Sony VAIO Tap 20 is its own market segment (I mean it!); sells for PHP 59,999.00

As the global launch of Windows 8 approaches, we’re starting to see the OEM’s dish out the devices that will run Microsoft’s new platform. In the wild, we’ve already seen the Sony VAIO Tap 20 and I’ll tell you a secret: if you were to ask me, right now, to choose between a brand new iMac or this, I’d choose this. You actually need to see it in the flesh.

Here’s why:

Essentially, it’s a huge 20-inch tablet running Windows 8. Sony has categorized this as an “all in one” under the ultrabook line, but the truth is that this device opens up a brand new market segment that no tech company has ventured into, yet. If the iPad defined a new segment of portable computing, the VAIO Tap 20 (and its successors) have done the same and I don’t even want to say that it’s in the desktop space. According to Wowie Wong of Intel, taking home this device for testing purposes (it runs on an Intel Core i5 processor) brought about some behavioral observations on how this sort of computing changes how we do things.

This is a true “laptop” as it’s ‘heavy’ but fits rather comfortably on your lap at home. Since the screen is rather huge, you can use it whether you’re sitting up straight or slouching via the adjustable stand. If you’re on the table, you can use it like a desktop computer by plugging in a keyboard and mouse into the 2 USB ports in conjunction with Windows 8’s touch screen support or you can lay it flat on the table and play games with your kids. The multi-touch technology allows for several fingers to input at once, so games for the family is a winner here.

The photo above shows how painting with your kids can be a rewarding experience with the VAIO Tap 20. I can’t help but reiterate how this will make creative work so much easier to do — multi-touch Photoshop, anyone? If you have a family with kids, the Tap 20 can serve as great bonding moments with them because the multi-touch really expands the options of apps for a touch screen device. You can have multiple fingers swiping and pointing at the huge screen.

Here are the specs:

Intel Core i5 Ultrabook
4GB RAM
20-inch screen
500GB Hard Drive
Price: PHP 59,999 (available on 0% interest)

But really, in this rare moment, specs don’t matter. The responsiveness of the hardware and Windows 8 jive oh-so-well together. It may take some time to get used to navigating through this new version of Windows (i.e. where is the Start button?!) but once you get the hang of it, you’ll really begin to appreciate its awesomeness as a productivity tool and creative tool.

As one industry person said, “finally, Microsoft copied the right thing from Apple!” Props to Sony for the amazing hardware. The next few months will be an exciting one for computing and it isn’t coming from Apple or Google.

Pros
Big big screen
Multi-touch support (Windows 8)
Strong hinge for desktop use
Supports mouse and keyboard

Cons
2 hour battery life (keep it as a semi-desktop)

Parting shot:

Side by side — the VAIO Tap 20 together with the VAIO Duo 11 with slide-out keyboard and nipple mouse (Sony’s version of Surface) which sells for PHP 69,999.00