New Sony Vaio B1-Series laptops: A Professional Choice
Sony Vaio B1 Series features SXGA+ resolutions, improved keyboards & removable hard drives
Today saw the launch of the first 2 models in the new Sony Vaio B1-Series of laptops - the Sony Vaio VGN-B1XP (VGNB1XP) and the Sony Vaio VGN-B1VP (VGNB1VP) - specially designed for professionals who understand the value of intelligent and practical design.
The power aspect of the new Sony Vaio B1-Series is amply taken care of by the choice of Intel’s latest Pentium-M processors at speeds of up to 1.7GHz. The Sony Vaio B1-Series is fully Centrino certified, so in addition to superior battery life, every machine has high-speed wireless networking (supporting 802.11b/g) for maximum convenience in the office and away from it.
While the Vaio B1-Series case design is stylish, it is also durable and robust, and it was engineered with portability always in mind at an approximate carrying weight of 2.3kg.
Despite compact overall dimensions, the new Sony Vaio B1-Series features a large, highly readable 14-inch diagonal display. A choice of resolutions up to SXGA+ means that users can enjoy the productivity-boosting convenience of a really spacious Windows Desktop with almost 1.8x the workspace available under conventional XGA.
Another vital consideration is the keyboard, which has been enhanced for ease of use and comfort, with larger keys and a full 2mm travel, as well as independent cursor (arrow) keys. Though subtle, the refinements will quickly be appreciated by users with heavier workloads.
When it comes to the bonus of convenience, anyone using a Sony Vaio B1 to drive presentations will instantly grasp the advantages offered by the special Plug and Display feature. This auto-sensing mechanism adjusts the resolution to whatever is appropriate when the laptop is connected to an external display or projector. With Plug and Display, there’s no more need for fiddling about changing resolutions manually, so users can concentrate fully on the business at hand.
The range is supported by an optional Port Replicator, providing instant connection or disconnection from the full array of desktop peripherals. The convenience and freedom of movement it offers makes this an essential accessory in many working environments.
Finally, the hard disk can be removed from any Sony Vaio B1-Series laptop very quickly, without opening the case. This means a user with a damaged laptop can migrate to a fresh laptop in minutes. Alternatively, should it be necessary, sensitive data can be physically secured in a safe with complete ease.
NOTES TO THE EDITOR
Inside the Sony Vaio B1-Series
The Sony Vaio B1-Series consists of two models, the Vaio VGN-B1XP and the Vaio VGN-B1VP. They are powered by Intel Pentium M processors running at 1.7GHz and 1.6GHz respectively. Each machine is configured with a full 512MB of fast 333MHz double data-rate SDRAM to ensure optimum performance even under demanding workloads. The VGN-B1XP has a dual-format DVD±RW burner, while the VGN-B1VP has a DVD-ROM/CD-RW combination drive.See more, do more
Although the Sony Vaio B1-Series offers a compact footprint (approximately 324 x 255mm W x D) the range is equipped with a full-size 14-inch display. The Sony Vaio VGN-B1VP operates in XGA resolution, but the VGN-B1XP offers SXGA+ resolution (1400 x 1050). This yields almost 1.8x the usable workspace of conventional 1024 x 768 XGA screens, which means less time spent scrolling, and the convenience of being able to run applications side by side.Key comforts
In order to ensure the best user experience, and the productivity that goes with it, the Sony Vaio B1-Series features an enhanced keyboard design. This incorporates full pitch 19.05mm keys and a 2mm key travel, both working together to encourage rapid, accurate and comfortable typing. Additional touches like the wide right Shift key and dedicated cursor (arrow) keys help make the keyboard easy to use and intuitive.Stamina
Intel’s Centrino technology is a byword for both mobile performance and seamlessly integrated wireless networking, but it also means enhanced power efficiency and power management. The Lithium-Ion batteries that drive the Sony Vaio B1-Series can keep these laptops going for up to 3.5 hours when users are working on the move. When stamina is critical, the optional extended-life battery (PCGA-BP4V) can double the running time on DC.Freedom and flexibility with the Docking Station
The optional Docking Station (VGP-PRB1) is designed to allow Sony Vaio B1-Series users to take full advantage of the freedom and flexibility inherent in mobile computing. It includes 3 x USB connectors, a parallel port and conventional analogue VGA-out.Additional accessories for the Sony Vaio B1-Series include a replacement battery (PCGA-BP2V) and a replacement AC Adapter (PCGA-AC16V8).
Sony Vaio B1-Series software
The Sony Vaio B1-Series is supplied with a large and varied selection of quality software, ranging from Microsoft Windows XP Professional edition and Microsoft Works to Sony exclusives like SonicStage, PictureGear Studio and DVGate. The AV editing and data management tools in the VAIO applications are further augmented by the Adobe Companion Pack for VAIO. This contains the versatile Adobe Premiere Standard video editing application, in a version only available to VAIO owners, and the highly regarded Adobe Photoshop Elements image editor. The pack also features the widely used Acrobat document reader and Acrobat Elements, an extension kit for the reader normally only available to corporates holding site licences for 1,000-plus users. Elements allows documents generated by Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint and Outlook to be converted to Adobe PDF format so that they can be distributed and viewed in their original form by anyone with the Acrobat reader.VAIO Zone
Exploiting the full AV-IT potential of VAIO systems has never been easier thanks to the new VAIO Zone interface. VAIO Zone was developed for maximum ease of use, making it the ideal way for individuals who are not experienced PC users to explore and master the many AV-IT features VAIO systems have to offer. With VAIO Zone, users can rapidly access key functions including, music, photo collections, and DVD playback. Visually elegant, functionally refined and deceptively simple to use, VAIO Zone is the perfect way for people to interact with their VAIO system.VAIO Software and the Adobe Companion Pack
The Adobe Companion Pack is exclusive to Sony’s VAIO product family, and contains a special version of Adobe Premiere 6.0, empowering users with a powerful but easily mastered video editing capability. The highly-regarded Adobe Photoshop Elements 2.0 photo editor complements Premiere 6.0, and Photoshop Album Starter Edition provides comprehensive tools for managing any photo archive. The Companion Pack also makes it easy to prepare a wide range of documents for sharing with other users. The Adobe Acrobat Elements resource, included along with the latest version of the Acrobat Reader, can convert files created by Microsoft applications including Word, Excel and Powerpoint into Acrobat PDF format, ready for electronic distribution.
