Sony VAIO M Atom N450 netbook breaks cover

Sony's upcoming netbook refresh, the Sony VAIO M, has broken cover, and we have to say it looks a little less interesting than the company's previous netbooks.  Suspected to replace the VAIO W range, the VAIO M packs Intel's new Atom N450 1.66GHz processor along with 1GB of DDR2 memory, a 250GB 5,400rpm HDD and Intel GMA 3150 graphics.

There's also a 10.1-inch 1024 x 600 LED-backlit display, WiFi b/g/n and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, along with a webcam.  The whole thing is expected to tip the scales at 1.3kg, and has the usual range of VGA, ethernet, USB, audio in/out and memory card reader ports.

Frankly the chunky keyboard looks like a bit of a throwback to old-fashioned netbooks, and is a disappointing departure from Sony's regular chicklet keys.  According to UK listings the Sony VAIO M is expected to be priced at around £299 ($451) and available in black and white.

[via Sony Insider]