SONY UNVEILS NEW VAIO DIGITAL STUDIO PC MODELS.

Sony Electronics' focus on turning personal computing into a creative experience through digital imaging has culminated in its latest line of powerful VAIO Digital Studio(TM) desktop computers.

The new models, PCV-R545DS, PCV-R547DS and PCV-R549DS are equipped with added multimedia capabilities, new hardware extras and Intel(R) Pentium III processors at estimated prices ranging from $1,499 to $2,599.

Quality, performance, and functionality are key attributes for the VAIO Digital Studio line. When partnered with digital imaging solutions such as Sony Cyber-shot(R) digital cameras, DV Handycam(R) and Digital8(TM) camcorders or a digital audio accessory like the recently announced VAIO Music Clip(TM) Personal Network Player, consumers will have a powerful companion for exploring this age of digital audio and video.

For example, consumers can easily edit their own home movies or email video clips to friends across the country, all via their VAIO(R) PC. In addition, the entire family of VAIO Digital Studio computers comes bundled with dual drives and an Adaptec(R) Easy CD Creator(TM) software package so that users can seamlessly build an entire library of music.

"By bringing the worlds of audio-video and computing together, we are designing products that transform the consumer into a movie director one minute and music disc jockey the next," said Rich Black, senior marketing manager of desktop PCs for the Personal Network Solutions Company of Sony Electronics.

The latest additions to Sony's popular VAIO Digital Studio desktop PC family include the entry-level PCV-R545DS with a 500EMHz(2) Intel Pentium III processor and a 20GB(3) hard drive, the mid-range PCV-R547DS with a 600EMHz(2) Intel Pentium III processor and 27GB(3) hard drive, and the high-end power horse, the PCV-R549DS, featuring a 750MHz(2) Intel Pentium III processor and a 40GB(3) hard drive, all available with 128MB of memory.

The two higher end models will also ship with a new nVidia-TNT 2 Pro graphics card that has twice the rendering capabilities and 3D graphics than its predecessor as well as a new CD-RW drive, the Sony CRX-140E (8X/4X/32X) for even more functionality in the system.