VAIO X Series, described as the ‘Size Zero of Laptops’ and weighing just 655gm, was launched in Qatar yesterday by 51 East and Sony Gulf FZE, targeting tech-savvy users and business people constantly on the go.
The world’s lightest notebook in the 11.1 inch screen category, the VAIO X is 13.9mm thin, features a solid state drive (SSD) and offers 16 hours of continuous use with the optional eight-cell battery.
“The VAIO X is an extremely portable laptop that blends unique features with high performance components and ultimate reliability,” Sony Gulf IT & B2B Marketing Division head Dharmendra Lalai said.
The VAIO brand has grown rapidly in Qatar, he pointed out while explaining that the growth was 80% in 2007, 35% in 2008, and over 30% in 2009.
“The share of the premium segment in Qatar is the highest in the entire Middle East and Africa market,” Lalai said while observing that VAIO is not playing in the low-end market.
Darwish Holding’s group general manager Nazar Najarian, who recalled his organisation’s close to five decades partnership with Sony, remarked that the business in VAIO in Qatar has grown more than six times between 2003 and 2009.
“VAIO X comes as a perfect add-on to our 51 East portfolio of premium and leading brands,” he said. Najarian also announced that 51 East is preparing to open a sprawling 13,000sq m outlet in Lagoona, West Bay, in 2010.
Referring to the expansion plans, the official added that the showroom in City Center had been completely renovated.
The top-end model of the VAIO X Series, VPC X118, is equipped with Wireless Wide Area Network to stay connected to high-speed Internet, 128GB SSD, and the latest Intel Atom Processor Z550 (2 GHz). The X Series runs Windows 7.
Carbon housing, high density mounted board, standard battery life of 6.5 hours, one-piece aluminium plate palm rest for increased strength, and capability to withstand pressure-vibration up to 150kg are among the other features.
“The three versions of the VAIO X Series, VPC X113, X115, and X118, are priced QR4,499, QR5,499, and QR6,499, respectively,” 51 East’s Electronics Business Unit manager Ziad Asmar said.
The VAIO X Series is available in Qatar only in 51 East and Modern Home showrooms.
VAIO is also poised to launch a new CW Series, on November 15, targeting the younger generation and businessmen, Lalai added. |
