Sony Introduces First Spanish Language VAIO PC in the U.S.

As a prelude to a broader marketing initiative to the growing U.S. Hispanic population, Sony Electronics is introducing a stylish notebook computer that includes a Spanish language operating system and keyboard.

  (Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060425/LATU007-a
           http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060425/LATU007-b )

The new Spanish-version FJ en Espanol notebook -- based on Sony's popular VAIO® FJ Series -- marks Sony's first Spanish language PC in the United States.

Available in five colors -- including Onyx Black, Pearl White, Sky Blue, Jade Green and Raspberry Red -- the FJ Series provides the option for Spanish speakers to have the latest mobile notebook computer personalized for their home and work lifestyles.

According to the U.S. Census bureau 31 million U.S. citizens over the age of five speak Spanish at home. Until now Spanish-speaking Americans have had little choice in personal computers. The VAIO FJ Series en Espanol gives these consumers an additional option, while paving the way for future Sony corporate-wide initiatives and community outreach programs targeting U.S. Hispanics.

Ramping up to the VAIO FJ en Espanol launch, Sony is introducing a soccer-themed promotion. When consumers purchase an FJ en Espanol notebook PC, they can receive a certificate to receive a soccer jersey personalized with their name and number of choice in the color of their favorite team, matching the color of their computer.

Sony's VAIO FJ Series notebooks are slim, 14.1-inch widescreen PCs that combine portable power and productivity with a sense of style. The built-in camera and microphone helps users to stay in touch with international friends and family with virtual face-to-face conversations, while an onboard DVD+R double layer/DVD+/-RW drive and XBRITE-ECO™ LCD technology turn it into a mini-movie theatre to watch DVDs at home or on the go.

VAIO FJ en Espanol notebooks will be available this month at select Sony Style Stores around the country and at www.sony.com/vaioenespanol starting at about $1,400.

  Contact:  Jon Piazza
            Sony Electronics Inc.
            jon.piazza@am.sony.com

            Jory White
            Ruder-Finn/San Francisco
            whitej@ruderfinn.com

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060425/LATU007-a
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060425/LATU007-b
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com

SOURCE: Sony Electronics Inc.

CONTACT: Jon Piazza of Sony Electronics Inc., +1-858-942-3825,
jon.piazza@am.sony.com; or Jory White of Ruder-Finn/San Francisco,
+1-415-249-6775, whitej@ruderfinn.com, for Sony Electronics Inc.

Web site: http://www.sony.com/vaioenespanol