Sony Launches Vaio F: 3D Laptop with Blu-ray, Intel 2nd-Gen Core CPU, Nvidia 500-series GPU

Jumping into the 3D notebook space, Sony today announced the fully loaded Vaio F, a 16-inch system that has Intel’s new “Sandy Bridge” second-generation Core processor, Nvidia’s new 500-series GPU, as well as that company’s technology to show 3D content on its 1080p screen, or output it to a 3D-capable display.

The Vaio F’s design is a bit of a departure from other Vaio notebooks. Gone is the rounded-hinge look, and the screen’s bezel and front lip are much more angular. Inside, the Vaio F has an LED-backlit 16-inch, 1920 x 1080-pixel resolution display and Nvidia’s new GeForce GT540M GPU with 1GB of memory (you can learn all about this new GPU here).

Additionally, the Vaio F has  Intel’s second-generation Core i7 CPU with 4 cores, Hyper-Threading and Intel Turbo Boost 2.0. (For a full run-down of what the new Core processors can do, check out our hands-on.)

A 3D transmitter is built in, and the notebook comes with a pair of Nvidia’s active-shutter glasses. A 3D button on the notebook will convert 2D content, such as DVDs and Blu-rays, to 3D. The Vaio F also has USB 3.0 and HDMI 1.4, which means that consumers will be able to output 3D content to a larger display.

Sony also includes its  S-Force Front Surround 3D system offers simulated 5-channel surround sound, and its Media Gallery software to make navigating multimedia content easier.

The Vaio F will be available in February; pricing will start at $1,700.

• Processor: 2.0-GHz Intel Core i7-2630QM
• RAM/Expandable to: 6GB/8GB
• Hard drive size/speed: 640GB/7,200rpm
• Display size/resolution: 16 inches/1920 x 1080
• Graphics/video memory: Nvidia GeForce GT540M/1GB
• Optical Drive: Blu-ray
• Ports: VGA, HDMI, Ethernet, one USB 2.0, two USB 3.0, headphone, mic
• Card slots: Memory Stick, SD
• Wireless: Atheros 802.11b/g/n, Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
• Size: 15.7 x 10.7 x 1.3 – 1.8 inches