There's even a wrist rest and a good-size touch pad. And for multimedia, you can buy an optional CD-ROM drive and stereo speakers that mount on the sides of the screen like Mickey Mouse ears. Dance your fingers over the keyboard. The most serious usability drawback, however, lies in the lack of key travel and response. The VAIO practically vanishes in a briefcase.
Battery life is another matter.
PC Computing 's Performance Lab wasn't able to test charge life on our prototype unit. Sony promises a maximum of three hours per charge. But Sony officials hint that a U.S. version is likely. By our reckoning, it would be improbable for Sony not to bring the VAIO PCG-505 to America. It currently has no technological peer.