Sony VAIO L Touch HD PC/TV multitouch all-in-one debuts

"Touch me, touch me" sang 80s legend Samantha Fox, "I want to feel your body," and while the intentions of Sony's new VAIO L Series of touchscreen desktops may be different, the sentiment is just the same.  Announced alongside the skinny VAIO X, the L Series is being pushed – like other big-screen all-in-one PCs in Sony's past – as a hybrid HDTV and computer, though with its 24-inch 1920 x 1080 display, optional Blu-ray and optional TV tuners we suppose it does have more of a claim than most.  As for the touchscreen, that's used not only for Windows 7's multitouch functionality but to control Sony's own Media Gallery DVR app.

Behind the scenes there's a choice of processors up to Intel's 2.66GHz Core 2 Quad, along with up to 6GB of RAM (12GB supported) and up to 1TB of storage.  There's also Bluetooth, gigabit ethernet and WiFi b/g/n, an optional HDMI input for using the L Series as a standalone display, a choice of NVIDIA GeForce GT 240M 1GB graphics or GeForce G210M 512MB, and a face-tracking webcam.

The whole thing has a VESA mount on the back, so you can hang it on the wall, or you can use the integrated desk-stand like the effete designer-type shown in the press shot above.  The Sony VAIO L Touch HD PC/TV Series is available for preorder now, priced from $1,299.99, and you get a wireless keyboard, mouse and IR remote control in the box.

Press Release:

SONY DELIVERS NEW TOUCH-SCREEN HD PC/TV

VAIO L Series Puts TV, Internet and Blu-ray Disc Movies One Touch Away

NEW YORK, Oct. 8, 2009 – Sony today unveiled its new touch-enabled, multi-media machine— the VAIO® L Touch HD PC/TV.

With the VAIO L Series' multi-touch screen easy access to your PC, HDTV, DVR— your entire entertainment hub— is readily at your fingertips.

Equipped with a 24-inch (diagonal) WUXGA (1920x1080) widescreen panel, the unit displays high-definition content in Full HD resolution.

Select models feature a Blu-ray Disc™ optical drive so you can enjoy high-definition movies. A rewritable BD drive for recording, storing and playing back personal content on high-capacity BD media is also available.

"The L Series is the ultimate multi-media hub— it's your PC, HDTV and DVR in one compact, stylish device," said Mike Abary, senior vice president of the VAIO business group at Sony. "And with cutting-edge features such as multi-touch, it's ideal for media lovers who appreciate HD performance and cutting-edge technology."

Select models feature a built-in tuner so you can connect to your digital cable TV service and Over-The-Air (ATSC) HD TV signals (antenna required) and watch television on your PC.

An optional HDMI™ input is available, so in addition to the unit's built-in HD features you can connect a compatible HD cable box, satellite receiver or PLAYSTATION®3 (all sold separately) via a single cable and enjoy HD entertainment without powering on the PC.

And with built-in DVR capabilities and up to a terabyte of storage, you can create a personal entertainment library with up to 100 hours of HD television.

It comes with Windows® 7 Home Premium or Professional 64-bit operating system. Leveraging these new operating systems, the L Series is able to offer new functionalities such as a touch screen display enabling you to do anything you could do with a mouse with the touch of a finger.

Launch directly into Sony's own Media Gallery software by pushing the designated VAIO button on the keyboard and create high-quality home movies and slideshows in three simple steps. Import your photos and video, choose a theme and soundtrack, click finish and the software does the rest, generating a professional-looking movie complete with special effects— all by touching the screen.

The unit packs a powerful Intel® Core™ 2 Quad processor (select models), loads of RAM, and a dedicated NVIDIA® GeForce ® series graphics for graphic-intense gaming and movies.

By utilizing built-in wireless 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi technology and your wireless router (required, sold separately), you can position the model virtually anywhere in your home and access the Internet, email or home network.

The model is ideal for anywhere space is at a premium. It has a mounting capability that allows users to attach a VESA-compatible mount (sold separately) to it and hang it on the wall of your bedroom, kitchen, office or attach to your desk.

When not mounted to the wall, the L Series features an adjustable stand to help you adjust the unit to meet your desired viewing or touch angle or simply to decrease the slant for space-saving. A wireless keyboard, mouse and remote control (select models) are included.

The VAIO L Touch HD PC/TV will start at about $1,300. It is available for pre-orders today online at www.sonystyle.com/pr/l. It will also be sold at Sony Style® stores and select retailers around the country starting next month.