Sony Unveils Four VAIO Z505 SuperSlim Pro Notebook Models; Extending Family of Z505 SuperSlim Pro Notebooks with Increased Capacity and MovieShaker - Product Announcement

Edge: Work-Group Computing Report, June 5, 2000

Jet setters, power brokers and media mavens may have found their ultimate portable computing solution in Sony's VAIO Z505 SuperSlim Pro family of notebooks. Wednesday, Sony unveiled four new Z505 models -- the PCG-Z505JSK, PCG-Z505JS, PCG-Z505JEK and PCG-Z505JE -- the quintessential super-models on the notebook circuit. All four are wafer-thin and feather-light, but certainly not shy on power, speed or DV editing capability.

"IDC sees continued growth in ultraportable designs like the Z505 series, as style is playing a higher factor in purchase decisions," said Randy Giusto, vice president of worldwide mobile and desktop research at International Data Corporation. "Mobile professionals demand lightweight, high-performance solutions that are an extension of their office. Ultraportable shipments are expected to grow from 2.5 million units worldwide in 1999 to 5.7 million units by 2003. This is even more dramatic in the U.S., where 13 percent of all portable PCs will be ultraportables by 2003, compared to just 7.6 percent in 1999, leaving opportunities for vendors to differentiate their product lines even further."

MovieShaker DV Editing Software

Each of these svelte new Z505 models come with a complete suite of digital entertainment editing software, music download capabilities and media management. Chief among these features is Sony's own original MovieShaker software, which simplifies the home-movie making process into three easy steps.

First, by using the built-in i.LINK port and Sony's DVgate software, users transfer the video or still image from their compatible digital camcorder into the Z505 SuperSlim Pro notebook.

Second, users select one of the five themes that the MovieShaker software offers, ranging from slow moving "Romantic" to fast-paced "Exciting."

Third, users click on the "Shake" icon and the MovieShaker software automatically creates a finished film -- complete with transitions, effects and music, all based on the user's theme selection.

MovieShaker software also enables users to create their own digital home movie, putting them in charge of the controls, such as rearranging scenes, inserting customized text and audio and selecting appropriate transitions. The finished movies can then be shared in various formats ranging from a compressed e-mail attachment to a high-quality DV format.

"Today's high-performance business executive and international professional strives not only to work, but to work well," said Mark Hanson, vice president for VAIO PC marketing at Sony Electronics. "This trend means increased demand on portable tools. The VAIO Z505 SuperSlim Pro notebooks are remarkably light and slim for the road warrior, but they also appeal to their demands for high-performance computing, multi-media integration and mobility. These high-style notebook PCs strike a balance between power and panache."

Z505JS/JSK and Z505JE/JEK SuperSlim Pro Notebooks

With 6MB of video memory, the Z505JS and Z505JSK offer enhanced graphics, CAD applications and PowerPoint video integration without sacrificing system performance. All four Z505 models are equipped with a brilliant 12.1-inch XGA active matrix TFT display that is ideal for viewing presentations, graphics and video. Also featured is Sony's own programmable JogDial control for easy application loading.

In addition, the VAIO Z505 models carry powerful Intel mobile Pentium III processors -- 650MHz(2) Pentium III with SpeedStep(5) technology or 500MHz(2) with SpeedStep(5) technology -- and a dedicated Memory Stick media slot for quick storage of data and graphics from digital still and video cameras. This convenient storage capability allows executives and designers a powerful resource for retrieving graphics, video and still photography to build impressive and interactive PowerPoint presentations or web-designs, seamlessly into the notebook.

Each of these VAIO Z505 SuperSlim Pro notebooks features Sony multimedia software, as well as Microsoft Word 2000, Windows 2000 Professional on the K models, Windows 98 on the others and enhanced networking capabilities for easy connectivity. All of these SuperSlim Pro models feature a convenient 10Base-T/100Base-TX integrated Ethernet with an RJ-45 interface, roomy keyboard and an integrated v.90 56K(4) modem.

Potent and polished, the Z505JS and Z505JSK feature a large 12GB(3) hard drive and 128MB SDRAM, while the Z505JE and Z505JEK boasts a newly increased 9GB(3) HD with 64MB SDRAM. For improved application performance, all are upgradeable to 256 or 192MB SDRAM, respectively, and are housed in a sleek, rugged magnesium-alloy case.

Weighing in at less than four pounds with a profile of about one-inch thin, the Z505 series has the tools a high-end executive requires in a desktop replacement with the lightweight convenience desired for frequent business traveling. The Z505JS, Z505JSK, Z505JE and Z505JEK will begin shipping in June with estimated selling prices ranging from $2,499.99(1) to $2,999.99.(1)