(Credit: Sony)

Forget Sony’s CES protestations that it wasn’t interested in doing a Netbook. Forget, even, the impressively overreaching Vaio P (“Don’t call it a Netbook!”) Lifestyle PC. Sony has finally caved to market demand and is introducing what the company calls, “a chic new line of mini notebooks.”

The Sony Vaio W is a 10.1-inch Netbook, with an Intel Atom N280 CPU, 1GB of RAM, Windows XP, and a 160GB hard drive–all fairly common specs for the category. But many laptops with similar specs run $299-$399, while Sony says the Vaio W “will retail for about $500.” How does it justify that hefty premium?

It’s a gamble, but Sony is attempting to do what many Netbook makers wish they could do–introduce a higher-priced “premium” version of a Netbook. To that end, the Vaio W packs in a higher-resolution screen at 1,366×768. There’s also 802.11n Wi-Fi, a separate Memory Stick slot (on top of the standard SD card slot), Bluetooth, and Sony’s typical fit and finish, which usually includes excellent keyboards and touchpads.

Sony’s proprietary media software should also help the system connect to other DLNA devices easily, including the PlayStation 3.

The Vaio W is 1.3 inches thick, weighs 2.6 pounds, and will come in three colors–berry pink, sugar white, and cocoa brown. If that would make for an awkward conversation with a retail store clerk, you can probably just ask for it in plain old pink, white, or brown, and they’d be able to figure it out. The system is available for pre-order from Sony starting Tuesday, and should be arriving in retail stores sometime next month.

Click through for a couple of additional shots. …

When Sony launched the VAIO P, the company kept insisting it wasn’t a netbook. Perhaps this is why: Sony has a netbook coming next month.

An honest netbook, too, with an Atom CPU, Windows XP, and a maxed-out 160GB hard drive. Curiously, Sony appears to have been able to sidestep the “no screen resolution over 1024×600 when using an N-series Atom CPU” rule by offering a nice 1366×768 widescreen display.

And while the $500 price tag may appear a bit high compared to your standard netbook, I’d contend that the higher resolution screen, the island keyboard, and the nice-looking trackpad may be worth it for more than a few people. Though that tiny right shift key is going to rub some people the wrong way.

The Sony VAIO W Series will be available in three colors starting next month for around $500.

Full press release:

Sony DEBUTS HOT NEW Mini Notebook IN COOL NEW COLORS

VAIO W Series Ideal for Casual Computing and Staying Connected

SAN DIEGO, July 7, 2009 – 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, 1366 x 768, 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.

via Gizmodo