Sony offers build-your-own PCs

 

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By Stuart Turton

Posted on 21 Oct 2008 at 14:37

Sony is taking on Dell with a new service that allows customers to configure their laptops exactly as they want.

The 'VAIO by you' service will be instantly recognisable to anybody familiar with Dell's website, allowing customers buying the new VAIO TT, Z and CS-Series laptops to specify their own processor, hard disk, memory, optical drive, graphics card and warranty.

The service was announced at the same time as the new TT series laptop, which looks set to take on Lenovo's X300 in the business ultraportable market.

Click here to read our first look at the Sony VAIO TT

Weighing only 1.32 kg, the base model TT features an 11.1in screen, 4GB RAM, Intel Core 2 Duo processor and a 160GB hard disk. The latter is bolstered by software which automatically encrypts information, and parks the drive heads should the laptop be dropped or knocked around. There's also Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and a 3G connection as standard.

Beyond the standard specifications, however, the TT also has a few nifty tricks up its sleeve, including an ambient light sensor which dynamically alters screen brightness to save power. There's also a quick charge function that Sony claims can restore 50% battery life in just over one hour of charging.

The VAIO by you website opens on 24 October, with the TT series appearing from 14 November for prices starting at £1,149.