readying a hybrid Vaio notebook with a docking system that augments its hardware, as well as another Vaio sporting Chrome OS, according to a report in SonyInsider.
The so-called hybrid notebook will feature the communications technology Apple (Nasdaq: AAPL) introduced as "Thunderbolt" recently in its MacBook Pro notebooks, the report stated.
This notebook will apparently have an unltra-thin chassis as well as a docking station equipped with its own discrete graphics processing unit (GPU), a Blu-ray drive and other connectivity options.
"Intel is in ongoing discussions with all PC OEM customers about implementing Thunderbolt technology on their systems," Intel (Nasdaq: INTC) spokesperson Dave Salvator told TechNewsWorld.
"Apple took a strong interest and collaborated with Intel to help bring the technology to market at this time," Salvator elaborated. "There is no exclusivity to this arrangement."
Sony and Apple did not respond to requests for comment by press time.
Possible Sony Tech Support for the Sony Hybrid
The ultra-light Sony Vaio notebook will have Intel Wireless Display, Sony Insider claims.
Intel Wireless Display lets users view and share content from their hard disks, home networks or any browser-equipped device with the largest screens in their homes. That sounds suspiciously like Sony's Qriocity, which targets Apple's iTunes service.
The Vaio will apparently also have a solid-state drive, an Intel i7 processor, HDMI output with 3D support and a battery life ranging from 8 hours to 16.5 hours. It will weigh about 2.5 pounds.
The docking station will have an AMD (NYSE: AMD) Whistler-XT discrete graphics processing unit with 1GB of VRAM, a Blu-ray read/write drive, HDMI and VGA output, an RJ45 Ethernet port and a USB port. It will weigh about 1.5 pounds, SonyInsider reported.
"I would expect Intel to let other PC OEMs make use of the Thunderbolt technology," Matthew Wilkins, a principal analyst at IHS iSuppli, told TechNewsWorld.
Intel would not confirm whether Sony will unveil an ultra-light notebook using Thunderbolt technology.
"That's a question to take up with Sony," Intel's Salvator said.
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