Sony India announces new VAIO Ultrabook, refreshes existing line-up

Sony India today announced its ambitious plans to sell a whopping 6.5 lakh VAIO units in FY12, up from 5 lakh units in FY11. This year, Sony India adds VAIO E14A, with unique wrap design with accent colours, VAIO T, the Ultrabook and new models of E, S & Z series to its ever-expanding product portfolio. Sony will also consolidate its distribution network by adding 500 more channel counters, taking the total count to 4,500 in FY12. Sony for the first time introduces on-site support for all VAIO models, beginning July 2012. Towards VAIO marketing, Sony will invest a huge sum of Rs. 90 crore in FY12, starting with ‘Spark a Trend’ campaign with Brand Ambassador Ms. Kareena Kapoor. Prices start at Rs. 27,990 and go all the way up to Rs. 1,79,900.

Their first Ultrabook

By selling 5 lakh VAIO units in FY11, VAIO for the first time emerged as the market leader in the consumer notebook market, hitting 20 percent market share in the Q3, FY11, as per IDC (International Data Corporation) research findings. VAIO also had the strongest brand recall amongst all laptop brands in India on the basis of top-of-the-mind spontaneous and aided recall, as per research conducted by IMRB (Indian Market Research Bureau). Mr. Masaru Tamagawa, Managing Director, Sony India, said, “I am very proud of VAIO’s exceptional growth in Indian market and we hope to continue the momentum by further strengthening our business pillars of strong product line-up, robust distribution network and innovative marketing." He added saying, “The contribution of VAIO is also expected to rise from 20% to 25% to the overall sales of Sony India by FY12.” The VAIO E14A series comes with a stylish new ‘wrap design’ with colour accent around the laptop’s edge, touchpad and keyboard. Meant for the fashion conscious, you can further accentuate your style statement with the ‘personalization kit’ comprising matching colour keyboard skin and mouse.

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This laptop is available at a price range of Rs. 55,990 to Rs. 65,990. VAIO T, the first Ultrabook from Sony can connect easily and directly to the devices you need, such as desk monitors, projectors, and Ethernet. With VGA and LAN cable connectors, in addition to USB 3.0, USB 2.0, and HDMI ports, this PC can be connected to devices of all kinds without the inconvenience of mini and micro connectors that require dongles. Available in 11.6 and 13.3-inch screen sizes, it comes at a very competitive price, starting at Rs. 45,990. With high-end features, such as the best-in-class Full HD display, 5.5 hours of battery life and light weight of just over 1 kg, VAIO Z is an ultimate fusion of mobility and performance. The new Z Series will be available with the new refreshed design featuring VAIO’s 15th Anniversary engraving, with a price tag of Rs. 1,79,900. Meanwhile their ‘E’ value series of notebooks will start at Rs. 27,990.