Sony Introduces First Sub-$1,400 VAIO Notebook PC

Business Wire, Oct 10, 2000

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 9, 2000

For the first time, Sony Electronics is introducing AMD processors into its VAIO(R) notebook PC line-up, bringing power, style, business support and digital video editing capabilities to select all-in-one notebooks with estimated selling prices starting at less than $1,400.

"We're introducing a powerful, portable system with an entry-level price," said Mark Hanson, Sony Electronics' vice president for VAIO PC products. "Our F Series models give anyone who has a need for mobile computing notebooks that integrate the functions of a robust business machine with those of a digital video editing station. This exciting combination encourages users to be more creative in their PC use."

The new VAIO F Series includes the VAIO(R) PCG-F610, priced at $1,399.99(1), and the VAIO PCG-F630, with a retail price of $1,699.99(1). The F630 selling price includes a $100 manufacturer's mail-in rebate, which is available for products purchased at retail outlets or online via VAIO Direct through Jan. 31, 2001.

The Feature-Rich F Series All-In-One Notebooks

The PCG-F610 notebook touts a 12" active-matrix SVGA TFT screen, a mobile AMD-K6(R)-2+ 550 MHz(2) processor, a 6 GB(3) hard drive, internal floppy drive and built-in 24X maximum CD-ROM. It features a high-capacity lithium-ion battery, 64 MB of SDRAM (expandable to 256 MB maximum) and an integrated v.90 56K(4) modem. It also has an i.LINK(R) (IEEE 1394) S400 interface that supports high-speed digital video, audio and data transfer among compatible Sony and other products.

The PCG-F630 houses a mobile 550 MHz(2) AMD-K6(R)-2+ processor. With that comes an 8X maximum DVD-ROM drive and a 12.0 GB(3) hard drive with removable internal floppy drive. The PCG-F630 features a 13.3" XGA TFT Active Matrix Screen for optimal picture clarity while viewing DVD and high-resolution images. The screen also better accommodates detailed business applications like spreadsheets and related matrices.

The PCG-F630 comes with a high-capacity lithium-ion battery, 64 MB of SDRAM (expandable to 256 MB maximum) and an integrated V.90 56K(4) modem. It, too, has an i.LINK (IEEE 1394) S400 interface that supports high-speed digital video, audio, data transfer among equipped compatible products.

The PCG-F610 and PCG-F630 feature the Microsoft(R) Windows(R) Millennium Edition (Me) operating system. And the systems' i.LINK interface allows users to transfer full-motion digital video and digital still images to the notebook from a compatible Sony DV Digital Handycam(R) or Digital 8(TM) camcorder to edit for a variety of applications. Users can share files, printers and even back-up files among systems without the complexities of additional cables and device protocols.

Sony's exclusive MovieShaker(TM) software is also part of the package(5). It is a fun, simple application for producing digital home movies, complete with transitions, effects and music. Other featured Sony imaging and editing applications include PictureGear(TM) and DVgate(TM), the latter allows users to capture full motion digital video and still photography for multimedia presentations or even video e-mail(6).

PictureGear(TM) provides for enhanced management of digital content -- both sound and video files. Users can visually organize and manage personal digital content collections including still images, digital video clips and MP3 files. Office and entertainment applications featured in the PCG-610 and the PCG-630 include Intuit Quicken(R) Basic 2000, QuickTime(TM), Microsoft(R) Word 2000 and Adobe's PhotoDeluxe(R).

The PCG-F610 and PCG-F630 -- both with built-in stereo speakers -- are 1.9 inches thin and weigh approximately seven pounds. They support two type II or one type III PC cards with CardBus support, serial/parallel printer, VGA monitor, PS/2 keyboard/mouse, USB (2), RJ-11 phone jack, mic-in, headphone and port replicator.

(1)Prices listed are estimated U.S. selling prices. Actual prices may vary. (2)MHz denotes microprocessor internal clock speed. Other factors may affect application performance. (3)GB means one billion bytes when referring to hard drive capacity. Accessible capacity may vary. (4)Due to regulations, speeds of 53kbps are the maximum obtainable during download transmissions. Actual speeds will vary depending on various conditions. (5)Not available on PCG-F610. (6)Requires ISP service.

Editor's Note: Sony's Personal Network Solutions Company (PNSC), a division of Sony Electronics' Consumer Electronics Group, is based in San Diego. PNSC markets digital imaging products and services, including Cyber-shot(R) and Digital Mavica(R) still cameras, Handycam (R) camcorders, related accessories and ImageStation(TM); branded computer products, including VAIO notebook and desktop computers; Trinitron(R) and FD Trinitron displays and other multimedia products through distributors, resellers and consumer retailers. For additional information about Sony computer products, call 888/315-SONY, or visit Sony's web site at: www.sony.com/vaiopc.