Sony unveils 'world's first 16.4-inch notebook'

Part of a series, the VAIO FW notebook comes in multiple configurations, including a premium and a standard model. The premium model plays Blu-ray Disc™ high-definition content like movies in full 1080 HD resolution when connected to a compatible HDTV. It can also record, store and play back personal content on high-capacity BD media.

Weighing a little over six pounds, the FW notebook features the world’s first 16.4-inch display, which combines the benefits of a slightly larger17-inch widescreen with the smaller “footprint” of a 15.4-inch model.

In other words, 16:9 aspect ratio is a go, and so is an HDMI output connector. The engine under the hood is Intel Centrino 2, the wireless is 802.11n and the machine is equipped with plenty of slots, ports and jacks, including a Memory Stick media/SD card slot, three USB ports, an i.LINK IEEE-1394 port, microphone and headphone jack, and a 34mm ExpressCard slot.

Available in titanium gray and powder white, the VAIO FW standard model starts at about $1,000, while the FW premium will go for around $1,750.