That mysterious Sony VAIO netbook that was rumored to be the subject of multiple teasers ads on various Sony websites was partially revealed on SonyStyle website for a short time on Thursday. Claiming that “It fits in a Pocket,” a new P-Series VAIO was introduced on Sony’s website and then removed almost as quickly as it came. The product page for the presumed netbook styled VAIO included a placeholder picture of the current TT series notebook and a short list of specs that raise some eyebrows. The specs include:
- Intel 1.33GHz Processor
- Windows Vista Home Premium or Home basic
- 8″, 1600×768 display
- Up to 60GB hard drive or 128GB SSD
The processor is presumed to be the 1.33 GHz Intel Atom Z520 processor seen in other netbooks. Similar to the Dell Inspiron Mini 12, it will ship with Windows Vista installed. An interesting choice as the Inspiron Mini 12 has been criticized for being sluggish because, in several reviewers’ opinions, Vista requires more than the Atom processor is able to deliver. The new Pocket VAIO also has a smaller 8″ screen with an exceptionally high resolution of 1600×768 pixels. Most netbooks ship with an 8.9″ screen with a 1024 x 600 resolution and widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio making this a bit of an odd duck. The high resolution screen of the Pocket VAIO is reminiscent of the Fujitsu U820, which packs a 1280 x 800 resolution into a 5.6″ screen. Such a high resolution screen may make it difficult to use, especially within Windows menus, without a fair amount of squinting. Anyone who has used the Fujistu U820 knows what we are talking about. The high resolution is not all bad as it does offer its advantages in web browsing, image viewing, etc. Though unusual, these specs do fit well with the possible clam shell shaped design of the VAIO that was leaked by the FCC and also hinted at in the Sony teaser ads. An unusual-sized device, unusual for the typical recent netbook, would require an unusual display. Whether these specs are for real or just entered for amusement by Sony remains to be seen. We will have to wait until January to get the real deal on this new netbook offering from Sony.
