Windows 8 has seen a plethora of hybrid notebook-meet-tablets spawn, but there’s one company taking the mobility of Windows 8 even further. It is the previously unimaginative Sony.
Every now and then a product is introduced that is so original, so obviously ingenious that in a moment of quiet reflection you ask yourself “why didn’t I think of that?.” Sony’s Vaio Tap 20 is exactly one of those products
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It’s an all in one PC that takes inspiration from the popular tablet category by featuring an in built battery and a form factor geared to mobility. The screen spans 20 inches, can recognise 10 points of touch and couples Sony’s Mobile Bravia Engine 2 with an in-built 2.1 sound system for theatrical movie viewing. With this repertoire, the 5.2kg Vaio Tap 20 appears to double as a mobile television.
The Tap 20 comes with a slew of apps aimed at entertaining the familiy |
Inside is hardware common to high end all-in-ones and, although the Tap 20 can come in a variety of configurations, at the top end it’ll include an Intel Core i7 processor, 8GB of DDR3L RAM, a 1TB hard drive and Intel’s HD Graphics 4000. It comes with a wireless mouse and keyboard ensuring it remains a functional PC, just one that can be moved from room-to-room.
The other thing the Tap 20 is big on is connectivity. Sony envision it as a staple device in the home ecosystem with its access to Sony’s Entertainment Network and its ability to ‘throw’/stream personal photos, music and content to compatible DLNA devices. They’ve equipped it with a NFC chip and use it to eliminate the tedious task of setting up WiFi and Bluetooth as tapping a compatible device will instantly generate a connection.
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Rich in ports, it hosts Ethernet, USB 3, USB 3 with USB charge and memory Stick Duo/SD combined slot. At the front is a 1.3MP webcam capable of high definition video recording and is powered by Sony’s Exmor for PC software.
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In a way this mobile all-in-one PC has a lot more in common with a tablet than a tablet-wannabe laptop. Running Windows 8 or Windows 8 Pro, its release will coincide with the OS’ launch which is due on October 26th.