Sony Takes Vaio PCs to Core 2 Quad

By Geoff Duncan Published January 17, 2007

Sony Takes Vaio PCs to Core 2 Quad — Image used with permission by copyright holder

For the time being it’s only going to be available in Japan, but electronics giant Sony has taken the lead in adopting Intel’s new Core 2 Quad processors by offering the new chip as an option is its high-end Vaio R Master desktop media PCs (Japanese).

The Vaio R Master sports Sony’s oddball “split” form factor, which tries to reduce the bulk of a typical PC casing by separating the most frequently-used inputs and output into a smaller slab which can be separated from the main unit by a tether carrying USB and PCI data. The theory is that users can then pack the main CPU out of sight while maintaining a svelte on-desk form factor.

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The new Vaio R Master will offer an option for a Core 2 Quad Q6600 processor running at 2.4 GHz, along with a Blu-ray burner, support for up to 3 G of RAM, up to 3 TB of SATA hard disk storage, and and Nvidia Quadro FX 1500 graphics controller, all adding up to a very quick system for enjoying high-definition content or (dare we say it) even creating some of your own, since it comes with a bunch of video editing and content-capture software, along with Adobe Premiere Pro 2.0. The New Vaio R Masters are set to launch in Japan with Vista Home Premium in early February—but be prepared to pay. With display, storage, and the Core 2 Quad, these units will run upward of ¥990,000 (or over USD $8,200)

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Geoff Duncan writes, programs, edits, plays music, and delights in making software misbehave. He's probably the only member…

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