Sony unveiled on Monday the latest laptops to join its Vaio collection, along with its first-ever ultrabook to hit the market.
Touting vibrant new colors and packing high-performance specs into stylish and slim exteriors, Sony has also upgraded its laptop hardware to include Intel's new third-generation Core i-series (Ivy Bridge) CPUs. The models come with Windows 7 operating systems and are eligible for the Windows 8 upgrade.
But perhaps the star of the series is the Vaio T, the company's first Ultrabook (pictured above). Ultrabooks -- which are ultra-slim laptops typically under 0.8 inches thick – have become increasingly popular among manufacturers and consumers, giving on-the-go users a lightweight, full-computer alternative.
Here's a look at the latest Vaio collection:
VAIO T Series Ultrabook, starting at $799:
This silver ultrabook is billed as the ultra-travel companion because of its extreme mobility for on-the-go business users. Touting a smooth full-flat brushed-aluminum and magnesium chassis and a 13.3-inch display, the new VAIO T Series features the latest-generation low-voltage Intel Core processors for Ultrabooks, as well as an optional solid-state drive or hybid SSD/hard disk. It includes two USB 3.0 ports.
VAIO E Series, starting at $499:
This budget-minded laptop could attract a lot of attention during the back-to-school shopping season. Available in 11.6-, 14- and 15.5-inch models, the Vaio E Series includes backlit keyboards, smooth graphics and a high-contrast display as well as discrete AMD Radeon graphics. The 11-inch model comes with an AMD processor, while the 14-inch features a second-generation Intel Core processor (Sandy Bridge). The 15-inch is available with either second- and third-generation Intel Core processors. The models are available in various colors, from seafoam white and sharkfin black to pink, burgundy, aqua blue and gold.
Note: The E Series also features a special edition model from rapper LL Cool J. Called the E 14P Series Boomdizzle Bundle, it includes music software, Dolby Home Theater v4 Audio Technology and Sony MDR-V55 DJ style headphones styled to match.
VAIO S Series, starting at $899:
Available in silver, black and white, the S series comes in 13.3- and 15.5-inch models. As another attractive option for students, the models feature low-voltage processors, discrete Nvidia graphics with up to 2GB of VRAM, Optimus battery technology and backlit keyboards. It will be available with up to Core i7, and the 15-inch supports an i7 Quad Core processor. Security is also top of mind for the device. It features a fingerprint reader to ensure protection. Available in black, silver, white, pink, gold and gun metal.
VAIO Z Series , starting at $1599:
