| Author |
 Topic  |
|
nomo
Average Member
814 Posts |
 Posted - 01/08/2009 : 12:08:50
|
Mike Abary, Senior Vice President of Sony Information Technology Products, discusses the new P-series in the Laptop Magazine article, "Sony: Vaio P Will Make You Forget About Other Netbooks"
quote:
Originally posted at laptopmag.com
... we designed this product from the ground up with a particular consumer in mind... That consumer is more interested in style and design and very interested in form factor and mobility. It is skewed more female than male. And, quite frankly, there is less emphasis on speeds and feeds and more emphasis on how this product is going to make you look and feel. That type of customer probably doesn't even know what a netbook is. The customer we are targeting is probably not going to do product comparisons; they are going to look at this product and say "that is unbelievable."
... The decent typing experience is one differentiator for sure. The second is the LCD; it is a very high resolution 8 inch LED with a 1600 x 768 resolution. The reason we did this was we wanted to mirror and replicate the experience they have at home on their primary PC... We feel that customers will primarily use this PC for Web browsing. With Web browsing we eliminate the side-to-side scrolling that you have on other similarly sized ultraportables. But we also have a function key (F10) for magnifying, which increases the size of font and of items but doesn’t change the resolution.
|
Edited by - nomo on 01/09/2009 01:53:44 |
 |
|
|
nomo
Average Member
814 Posts |
|
|
mr1
Average Member
USA
724 Posts |
Posted - 01/09/2009 : 03:10:33
|
quote:
Originally posted by nomo
Mike Abary, Senior Vice President of Sony Information Technology Products, discusses the new P-series in the Laptop Magazine article, "Sony: Vaio P Will Make You Forget About Other Netbooks"
quote:
Originally posted at laptopmag.com
... we designed this product from the ground up with a particular consumer in mind... That consumer is more interested in style and design and very interested in form factor and mobility. It is skewed more female than male. And, quite frankly, there is less emphasis on speeds and feeds and more emphasis on how this product is going to make you look and feel. That type of customer probably doesn't even know what a netbook is. The customer we are targeting is probably not going to do product comparisons; they are going to look at this product and say "that is unbelievable."
... The decent typing experience is one differentiator for sure. The second is the LCD; it is a very high resolution 8 inch LED with a 1600 x 768 resolution. The reason we did this was we wanted to mirror and replicate the experience they have at home on their primary PC... We feel that customers will primarily use this PC for Web browsing. With Web browsing we eliminate the side-to-side scrolling that you have on other similarly sized ultraportables. But we also have a function key (F10) for magnifying, which increases the size of font and of items but doesn’t change the resolution.
So, designed for and targeted at people that don't know much of anything about computers, don't really need one, don't comparison shop, have too much money and need a tool to help them think they look good? So why aren't we impressed again?
MR1
5010D-60G HD,1GB RAM XPP
12/2005 P1510 30GB (Upgraded to 60GB HD)1GB Ram XPT BT Portreplicator |
|
|
|
tmt
Advanced Member
2769 Posts |
Posted - 01/09/2009 : 08:26:39
|
I vote we move this bogosity out of the netbooks thread. How about we start a
"PDAs that run Windows Vista" thread. I bet traffic rises 400%. 
Tom. |
|
|
|
oion
Advanced Member
USA
2231 Posts |
Posted - 01/09/2009 : 11:00:06
|
quote:
Originally posted by nomo
Mike Abary, Senior Vice President of Sony Information Technology Products, discusses the new P-series in the Laptop Magazine article, "Sony: Vaio P Will Make You Forget About Other Netbooks"
quote:
Originally posted at laptopmag.com
... we designed this product from the ground up with a particular consumer in mind... That consumer is more interested in style and design and very interested in form factor and mobility. It is skewed more female than male. And, quite frankly, there is less emphasis on speeds and feeds and more emphasis on how this product is going to make you look and feel. That type of customer probably doesn't even know what a netbook is. The customer we are targeting is probably not going to do product comparisons; they are going to look at this product and say "that is unbelievable."
... The decent typing experience is one differentiator for sure. The second is the LCD; it is a very high resolution 8 inch LED with a 1600 x 768 resolution. The reason we did this was we wanted to mirror and replicate the experience they have at home on their primary PC... We feel that customers will primarily use this PC for Web browsing. With Web browsing we eliminate the side-to-side scrolling that you have on other similarly sized ultraportables. But we also have a function key (F10) for magnifying, which increases the size of font and of items but doesn’t change the resolution.
I have this really weird feeling that women are actually victimized by the tech industry in this way. That's some seriously hard-punching marketing. Real functionality doesn't matter, huh? Of course, it doesn't help that I'm sure Sony's primary marketing research starts in Japan, where women don't compute or work professionally much at all and wear only cute things. That's also waaaayyy too heavy a price just for web browsing. And the "replicate the experience they have at home on their primary PC" comment just screams idiocy out the ass. Seriously--eight inches at 1600 is a replication?
Eh, I suppose I'm not surprised because Sony really is mostly about style.
quote:
Originally posted by mr1
So, designed for and targeted at people that don't know much of anything about computers, don't really need one, don't comparison shop, have too much money and need a tool to help them think they look good? So why aren't we impressed again?
MR1
5010D-60G HD,1GB RAM XPP
12/2005 P1510 30GB (Upgraded to 60GB HD)1GB Ram XPT BT Portreplicator
Quite right. It's a lovingly underhanded way of saying "We made this piece of jewelry for stupid women (oh, that's a gift-giving hint for the guys)." Good lord.
quote:
Originally posted by tmt
I vote we move this bogosity out of the netbooks thread. How about we start a "PDAs that run Windows Vista" thread. I bet traffic rises 400%.
Tom.
Ha! I suppose the pairing of this Sony Vaio-P and Vista was a marriage made in the tech heavens. Considering how bad a reputation Vista has...maybe they'll just both drop into the hells and out of sight. One can only hope, anyway. Oh, and "bogosity" is an excellent slang for this thing. I learned something new in this thread. Thanks, Tom!
"My bogometer shot through the roof." 
While I'm meh about netbooks in general, I understand they have a special niche in the market at this juncture, so I'm fine with that (watching the industry besides Intel shoot itself in the foot is high hilarity); but the Vaio-P (I ain't callin' it no P-series, dammit) takes the cake in face-palming exasperation for me. At least thus far. |
|
|
|
NigelS
Senior Member Member
Canada
1339 Posts |
Posted - 01/09/2009 : 13:15:58
|
| Like it or not - Sony is going to succeed with their goal on this. This LeoG Forum "Sturm & Drang" only indicates we collectively are too conservative and square to imagine a culture that would absorb and use this type of offering. Since the team at Sony have already informed us their demographic is immune to the concept 'netbook', I propose the new term Bling-Book - and I intend to buy one just as soon as Sony offers a diamond 'S' ear-stud (plus some nail polish - I'm anticipating maybe a clear varnish for the executive male). |
|
|
|
tmt
Advanced Member
2769 Posts |
Posted - 01/09/2009 : 13:40:50
|
Bling-book! I like it.
Get out your Cheq-book for the new Bling-book! It can out-Powerpoint the iPhone any day.
Tom. |
|
|
|
oion
Advanced Member
USA
2231 Posts |
Posted - 01/09/2009 : 13:55:41
|
quote:
Originally posted by NigelS
Like it or not - Sony is going to succeed with their goal on this. This LeoG Forum "Sturm & Drang" only indicates we collectively are too conservative and square to imagine a culture that would absorb and use this type of offering. Since the team at Sony have already informed us their demographic is immune to the concept 'netbook', I propose the new term Bling-Book - and I intend to buy one just as soon as Sony offers a diamond 'S' ear-stud (plus some nail polish - I'm anticipating maybe a clear varnish for the executive male).
I honestly don't know if Sony will succeed or not precisely because it's 2009, solidly in the middle of a world recession. I would say the current market certainly supports netbooks in general, but the Bling-Book ( ) is too far out on the bell curve of both usability (the other netbooks have 1024 res, at least, I think) and price. On any other normal economy day, I'd say you're right--this thing would definitely have some sales. And probably mostly in Asia.
And Vista? C'mon. Microsoft sure bet on that success, too. On the plus side, a general failure like Vista only promotes true success in the successor, Win7. At least I'd hope so.
Nail polish--Haha, NigelS.  |
|
|
|
tmt
Advanced Member
2769 Posts |
Posted - 01/09/2009 : 13:58:30
|
This Sony page is unreal.
http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&categoryId=8198552921644608896&parentCategoryId=16154
Flashblock informs me there are no less than 14 shockwave objects on it.
Among the other nuggets:
"You just might plan your wardrobe around it.
Fashionable and flashy, this ultra-portable Lifestyle PC makes a statement wherever you go.
Choose from four colors, each inspired by the crystalline shimmer of natural gemstones."
---
"Wrap your Lifestyle PC in luxurious leather"
---
"Face-to-face fun.
Getting your point across has never been easier. The Lifestyle PC features a built-in MOTION EYE® webcam and microphone that lets you quickly snap photos and video chat with friends and family"
Front-facing Motion Eye camera perfect for applying lipstick!
Ok, I added that. But take that, iPhone!!
Tom. |
|
|
|
tmt
Advanced Member
2769 Posts |
Posted - 01/09/2009 : 14:06:33
|
Ok, I'm piling on.
"Power Requirements: 68W + 10%"
SIXTY EIGHT WATTS!?!? My whole P7230, with double the screen size and an optical
drive, is rated at 60W. Where the heck do they dump all that energy? 10-minute
battery charge times?
Tom. |
|
|
|
NigelS
Senior Member Member
Canada
1339 Posts |
Posted - 01/09/2009 : 14:22:12
|
quote:
Originally posted by tmt
Bling-book! I like it.
Get out your Cheq-book for the new Bling-book! It can out-Powerpoint the iPhone any day.
Tom.
Thanks Tom! I'm recommending that any Fujitsu owners who intend to raise the cool factor of their profile/image [like Sony owners - above and beyond the "common-ness" of the netbook trend] should disavow any knowledge of THAT term in favour of the new term Bling-Book. You will notice that in regret of my own initial failure to totally ignore the existence of netbooks [by even STARTing a thread like this] I have repented by re-naming this thread. In future should anyone attempt to communicate to me about netbooks I shall reply - "I'm sorry, but I am unfamiliar with that term..." after-which I shall cup my ears and sing la la la to drown out any further discussion. {Obviously kidding - I still welcome netbooks more or less} |
|
|
|
NigelS
Senior Member Member
Canada
1339 Posts |
Posted - 01/09/2009 : 14:30:57
|
To oion - in regards to the effect of a fallen economy, people worldwide who enjoy - errr.... let's say un-declared-forms-of-income will always do well in any economy [and they have lots of girlfriend's presents they need to purchase]
On a happier note - we can all try out the Windows 7 Beta now! http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter/dd353205.aspx |
|
|
|
nomo
Average Member
814 Posts |
Posted - 01/09/2009 : 15:13:46
|
| Sounds like Sony hit some hot buttons! The Vaio P shares several attributes with other Sony products: Picturebook had the same form factor; the UX features an insanely compressed screen resolution; TZ has a chicklet keyboard and extra wide aspect ratio display; TT is incredibly expensive for the function it performs. Many products at the Sony Style store appeal to style-conscious expressives looking to make a low-involvement purchase. That's OK. Other PC companies try to appeal to this market, too. It's just unfortunate that Sony is somewhat obtuse/condescending with its marketing and communications. |
|
|
|
nomo
Average Member
814 Posts |
Posted - 01/09/2009 : 15:32:05
|
With respect to the Vaio P demographics:
Jenn K. Lee: "Even though I definitely plan to buy one soon (still breaking down the wall my husband has built around the green light), I didn't want to waste an opportunity to play with it."
MPJ: "I will be getting one too, just trying to finance it without pissing off hubby."
|
|
|
|
oion
Advanced Member
USA
2231 Posts |
Posted - 01/09/2009 : 15:48:42
|
(Right. These quotes, uhh... these unemployed wives who have to get every non-grocery purchase OK'ed by the husbands--what are we, living in the '50s again? [snark])
But yeah, Sony Style and all that. They're the PC version of Apple, I suppose, although I suspect many people would argue that Apple tends to get it right more often than the PC side of things. There certainly have been some Sony things I liked at first peek because of nifty style. For a while I was weighing the Sony TZ (or whatever) against the Fujitsu P-7k. Anyway, it just occurred to me, though, that the Bling-book doesn't have a mirror attached to its underside. That wardrobe quote had me snorting my tea, ouch.
As for the technical bits: Tom, what the heck does "+10%" mean? |
|
|
|
tmt
Advanced Member
2769 Posts |
Posted - 01/09/2009 : 16:01:24
|
quote:
Originally posted by oion
As for the technical bits: Tom, what the heck does "+10%" mean?
It's actually +/- 10%. I tried to cut and paste from the Sony site, that's what came
out. Is this truth in advertising?  Let's call it 75W then.
Tom. |
|
|
|
oion
Advanced Member
USA
2231 Posts |
Posted - 01/09/2009 : 16:02:25
|
quote:
Originally posted by NigelS
To oion - in regards to the effect of a fallen economy, people worldwide who enjoy - errr.... let's say un-declared-forms-of-income will always do well in any economy [and they have lots of girlfriend's presents they need to purchase]
On a happier note - we can all try out the Windows 7 Beta now! http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter/dd353205.aspx
I'm never happy about new Windows stuff, just neutral. Make sure it works with the vast majority of my collection of software, and then I'm satisfied. Besides, I don't have a dedicated extra machine to "test" Windows betas with the expectation that it'll crash and require wiping a few times. Who has the energy? No one is paying me for that!
Anyway, re:"Fashionable and flashy, this ultra-portable Lifestyle PC makes a statement wherever you go."
I wish I could find the news article, but I remember reading last month or so that people are becoming more conservative about wearing their wealth as the recession became official (or flaunting, however you want to make of it). This makes sense. Why would you want to make yourself stick out with all that bling and, ohhh, invite negative psychic energies directed at you? Seriously. Popular status symbols are happy targets--fake Rolexes, the white iPod earbuds screaming "I have an iPod in my coat pocket, mug me!" Maybe I'm just more conservative in that way.
I still can't help but think Sony's timing is off here, although I may be proven wrong by all those housewives and people-with-too-much-income, as NigelS says.  Netbook timing, on the other hand, has been RIGHT on the money. |
|
|
|
tmt
Advanced Member
2769 Posts |
Posted - 01/09/2009 : 16:03:59
|
quote:
Originally posted by nomo
With respect to the Vaio P demographics:
I'm sure they'll both be very happy with it.
How many Asus EEE's? iPhones? My point is, this isn't a new-market-making product,
in any way.
Tom. |
|
|
|
oion
Advanced Member
USA
2231 Posts |
Posted - 01/09/2009 : 16:05:46
|
quote:
Originally posted by tmt
quote:
Originally posted by oion
As for the technical bits: Tom, what the heck does "+10%" mean?
It's actually +/- 10%. I tried to cut and paste from the Sony site, that's what came
out. Is this truth in advertising? Let's call it 75W then.
Tom.
Oh good lord. But it's rated to "up to" 4 hours of battery life on a standard charge? Hmmm (doing what?). That's a lot better than the ol' Picturebook, that's for sure. |
|
|
|
nomo
Average Member
814 Posts |
|
|
nomo
Average Member
814 Posts |
Posted - 01/09/2009 : 16:17:07
|
quote:
Originally posted by tmt
My point is, this isn't a new-market-making product, in any way.
Agreed, but how many products are? Eee PC started the netbook trend, but it's lineage is pretty traceable, too. And where's Fujitsu in all this -- waiting for someone to spend $2600 on a P1630? |
Edited by - nomo on 01/09/2009 16:17:40 |
|
|
|
oion
Advanced Member
USA
2231 Posts |
Posted - 01/09/2009 : 16:24:17
|
quote:
Originally posted by nomo
Time to throw some love/hate toward Dell:
Dell launches Inspiron Mini 10 (engadget)
Dell officially unveils Adamo, Mini 10 (cnet)
Dell Mini 10 Has a 10-inch 720p Screen, TV Tuner (gizmodo)
Dell Mini 10 gets multi-touch; Adamo teased (electronista)
Price? To me, the price-plus-features will determine whether this, like the Sony Vaio-P Bling-book, is aiming towards re-evolution of the traditional subnotebook again. If it breaks $1k easily...
I don't get the whole glass thing. Isnt' screen glare annoying?
TV tuner. I can just imagine this thing being used by college undergrads/grads in seminar settings. Oh yes. (I mean, I've seen students play Warcraft during class.)
quote:
Originally posted by nomo
quote:
Originally posted by tmt
My point is, this isn't a new-market-making product, in any way.
Agreed, but how many products are? Eee PC started the netbook trend, but it's lineage is pretty traceable, too. And where's Fujitsu in all this -- waiting for someone to spend $2600 on a P1630?
Right. And it's already clear that netbooks cut into the traditional laptop market against vendor wishes, subnotebooks notwithstanding. I haven't been keeping track of the Fujitsu news in Japan anymore, but maybe someone will see a nugget over there concerning a cheap netbook.
As for netbook variety: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_netbooks
The flag for "It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with Comparison of subnotebooks" is pretty entertaining (the talk page).
Oh hey, NigelS already changed the thread title. Dagnabbit. |
|
|
|
nomo
Average Member
814 Posts |
Posted - 01/09/2009 : 16:25:53
|
quote:
Originally posted by NigelS
On a happier note - we can all try out the Windows 7 Beta now! http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter/dd353205.aspx
I've read that the MS servers were backed up today. The web site now reads, "Windows® 7 Beta coming soon!" with no download available. |
|
|
|
nomo
Average Member
814 Posts |
Posted - 01/09/2009 : 16:38:28
|
Coby's sub-$200 netbooks handled at CES (engadget)quote:
The rep who showed us around made it clear that this was a "market research project" but that the 'books would ring in at under $200. There were a bunch of different configurations, but nothing too different from the usual Atom setup. The six color offerings might pique your interest, but after playing with them for a few minutes, we don't know how eager we'd be to run out and pick one up -- they felt pretty low-end.
|
|
|
|
oion
Advanced Member
USA
2231 Posts |
Posted - 01/09/2009 : 16:44:23
|
quote:
Originally posted by nomo
Coby's sub-$200 netbooks handled at CES (engadget)quote:
The rep who showed us around made it clear that this was a "market research project" but that the 'books would ring in at under $200. There were a bunch of different configurations, but nothing too different from the usual Atom setup. The six color offerings might pique your interest, but after playing with them for a few minutes, we don't know how eager we'd be to run out and pick one up -- they felt pretty low-end.
Another thing--all these netbooks have touchpads. I'd want that eraser nub! At least the Sony Vaio-P has some kind of pointing stick thinger.
Hm, doesn't Coby make... audio equipment? We're going to run into serious market saturation, so I expect a bunch of these companies to bow out. Maybe Coby will gain share in laptop-shaped-calculators just for the sub-$200 price. Maybe the warranty is only 90 days long.  |
|
|
|
Topic |
|
Netbooks have arrived
