About the size of a business envelope and roughly as thin as a cell phone, the Sony VAIO P Series Lifestyle PC weighs just 1.4 pounds and is small enough to slip into a jacket pocket or handbag. But more than just offering easy mobility, the Lifestyle PC is packed full of advanced computing, communication, and location capabilties. It comes with the Windows Vista operating system, supporting office applications and all the software programs routinely found in full-size notebooks. This version of the Lifestyle PC (model VGN-P530H/G) comes in emerald green, but it's also available onyx black, garnet red, and crystal white.The Lifestyle PC incorporates built-in wireless WAN 3G Mobile Broadband, 802.11n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technologies. Users can toggle among various wireless options for the most efficient connection--Wi-Fi for working at a coffee shop; Bluetooth for peripherals; and Mobile Broadband service on the Verizon Wireless nationwide network when traveling outside the reach of hotspots (subscription required).

It also incorporates real-time GPS functionality, making it easy to find restaurants, hotels or special sites of interest. Destinations can be found by simply typing in an address or keyword and then following the turn-by-turn directions. It even includes estimated drive times to let you know how far you are from a destination.

 

The high-resolution, backlit 8-inch ultra-wide XBRITE-ECO display provides razor-sharp viewing on the go. It's powered by a 1.33 GHz Intel processor and includes a 60 GB hard drive with G-Sensor shock protection, memory expansion via Memory Stick media and Secure Digital (SD) memory cards, and 2 GB of RAM (maximum capacity), and Windows Vista Home Basic operating system (32-bit).Other features include a Motion Eye webcam (with omnidirectional microphone) integrated into the to right corner of the display bezel for easy video chats, two USB ports, and a VGA port for connecting to an external monitor. The unit features up to four hours of battery life with the included standard capacity battery and eight hours with the large capacity battery (sold separately).

This Sony notebook is Energy Star 4.0 certified, and has received a Silver EPEAT designation for meeting standards to help reduce its environmental impact. Additionally, it is RoHS-compliant, effectively reducing the environmental impact by restricting the use of lead, mercury and certain other hazardous substances.

 

VAIO Lifestyle PC Innovations

Engineered to provide the feel of a larger notebook, the VAIO Lifestyle PC provides a convenient typing experience by extending the keyboard to the perimeters of the chassis maximizing the typing area. The spacing between keys has also been engineered to help reduce typing mistakes making it perfect for long fingernails.When you have more than a few documents or web pages open at once, your screen can get a little chaotic. But thanks to a special window arrangement utility, you can organize them all with one simple touch. Press a button and watch as all your open windows are presented side-by-side on a single screen, cutting clutter and giving you a fresh perspective on your workspace.

 

 

The unit also has an instant-mode option that launches directly into Sony's Xross Media Bar interface, so you can rapidly boot up and access music, video, photos and the Web. A built-in webcam lets you video chat with family, friends and colleagues. A third-party service is required.You don't need an Internet connection (in the U.S. or Canada) with the real-time GPS functionality. Just step outside and type in where you want to go. You'll get turn-by-turn directions displayed right on the map--it's that simple. Other navigation features include real-time tracking of your current location, the ability to search by address, keyword or points of interest, estimated drive times to your desired location and points of interest, such as restaurants and hotels within 50 miles of your location

 

Hard Drive and Memory

This VAIO Lifestyle PC includes a 60 GB hard drive with G-Sensor Shock Protection, which makes your data even less vulnerable to loss or damage. When the built-in 3D acceleration sensor detects a risky movement like being dropped, the HDD-head will lock up to secure its position and protect the disc from scratching. An intelligent algorithm, unique to VAIO PCs, judges whether or not a movement is risky, activating disk drive protection only when your hardware is at risk. The 2 GB of installed memory (non-expandable) has a 533 MHz speed.Screen, Video & Audio

You'll enjoy razor-sharp graphics and widescreen movies with the 8-inch display, which offers a 1600 x 768 widescreen resolution. The XBRITE-ECO technology (with LED backlighting) delivers brilliant colors and stunning clarity with efficient power usage, and it features an anti-reflective coating to minimize reflection and ensure a beautifully clear image from any viewing angle. Video is powered by the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 500 integrated graphics chip, which uses shared video memory (up to 760 MB allocated from the system memory). It's compatible with external monitor resolutions up to 1600 x 1200. The Lifestyle PC also sports an integrated audio card with Intel High Definition Audio and a headphone jack.

 

Networking, Connectivity & Expansion

Enjoy easy wireless networking with the integrated tri-mode Atheros Draft-N wireless LAN (compatible with 802.11b/g/n wireless networks). Based on the draft 802.11n Wi-Fi specification, it offers up to five times the performance and twice the wireless range as existing 802.11g wireless. It's also backward compatible with 802.11b/g networks (commonly found in home routers and wi-fi hotspots). With the Bluetooth 2.1 connectivity, you can communicate and synchronize with Bluetooth-enabled peripherals such as PDAs and cell phones as well as enjoy wireless stereo music streaming (thanks to its embedded A2DP profile). Here's the full list of ports and expansion options:

This notebook also includes a next-generation ExpressCard 34 card slot (though no PCMCIA slot), which lets you take advantage of thinner, faster, and lighter expansion cards for even more advanced wireless, networking, storage, and security features.

Here's the full list of connectivity options:

• 2 USB 2.0 ports for connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras to MP3 players

• Analog video output: 1 VGA

• Memory Stick/Memory Stick PRO slot (Standard/Duo) with MagicGate functionality

• Secure Digital memory card slot (compatible with MMC cards)

• 1 headphone jack

Dimensions & Weight

Weighing just 1.4 pounds (22.4 ounces), the Lifestyle PC measures 9.65 x 4.72 x 0.78 inches. What's in the Box
VAIO P Series Lifestyle PC, lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, power cable, display/LAN adapter. It is backed by a one-year limited hardware warranty, and Sony offers 1-year of toll-free telephone technical assistance.