Sony has dropped out an all-in-one touchscreen Vaio for less than $1,000. Sony calls it the J series and has packed this machine with all the latest hardware, like the new 2010 Intel Core processors, a 7,200 rpm hard-drive, Blu-ray optical drive, wireless keyboard and mouse, a 21.5 inch high-definition display with a native 1,920 by 1,080 resolution and of course multi-touch touchscreen capability.
According to Sony multimedia is at the forefront with cost in the lower priced Vaio J just like big brother the 24 inch Vaio L series. Media Gallery includes a stunning UI with easy-to-use features and technology that takes the work out of enjoying your media. In one-step you can easily simplify your massive music library into unique playlists. Sony’s SensMe Technology suggests photos and music based on your unique viewing and listening habits, reminding you of forgotten favorites. Plus, with integrated GraceNote and YouTube support, you can get the full scoop on your favorite artist or uncover music videos and interviews you didn’t know existed.
The Vaio J comes loaded with Sony Creativity Suite: PMB – VAIO Edition, which makes importing, organizing, editing and publishing a breeze in one easy-to-use program and VAIO Media Gallery is an application to bring forgotten favorites to life. The Vaio J also comes loaded with the usual trials like Norton and Microsoft Office Suite.
The Sony Vaio J comes with a plethora of connection ports. No less than four 2.0 USB connections, a multimedia card reader, one i.LINK connection – IEEE 1394 (or better know as Firewire 400), an Ethernet connection, and microphone input (also has a built in microphone). Component and an HDMI inputs appear to be on hand as well.
Networking should be a breeze with the built in 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi. A RJ-45 Fast Ethernet port is built in also for a wired connection.
Overall the Vaio J appears to be a solid lower cost alternative to the larger 24 inch Vaio L series. The Vaio L has received quite good reviews and I expect the Vaio J to grab the same positive attention.
The Vaio J is available for preorder at SonyStyle.
Press Release
SONY UNVEILS NEW ENTRY-LEVEL PRICED TOUCH-SCREEN PC
VAIO J All-In-One Puts Music, Photos and Blu-ray Disc Movies One-Touch Away
SAN DIEGO, June 8, 2010 – Sony today unveiled its new, affordable touch-enabled, multi-media machine— the VAIO® J Touch All-In-One PC.
With the VAIO J Series’ multi-touch screen, easy access to your PC, HD movies— your entire entertainment hub— is readily at your fingertips.
Equipped with a 21.5-inch (diagonal) 1920×1080 widescreen panel, the unit displays high-definition content in Full HD. Select models feature a Blu-ray Disc™ optical drive so you can enjoy movies in stunning 1080p high definition.
“The J Series changes the way consumers interact with their PC enabling them to tap, drag, zoom, rotate and engage with their content and entertainment like never before,” said Mike Lucas, senior vice president of the VAIO business at Sony. “And with its attractive price point, this cutting-edge technology will reach a whole new audience.”
The J Series comes with three unique hardware buttons—VAIO, ASSIST and DISPLAY OFF to get you to where you want to go with a touch of a button.
Launch directly into Sony’s own Media Gallery software by pushing the designated VAIO button and simplify your music library. With Media Gallery you can automatically create 21 unique channels of music based on beat, tone, rhythm and other elements. It also enables you to rediscover forgotten favorites by recommending content you already own based on your unique listening and viewing habits.
Facilitate simple do-it-yourself PC maintenance procedures by pressing the ASSIST button and launching the included VAIO Care™ software program. Finally a DISPLAY OFF button is included so you can turn off your screen for privacy or to perform nighttime applications without sending your PC into hibernation.
By utilizing built-in wireless 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi technology and your wireless router (required, sold separately), you can position the model virtually anywhere in your home and access the Internet, email or home network.
A built-in webcam with face-tracking technology and microphone let you video chat with colleagues. Included Webcam Message Board software makes it easy to create video messages or leave handwritten notes on the screen. A third-party internet service provider is required.
The unit packs a powerful 2010 Intel® Core™ processor (select models), loads of RAM, and an optional dedicated NVIDIA® GeForce ® series graphics for graphic-intense gaming and movies. It comes with Windows® 7 Home Premium or Professional 64-bit operating system.
Featuring a stylish, compact design the PC comes with an adjustable stand to help you adjust it to meet your desired viewing or touch angle or simply to decrease the slant for space-saving. A wireless keyboard and mouse that can easily be stored under the unit’s display are included.
The VAIO® J Touch All-in-one PC will start at about $900. It is available for pre-orders today online at www.sonystyle.com/pr/jseries. It will also be sold at Sony Style® stores and select retailers around the country starting next month.
