Sony announced its line of all-in-one touchscreen entry-level-priced VAIO PCs on Tuesday — the J Touch series — replacing the company’s JS series of all-in-one desktop machines. The J series offer a 21.5-inch 1920×1080 display for full HD, an optional Blu-ray drive, 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi, and a built-in webcam. With its multi-touch interface, users can scroll, zoom and rotate images with finger movements.
Senior Vice President Mike Lucas said the “attractive price point” will enable this kind of technology to reach “a whole new audience.” Prices are expected to start at about $900, and the J Touch series will be available in July.
Three Hardware Buttons
To keep things simple, three hardware buttons allow direct access to key features. The VAIO button takes the user into the Media Gallery, which contains the music library. Twenty-one unique channels of music can be created in the gallery, based on beat, tone, rhythm and other elements. There’s also Sony’s SensMe recommendation engine to help users rediscover old favorites, based on current listening habits.
The ASSIST button leads the user to do-it-yourself maintenance procedures, including a VAIO Care software program. A DISPLAY OFF button turns off the screen to run overnight applications without sending the PC into hibernation.
The webcam’s face-tracking technology and microphone facilitate video chats, and the included Webcam Message Board software enables easy creation of video messages and handwritten notes that can be left on the screen.
Two configurations are currently available, as well as such options as an adjustable stand for viewing, read/write CD and DVD drives, a slot for an SD memory card, and a multimedia card reader.
Targeted for Home Use
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