Sony VAIO P series
Encyclopedia
The Sony
VAIO P series are a range of ultraportable subnotebook
computers launched in January/February 2009.
It was marketed as a "lifestyle PC", although they share many characteristics with netbook
computers.
500 graphics, an Intel Atom
MID
Z5x0 CPU with Intel US15 chipset with 2GB of DDR2 RAM. Notably, the P Series sports non-upgradeable RAM that is soldered to the main board and some iterations of the P Series have just 1GB of RAM . It uses as 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]]. It does not have an optical drive, like most ultraportables and netbooks.
At launch, the pre-installed operating system was one of the 32-bit versions of Windows Vista
(model-dependent). In June 2009 Sony made driver support available for downgrading the range to Microsoft Windows XP, 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. 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.
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.
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.
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'.
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).
The 2010 revision currently represents the last iteration of the P Series and Sony have removed the product from many of its international websites.
Launch dates - P500 series - January/February 2009, P600 series - July 2009, P700 series - October 2009, P11 series - May 2010
Sony
, commonly referred to as Sony, is a Japanese multinational conglomerate corporation headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, Japan and the world's fifth largest media conglomerate measured by revenues....
VAIO P series are a range of ultraportable subnotebook
Subnotebook
A subnotebook is a class of laptop computers that are smaller and lighter than a typical laptop....
computers launched in January/February 2009.
It was marketed as a "lifestyle PC", although they share many characteristics with netbook
Netbook
Netbooks are a category of small, lightweight, legacy-free, and inexpensive laptop computers.At their inception in late 2007 as smaller notebooks optimized for low weight and low cost — netbooks omitted certain features , featured smaller screens and keyboards, and offered reduced computing...
computers.
Description
The Sony VAIO P series features an 8" LED-backlit display with native resolution of 1600x768, coupled with Intel GMAIntel GMA
The Intel Graphics Media Accelerator, or GMA, is a series of Intel integrated graphics processors built into various motherboard chipsets....
500 graphics, an Intel Atom
Intel Atom
Intel Atom is the brand name for a line of ultra-low-voltage x86 and x86-64 CPUs from Intel, designed in 45 nm CMOS and used mainly in netbooks, nettops, embedded application ranging from health care to advanced robotics and Mobile Internet devices...
MID
MID
-Computers and electronics:* MapInfo Interchange Format; .mid is also sometimes used as the filename extension for some MapInfo files* Media Identification Code , a code indicating the manufacturer of a DVD...
Z5x0 CPU with Intel US15 chipset with 2GB of DDR2 RAM. Notably, the P Series sports non-upgradeable RAM that is soldered to the main board and some iterations of the P Series have just 1GB of RAM . It uses as a pointing stick
Pointing stick
The pointing stick is an isometric joystick used as a pointing device . It was invented by research scientist Ted Selker...
in the keyboard as its pointing device. Exact specs vary by location. An integrated webcam
Webcam
A webcam is a video camera that feeds its images in real time to a computer or computer network, often via USB, ethernet, or Wi-Fi.Their most popular use is the establishment of video links, permitting computers to act as videophones or videoconference stations. This common use as a video camera...
(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
IEEE 802.11
IEEE 802.11 is a set of standards for implementing wireless local area network computer communication in the 2.4, 3.6 and 5 GHz frequency bands. They are created and maintained by the IEEE LAN/MAN Standards Committee . The base version of the standard IEEE 802.11-2007 has had subsequent...
b/g/n wireless and 3G
3G
3G or 3rd generation mobile telecommunications is a generation of standards for mobile phones and mobile telecommunication services fulfilling the International Mobile Telecommunications-2000 specifications by the International Telecommunication Union...
or HSDPA mobile broadband]]. It does not have an optical drive, like most ultraportables and netbooks.
At launch, the pre-installed operating system was one of the 32-bit versions of Windows Vista
Windows Vista
Windows Vista is an operating system released in several variations developed by Microsoft for use on personal computers, including home and business desktops, laptops, tablet PCs, and media center PCs...
(model-dependent). In June 2009 Sony made driver support available for downgrading the range to Microsoft Windows XP, 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. 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.
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
IPad 2
The iPad 2 is the second and current generation of the iPad, a tablet computer designed, developed and marketed by Apple. It serves primarily as a platform for audio-visual media including books, periodicals, movies, music, games, presentations and web content, and is available in black or white...
and less than all 10" netbooks, and the 7" Asus Eee PC
ASUS Eee PC
The Asus Eee PC is a subnotebook/netbook computer line from ASUSTeK Computer Incorporated, and a part of the Asus Eee product family. At the time of its introduction in late 2007, it was noted for its combination of a light weight, Linux operating system, solid-state drive , and relatively low cost...
. While its screen is small, in devices of 12.1" and below, the P series is bested only by the 12.1" Thinkpad
ThinkPad
ThinkPad is line of laptop computers originally sold by IBM but now produced by Lenovo. They are known for their boxy black design, which was modeled after a traditional Japanese lunchbox...
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 accelerometerAccelerometer
An accelerometer is a device that measures proper acceleration, also called the four-acceleration. This is not necessarily the same as the coordinate acceleration , but is rather the type of acceleration associated with the phenomenon of weight experienced by a test mass that resides in the frame...
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'.
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
Compass
A compass is a navigational instrument that shows directions in a frame of reference that is stationary relative to the surface of the earth. The frame of reference defines the four cardinal directions – north, south, east, and west. Intermediate directions are also defined...
, ambient light sensor, and higher-capacity battery (2500mAh).
The 2010 revision currently represents the last iteration of the P Series and Sony have removed the product from many of its international websites.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 9.65"(W) x 0.78"(H) x 4.72"(D).
- Weight: 1.3lbs (current models); 1.4lbs (at launch with SSD), 1.5lbs (at launch with HDD)
- Processor: Intel AtomIntel AtomIntel Atom is the brand name for a line of ultra-low-voltage x86 and x86-64 CPUs from Intel, designed in 45 nm CMOS and used mainly in netbooks, nettops, embedded application ranging from health care to advanced robotics and Mobile Internet devices...
single-core (with hyperthreading) Z520, Z530, Z540, Z550 or Z560, at 1.33, 1.6, 1.87, 2, or 2.13 GHz. Z560 @ 2.13GHz is non-US. - Graphics Chip: Intel GMAIntel GMAThe Intel Graphics Media Accelerator, or GMA, is a series of Intel integrated graphics processors built into various motherboard chipsets....
500 - Memory: 2 GB DRR2 SDRAM running at 533 MHz.
- Storage: 60 or 80 GB 4200rpm PATA HDD, or 64 GB, 128 GB or 256 GB SSDSolid-state driveA solid-state drive , sometimes called a solid-state disk or electronic disk, is a data storage device that uses solid-state memory to store persistent data with the intention of providing access in the same manner of a traditional block i/o hard disk drive...
. - Connectivity: Wi-FiWi-FiWi-Fi or Wifi, is a mechanism for wirelessly connecting electronic devices. A device enabled with Wi-Fi, such as a personal computer, video game console, smartphone, or digital audio player, can connect to the Internet via a wireless network access point. An access point has a range of about 20...
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 LEDLEdLEd is a TeX/LaTeX editing software working under Microsoft Windows. It is a freeware product....
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
| Model | Color | Processor | Memory | Storage Drive | Operating System | Release Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VGN-P530H | Green/Black/Red/White | Intel Atom Z520 @ 1.33 GHz | 2 GB DDR2 | 60 GB HDD | Windows Vista Home Basic 32-bit | $899.99 |
| VGN-P530N | Green/Black/Red/White | Intel Atom Z520 @ 1.33 GHz | 2 GB DDR2 | 60 GB HDD | Windows Vista Business 32-bit | $1099.99 |
| VGN-P588E | Green/Gold/Black/Red/White | Intel Atom Z520 @ 1.33 GHz | 2 GB DDR2 | 64 GB SSD | Windows Vista Home Premium 32-bit | $1,199.99 |
| VGN-P598E | Black/Red | Intel Atom Z530 @ 1.33 GHz | 2 GB DDR2 | 128 GB SSD | Windows Vista Home Premium 32-bit | $1,499.99 |
| VGN-P599E | Black | Intel Atom Z540 @ 1.86 GHz | 2 GB DDR2 | 256 GB SSD | Windows Vista Home Premium 32-bit | $1,899.99 |
| VGN-P688E | Black | Intel Atom Z520 @ 1.33 GHz | 2 GB DDR2 | 64 GB SSD | Windows Vista Home Premium 32-bit | $999.99 |
| VGN-P698E | Black | Intel Atom Z530 @ 1.6 GHz | 2 GB DDR2 | 128 GB SSD | Windows Vista Home Premium 32-bit | 1,499.99 |
| VGN-P720K | Red | Intel Atom Z520 @ 1.33 GHz | 2 GB DDR2 | 80 GB HDD | Windows 7 Home Premium 32-bit | $849.99 |
| VGN-P788K | Gold | Intel Atom Z530 @ 1.6 GHz | 2 GB DDR2 | 64 GB SSD | Windows 7 Home Premium 32-bit | $999.99 |
| VGN-P798K | Black | Intel Atom Z540 @ 1.86 GHz | 2 GB DDR2 | 128 GB SSD | Windows 7 Home Premium 32-bit | $1,499.99 |
| VGN-P799L | Black | Intel Atom Z550 @ 2 GHz | 2 GB DDR2 | 256 GB SSD | Windows 7 Home Premium 32-bit | $1,899.99 |
| VPC-P111KX | Black/Pink/Green/White | Intel Atom Z530 @ 1.6 GHz (no GPS) | 2 GB DDR2 | 64 GB SSD | Windows 7 Home Premium 32-bit | $799.99 |
| VPC-P113KX | Black/Pink/Green/White/Orange | Intel Atom Z530 @ 1.6 GHz (no GPS) | 2 GB DDR2 | 128 GB SSD | Windows 7 Home Premium 32-bit | $899.99 |
| VPC-P114KX | Black | Intel Atom Z530 @ 1.6 GHz (with GPS) | 2 GB DDR2 | 128 GB SSD | Windows 7 Home Premium 32-bit | $999.99 |
| VPC-P116KX | Pink | Intel Atom Z540 @ 1.87 GHz (with GPS) | 2 GB DDR2 | 128 GB SSD | Windows 7 Home Premium 32-bit | $1499.99 |
| VPC-P118KX | Black | Intel Atom Z550 @ 2 GHz (with GPS) | 2 GB DDR2 | 256 GB SSD | Windows 7 Home Premium 32-bit | $1499.99 |