Sony to release world's lightest notebook PC in Japan

TOKYO (AFP) Nov 12, 2003
Japanese electronics giant Sony Corp. said Wednesday it will launch the world's lightest notebook personal computer in Japan next week.

The latest version of Sony's Vaio series of notebooks weighs 785 gramsounces), the lightest of all Windows XP-based personal computers with 10.4-inch liquid crystal displays, the company said in a statement.

Sony is scheduled to begin selling the Viao Note 505 Extreme for 349,800 yen (3,218 dollars) across Japan on Wednesday next week.

"We have succeeded in reducing the weight by introducing new materials, including carbon fibers for the surface," Sony spokesman Tomio Takizawa said, adding it has no immediate plan for sales overseas.

Sony declined to disclose production plans for the new personal computer, which is also known as the PCG-X505/SP.

Another version of the Viao Note 505 Extreme, the PCG-X505/P, will weigh 825 grams and be released in December.

SPACE.WIRE