Sony Announces VAIO Tap 11, Takes On Surface Pro from Microsoft

Sony VAIO Tap 11_02

Despite the lukewarm responses to Windows 8 tablets, Sony is finally expanding its mobile fleet beyond Android by announcing the VAIP Tap 11. If you’re at all familiar with the Surface Pro from Microsoft, the VAIO Tap 11 takes most of its cues from that design. Sony would argue however that their tablet not only offers superior specs, but some fresh features as well like an all new attachable keyboard with thicker keys for easier typing while the entire product all together is no thicker than the Surface Pro. Interested? Yea, us too so lets talk details.

Like the Surface Pro, the VAIO Tap 11 as the same suggests is an 11-inch Windows 8 tablet. Like an iPad, you can fully use the device on its own which features touchscreen and pen input with the optional which allows for better typing experience for those looking to put down something lengthy. Unlike the Surface Pro which comes with a fairly thin keyboard, Sony has managed to create a thicker, more comfortable keyboard that latches onto the tablet via a magnetic connector. For the creative type, Sony has included full pen input and includes one with every unit. Unlike competitor products, Sony has opted to not use Wacom and instead is implementing N-Trig. This means that Wacom pens will not work with the Tap 11. Sony’s reasoning? N-Trig’s pens place their sensors closer toward the tip which allows for better accuracy.

Sony has yet to reveal all the details for the Tap 11 but we do know that it won’t be a slouch. Would-be buyers can purchase either a Pentium CPU or a Haswell chip (Core i3, i5 or i7) with 128GB to 512GB of solid-state storage. Transferring and consuming media to the Tap 11 is easy, thanks to NFC and the units dual speakers with a 1,920 x 1,080 IPS display. Inputs include a micro-HDMI socket and a full-sized USB 3.0 port.

No wording yet on price or availability for the VAIP Tap 11 but we do know that, once available, you can have your pick of white or black. Between you and I, a white Tap 11 in the kitchen is a sexy combination.

Discuss:

Are you interested in the VAIP Tap 11?