More Vaio TT Specifications Emerge

Update: The Vaio TT has officially been announced by Sony. All of the specs below are accurate. Check it out.

According to SonyStyle’s Vaio Advisor, the four model names for the unannounced TT series that we helped uncover over the weekend will be VGN-TT190EIN (gold), VGN-TT190EIR (red), VGN-TT190NIB (black), and VGN-TT190UBX (premium carbon fiber black). The Vaio Advisor also has helped us piece together some specifications on each. Let’s start off with the powerhouse VGN-TT190UBX, which is seriously one of the most fully loaded ultra portable laptops we’ve ever seen:

VGN-TT190UBX:

• 11.1 inch LED screen with XBRITE-DuraView™ (1366×768)
• Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor SU9400 at 1.4ghz
• 4GB of DDR3 RAM
• 2.87 pounds
• (2x) Blu-Ray writer, reader / DVD writer, reader / CD writer, reader
• 250gb (128GBx2 RAID) solid state hard drive
• HDMI output, 2 USB ports
• Built-in camera
• Memory stick Pro, SD slot
• Bluetooth, 802.11b/g/n, ethernet
• Windows Vista Ultimate

Common features of the VGN-TT190EIN, VGN-TT190EIR, VGN-TT190NIB:

• 11.1 inch LED screen with XBRITE-DuraView™ (1366×768)
• Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor SU9300 at 1.2ghz
• Up to 4GB of DDR3 RAM
• 2.87 pounds
• Hard drive options max out at 160GB (non SSD, SATA 5400rpm)
• DVD writer, reader / CD writer, reader
• HDMI output, 2 USB ports, VGA output
• Built-in camera
• Memory stick Pro, SD slot
• Bluetooth, 802.11a/b/g/n, ethernet; we are unsure which model will have the EVDO that was cleared by FCC
• Windows Vista® Home Premium (VGN-TT190EIN/VGN-TT190EIR), or Windows Vista® Business (VGN-TT190NIB can also get XP Pro)

Unfortunately, we still do not have any pictures. I honestly don’t expect anything from Sony today, because the FCC documents requested secrecy until October 1st. It is encouraging however that the specifications are somewhat available on SonyStyle, however. Here is a PDF we’ve uploaded that contains all of the specifications directly from SonyStyle’s Vaio Advisor.

Vaio TT Information Coming Monday?

Update2: The TT was officially released today. Check it out.

Update: We found specifications on the TT series at SonyStyle’s Vaio Advisor Tool.

According to several forum users at NotebookReview, the next TZ series will be labeled as the TT series and more information about these notebooks will debut on Monday. b|lly started the rumor fire by simply stating, “Its finally here! The next TZ serie will be TT. Hope to get specs and prices soon. It suppose to hit europe in 3-4 weeks time.” Another poster by the name of Nixon chimed in and added, “You’ll find out Monday what it’s called and what it is.” and confirmed that it’s not a netbook, but a “notebook.” We agree.

This image above is from a FCC DTS report. After spending some time reading over various PDF’s, we can now confirm the specific model numbers in the TT series will be PCG-4Q1L, PCG-4Q3L, and PCG-4Q4L. We can also confirm that this new Vaio TT series will have 802.11a/b/g/n, bluetooth, and the PCG-4Q1L will have EVDO. Why do we know this? Because of the aforementioned FCC filings. Check out the image below from the FCC Label ID and Location Info (click for larger version):

Internet retailer B&H has also somewhat confirmed this new series of Sony laptops by recently modifying their listing for the VAIO Privacy Filter for TZ laptops by changing the title to “Vaio Privacy Filter for TZ and TT Series.” With this in mind, it’s fair to assume that the TT series will probably have the same 11.1 inch screen as the TZ.

Stay tuned to Sony Insider for more information when we recieve it. This news is a Sony Insider exclusive, brought to you here first. Thanks, Ascariss.

Vids and Photos from My Graphic Splash Contest

Now that the contest is over and lucky winners were announced, Jen from Sony’s Blog posted some cool pictures and a few videos. We commend Sony for letting the public be a part of creating splash designs and show off its creativity. Another contest run by Sony – HDNA finished recently too and we’ll update you on the winning HDNA user created video soon.

Check out this interview with Mike Abary, Senior Vice President of VAIO Marketing:

VAIO CS Fashionista

We all know Sony’s VAIO division kidnaps a number of well-known fashion designers and holds them captive until they come up with some beautifully outfitted in Haute couture styles. Some of you might remember the first fashion oriented statement VAIO presented on the podium in the form of VAIO QR model. VAIO QR conquered a number of female hearts as it was something ladies were looking to own, instead of having some non-curvy Dell or business oriented IBM.

Today we see more and more colors beautifying our electronics from Cybershot cameras, switchable panels and grilles on Bravia to VAIO accessories (even Rolly has its own choice of color in accessories).

Recently released VAIO CS is another fashion statement and is truly pleasing to eyes. With the CS series, the styling is completely integrated. The use of harmonized colors extends throughout, from the casing to the palm rest and exposed inner surfaces. Everything is meticulously designed, from the shape of each key on the keyboard to the touch-sensitive AV controls that respond to the brush of a fingertip. The effect is a visual and tactile experience that rewards the attention.

Just check this gallery and see it for yourself:

VAIO Accessories for Fall 2008

Usually when Sony VAIO Japan announces new entourage of VAIO notebooks, we also like to expect to get some new accessories and VAIO toys to complement your purchase. This fall there were just a few new accessory items that I would like to share with you on Sony Insider.

VAIO Bluetooth Mouse VGP-BMS77

This bluetooth Ver 2.0 + EDR/2.4GH mouse come with a charging cradle/dock that will take care of the juice pumping function when you are done for the day. The fully charged mouse should last you around 4 weeks. With its power saving function, the battery charge level is detected automatically in order to prevent overcharge and deterioration of the battery itself.

In addition it supports 800/1200/1600dpi resolution and provides smooth movement of the cursor if used on big screen LCDs. Also the bottom of the mouse has PTFE coating for smooth operation. Ergonomically this mouse is easy on your hand (using a similar VAIO mouse right now).

In other mouse news, Sony outfitted its mice with colors to match your VAIO as well.

A number of Mouse Pads with pretty designs are also now available to match your colorful mice and your colorful CS VAIO series.

VAIO 250GB Portable Hard Drive VGP-UHDM25

As we mentioned earlier, an updated version of a sleek portable VAIO hard drive VGP-UHDM25 a 250 GB capacity is now available. Its wireless security keys (2 supplied) will help you keep your date secure and if someone gets hold of you drive and plugs it in to their computer (via USB 2.0), access to the drive will be denied. I really like its brushed aluminum look and own a couple of these drives myself.

This new drive comes with a leather case this time instead of a cloth pouch supplied with previous models.

VGP-DHA1 for Best Photo Viewing Experience

An interesting foldable accessory/case was designed for the newly announced A series notebook might attract some attention if you decide to get it out and create your little space at the Starbucks coffee shop (I doubt though this will be available in the States). It is supposed to be used for those guys who work with photos to prevent glare and reflection.

Here is what it looks when it is all together:

And here how you get it to unfold:

Lastly, I am surprised Sony did not throw a portable VAIO Blu-ray drive at this time. Their last drive still does the usual DVD+-RW DL stuff.

VAIO TZ Recall

Some unfortunate news were released today regarding the recall of VAIO TZ notebooks. It has been reported on CNN and other online sources that certain VAIO TZ models (TZ100, 200, 300 and 2000 series in the US) may overheat and cause burns. Irregularly positioned wires near the computer’s hinge and/or a dislodged screw inside the hinge can cause a short circuit and overheating. This poses a burn hazard to consumers.

To find out if your VAIO notebook is one of the affected units, please visit this link: http://esupport.sony.com/fixmypc. You will be prompted to input your product code and serial number located on the bottom of the notebook. It will be checked automatically against the range of affected units. If you find that your PC is one of the affected models, follow the instructions on the website and make arrangements for an inspection. You may also call our VAIO TZ customer hotline at 1-888-526-6219 to determine whether your notebook computer is affected by this issue and whether service is required.

At no charge, Sony will provide an inspection and, if necessary, on-site repair at your home or office. Alternatively, you can ship your notebook to our service center. You will also get an extended 2 year warranty.

Sony Readying A New Portable 250GB Vaio Hard Drive – VGP-UHDM25

Back in 2005, Sony released the VGP-UHDM08, a portable hard drive that had USB 2.0 connectivity. The stylishly encased 80GB hard-drive was a 4200rpm speed and super slim. The device was quite successful due to the inclusion of the ability to run off two AA batteries. Recent FCC filings by Sony are showing a new device with a similar model name – the VGP-UHDM25. Based on the nomenclature of the series, one would expect this new portable hard drive from Sony to be 250GB. Features are unknown at this time, but its predecssor did include two wireless keys, which allowed the user to lock and unlock the data if the key was in range (check out reference image at the bottom of this entry). It was a pretty unique feature but at this point in time something a little more modern would be a built in fingerprint scanner, etc. The overall appearance will probably be just as minimalistic as before. Hopefully the price point will be minimalistic, too.

The information stated in this post is purely speculative and based on the experience of observing Sony products for more than a decade. This collected information is a Sony Insider exclusive, brought to you first.

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Reference image: First generation product in this series, the VGP-UHD08

Information courtesy of the FCC.

VAIO Summer Parade

As promised last week, an official release of VAIO summer line up has taken off. Amazing pics and specs are listed as well. VAIO engineers have done a great job as usual crafting those notebooks and making them solid and an eye candy! So what’s your pick? VAIO Z or SR? VAIO original software included a new revamped VAIO Media Plus application which replaced an awkward, not too user friendly VAIO Media. VAIO Media Plus has an XMB interface that’s easy to navigate and what it does is it connects to any networked computer and you are able to view and listen to its content. Check out the Demo here.

VAIO Z Series Unearthed

After we have discovered some leaked specs and pictures of new line up of VAIO notebooks (i.e. FW and SR), it did not take long for VAIO Z series to show up again. I have come across the German spec sheet that lists VAIO Z beauty. The top of the line notebook will be featuring a whopping 4 Gigs of RAM (at least in Europe), 256 MB NVIDIA graphics, 250GB HDD and HDMI out. For some reason though Blu-ray drive is not present in this category.

Next week, VAIO US models will be released so we will know for sure all the specs and better high-res pictures and maybe some surprises. I hope VAIO will redefine its VAIO UX model and make it slimmer and with better keyboard.

VAIO FW and SR Pictures Leak

We recently posted about the leaked Sony VAIO SR and FW series manuals that showed up on Sony Support site (and now removed) and now Circuit City was a bit too excited as new models are out (updated VAIO LT30 series) and posted a pre-sale of VAIO FW and SR. And look what we’ve got here! Supposedly SR is a replacement of CR series and FW had a very nice face-lift from FZ series. If you look at the pictures, you will notice the design of FW resembles a lot of VAIO PCG-Z series (there was a nice teaser posted by Sony before VAIO Z was released…all curvy and nice). Anyways, VAIO SR looks like a beefed up VAIO TZ.

So all we need now is to see what VAIO VGN-Z series look like… Stay tuned, Sony will be letting all the details out soon!

VAIO SR:

FW series: