Sony 'S1' tablet

So engadget has a story about a forthcoming sony android tablet

Exclusive: Sony 'S1' PlayStation tablet (updated) -- Engadget

9.4inch at 1280x800
tegra 2
supposed price $599

more details in the post which states that there is a second honeycomb tablet also in the works, but I heard another story, so who knows if this will pan out now, the second tablet I mean.

 

more info here

Sony Ericsson plans LTE devices, crows of Verizon deal - FierceWireless

 

I guess the clue is in the title (Engagdet) --but yes it sounds like primarily a gaming device which is what it is. Some that were interested in Sony's UMPC's will not be interested in this, it's aiming it at a different market.
However, a tablet aimed more at the UMPC/laptop market would be interesting.

 

I was told that there would be other non-android tablets, but I am not sure if those will be launched this year or later next.

 

Finally, a large tablet design that actually had some thoughts in ease of hand-held instead of just trying to make it paper thin...I like it

 

^^^ I second what Rachel's said, with new and most current CPU's screens, SSD, and everything else big and small has been greatly improved since the last release of the UX series and a UMPC released now, would be really interesting, I've always enjoyed UMPC's like the UX series from Sony and the Q1 from Samsung and hope Sony would release one soon.
Why does it feel like Sony is moving away from having the larger part of its Vaio lineup aimed at being Business oriented models to now having almost all of its laptop models aimed at mainstream consumers.

 

I've been waiting since the first Sony 'U' s were introduced about 6 years ago for a good tablet from them. I really like my UBX, but the screen is too small and there isn't any good way to update them with time. Count me in as someone who'd love a good non-gaming tablet.

 

It indeed seems that the S2 might be one the way later this year.
Exclusive: Sony 'S2' dual-screen Android clamshell and 9.4-inch Windows 7 VAIO slider due this year -- Engadget

It's good to see that Sony hasn't abandoned the <10 UMPC/ notebook insert whatever here lol.

 

I'm very keen on purchasing a Vaio UX right now and getting it upgraded to a C2D U7700 for pretty much next to nothing. This is still a very viable alternative especially with a cheap 64GB SSD and i would do that and jump over the P. I prefer the smaller form factor that the UX has and i'm also not keen on the atom processor that the P has. The thing that lets the UX down is the wwan solution.

I guess though i better wait and see what Sony does with the S2 slider tablet. Hopefully that will offer me better performance than a modded UX would.

 

The UX is still fairly cool I think, I always liked the fact it has a hardware keyboard, and it's nice that it's a 'proper' processor not an Atom.

But I'm really struggling to see a reasonable use for a tablet these days, especially an Android/iOS one rather than one running proper Windows. I think I've got all bases covered with the smartphone/13" portable but full powered laptop/huge desktop setup, and as much as I'd like a tablet for fiddling around with and cos it's a shiny toy, I can't justify it.

(one possible, although very niche, counter-argument is that today I'd probably get an iPad & suitable software instead of the Cycling74 Lemur touchscreen music software controller I spent a horrifying amount of money on a couple of years ago, solely for cost reasons)

 

I recall the UX being used in some 007 movies, back when Pierce Brosnan was the spy. Which is where I think the UX got its 'cool' factor.

Well, I also recall the Vaio C1 (the real 'first' VGN-P) being used in earlier 007 flicks, and I think I remember seeing it on Johnny English as well. Definitely cool in both situations, especially in the latter mind you.

As for this rumoured S2. I'd hold out and check out the latest 007 flick, the one that's coming this year I think. Sony's been supplying the 007 franchise with gadgets since back in the days. That will / may hold some clues. Heck, didn't they use the VGN-Z in a 007 movie as well? I saw a 007 branded version being sold for around $5k a few years back (in some fundraising event); complete brushed metal lid in platinum silver with some 007 insignia.

 

Yeah it's cos it's Sony Pictures (Columbia).

UX was also in the newest Terminator film - same applies.

It may be the carbon fibre SZ in Casino Royale you're thinking of (when he's sat on a boat near the end iirc?), which is the same as the one I had stolen fairly recently and am replacing.

 

I thought it was a TZ he was using on the boat at the end. In general I feel that Columbia Pictures uses way too much Sony branding. In all of their movies EVERYONE uses a Vaio, everyone has an Ericsson, etc. In the middle of watching Casino Royale I thought at any moment a PS3 was going to appear. lol

 

Haha, Columbia is owned by Sony which means free advertising for them . I mean... if the greatest spy in the world is using Sony... then we should all be using Sony!

Tangent: The other day I was watching 2012 (the movie) also by Columbia pics. There was a scene when the president walked into some meeting room with world leaders and as the camera panned around, you could see Vaios in front of everyone . Truth be told, the Vaios looked sleek and perfect for that situation. I can not imagine what it'd look like if there were MBPs in front of everyone... especially with that glowing apple...

 

Edit: I know it's free advertisement but it ruins the "authentic feel" of a movie for me. Sorry, just not realistic.

Seems like in the professional sector, Dells, HPs, IBMs, and Macs are most common. I honestly can't think of the last time I've seen a Sony computer used at a work place aside from Sony Style and a niche clothing store in Vancouver. Heck, they even use Dells at Sony's HR department on the backlot in LA!

 

will be interesting what sony pulls out of their hat with this because currently I am not a fan of the curve on the back, at 599, I am not sure its priced that right if it wants to battle with the ipad and other tablets.

I am keen on buying a tablet but I doubt the sony will play or support divx like the samsung devices, so unless sony supports divx (lawlz?) I doubt I would even get this.

Beaups do you know if it will be running stock honeycomb or some kind of skin from sony?

 

Ooh, I'd love to hear more. Any idea where it would be announced?

 

I hope the screen viewing angles will be good, ipad level if not better i would hope

 

Sony S1 and S2 dual-screen Honeycomb tablets get official (video) -- Engadget

S1 and S2 tablets, both running tegra.

Hmm not sure what I like here, sure the screen is nice but the bezel is huge, and the thickness is meh, besides with availability in the fall I doubt this will have any success considering a price that is $100 premium over the ipad.

interesting tidbit, on all the press photos and even at the live event there is a sign "design and specifications subject to change" maybe sony will pull a sammy on us and change the design

 

Darn, I was really hoping the S1's back would be as pronounced and accentuated as the patent drawing and similar to that of the current Z series. I really love holding the Z with one hand closed. The rounded edges of the battery are really comfortable and thought it'd make for an interesting design element if they kept it.

The plastic looking material on the back of the S1 looks cheap/ similar to that of the CA/CB notebooks.

 

Hmm the S2 looks really interesting... imagine the conversations you'll have when you pull it out of your pocket

 

from Digitimes...
Sony Tablet with Android 3.0 unveiled
that'll be my first tablet!!
bye.

edit: also at http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2384293,00.asp
edit2: also at http://blogs.wsj.com/japanrealtime/2011/04/26/live-blogging-sonys-mobile-strategy-event/

 

I posted a link on page to the engadget article with some live photos

 

While I like the style of both better, I am not sure they are good enough to replace the iPad and DSi XL in our house.

 

LOL... you do have a point though... although for the price... i think i'd go with an asus transformer... both run Tegra 2 right?

 

Yeah, Eee Pad Transformer is definitely the way to go for Android 3.0 tablet now. I got my iPad for $299 a couple weeks back on Verizon clearance, so it's even harder for me to switch, as much as I like the contoured back for better hand-holding in Sony S1.

 

Two Sony netbooks (almost) slip by unnoticed - a slider and an ultra-thin netbook

Apparently it has yet to be mentioned here of all places (either that or search has failed me). These were 'silently' introed with the slates according to the above article. Though admittedly they look like concepts and not something that will be released to the public any time soon.

The 'freestyle' machine looks like a modern-day UX gone on a massive diet regime. Whereas the 'ultimate mobile machine' looks like a modern-day X.
I say modern-day above as the new designs have more sharper accents / edging around them.

The funny thing with the new 'UX'. The word HYBRID. I smell an Android dual-boot system...

 

Your "modern day X" is the next gen Z.
The new UX appears to be a pseudo P replacement, but you're right. Now that you mention it it seems like a modern UX.

 

From Sony-

Sony Announces Optimally Designed “Sony Tablet” with Android 3.0 that Complements Network Services for an Immersive Entertainment Experience
-Also strengthening VAIO in expanding PC markets-

Sony Corporation (“Sony” , announces “Sony Tablet” that delivers the perfect combination of hardware, content and network with seamless usability for a high-quality, engaging entertainment experience. Based on decades of engineering heritage, Sony is developing two tablets with unprecedented design, including S1 (codename) which is optimized for rich media entertainment and S2 (codename) which is ideal for mobile communication and entertainment. “Sony Tablet” will become available in the global market starting in fall 2011.

“Sony Tablet” is equipped with the latest Android 3.0 which is designed for devices with larger screen sizes, particularly tablets. Both tablets are WiFi and WAN (3G/4G) compatible and users can not only browse the internet or check e-mail but they can also smoothly access digital content including videos, games and books through Sony’s premium network services and more, on-the-go at any time.


“Sony Tablet” S1 (Left), S2 (Right)




S1 has a 9.4-inch display for enjoying the web and rich content on a large screen. Its off-center of gravity design realizes stability and ease of grip as well as a sense of stability and lightness, offering comfortable use for hours.

S2 has two 5.5-inch displays that can be folded for easy portability. In contrast to existing tablets, its unprecedented dual screen presentation and usability allows its displays to be combined and used as a large screen or for different functions such as playing video on one screen while showing control buttons on the other.

“‘Sony Tablet’ delivers an entertainment experience where users can enjoy cloud-based services on-the-go at any time. We’re aiming to create a new lifestyle by integrating consumer hardware, including ‘Sony Tablet’ with content and network,” said Kunimasa Suzuki, Corporate Executive, SVP, and Deputy President of Consumer Products & Services Group.

“Android 3.0 is a new version of the Android platform with a new holographic user interface that is designed from the ground up for devices with larger screen sizes, particularly tablets. I'm excited about “Sony Tablet” as it will further spur the development of applications and network offerings which users are looking for.” said Andy Rubin, Senior Vice President, Mobile, Google Inc.

Also, in the mobile computing category, the market for PCs which realize high productivity is expected to steadily grow, particularly in emerging markets. Therefore, Sony will also remain committed to strengthening its VAIO brand and introduce increasingly compelling products which offer new value propositions to the market.

“Sony Tablet” features.
Designed for portability and intuitive gripping

With its off-center of gravity form factor, the 9.4-inch S1 offers stability and a sense of lightness, offering comfortable use for hours.
The dual screen S2 comes with two 5.5-inch displays which can be used together as one large screen to browse websites and more. They can also be used for different functions as users can watch a video on one screen and input commands on the other, or check email on one screen and use the other as a soft keyboard.

Seamless Usability and Performance

Through Sony’s knowhow for combining hardware and software, “Sony Tablet” realizes optimal usability and performance. Because of Sony’s rapid response technologies, users can perform smooth, quick touch-screen operations and enjoy fast and efficient website loading. The keyboard arrangement is also optimized for the large screen, making email and SNS communication a breeze.

Rich entertainment experiences through various network services

Through Qriocity1 music and video services, users can enjoy rich video and music content. Also, through PlayStation®Suite, users can immerse themselves in high quality first generation PlayStation® titles. Additionally, users can easily download ebook content from Reader™Store2 and use both tablets as digital reading devices. The integration with various services allows users to take their entertainment experiences on-the-go. Furthermore, “Sony Tablet” is equipped with functionality that organizes content for easy access.

Remote access functionality with AV devices

Through “Sony Tablet”, users can control home entertainment devices as well as enjoy content in new ways. S1 uses infrared technology and works as universal remote controls for a variety of AV devices starting with <BRAVIA>. Users can perform functions like turning on their TVs, changing the channel and adjusting the volume. Also, through DLNA functionality on “Sony Tablet”, users can “throw” personal content to large screen televisions or music to wireless speakers.



In 2010, Sony launched a network platform called “Qriocity” which connects many of Sony’s network-enabled devices, and has been expanding its services into global markets. Also, Sony Computer Entertainment has been providing various contents and services for PlayStation users through PlayStation®Network, which now has over 75 million registered accounts (as of March 20, 2011) worldwide.

Simultaneously, Sony will continue to announce various devices which leverage these services. Starting in early 2011, Sony Computer Entertainment announced the next-generation portable entertainment system (codename: NGP) while Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications brought “Xperia™PLAY” to the market. Sony is introducing “Sony Tablet” to deliver an entertainment experience which integrates hardware with network services that deliver rich content.

With the establishment of Consumer Products and Services Group in April 2011, Sony will focus on accelerating the development of innovative next generation products and aim to deliver a new lifestyle by strengthening the integration of hardware and network services.
Sony Global - Sony Announces Optimally Designed “Sony Tablet” with Android 3.0 that Complements Network Services for an Immersive Entertainment Experience

Also, some more info.
http://ascii.jp/elem/000/000/602/602522/

 

Sony is listing tablets on its store site. I'd like to order one of the three offered, but I'm not sure which is best

Tablets

 

Hmm, there's only supposed to be two of them, I think I'll wait till they hit the stores, then decide after I hold them in my hands.

 

I still want one!! Please be on sale this weekend!!
Has anyone seen the online black friday special for this Tablet S yet?

 

hi guys
just got a the sony s1
wonder if anyone tried to install windows on it ? is this possible?
is the any guide or a forum about it?

 

An example forum is Sony Tablet S - Android Forums
but it's not a very active forum with this particular product though.

 

For one, until MS releases Windows 8 for ARM, there will be no possibility at all. Once it does release however, I'm not sure if you could then. In any case, you can always try using a linux distro if there's been one ported. Otherwise, is there something you want to do with a full OS that android can't do?

 

mostly i bought this for traveling and wathcing videos and music, just havent figure out out to play avi files on it i got a 16gb sony mem car but doesnt seem to want to read it

 

AVI and MKV files aren't natively supported by android, so your best bet is to find an app that will play it for you. Either that, or use some file converter to change the file to mp4 or some other multimedia file format

 

To play the AVI files on the Tablet S i use the "MX Video Player" along with their "MX Video Player Codec (ARMv7)". This is from the Android Market/Google Play site. (There might be other apps and codecs that will work too.) have fun!

 

ya that worked for me and wifi sharing to up load the movies is good

 

how to you guys upload music to it? wifi sahring only does 1 file it would take ages to up load a few albuns, and the thumbN from itunes dont seem to work there either
what do you guys use to up load your albums and album art?

 

The sony should be able to run metro once windows for arm is released, it is has the min resolution requirements but who knows is the chip will be fast enough. Unfortunately the S1 would not be able to run 2 apps side by side.

 

is it possible to upgrade the hardrive on this? what type do they use?

 

Try Media Go. It's like iTunes but fully compatible with Sony products.