Sony VAIO X slimster hands-on

We just got back from our time with the Sony X-series and it's making us rethink the entire definition of thin as the word is applied to ultra-portable laptops -- see how it casually jockeys our 15-inch MacBook Pro workhorse in the pic above. Sony's X-series is so thin that it's dangerous: on one hand, it'll cut a jugular or cake with little effort, and on the other, it has just enough flex to make us worry about its ruggedness. But this isn't Sony's first experiment with this form factor and the carbon-fibre frame and aluminum keyboard should help with rigidity when this goes production in both glossy- and matte-plastic finishes. (The displays were all matte, at least for now.) The new X is followup to the rarely seen VAIO X505 that was available in limited markets early in the decade -- only then it wasn't sporting an Atom, 2GB of memory, or a 31Wh removable battery. According to Sony, the choice of an Atom processor is far from decided and is only on display to run the engineering prototypes here at IFA, so there's still hope for at least CULV internals when this thing ships. Unfortunately, access to the rest of the internal specs were software blocked and Sony was zipped tight on details.

Features And Specifications Of Sony VAIO X Series :

• 11.1? (1366 x 768 pixels resolution) scratch-resistant LCD display with LED backlight technology and 16:9 aspect ratio
• Standard battery: Up 3.5 hours ; Super-extended capacity battery: Up to 14 hours of battery life
• Uniquely configured keyboard designed with spacing between the keys aimed for comfortable typing experience (with 1.2mm stroke and 17mm pitch)
• Electro-Static touch pad with Multi-touch functionality lets users zoom in and out, flip through pictures, rotate items clockwise and counterclockwise, as well as scroll vertically and horizontally with just the pinch of a finger
• Real-time GPS functionality makes it easy to find restaurants, hotels and more unfamiliar areas
• Up to 128GB SSD for fast, reliable storage, providing a rapid boot-up and quicker access to applications
• Built-in MOTION EYE camera and microphone
• Available in in two variants of color – black and gold
• Dimensions: 10.95 (W) x 0.55 (H) x 7.29 (D) inches

According to the company, Sony VAIO X Series integrates wireless 3G Mobile Broadband technology (integrated Verizon Wireless Mobile Broadband), Wi-Fi (802.11n) and Bluetooth wireless technologies to ensure you are always be connected. However, users need to subscribe a separate Verizon service for 3G Mobile Broadband technology.

The new compact and lightweight Sony VAIO X Series notebook which measure just over a half-inch thin and weight only 1.6 pounds (with standard battery) will hit the market beginning November 2009, and the price is starting at around $1,300.