Sony celebrates ten years of Vaio with four new models

Is it really ten years since we caressed that first magnesium-clad Vaio PCG-505? Ah, how time flies. But enough of this misty eyed nostalgia, Sony has four new machines for us to cuddle up to - and all powered by Intel's spangly new Centrino 2 processors.

First up is the new Z-series - 13.1in of super-strong "advanced carbon fibre" with up to 1600x900 resolution and the option of a 128MB SSD. Its special party trick is the inclusion of two graphics options - a power hungry NVIDIA GeForce 9300M GS chip for when 3D performance is needed and battery sipping Intel Integrated graphics for when you're browsing the web or checking out spreadsheets. By switching mid-task the Z's battery life can be extended to over five hours. Read on for details and pics of the other three.

Tipping the scales the other way to the Z is the monster Vaio FW-series that combines a 16.4in, 1600x900 res, 16:9 wide screen with built-in Blu-Ray. It also gets an optional Blu-Ray burner for editing and burning HD home movies.

If that sounds a little too large for your briefcase, Sony also has two work-orientated models. The 15.4in, magnesium alloy cased, BZ is described as a, "highly practical tool for business", while the SR is more for those "young, style-aware professionals", who'll apparently be taken by its "fresh and dynamic approach." intriguingly it also includes a "Switch Function" that will change the laptop between work and play mode at the touch of a button - we call that a boss key.

All four will be rolling out in the US by next month - no word on when they'll be debuting here though.

[ Vaio Z press release] [ Vaio FW press release] [ Vaio 'Professional Range' press release]