Sony Vaio Flip hybrid laptops launched in India at Rs. 94,990

Ever since Windows 8 was launched, laptop makers have tried scores of different designs to optimise the design of hybrid machines. Japanese manufacturer Sony has launched its Vaio Flip series of convertible laptops in India with prices starting from Rs 94,990.

The company has now launched the VAIO Flip F13N, F14N, F15N in the Indian market. Unfortunately, many potential buyers will pass over the new hybrids considering the sky-high price. As manufacturers race to design ever-slimmer laptops that can also be used comfortably as tablets over the past year, 2-in-1 designs featuring detachable halves and double hinges have proliferated. Sony's latest hinge design allows the screen to be flipped over backwards and then folded back down over the keyboard. The company promises that users will enjoy a variety of new ways to use the Vaio Flip mobile PCs, and enjoy the comfort and functionality of a traditional clamshell laptop.

The all-new Vaio Flip convertible laptops have a hinge mechanism that allows the touchscreen to be flipped over such that the model can be used as a tablet. This mechanism also enables the device to be used as a kickstand (which Sony calls Viewer mode).

All three Flip models – F13N, F14N and F15N -  run on fourth generation Intel Core i5 or i7 processors and the Flip 15 gets a dedicated Nvidia graphics processor. The 13-inch model features solid-state drives (SSDs) while the  other two feature a hybrid drive design for both speed and storage capacity. They come equipped with full HD screens and Sony’s Triluminous Display technology for image enhancement. For those on the lookout for the pretty in this latest range of hardware the Flip models are available in silver, while the F13 is also available in black.

Talking of specifications, the Sony Vaio Flip F13N1A features a 13.3-inch full HD touch display, Intel’s fourth-generation processors (up to i7 clocked at 1.6GHz), Intel HD Graphics 4400, up to 8GB of RAM, up to 256GB SSD, a battery that lasts for up to 7.5 hours, an 8-megapixel rear camera and connectivity options like HDMI, Wi-Fi, USB 3.0 and NFC. The Vaio Flip F13N1A is priced at Rs 99,990.

The 15-inch Vaio Flip is available in two variants — the Vaio Flip F15N12 priced at Rs 104,990 and the Vaio Flip F15N17 priced at Rs 119,990. In terms of specifications, the Vaio Flip F15N12 features a 15.5-inch full HD touch display, 1.6GHz Intel Core i5 processor, 2GB NVIDIA GeForce GT 735M, 4GB RAM, 1TB flash storage, HD camera and a battery that is said to last up to five hours.

The Vaio Flip F15N17, on the other hand, features Intel Core i7 processor clocked at 1.8GHz, NVIDIA GeForce GT 735M and 8GB of RAM, in addition to the above mentioned specs.

All Vaio Flip models have a one-year accidental damage protection warranty and buyers can add a two-year extended warranty for Rs. 999. As a limited-time introductory offer, Sony is giving away a pair of MDR-XB910A headphones fee with every Vaio Flip device. Buyers also get three months of free music downloads from Sony Music.