First emerging in January as a 13.3-incher, Sony has shrunk its Vaio Y series to 11.6 inches, putting it in the same category as Apple's smallest MacBook Air and Lenovo's new IdeaPad U260. The new VPCYA19FJ is among only a few Windows-based Air alternatives, though it's not quite as compact, measuring 1.24 inches thick and weighing 3.2lbs.
Inside that heftier frame is a 1.33GHz Intel Core i3-380UM processor, which has been reduced from the 13.3-inch model's Core i5-430UM – presumably to keep cost and battery life in check. Sony says you can expect a maximum runtime of about six hours or up to 11.5 with an extended battery. Like the IdeaPad U260, Sony's new entry uses Intel's integrated graphics.
The 11.6-inch Vaio Y carries an 1366x768 display resolution, 2GB of RAM, a 320GB hard drive, a webcam, gigabit Ethernet, 802.11b/g/n wireless, Bluetooth, four USB ports, HDMI-out, and a card reader. Sony hasn't detailed pricing or availability yet, but Akihabra reports that the system should land at around 110,000 yen or 980 euros – roughly $1,350.