Sony bulked up its Vaio line-up with two new entries today: one a large tabletop product and the other a convertible device that can toggle between a tablet and a laptop.
The hybrid is the Vaio Duo 11, which has a keyboard but can slide between a laptop design and a tablet-like slate.
The second is the Vaio Tap 20, a 20-inch tabletop PC that can be used by individuals or as a multimedia centre for groups.
The devices run Microsoft's Windows 8 operating system, as CNET earlier reported.
The products were announced by CEO Kazuo Hirai, who was speaking at a press conference at the IFA event in Berlin. He said that the products were part of Sony's strategy "to move people emotionally", and were designed to work with a family of Sony products.
The new Vaios, along with a host of other new Sony products, will have the company's unique picture and sound technology, Hirai said. He touted the company's Bravia video technology and ClearAudio+ mode sound feature.
Sony, which lost its way for a few years in several key gadget categories, is in the midst of a turnaround. The company is clambering back after falling behind to rival Samsung Electronics in smartphones and televisions.
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(Credit: Stephen Shankland/CNET)
The Vaio Duo 11 will be a good indicator of how well Windows 8 works on multiple forms. Past tablets running on older Windows operating systems were generally considered clunky.
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(Credit: Stephen Shankland/CNET)
The Sony Vaio Duo 11, introduced at the IFA show in Berlin, can slide and shift between a laptop and tablet. Here is the tablet form, designed to work with the new touch-friendly Windows 8 operating system.
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(Credit: Stephen Shankland/CNET)
Sony is likely hoping that the Duo will give Microsoft's Surface a run for its money. The Surface has its own thin keyboard/cover hybrid. It's unclear what regions the Duo will be released in, though.
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(Credit: Stephen Shankland/CNET)
The Vaio is geared toward consumers who can't decide between a laptop and a tablet.
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(Credit: Stephen Shankland/CNET)
As a result of its hybrid mode, the Vaio Duo 11 isn't the thinnest tablet in the market.
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(Credit: Stephen Shankland/CNET)
A hinge allows the display to slide up and the keyboard to slide out.
Via CNET.com
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