Sony Offers Free Wireless Modem to VAIO Notebook PC Owners

Dec. 13, 2000--Sony Electronics is offering a free wireless modem that enables new VAIO notebook owners to access business-critical information, browse Web sites, read and send e-mail, obtain stock quotes and check movie listings on their notebook PCs from just about anywhere in the U.S.
"Offering VAIO customers a free wireless modem helps eliminate the economic barrier of entry to wireless access to consumers across the board," said Mark Hanson, vice president and general manager of VAIO PC marketing for Sony Electronics. "By offering consumers this hot new hardware device for wireless access -- a $480 value -- we're transforming consumers' perceptions of the concept of wireless e-mail and Internet access from futuristic technology to powerful, accessible efficiency tool," he said. "With a deal like this, just about anyone can enjoy liberation from phone jacks to read and respond to e-mail, access databases, or browse the Internet -- whether they're in an airport, in a park, or on the road."

The modem, provided by national wireless data and Internet service provider GoAmerica, fits into any Type II PCMCIA slot. It appears as a tiny antenna protruding from the side of the PC. While it has a retail value of up to $480, it is available free to all consumers who purchase VAIO notebook PCs between Dec. 1, 2000 and July 31, 2001 and who enroll in GoAmerica's wireless Internet service.

VAIO Continues to Bring Leading-edge Technologies to Notebook PCs
Eric Shuster, managing director and executive vice president of AMI Partners, a New York-based research and consulting firm, makes his living consulting about technology trends. Among his firm's most recent studies are those focusing on attitudes on the usefulness of wireless devices, services and applications in business.

"What we've found," said Shuster, "is that digital communications -- especially e-mail -- is now a defacto standard for business. It's becoming more of a primary mode of communications than the telephone. This makes access to e-mail more important than ever before -- and that necessitates the need to have a wireless Internet connection."

Shuster, a VAIO PC owner who subscribes to GoAmerica's wireless service, says it has tremendously enhanced his ability to respond to crises -- and the rigors of daily business -- while on the road.

GoAmerica's service enables individuals to customize their Web browsers, add personal links and even disable images for faster wireless browsing experiences -- all of which optimize wireless Internet access for VAIO notebook users.

Among the VAIO notebook PCs eligible for the promotion are the 2.2-pound C1VN PictureBook with built-in digital camera for video and digital still photography; the executive's favorite, the Z505; the super-slim, ultra-light consumer-oriented SR; the high-performance XG and the popular all-in-one F Series with built-in drives.

Estimated prices on new VAIO notebook PCs range from $1,199 to $3,899.99. Mail-in rebates and other promotional discounts may also apply.

"We've made a name for VAIO by providing consumers with leading-edge technologies that enhance their PC experiences across the board," noted Hanson. "With this new wireless modem, `out of the office' no longer has to mean `out of touch.'"

Additional information on GoAmerica's wireless service and the free modem offer can be obtained by calling 866/851-1463.

All modem offers require purchase of a new VAIO notebook PC between December 1, 2000 and July 31, 2001. In addition, GoAmerica requires a 24-month Internet service contract priced at $59.99 per month to fulfill free modem offer. Modem may also be purchased for $99 with a 12-month GoAmerica Internet service contract. Modem speed is 19,200 kbps maximum. All contracts with GoAmerica must be initiated by August 31, 2001.

GoAmerica coverage offered via a complement of mobile computing and wireless network devices. Detailed coverage information is available by phoning GoAmerica at 888/462-4600 or by accessing GoAmerica on the World Wide Web, www.goamerica.net

For additional information about Sony computer products, call 800/4SONYPC, or visit Sony's web site at: www.sony.com/vaio

Source: Sony Electronics