Sony will launch a laptop that competes with MacBook Air

According to Sony Insider, Sony plans to launch a device that competes with Apple's ultra-thin MacBook Air laptop, and is developing another laptop running Google's Chrome OS.

Image for illustrative purposes.

The first device named VAIO Hybrid PC is equipped with Sandy Bridge Core i7 super-fast processor, SSD hard drive and HDMI port that supports 3D. Battery life is expected to range from 8-16.5 hours and weighs about 2.5 pounds (more than 1.1kg).

In particular, when connected to a second part (desktop unit), this device will become a complete desktop computer, with a Blu-ray burner, VGA, Ethernet, USB and card outputs. Discrete AMD Whistler-XT graphics with 1GB of memory.

In addition, this special dual-use device can include an Intel Thuderbolt high-tech connector, which is currently only available on Apple's new MacBook pro line.

Sony Insider also said Sony is developing a VAIO notebook running Google's Chrome OS. The device will be equipped with 1GB of memory, an 11.6-inch LCD screen with 1366x768 resolution, Nvidia's Tegra 2 processor, and an 8-hour battery life.