Sony released the VAIO FW notebook - a multimedia PC that displays HD movies the way they were meant to be seen. The industry's first 16.4 inch extra-wide display features a unique 16:9 aspect ratio, perfect for viewing widescreen movies in their original cinematic format. Not only do the widescreen proportions minimize those annoying black bars during movies, they also offer an expansive workspace for viewing two pages side-by-side.

    Part of a series, the VAIO FW notebook comes in multiple configurations, including a premium and a standard model. The premium model plays Blu-ray Disc high-definition content like movies in full 1080 HD resolution when connected to a compatible HDTV. It can also record, store and play back personal content on high-capacity BD media. Weighing a little over six pounds, the FW notebook features the world's first 16.4-inch display, which combines the benefits of a slightly larger 17- inch widescreen with the smaller "footprint" of a 15.4-inch model.

    The display is ideal for Blu-ray Disc movies. Since many HD films are shot with a 16:9 aspect ratio, the unit's extra-wide LCD is constructed with the same dimensions. This minimizes the black bars that typically appear, letting you view movies in their intended format. The extended workspace also lets you view two full websites at once or compare two documents side-by-side without tabbing back and forth. Combined with Sony's patented XBRITE-HiColor LCD technology on select models, the display delivers razor-sharp details, bold colors and glare-free viewing.

    For those who prefer to watch content on a big screen television, the unit also has an HDMI output connector so you can connect to a high-definition TV set for a larger viewing experience. The notebook is powered by new Intel Centrino 2 technology, the chipset designed for sizzling performance, instant system responsiveness and energy efficiency. Select units come pre-installed with the Windows Vista Ultimate operating system.

    The series comes with three entertainment software applications. Offerings include VAIO Movie Story software - an easy way to produce your own high- quality home movies, VAIO MusicBox software - a fun way to enjoy music based on your mood, and Click to Disc/Editor software - for easy DVD/BD video- editing and creation. The model also includes VAIO Media software, a DLNA-enabled media sharing application that lets you wirelessly stream content stored on your PC throughout your home network. Movies, music and digital still images can be streamed from the notebook to a PLAYSTATION 3 or VAIO Home Theater PC that is connected to a TV for big-screen enjoyment.

    The PC is equipped with plenty of slots, ports and jacks, including a Memory Stick media/SD card slot, three USB ports, an i.LINK IEEE-1394 port, microphone and headphone jack, and a 34mm ExpressCard slot making it easy to transfer files from external devices. With the notebook's integrated Wireless-N technology, also known as 802.11n, you can wirelessly surf the web, e-mail and stream HD content with greater range and reliability than ever before when connected to a compatible hotspot.

    Blu-ray Disc technology brings the ultimate HD experience wherever you go. Enjoy breathtaking picture quality on a plane, train, or just lying in your bed. The FW also delivers 5.1-channel Dolby Sound Room technology for cinema-quality audio. Once you experience Blu-ray Disc movies and concerts on the FW, you'll see just how good HD can be. Reminiscent of a rolling wave, the smooth, curved lines of the FW redefine functional beauty. From the new cylindrical hinge to the sloping bend where the keyboard meets the display, every last inch of the FW is designed to maximize the viewing area while minimizing size. Select models also use exotic pearl-based paints and special powder coating, resulting in a finish that is sure to turn heads.