Sony Announces VAIO Fit Series of Laptops
by Jarred Walton on May 7, 2013 5:25 PM EST- Posted in
- Laptops
- Intel
- Sony
- Ivy Bridge
- VAIO
- NVIDIA
- thin and light
- VAIO Fit
Today Sony is launching their newest line of laptops, the VAIO Fit series. There will be two different lines, the Fit and the Fit E, and all of the new laptops are "thin and light" and feature aluminum exteriors. Sony didn't provide detailed specifications, but it sounds like the VAIO Fit series is going after users that like the idea of an Ultrabook but aren't willing to pay the higher price premiums. That likely means entry level models will come with conventional HDD storage rather than SSDs or hybrid solutions, though Sony does note that SSDs and hybrid options are available on higher spec models.
Noteworthy features of the VAIO Fit laptops include 1600x900 HD+ LCDs on the 14" model and 1080p displays on the 15.6" models, with both sizes offering optional capacitive touchscreens. Sony also touts improved webcam functionality and high quality audio and states, with the 14E and 15E including "big box speakers" as well as a subwoofer on the 15E. All of the laptops also feature full-size backlit keyboards, with a numeric keypad on the 15" models. Finally, the VAIO Fit laptops will also feature Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, allowing users to share website URLs and other data with compatible NFC devices.
As with other recent announcements, the timing is enough to let you know that the models being discussed today are using Ivy Bridge (3rd Generation Intel Core processors), but we may see updates after the Haswell launch. Processor support tops out at Core i7 (presumably dual-core), with Core i3 and i5 also available. NVIDIA Graphics will also be an option, though the specific GPUs aren't listed.
The Fit 14 and 15 will be available in mid-May and will start at $649 and $699 respectively. The Fit 14E and 15E are apparently the lower-spec models and will launch at prices of $549 and $579.
Source: Sony PR
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Bob Todd - Tuesday, May 7, 2013 - link
I'm glad to see them ditching 768p screens on the mainstream model, but what the hell is the point of "thin and light" if the things can only last 3-4 hours even with ULV parts/integrated graphics? The 15E model only has a freaking 2670 mAh battery! Sony quotes a 3 hour 45 minute runtime which is absolutely pathetic. Mobile is supposed to be you know...mobile.Kutark - Tuesday, May 7, 2013 - link
Honestly, i can't think of many situations where i would be away from a plug for 3 hours or more. 3 hours and 45 min, whilst not spectacular, isnt exactly the end of the world. I think maybe you're over reacting a bit. I mean, if it was 4hr 30min would you still be having an anuerysm?Peskarik - Wednesday, May 8, 2013 - link
3h45m is probably in idle, which means if you do anything of value on the laptop then it is <2h, which is krap, because if my laptop runs <2h than I want at least the ability to replace/expand components. Therefore I'd choose T530 or W530 or something similar rather than VAIO.P.S. I had Vaio 15" once, that was the worse laptop I've ever had.
drealar - Friday, May 10, 2013 - link
Nope, engadget did the review for Vaio Fit 15 and it lasted 3:37 hours which right on the money with what Sony advertised.Shark Tek - Wednesday, May 8, 2013 - link
As Peskarik said. That time is usually doing very very light stuff. Normally is way less than that.A very typical situation in my case is that flying to my hometown takes 3.5 hrs. This laptop doesnt work for me.
Tams80 - Thursday, May 9, 2013 - link
I was using my laptop for seven hours on battery today and that's a normal day for me. The only thing that stopped me going longer was that I ran out of power. OK, there were plugs nearby, but they were all being used.drealar - Friday, May 10, 2013 - link
First up it is $300 cheaper than typical ultrabooks and it really is not trying to be one. Secondly 1080p for the 15" really does eats up more battery, so I won't comment until other makers produce 1080p laptop at similar price point. BTW engadget reports that the Fit 15 lasted 3:37 hours, at least Sony is being more honest than most makers (advertised 7 hours but 5 hours with normal use). Given the Fit 15 is 5.05 lbs, I don't think they're suppose to be really mobile in the first place.PEJUman - Friday, May 10, 2013 - link
which part of thin & light implies awesome working hours? it's just another name for value/mainstream nowadays. I see workstation line requiring 8+ hrs nowdays, ultraportable/ultrabook at 6+hours. gaming line 3hrs min under light loads.I for one is happy to see ivybridge i5 @ $600 (retail, non-sale/deal/clearance) with 1080p and 3+ hours.
Hulk - Tuesday, May 7, 2013 - link
IPS screen option?JarredWalton - Tuesday, May 7, 2013 - link
I've asked for additional details; hopefully I can update this with specs in the near future. For now, I would assume TN panels, but I didn't get a spec sheet/PDF so I don't know.