Sony's Vaio P elite netbook claimed top notch hardware specs when it was first unveiled, but its price made it unattractive to buyers, so now it is time for it to step down in flavour of the new Vaio W netbook. The new VAIO W sports a useful 10.1-inch LED-backlit LCD display that offers a better-than-usual resolution of 1366x768 pixels. Available in berry pink, cocoa brown or sugar white it also brings with it a 1.66 GHz Intel Atom N280 processor, 1 GB of DDR2 RAM, integrated Intel GMA 950 graphics and a 160 GB hard disk drive. Like most netbooks, Sony VAIO W comes with Microsoft Windows XP OS installed, other trimmings include Bluetooth, 802.11b/g/n, VGA out, two USB ports, Ethernet, webcam, and a MemoryStick / SD card reader. The system should launch in Japan this August with an estimated retail price of ¥60,000 or around $500. Read the full press release below.

Sony today took the wraps off its chic new line of mini notebooks- the VAIO W Series.

Featuring an ultra-portable design, the W Series is perfect for using as a secondary PC, in any room of the house, for surfing the web, checking e-mail, and social networking.

The W model comes in three vibrant colors- berry pink, sugar white and cocoa brown. A more subtle shade of the exterior hue finishes the inside of the PC while the touchpad is lined with a splash of brightness.

"The W Series lets you quickly look something up online whether searching for a recipe in the kitchen or relaxing on your recliner- there's no need to trudge upstairs to your office," said Mike Abary, senior vice president of the VAIO business group at Sony. "And it's sturdy enough for the kids to use, making it perfect for every member of the family."

The W Series incorporates a high-resolution, 1366x768, LED backlit 10.1-inch (measured diagonally) ultra-wide display, making it easy to view two full web pages- no side-to-side scrolling necessary.

The model features an isolated keyboard with springy and responsive keys making it comfortable and easy to use. Its carefully designed touchpad and mouse keys make the PC functional and mouse movements easy to control.

The W Series unit is ENERGY STAR 5.0 compliant, EPEAT Gold registered and incorporates eco-conscious features such as a mercury-free LED backlit LCD. Its corrugated cardboard packaging is comprised of 95 percent recycled content. Sony will also help recycle your old PC (www.sony.com/green; recycling fees may apply).

The model comes with VAIO Media plus Multimedia Streaming software, a media sharing application that lets you wirelessly stream content across DLNA-enabled devices throughout your home network. Stream video, music and pictures from your W Series to your compatible primary PC or PLAYSTATION 3 and vice-versa and enjoy your content anywhere in the home including on your big-screen TV.

Easily transfer data, such as photos from your digital camera or music from an MP3 player, to and from the PC with the unit's two convenient USB ports. Incorporated Bluetooth technology enables peripherals such as a wireless mouse to be utilized without tying up the unit's ports. A built-in webcam and microphone let you video chat with family, friends and colleagues. A third-party internet service provider is required.

A roomy 160GB hard drive has been included providing ample storage for all your photos, files and videos. It comes pre-installed with Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition operating system.

The VAIO W Series mini notebook will retail for about $500. It is available for pre-orders today online at www.sonystyle.com/pr/w. It will also be sold at Sony Style stores and at other major retailers around the country starting next month.