Sony VAIO JP announced its Summer 2005 VAIO kickoff. I have not noticed however any new VAIO models (I guess they are saving those for the Fall 2005). The only new addons were the following:

Software As usual updated applications like Do VAIO (VAIO Zone) 1.4, Click to DVD 2.4, SonicStage 3.0 (not sure why not 3.1), some VAIO notebooks now include Image Converter 2.1 for PSP, SonicStage Mastering Studio 1.4, VAIO Media 1.4

Hardware No new additions to VAIO notebooks or desktops, but a few modifications were done.
1. VAIO FS series now feature an AV like dock with a TV tuner: VGP-PRFS10V
2. VAIO A series has two versions VGN-ASXX (with 15.4’‘) comes with a remote and a TV tuner installed inside and VGN-A series the usual 17” with an AV dock and some sort of D4 converter accessory. VGP-MCA10 MS Pro/Duo card adapter now comes standard with the notebooks. Also both As have integrated buttons like REC, Play, REW/FF, Volume, etc in front of the keyboard.
3. A number of VAIO notebooks and desktops now have FeliCa card reader/writer integrated. Seems like that smart card technology is picking up in Japan big time. Sony US is still testing FeliCa cards here (I’m one of the testers :wink: ), so we’ll see if it lives up to its purpose here.
4. VAIO has some redesigned type H model. I think it looks very sexy in white! The LCD looks kinda funky though. The high end model has 2 TV tuners now.

5. VAIO M desktop is in blue as well and I think looks cute too.

Available in JP and EU, VAIO US has decided not to bring it here for the Fall/Winter season.
6. well and a new mouse VGP-UMS50 which also looks cool and was mentioned before in some other thread here.

I think that’s it. If I missed something feel free to add.  :wink:
Stan

That is some great stuff guy thanks for spreading the word

Here is some more interesting info I found on the new A series released in Japan. Hopefully the US and EU will follow up.
“InterVideo announced today that its InterVideo InstantON technology is now shipping with the Sony Type A series, VGN-AS53B and VGN-AS53S VAIO notebooks in Japan.

From the press release:

The type A series from the new Sony VAIO notebooks offers consumers a full digital media center with features that are unique to its product line. The first of their class, the Sony VAIO AS53B/AS53S notebooks have integrated a complete entertainment package with InterVideo InstantON. Branded as “Instant Mode,” these compact notebooks pack an array of consumer electronic features. By integrating InstantON with the notebooks, consumers can benefit from instant access of TV, DVD, CD-Audio playback all from one product. In addition, the notebooks include a remote control that allows users to select their media entertainment programs from the comfort of their couch.

“The new Sony VAIO notebooks set a new benchmark for consumer notebooks that optimizes the comprehensive home entertainment experience,” said Steve Ro, CEO and Founder of InterVideo. “With advanced components and InterVideo InstantON technology, these notebooks provide consumers with a perfect blend of productivity and entertainment. InterVideo is delighted that Sony has chosen InterVideo InstantON to power their new VAIO AS53B/AS53S notebooks.”

By utilizing InterVideo InstantON as a dual-boot configuration, users can enjoy both CE entertainment features and PC-based computing tasks all in one machine. New to its product line, the Sony VAIO notebooks are equipped with built in TV Tuner cards that allow users to directly record their favorite TV programs to a DVD disc while in “Instant Mode.” The Sony VAIO AS53B/AS53S offers users with instant access to an extensive digital entertainment package from viewing and recording TV programs, watching DVD movies or even listening to audio CDs with superior playback clarity. Playback is enhanced with advanced navigation technology that allows users to skip DVD chapters, fast forward/backward, pause.

Designed for both functionality and features that are found in PC desktops, the VAIO AS53B/S notebooks are loaded with advanced components to make it a robust mobile machine on the go. The AS53B/S VAIO notebooks are equipped with a 15.4 inch WSXGA screen that displays 1280x800 resolution, 512MB of memory storage, 100GB HDD, wirelessly internet connection through IEEE 802.11b/g, FeliCa wireless interface and each notebook weighs 3.4kg. Also, the notebooks include instant AV mode that allows audio CD, DVD, TV and direct recording TV programs onto DVD-RW or DVD-RAM drives. In addition, the notebooks support three dimensional Y/C separated circuit which provides clear image and enhanced TV quality for a superior viewing experience.

Availability

Sony VAIO VGN-AS53B and VGN-AS53S notebooks with InstantON technology are now available in the Japan market. For more information, please visit http://www.vaio.sony.co.jp/Products/VGN-AS53B/ ” from Designtechnica.

Surprised there’s no new ultra portable. The T series, for Sony standards, has been out for quite a while now and since sony likes a short shelf life without an upgrade, thought for sure there would be a new T.

In Canada there is only 2 models. And its been like that since the T was released.

I checked out the US release and FS 600 series will also feature a dock with a TV tuner and the A700 series, the high end model has 100 Gig SATA HD and ATI X600 256 Mb video card.