core 2 Duo processors, up to 2GB of RAM, and a max 120GB hard drive.

Last, but defintely not least, is the VAIO G, with a 12.1-inch display, a Core Solo U1400 processor, 1GB of RAM, and an 80GB hard drive.

They are supposed to start rolling out in July (in Japan) starting at only $900. Look to spend $3,285 for the top end models though.
source:Sony.jp