Sony Announces Notebook With Thunderbolt Media Dock

Sony has announced the new VAIO Z Series notebook which features a Thunderbolt powered media dock. The company is referring to Thunderbolt by its original 'Light Peak' name and is using a USB connector instead of a DisplayPort connector.

Interestingly the 'Power Media Dock' features an integrated graphics controller.

----
The performance of VAIO Z Series is taken to new extremes by the unique Power Media Dock2, a monolithic expansion module that links with VAIO via an optical cable. The proprietary port can also be used to attach regular USB devices to VAIO when it's not docked.


Featuring high-speed I/O data transfer based on the architecture codenamed 'Light Peak', Power Media Dock boosts graphics performance while adding numerous extra connectivity options. It includes an optical drive for even greater business productivity and satisfying HD entertainment. The module comes supplied with a stylish design-matched stand.

With Power Media Dock added, VAIO Z can manage up to four displays (including the notebook screen) via HDMI and/or VGA output ports. In this configuration, VAIO Z makes a compelling choice for design, finance and science professionals who need to work across several screens simultaneously. New-generation AMD Radeon HD graphics with 1GB VRAM effortlessly handle demanding graphics tasks, from 3D CAD to gaming.

When docked, connectivity options are boosted by additional USB ports plus VGA and HDMI outputs. Power Media Dock also sports an optical drive bay that can be specified with a Blu-ray Discâ„¢ or SuperMulti combo drive. Games and movies on DVD or Blu-ray Disc sound as good as they look with latest Dolby Home Theater v4.
----

The 2011 VAIO Z Series PCs will be available from the end of July 2011.


Read More [via Peter]