Hey folks,

Sorry for the long break we took this summer, but I thought I would let other Sony enthusiasts know about a new desktop coming to the States in mid September.

A little bit of History. Sony has been known for its devotion to all in one PCs since they launched their VAIO line. Back than they produced a number of very attractive computers that one would not be ashamed to show off, because the form factor and design of the case are those things that attract many buyers. Anyways, you might have seen VAIO LX series back in 2001 (LX900 series featured a nice PenTablet LCD), then came along VAIO W series with the keyboard that could fold up on the screen and turn it into a cool stereo with a nice GUI, V and VA series were the latest ones. The main idea of the all in one and slim concept was to get rid of the bulky CPU box that would sit on the floor and have it all nicely tucked behind the LCD screen. The styling is always a number one prerogative when a VAIO is being designed.

Believe it or not, but I have owned all of the above VAIO creations and still am happy with them. In summer 2006 VAIO Japan introduced yet another line of all in one VAIOs - L1 series. When I saw it first I was very impressed. VAIO engineers borrowed some ideas from their TV WEGA Division and incorporated their famous floating screen design into VAIO L1. I was hoping that Sony US will bring this baby here and my prayers were not in vain. Just not long ago Sony posted a press release:

“Combining the power of a PC with a quality LCD and stylish design, Sony today unveiled the new VAIO® LS1 TV/PC Combo.

Sleek, yet highly-functional, this new device compliments any room in the house where space is at a premium, but entertainment, performance and style is a must.

Featuring a framed display with a transparent border for a stunning, floating effect, the LS1 model packs the essentials for powerful computing into a slim chassis discreetly hidden behind the back of a flat-panel 19-inch WSXGA+ (1680 x 1050) LCD display.

The new VAIO LS1 TV/PC model incorporates an Intel^® Core™ Duo processor, 2GB of RAM and a roomy 250 GB hard drive for running multiple, demanding applications simultaneously, such as watching and/or recording a TV show while downloading music in the background. The unit is a Windows Vista™ capable PC. It is also Windows Vista Premium ready.

“The LS1 model is a testament to our design and engineering prowess incorporating all the power of a desktop into a showpiece design,” remarked Mike Abary, vice president of VAIO product marketing at Sony Electronics in the U.S.

For tidy interior design, the LS1 TV/PC incorporates personal computing into the living space without any unsightly wires. Network cables are discretely routed; ports are conveniently located on the sides; and wired connections are minimized. An included wireless mouse and wireless aluminum keyboard folds up for a beautiful presentation when not in use.

By utilizing the unit’s built-in wireless LAN (802.11 b/g) technology, the VAIO LS1 TV/PC can be positioned virtually anywhere in the home and still access Internet sites, e-mail, and a home network.

It’s a TV/ PC Home Entertainment System

Sporting a 19-inch widescreen display powered by Sony’s XBRITE-HiColor™ technology , the unit doubles as a flat-panel TV delivering dazzling colors and sharp images whether displaying a movie, television show or web content.

The LS1 model ships with Microsoft^® Windows^® XP MCE 2005 and a built-in NTSC TV tuner providing DVR-like recording capabilities. It also has a built-in DVD burner and Sony’s Click to DVD^® software so you can create a digital entertainment library for personal viewing at your convenience.

The new VAIO TV/PC also features an audio/video quick resume switch that shuts down the display and the audio output without the PC having to enter sleep mode. This allows you to return to full PC functionality without waiting for the computer to shut down or boot up.

Making it easy to stay in touch with family and friends, the LS1 TV/PC Combo also includes an integrated camera and microphone for recording and transmitting video messages.

The VAIO LS1 TV/PC Combo will be available in mid-September for about $2,100 at authorized retailers nationwide, online at sonystyle.com and at Sony Style ® stores (for locations visit www.sonystyle.com/retail) in select fashion malls around the country. Pre-orders begin online today at www.sony.com.”

Make your own judgement now and check out the new LS1:

Here are some pics for you to compare the evolution of all in one VAIOs:
LX Series:

VAIO W Series:

VAIO V series:

VA series:

Of course I have not mentioned some all in one VAIOs like VAIO M and HS series as well as P101 that unfortunately have never made it to the States.

Check out the official Japanese site for L1 series here (in my view they do the best job in Flash to promote their products online).

Categories: General