SONY DEBUTS VAIO PCG-VX88 NOTEBOOK PC.

Sony debuts the VAIO PCG-VX88 notebook PC, combining the best of mobility with the screen and keyboard real estate of its full-sized siblings -- all in one lightweight package.

Road warriors who prefer to be free from the leash of a power cord and phone jack will appreciate this notebook's svelte design, wireless connectivity and extended battery life. An 14.1-inch LCD display and finger-friendly full-size notebook keyboard combine with integrated Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11b) access to keep the user connected and productive. This notebook also features a Low Voltage Pentium III 850MHz-M processor and high-capacity lithium-ion battery that will provide power for up to five hours between charges.

"This is an attention-grabbing piece of gear," said Mark Hanson, vice president and general manager of VAIO PC marketing for Sony Electronics. "The VX88 model looks like it belongs in first-class, but fits on a coach-class tray table."

The VAIO VX88 PC comes standard with an external CD-RW/DVD combo drive that connects via an enhanced i.LINK (IEEE 1394) interface. This allows the drive to draw power directly from the notebook, eliminating the need for an external power supply. Users can watch a full DVD movie on a coast-to-coast flight, or burn presentations onto CDs on-the-spot.

Style with Substance -- On-Board Applications and Connectivity Options

Sony's PC is wrapped in a tapered magnesium alloy casing that makes a fashion statement at any meeting. An innovative hinge design maximizes the viewable screen space without adding to the unit's overall roofline. The whole package is just about an inch thin and weighs in at just over 4 pounds. And the notebook comes standard with a suite of multimedia digital editing software, including Sony's MovieShaker, DigitalPrint, Smart Capture and DVgate applications, allowing users to edit and share high-resolution images and presentations no matter where their travels take them.

In addition to the i.LINK interface, the VX88 offers several other connectivity options, including a Memory Stick media slot and two USB ports. This gives the user the ability to connect to today's universe of Memory Stick products, including camcorders, digital still cameras, printers, voice recorders and more.

Availability and Pricing

The VAIO VX88 notebook PC ships next month in two configurations. The base model comes with Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition for about $1,900 after a $100 mail-in rebate. The VAIO VX88P model is also available for about $2,000 with the Microsoft Windows XP Professional operating system.

Key Specifications, PCG-VX88 and PCG-VX88P VAIO Notebook PC

VAIO PCG-VX88 and PCG-VX88P CPU Low Voltage Mobile Pentium III processor 850 MHz - M featuring Intel SpeedStep technology

LCD Display 14.1-inch XGA TFT screen

Operating System Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition Microsoft Windows XP Home Professional

Dimensions Height - 0.7" front, 1.3" rear Width - 12.3" Depth - 10.3" 4.42 lbs. light

Among Included

Software Applications

Microsoft Word 2002 Quicken 2002 New User Edition RealNetworks Real Jukebox RealNetworks RealPlayer Sony DVgate Sony MovieShaker InterVideo WinDVD 2000 Sony Pico Player Sony SonicStage Screenblast ACID (Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition only) Screenblast Sound Forge (Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition only) Adobe Photoshop Elements Trial Version Sony DigitalPrint Sony Smart Capture America Online (subscription required) Skydesk Smartclone 90 Day Trial Version Trend Micro PC-Cillin 90 Day Trial Version VAIO Support Agent

Interfaces IEEE 802.11b Bus/Interface: mini PCI Radio frequency band: 2.4 GHz (ISM band) i.LINK (IEEE 1394) S400 interface supports high-speed digital video, audio, and data transfer capabilities among compatible Sony products Memory Stick media slot Jog Dial control 2 USB port RJ-11 modem jack RJ-45 Ethernet VGA output

Standard RAM 256 MB SDRAM, expandable to 384 MB Hard Disk 30.0 GB hard drive Battery High-capacity lithium-ion battery About 3.5-5.5 hours with standard battery About 7.0-11.0 hours with double-capacity battery

Digital Video Intel 815EM integrated graphics chip with Intel D.V.M. technology with up to 11.0 MB SDRAM (shared)

Digital Audio Windows sound system compatible with 3D surround Built-in stereo speakers; monaural mini-jack microphone Modem Integrated V.90 modem Optional Accessories Additional standard battery (PCGA-BP2S/HI) $299.99 Double capacity battery (PCGA-BP4S) $499.99 USB Mouse (PCGA-UMS1/A) $49.99 USB floppy drive (PCGA-UFD5) $79.99 Large carrying case (PCGA-CCGX) $129.99 Carrying case (PCGA-CCF) $99.99 Notebook backpack (PCGA-CCP1) $69.99 Neoprene notebook & AC adapter cases (PCGA-CCN1) $19.99 Additional AC adapter (PCGA-AC16V3) $99.99 External speakers (PCGA-SP1) $79.99 256 MB additional memory (PCGA-MM1256T) $399.99 2.4GHz Wireless LAN access point (PCWA-A200) $299.99 5GHz wireless LAN access point (PCWA-A500) $399.99 5GHz wireless LAN PC card (PCWA-C500) $179.99.

Availability Mid-May

Rebates $100 mail-in-rebate

Estimated Selling Price: PCG-VX88, $1,999, PCG-VX88P, $2,099

Sony can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.sony.com and http://www.sonystyle.com/vaio .

For more information, call 858/942-8016.