If you’re in the market for a 13-inch notebook and are looking at the $1,000 price point, Sony would like you to take another look at their VAIO S lineup. The series, which weighs just under four pounds, is receiving a mild update from Sony that leaves most of the hardware without change with the exception of the processor. So, you should expect the same base 4GB RAM, HD screen, and Blu-ray drive with newer versions of the Intel i3s, i5s and i7s processor that equal a slightly faster computer with slightly better battery lifetime. The Sony VAIO S Notebook refresh will be available on October 2nd. After the jump, the official press release and additional pictures.

 

SONY UNVEILS NEW VAIO® S SERIES LAPTOP WITH 15 INCH FULL HD DISPLAY
Full-featured and portable HD PC weighs just 4.4 pounds
SAN DIEGO, August 31, 2011 – Sony today unveiled an all new VAIO S Series laptop
with a 15.5-inch Full HD 1080p display featuring a slim and light design and optional sheet
battery for all-day mobility. The new 15.5-inch S Series continues Sony’s efforts to offer users
advanced performance and design that fits their mobile lifestyles.
At just under 1-inch thin and 4.4 pounds, the 15.5-inch S Series is easy to handle, while
the Full HD display paired with Hybrid Graphics allows for increased productivity. The new
15.5-inch model sports an elegant design in jet black or platinum silver and is crafted with
magnesium and aluminum materials for lightness. When coupled with the advanced large-
capacity optional sheet battery, you can stay mobile and unplugged for up to 12 hours while also
offering a thin battery profile. Intelligent charging enables you to charge the optional sheet
battery separately from the PC and attach it to the system at any time without shutting down for
maximum flexibility.
“We’re proud to announce a new addition to the VAIO S Series family. The 15.5″ S
Series adds a Full HD display and backlit 10-key numeric pad to increase productivity while
maintaining a thin and lightweight profile,” said Mike Lucas, senior vice president of Networked
Technology and Services Division at Sony Electronics. “You can fly nonstop from Los Angeles
to New York and back, or attend a full day of classes on just one charge with this S Series laptop
when combined with the optional sheet battery.”
Performance and Mobility
Performance is top priority with the available second generation Intel® CoreTM i7
processor that delivers even more performance automatically when you need it. With Intel Turbo
Boost Technology 2.0, the processor increases speed automatically, delivering the performance
needed for multitasking. For quicker boot-ups, faster application launches and overall maximum
performance and ample storage, select models are equipped with solid state drives and feature
Quad RAID 0 technology up to 1TB. Security features include Trusted Platform Module (TCG
ver. 1.2 certified) and enhanced online security by Symantec VIP Access technology.
AMD RadeonTM HD 6630 Hybrid Graphics card (select models) with 1GB VRAM gives
a premium visual experience and intense HD performance without placing huge demands on the
CPU. A conveniently placed performance switch lets you choose between Speed mode for
maximum power or Stamina mode for optimized battery life.
The S Series laptop comes with one-touch VAIO, ASSIST and WEB buttons, for
launching Media GalleryTM software, VAIO CareTM support software and access to the web
without full boot-up into Windows®, all with a touch of a button.
Developed by the same people you trust to engineer amazing flat-panel HDTVs, the
VAIO 15.5-inch S Series laptop features exceptional picture quality. The LED backlit display
helps ensure a clear, bright image while conserving battery power. Plus, with an anti-glare
coating, you’ll enjoy more true-to-life images with less light reflection.
The new 15.5 inch S Series also includes a built-in HD web camera powered by an
ExmorTM sensor offering superb video conferencing quality with great low-light performance.
With a built-in microphone, video chats are crisp and clear with family, friends and coworkers.
Face tracking technology allows the camera to automatically adjust focus and follow you as you
move around while video chatting.
Packed with Multimedia
Sony knows entertainment is always at the forefront and the VAIO S Series delivers
whether you’re watching a Blu-ray DiscTM movie or enjoying video captured from your
compatible camcorder. The versatile Blu-ray Disc drive on the VAIO S Series laptop (select
models) combines the power of HD video playback with the convenience and utility of DVD and
CD read/write functionalities. Providing the best picture and the best sound with stunning
clarity, Blu-ray Disc technology is the ultimate way to enjoy your entertainment.
With Intel® Wireless Display 2.1, you can sit back and experience your favorite videos,
photos and music on your TV. Stop crowding around a laptop screen and view and share content
from your hard drive, home network or the Internet wirelessly on your HDTV (adapter sold
separately).
A range of optional accessories includes a sheet battery (VGP-BPSC29), docking station
(VGP-PRS25) and privacy filter (VGP-FL17).
Pricing and Availability
The new VAIO S Series 15.5 inch laptop PC will be available in October at
www.sony.com/sseries starting at about $1,000, and the optional sheet battery at about $150.
Additionally, Sony is refreshing the existing 13.3 inch S Series with the latest second
generation Intel® Core processors and will be available at www.sony.com/sseries starting
October 2, 2011.