Sony plans to take on the upcoming Microsoft Surface Pro 2 with its own slim, hybrid Windows 8-based tablet, the Sony VAIO Tap 11, which was unveiled at the IFA 2013 tech show yesterday.
The new tablet, which joins the Sony Xperia Z1 smartphone and the Sony SmartWatch 2 in an impressive roster of new products, has an 11.6-inch Full HD resolution screen, weighs 780g and is 9.9mm thick. It will come in a variety of specs with up to 4GB of RAM, up to 512GB SSD storage and ultra-low voltage Intel Core processors.
Sony VAIO Tap 11 features
Like the Z1 phone, the 11.6-inch screen will benefit from Sony’s Triluminos screen technology, which improves colour depth and accuracy – a technology borrowed from Sony’s recently impressive TV range.
The key features, however, sound quite familiar, as the Tap 11 comes with a digitiser for writing notes on the screen and a magenetic keyboard just like the Microsoft Surface Pro. It is, in effect, Sony’s take on Microsoft’s concept, which will prove an interesting comparison.
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Elsewhere, there’s the option for built-in 3G – an option Microsoft has yet to offer on the Surface Pro. There’s and 8-megapixel rear camera with auto-focus, and unspecified front-facing camera. Bluetooth 4.0 and 802.11n Wi-Fi is built-in, as is NFC and GPS. Like the Sony Vaio Pro 13 there’s an optional AC-powered wireless router, too.
There’s a micro-HDMI output and microSD card for physical connections.
The only serious omission thus far is the battery life is yet to be confirmed.
Sony VAIO 13 release date and price
Sony hasn’t give us a price, either, but we do know the Sony VAIO Tap 11 will launch in the UK in October.
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
