New Sony Vaio P: Faster, Sleeker, Cheaper!

A few days ago we showed you some exclusive pictures of the prototypes used to develop the new Sony Vaio P (VPCP11). Today, we'll be taking a closer look at the Vaio P's tech specs, ahead of a full test coming soon.

Sony will not be defeated, especially in Europe. So after the previous version of the Vaio P proved a serious flop, Sony is back with a new and improved version of the Vaio P. The previous version of this super-small laptop (check out our test of the Sony Vaio VGN-P31ZK) was plagued by slowness, a low battery life and poor design and handling. Its only real appeal was the concept of a pocket-sized Vaio, which is why we're glad to see a new, reworked version now ready to hit the shops.

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As Vincent explained in his article on the Vaio P prototypes, Sony has seriously revamped the design and handling. The new Vaio P now has a mini touchpad to the right of the screen, as well as a trackpad in the middle of the keyboard and mouse-style clicking buttons to the left of the screen. That means you can use it with two hands, in a similar way to a portable games console.

The 8.9-inch screen still has a resolution of 1600 x 768 pixels. However, a new button allows you to instantly switch to 768 x 600 if you're having trouble reading what's on the screen. The display also flips round into portrait mode when you turn the computer on its side. Finally, a light sensor adapts the screen brightness to suit the surrounding lighting conditions.

The new Vaio P still uses the Intel Atom processor and features the Poulsbo chipset for compatibility with HD videos. There's a choice of three different Atom Z-series processors (code name: Silverthorne): the Z530 at 1.66 GHz, the Z550 at 2 GHz or the Z560 at 2.133 GHz. Although they won't seriously revolutionise performances, the latter two processors should give the computer a welcome boost.


An SSD for more responsive computing

Technically speaking, the most interesting feature of this new mini Vaio is that the HDD has been replaced with an SSD (64, 128 or 256 GB), which should make it more responsive, quieter and more shock resistant. In fact, the previous model's hard drive was its real weak point (speed: 4200 rpm), so let's hope the SSD will make the new version a little quicker than the sluggish old Vaio P we tested.

Connectivity options include Wi-Fi b/g/N, 3G, Bluetooth and a GPS with electronic compass. The design is still ultra-compact too, measuring just 245 x 120 x 19.8 mm and weighing no more than 632 grams, so it'll slip easily into a bag.

A new, lower price

Although Sony hasn't officially released UK pricing, the new Vaio P is expected to cost less than the previous models, which sold for around £1,000. It's currently selling in the US for $800 dollars, so it's reasonable to assume it should launch for under £800 over here. Who knows, it could even end up costing much less than that if Sony really wants to give the competition a run for its money.

The new Vaio P will be released in June.


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