LOS ANGELES – Sony Electronics is incorporating the fastest mobile processor currently available for notebook PCs, the Intel 1 GHz Pentium III processor with
SpeedStep technology, into its new Spring FX VAIO notebook
line-up.
The new 1 GHz PCG-FX290, arriving in stores this month, also comes
with a 30 GB hard drive, 256 MB of SDRAM, and the industry’s first
combination DVD/CD-RW drive, which allows VAIO notebook PC owners to
download and store music; create and rewrite CDs that incorporate
movies, digital images and other snazzy graphic elements; back up
data; and watch movies on DVD, whether in the office or on the road.
Incorporating the mobile Intel 1 GHz Pentium III processor into
VAIO notebook PCs — known for their inspiring, easy-to-use complement
of audio video applications — opens the floodgates of creative
possibilities for mobile movie-making, multimedia presentations, and
the related business and entertainment-oriented applications for which
VAIO PCs are known,” said Mark Hanson, vice president and general
manager of VAIO PC marketing at Sony Electronics.
“This kind of horse power, storage and memory capacity in a
notebook PC helps make conducting even the most demanding applications
a breeze,” Hanson added.
Featuring a 15-inch SXGA + TFT screen with state-of-the-art
display technology, the PCG-FX290 provides crisp, impressive images
and DVD playback brilliant as a living postcard.
800 MHz AMD Duron Processor: Performance and Affordability
Responding to the needs of cost-conscious consumers who want a
practical solution to performance, Sony is among the first PC
manufacturers to incorporate the new 800 MHz AMD Duron mobile
processor in a notebook PC. The VAIO notebook encompassing this chip
is the PCG-FX210, which features a 10 GB hard drive, 128 MB of
SDRAM, a DVD player and built-in floppy drive. With its built-in DVD
player, the PCG-FX210 is ideal for consumers seeking a fast,
fully-functional and affordable communications and entertainment
system in a portable PC.
Encompassing an ATI Rage Mobility video card, the FX210 delivers
heightened computing experience by enabling users to maximize
multimedia capabilities. With 8 MB SDRAM video memory and AMD’s
enhanced 3DNow! multimedia technology, it renders enhanced
performance for graphic-intense applications and Internet browsing.
Connectivity and Performance Capabilities
The FX290 and FX210 — as well as the entire FX product line —
are equipped with integrated 10Base-T/100Base-TX Ethernet ports and V.90 56K modem for quick network connectivity to home, office and abroad. And to facilitate rapid digital video, audio and data transfer
among Sony Digital Handycam camcorders, Sony Cyber-shot digital
still cameras and other compatible devices, all VAIO notebooks come equipped with Sony’s i.LINK (IEEE 1394) digital interface.
Both the PCG-FX290 and the PCG-FX210 come standard with NTSC video
out. VAIO FX series products can easily connect to a wide variety of
media devices, bringing multimedia presentations and entertainment
experiences to a new level. The PCG-FX290, which comes with a
Windows Millennium Edition operating system, will have an estimated
selling price of about US$3,400. Its Windows 2000 counterpart, the
PCG-FX290K, will sell for around US$3,500. The PCG-FX210 comes with
the Windows Millennium Edition operating system and sells for about
US$1,550. All models ship this month.
Bountiful Software Mix
Included in the FX line’s software package are Sony’s
MovieShaker movie making software, a simple application for
producing digital home movies and music videos, as well as and Sony’s
PictureGear software, which is designed to help manage digital
content like panoramic photography. The PCG-FX series also includes
Sony’s DVgate software, yet another tool to challenge a user’s
creativity. DVgate software helps capture full motion digital video
and still photography for multimedia presentations or video e-mail.
And to help ensure a hassle-free PC experience, Sony offers the VAIO
Support Agent, providing consumers with quick answers to frequently
asked questions — and helpful diagnostic support to ensure programs
are working properly.
Wireless Connectivity
Assisting consumers in overcoming an economic barrier to wireless
connectivity, Sony, in conjunction with Go America, is offering a
free wireless modem (valued at up to US$480) to those purchasing a VAIO
notebook PC through July 31, 2001. Now new VAIO notebook purchasers
can enjoy liberation from phone jacks and access e-mail, connect to
databases and browse the Internet from virtually anywhere in the
U.S.
