The boot time was reportedly slow, but considering it is running Windows Vista, a hog on many desktops let alone netbooks, that isn’t too unsurprising, and Windows 7, the new “netbook optimized” OS by Microsoft, may be a better bet to install on the Vaio (or any other netbook for that matter). The long awaited list of specs are as follows,

- Microsoft Vista Home Premium
- Intel Atom Z520 1.33GHz or Z530 1.6GHz or Z540 1.86GHz
- 60GB hard drive or up to 128GB SSD
- 2GB of RAM
- 8-inch UWXGA screen with a 1600×768 resolution(!)
- 802.11n, Bluetooth, 3G
- 1.3-megapixel camera
- 3-cell battery (4 hours life) or 6-cell battery (8 hours life, extra $129)

Much like Sony’s PSP and Playstation consoles, an instant-on feature is including that allows you to to load it up in “lite” Windows-free mode, just enough to give you access to your favourite web browser, music, or photos.

And the price? Well, here is the killjoy, as it is far above what you’d pay for the usual netbook. Pricing for 1.4lbs Sony Vaio P netbook begins at $899 and goes all the way up to a massive $1,499. The Vaio P is without doubt a hugely impressive netbook, but one has to wonder if the pricing will scare off what many look for in a netbook: a cheap, good value for money machine to do the basics on (web surfing, email, etc.).

The new VAIO will be the smallest notebook in Sony’s range and if it is by definition a netbook, will be a good one that is likely to burn a hole in your “P” with an expectedly huge price tag that could push or even exceed $1,000. It’ll come in three color choices – red, champagne gold, black – and the known specs are,

- 1.33GHz Intel processor
- Microsoft Vista Home Premium or Home Basic
- 8″ LED backlit 1600×768 display
- Up to 60GB hard drive, available 128GB SSD

Sounds pretty impressive, doesn’t it? The 1600×768 resolution is higher than the typical netbook that usually has 1024×600, and the 128GB SSD option is enticing.

Things such as weight, battery life, and price are listed simply as “x” or “$NaN.00″, meaning they aren’t confirmed yet – or Sony just wants to dangle the carrot a little longer before revealing full info for their state-of-the-art netbook(-like) model. We also aren’t told if the machine will be based on an Atom chip, though its highly likely, as is the inclusion of usual netbook features such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

Sony’s New Zealand site has a teaser up, complete with a tantalizing countdown, telling us that on the 9th of January, the way we look at laptops will be forever changed with a new Vaio machine that will be revolutionary. What do you think? I’m thinking netbook…