VAIO T Panther Lake laptop flips its display over the keyboard instead of using a 360-degree hinge
VAIO has unveiled the VAIO T, a 13.3-inch convertible laptop featuring a unique mechanical design and the upcoming Intel Panther Lake architecture. Moving away from the standard 360-degree hinge found in most 2-in-1 devices, the VAIO T utilizes a proprietary Multi Flip mechanism that allows the display to rotate over the keyboard, offering distinct usage modes without the typical bulk of a folding hinge.
Unique Multi Flip Mechanism
The standout feature of the VAIO T is its Multi Flip hinge system. Unlike traditional convertibles where the screen folds back against the bottom of the chassis, this device features a secondary hinge running through the back of the display. This allows the screen to rotate while the keyboard remains in its standard position. According to VAIO, the laptop can operate in three specific configurations: a standard laptop mode, a "View Mode" where the display faces away from the keyboard, and a tablet mode where the screen is folded directly over the keyboard.
Panther Lake and Intel Arc B390 Graphics
The VAIO T lineup is built around the Intel Core Ultra Series 3 family. While the standard models in Fine Red and Fine Black colors come equipped with Core Ultra 7 356H (16 cores) or Core Ultra 5 325 (8 cores) and standard Intel Graphics, the special edition Kachiiro version offers a significant boost in graphical performance. This edition features the Core Ultra X7 358H, a 25W Panther Lake processor with 16 cores and 16 threads, reaching boost frequencies of up to 4.8 GHz. Crucially, this specific configuration is confirmed to utilize Intel Arc B390 integrated graphics, providing a notable upgrade for users requiring more graphical headroom in a compact form factor.
Technical Specifications and Connectivity
Despite its slim 13.3-inch chassis, VAIO has prioritized high-speed connectivity and modern standards. The device supports up to 64GB of soldered LPDDR5X memory and can accommodate up to a 2TB PCIe 5.0 NVMe SSD. For peripherals, the VAIO T includes two Thunderbolt 4 ports, two USB-A 5Gbps ports, an HDMI port, and a full-size Gigabit Ethernet port—a rare inclusion for a device of this size. Wireless connectivity is handled by Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4.
The display is a 13.3-inch glossy touchscreen with a resolution of 2560×1600 (16:10 aspect ratio). The device weighs starting from 1.253 kg and offers up to 18 hours of video playback under JEITA 3.0 testing conditions. In terms of pricing, the VAIO T is launching in Japan at ¥437,800 (approximately $2,843). A launch discount of ¥33,000 is available through November 30, bringing the price down to ¥404,800 (roughly $2,629). Orders are scheduled to open on September 18.
Гика
