IFA 2012: Sony announces the VAIO Duo 11 Windows 8 Slider Ultrabook Hybrid

Tonight at IFA, Sony announced their VAIO Duo 11 which is what they are referring to as a slider Ultrabook hybrid – oh, and it runs Windows 8!

• Surf Slider design transforms full-function Ultrabook PC into tablet operating mode for on-the-go computing
• Slim and light: weighs approximately 1.3kg and 17.85mm thin
• 11.6” wide view Full HD touchscreen
• Comfortable and precise hand-writing experience with a digitizer stylus pen
• Made in Japan with quality craftsmanship that only Sony can deliver

Boost your productivity and creativity with VAIODuo 11, the PC from Sony that also turns into a smart, intuitive touchscreen tablet.

With its premium Surf Slider design, the powerful VAIO Duo 11 PC switches smoothly between keyboard and tablet modes to give the best computing experience.

Pick up the VAIO Duo 11 in one hand and use in tablet mode to browse the web or enjoy music and videos while you’re travelling. In the office, slide out the keyboard and maximise your productivity with a fully-featured PC powered by latest-generation Intel® Core™ processors.

The VAIO Duo 11 puts touch and handwriting right at the heart of your Windows 8 computing experience. Write, sketch and interact with media and applications on the responsive, super-bright Full HD OptiContrast™ Panel. A unique pressure-sensitive digitizer stylus gives the satisfying, expressive feel of handwriting directly on the touchscreen. Make notes, sketch diagrams or circle key points on your presentation with smooth responses. Smart text recognition even lets you quickly convert handwritten notes to text for easy archiving and searches.

A choice of swappable pen tips lets you select between a firm or softer writing feel. With selected apps, the VAIO Duo 11 even recognises when you’re writing, cleverly ignoring the pressure of your palm on the touchscreen.

Sharing photos and videos is a pleasure on the super-bright 11.6” Full HD OptiContrast™ Panel. Friends and family will enjoy detail-packed, high contrast pictures with a wide viewing angle.

Don’t let your PC slow things down when you’re in a hurry. Quick Boot gets you up and running in seconds. When you need a break, VAIO powers down into a deep energy-saving sleep mode, keeping your documents safe. With RapidWake + Eco, everything’s ready for instant wake-up, just as you left it.

An optional Sheet-type battery extends battery life, and also incorporates a handy digitizer stylus holder.

Despite its slim size, the VAIO Duo 11 is ready for business with a full complement of ports and interfaces including Bluetooth® Smart Ready, USB 3.0, HDMI, Ethernet and VGA video ports. You don’t need extra dongles or adapters to hook up a projector or secondary screen: everything’s on board.

There’s a generous choice of apps to make the most of the unique touch experience offered by VAIO Duo 11.

Active Clip™ makes it easy to crop photos and graphics with no special image editing skills. Just draw roughly around the edge of your chosen picture with the digitizer stylus. Active Clip™ uses technology developed by Sony that automatically detects edges and cuts out the background. Then drop the cleanly-bordered image straight into documents or presentations.

‘Note Anytime for VAIO’ lets you make handwritten notes any time… just like using a real notebook. (NB: this application will be available by download after VAIO Duo 11 on-sale date).

There’s also an add-in for PowerPoint that brings extra impact and interaction to your presentations. Use the digitizer stylus to highlight points as you talk and capture audience feedback.

The VAIO Duo 11 also provides rich networked entertainment experiences. Through Sony’s One-touch function, you can easily and instantaneously enjoy music and photos across an array of NFC (Near Field Communication) enabled Sony devices. Simply touch one device against another, and instantly establish a wireless connection without the need for any Bluetooth or Wi-Fi set up. For example, it’s easy to continue listening to music stored on your VAIO through Bluetooth® headphones or speakers with One-touch function.

You can also enjoy full access to millions of songs and themed radio channels at any time via Sony Entertainment Network’s Music Unlimited service.

Expand your entertainment experience even further with three new apps by Sony that are available for free download.

The ‘Music’ application lets you enjoy your music collection with superb quality thanks to xLoud and ClearPhase.

The ‘Album’ application makes viewing, sorting or sharing pictures and videos fun and intuitive. Simple sharing lets you ‘throw’ or stream personal photos, video content and more to enjoy on DLNA compatible large screen TVs.

Both applications let you ‘throw’ or stream personal photos, video and music content to enjoy on DLNA compatible large screen TV and audio systems.

‘Socialife’ is a unique application that organises your social and information world. View, sort and manage all your SNS and news feeds through one stylish user interface, alongside your friends’ feeds and posts. Mark interesting articles for later reading when you’re not so busy. Based on what your friends are reading, Socialife also points you to other popular topics and even suggests content that you might like.

Find out more about Socialife: http://app.sel.sony.com/socialife/en/index.html

Optional accessories include a screen protection cover and carrying case that protects the VAIO Duo 11 while you’re travelling.

The new VAIO Duo 11 convertible Ultrabook PC will be available from the end of October 2012 from Sony Centres and Dixons.

Key specifications

This looks like a very nice bit of kit – we got some hands-on with it after the press conference, so stay tuned for that!