VAIO, the computer company sold by Sony to Japan Industrial Partners (JIP), is not dead. In fact, the Tokyo-based computer manufacturer has unveiled its latest devices to signal a fresh, new start to a company that was believed to have been left in the cold.
At a media event in Tokyo, VAIO took the wraps off its first two computers designed outside the charge of Sony, the "monster PC" VAIO Z and the "monster tablet" VAIO Z Canvas. Although Sony had a VAIO Z11 in 2012, the executives at VAIO say the Z in the names of the new devices stand for "zero" to signify VAIO's new lease on life.
VAIO is relying on its flagship new computer, the VAIO Z, to bring back the company's old reputation for manufacturing computers with high-end designs, of which even Apple founder Steve Jobs was a fan. The VAIO Z, however, is not your regular old flip-open laptop. The $1,600 ultrabook aims to offer more, and it should with such a hefty price tag.
The multi-form VAIO Z touts a 13.3-inch display, either a fifth-generation Intel i5 or i7 processor, and a second-generation high-speed SSD, all encased in a lightweight aluminum-carbon shell body that can transform from a laptop to a tablet by detaching the keyboard to a presentation tool by allowing the display to turn 360 degrees around on its hinge.
VAIO also says the computer can last up to 15.5 hours on a single charge, making it the longest-lasting laptop VAIO has ever made. Company executives say VAIO was able to improve the battery's capacity without having to compromise on the ultrabook's sleek form factor by removing several layers inside the cell. The display also features a special battery saving mode, where the light is projected at a narrower angle. This, VAIO claims, increases battery efficiency by up to 40 percent.
While the VAIO Z becomes available for pre-order on Monday, Feb. 16, the other device, the VAIO Z Canvas will not be shipped to market until May this year. Like its bigger brother, the 12.3-inch VAIO Z Canvas is also a shape-shifter. One can separate the Quad HD screen from the keyboard to make it function as a tablet or place the keyboard back for typing-intensive tasks. VAIO did not provide a lot of details about the VAIO Z Canvas, aside from the fact that it will have a digitizer stylus and up to 1TB of storage.
The VAIO Z and VAIO Z Canvas will be made available first in Japan. No word yet has been made if VAIO plans to sell its devices in the United States.
More than a year ago, Sony abandoned VAIO in light of the business unit's huge losses. At that time, Sony announced that it would concentrate on its lineup of smartphones and tablets as JIP took over ownership and operation of VAIO.
