Sony Vaio P series

Sony Vaio P series (2009 model)

The Sony Vaio P series are a range of ultraportable subnotebook computers^[1][2] launched in January/February 2009.^[3]

It was marketed as a "lifestyle PC",^[2] although they share many characteristics with netbook computers.

Description

The Sony Vaio P series features an 8" LED-backlit display with native resolution of 1600x768, coupled with Intel GMA 500 graphics, an Intel Atom MID Z5x0 CPU with Intel US15 chipset with 2GB of DDR2 RAM. Notably, the P Series sports non-upgradeable^[4] RAM that is soldered to the main board and some iterations of the P Series have just 1GB of RAM.^[5] It uses a pointing stick in the keyboard as its pointing device. Exact specs vary by location. An integrated webcam (optional in some regions of the world) is located on the upper right corner. It also features built-in GPS (some models), Bluetooth, 802.11 b/g/n wireless and 3G or HSDPA mobile broadband. Like most ultraportables and netbooks, it does not have an optical drive.

At launch, the pre-installed operating system was one of the 32-bit versions of Windows XP Pro, which has lower resource requirements than Windows Vista. Several people have succeeded in installing various versions of Linux on the Vaio P, most notably Ubuntu Linux (Version 9.04, Jaunty). Ubuntu is arguably the best alternative due to its ease of installation and configuration, and the fact that full 3D graphics can be utilized with this setup.^[6] Since the release of Windows 7, the P series now ships with that OS installed. The P series has been criticised for poor performance in part due to the excessive pre-installed software, but also because of the poor performance of the included GMA graphics chipset.^[7]

Compared with most other small Intel Atom-based computers, which are typically described as netbooks, the P Series is considerably more expensive. Compared with these other devices, which typically use the Atom N2x0 CPU, however, the P Series uses the Atom Z5x0 series, which has slightly lower power requirements, but also lower performance. In addition, the P Series is the lightest device in its class, weighing roughly the same as the Apple iPad 2 and less than all 10" netbooks, and the 7" Asus Eee PC. While its screen is small, in devices of 12.1" and below, the P series is bested only by the 12.1" Thinkpad X200s, which has 1440x900 resolution.

Launch specs

The Vaio P was launched in five colour options: Dove White, Emerald Green, Glossy Black, Gold, and Sangria Red.

Dependent on the model, storage was a 60GB or 80GB hard disk drive or 64GB or 128GB solid state drive.

Minor model updates included updating to Windows 7, and minor CPU/SSD improvements.

May 2010 update

The P series was refreshed in May 2010 so that its case had more flowing, less square lines, a new accelerometer to enable switching from landscape to portrait mode, a tiny 16mmx16mm trackpad built into the LCD bezel, and a choice of five colours - 'electric orange, neon green, hot pink, icy white and classic black'.^[8]

In addition, a change resolution button was added to instantly switch the screen to 1280x600 resolution, in order to make text more readable on the P series' small screen, as well as a digital compass, ambient light sensor, and higher-capacity battery (2500mAh).^[9]

The 2010 revision was the last iteration of the P series, with Sony discontinuing the product in 2011. The P series clamshell format was incorporated in Sony's Tablet P, which was released in November 2011.

Specifications

• Dimensions: 9.65"(W) x 0.78"(H) x 4.72"(D).
• Weight: 1.3 lbs (current models); 1.4 lbs (at launch with SSD), 1.5 lbs (at launch with HDD)
• Processor: Intel Atom single-core (with hyperthreading) Z520, Z530, Z540, Z550 or Z560, at 1.33, 1.6, 1.87, 2, or 2.13 GHz. Z560 @ 2.13 GHz is non-US.
• Graphics Chip: Intel GMA 500
• Memory: 2 GB DDR2 SDRAM running at 533 MHz.
• Storage: 60 or 80 GB 4200rpm PATA HDD, or 64 GB, 128 GB or 256 GB SSD.
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Integrated Stereo A2DP Bluetooth technology, wireless broadband (technology used varies by region, including WiMax, HSDPA and 3G), GPS (model-dependent).
• Display: 8" 1600x768 LED TFT active matrix backlit display, 0.3mp webcam
• Expansion Slots: Memory Stick (Standard/Duo) media slot, Multi Media Card slot, SD memory card slot.
• Interface: 2 USB 2.0 ports, DC-in, Display/LAN Adapter port, headphone jack.
• Battery at launch: standard 2100mAh (145 grams), extended 4200mAh (263 grams)
• Battery for updated models: standard 2500mAh (155 grams), extended 5000mAh (250 grams)

USA Models

(note color codes: /G - Emerald Green, /Q Glossy Black, /R Sangria Red, /W Dove White, /N gold, /P /PI pink, /D white, /B black)

Launch dates

P500 series - January/February 2009
P600 series - July 2009
P700 series - October 2009
P11 series - May 2010

See also

• Sony VAIO C1 series
• Vaio
• Netbook
• UMPC

References

External links

• Official Website
• Full Sony VAIO P review
• Hands-on review from engadget