Sony Corp. today took the wraps off its chic new line of mini notebooks, the so-called “VAIO W Series.” Officials at the Tokyo-based consumer electronics giant said Tuesday that they’ll launch a tiny new laptop in August, marking the company’s widely anticipatec entrance into the competitive “netbook” PC market.

 

Generally, Netbooks are preferred by users because of their ultra-compact size and affordability. The new lightweight machines from Sony include a 160 GB hard drive, full Windows operating systems and enable Internet access and emailing as well as play music, stream videos and facilitate light computing while traveling.

 

“The W Series lets you quickly look something up online whether searching for a recipe in the kitchen or relaxing on your recliner – there’s no need to trudge upstairs to your office,” said Mike Abary, senior vice president of the VAIO business group at Sony. “And it’s sturdy enough for the kids to use, making it perfect for every member of the family.”

 

The W Series, pictured right, incorporates a high-resolution, 1366 x 768, LED backlit 10.1-inch (measured diagonally) ultra-wide display, making it easy to view two full web pages – no side-to-side scrolling necessary. A built-in webcam and microphone allow users to video chat with family, friends and colleagues.

 

The W model comes in three colors – pink, white and brown and will retail for about $500. It is available for pre-orders today online, and will also be sold at Sony Style stores and at other major retailers around the country starting next month.

 

Sony – which makes audio, video, communications, and information technology products for the consumer and professional markets – recorded consolidated annual sales of approximately $78.9 billion for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2009.