Sony and Sprint Deliver First Integrated EV-DO Revision A Mobile Broadband-Capable Notebooks

Sony Electronics will soon be offering the first ultra-portable computers to include integrated broadband-capable wide area network technology, from Sprint for ultra-fast Internet access.

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Road warriors with the new VAIO VGN-TXN10 Series notebooks can connect to the Sprint Power Vision(SM) Network for wireless, broadband-speed for downloading e-mail and accessing the Internet and large data files. Later this year, Sprint expects to upgrade its network in select markets with EV-DO Revision A (Rev. A) technology so customers will experience broadband upload speeds as well where and when the Rev. A network is deployed.

"Clearly, we are again ahead of the pack in integrating a unique combination of hardware, software and Sprint's Mobile Broadband Service into our PCs for an unparalleled mobile computing experience," said Mike Abary, vice president of VAIO product marketing for Sony Electronics in the United States.

"This VAIO PC is a model example of notebook technology and is another way Sprint is extending the power of our mobile broadband service to customers," said Kathy Walker, chief network officer at Sprint. "Sprint has the nation's largest mobile broadband network and has partnered with a premier computer manufacturer, Sony, to enable mobile professionals to do more in more places."

The TX notebooks make it easy to connect by incorporating Sony's SmartWi™ technology seamlessly integrating wireless WAN, 802.11 b/g, wireless LAN and Bluetooth® technologies. You can easily toggle among your wireless options for the most efficient connection -- LAN for home and office; Bluetooth for peripherals; and wireless WAN for access to Sprint Mobile Broadband Service when traveling outside the reach of hotspots.

Convenient Mobile Computing

Sprint wireless broadband network covers more than 157 million people in 216 major metropolitan areas, as well as 486 airports across the nation. Sprint plans to roll out its upgraded technology (EV-DO Revision A) in the months ahead and reach more than 40 million persons in select markets by year end.

In 2007, Sprint will continue its aggressive rollout of faster EV-DO Revision A technology. With this advanced technology, VAIO TX notebook users should expect to benefit from average download speeds of 450 to 800 kbps and upload speeds of 300 to 400 kbps in the markets where EV-DO Revision A network improvements will be rolled out.

Built for the Road, Designed to Turn Heads

With an elegant carbon fiber chassis, the VAIO TX notebooks weigh just 2.8-pounds and at less than one-inch thin (at its narrowest point). Its razor-thin profile makes it easy to carry virtually unnoticed, wherever you go.

The featherweight notebooks pack a powerful punch with a state-of-the-art, ultra-low voltage Intel® Core™ Solo processor for increased computing power and standard battery life of between five to 11 hours (may vary). The notebooks are Windows Vista™ capable and Windows Vista Premium ready.

In addition to being a powerful workhorse, the new TX units are also equipped with a fingerprint sensor for added peace-of-mind security and G-Sensor shock hard-drive protection to reduce the risk of hard drive damage from accidental falls or run-ins.

The new notebooks employ a vibrant XBRITE ™ 11.1-inch widescreen display (measured diagonally), DVD+R double layer/DVD+/-RW drive and Sony's Instant Mode, so you can watch movies or listen to music without having to boot up the machine.

Sony VAIO VGN-TX N10 Series notebooks, with mobile broadband capability, will be available in late September, starting at about $2,300 in charcoal, platinum, sienna and slate blue, and can be purchased at select retailers and dealers nationwide, online at www.sony.com/pr/tx or at SonyStyle® stores in select fashion malls around the country.

Additional information on Sprint Mobile Broadband including coverage maps and service plans can be found at http://powervision.sprint.com/mobilebroadband.

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

             Amy Schiska-Lombard
             Sprint
             amy.k.schiska@sprint.com

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060926/LATU006-a
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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 Amy Schiska-Lombard of Sprint, +1-913-794-2947,
amy.k.schiska@sprint.com

Web site: http://www.sony.com/pr/tx
http://powervision.sprint.com/mobilebroadband