Sony Corp. is set to introduce an innovative laptop that can play, edit and record next-generation, high-definition videos in the Blu-ray DVD format, reports the Associated Press.

Blu-ray is one of two high-definition DVD formats capable of displaying video in 1080p.

The VAIO UX Premium model will be priced at $3,500. In addition to a Blu-ray DVD drive, it will have an integrated TV tuner, Microsoft (News - Alert) Corp.’s Windows Media Center Edition operating system, and 17-inch display as well.

The rollout of the new Sony laptop follows Toshiba (News - Alert) Corp.'s introduction of its first laptop to play HD DVD discs last week. Toshiba has played a key role in developing the HD DVD format.

However, VAIO AR has a distinct advantage over the Toshiba laptop because it can record and edit HD DVD discs, whereas the Toshiba model cannot.

Sony  is also introducing the VAIO UX Micro PC - a "mini" laptop which uses flash for its memory, as opposed to a conventional hard drive. The handheld computer comes equipped with a slide-out keyboard, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, built-in cameras, the Windows XP operating system and a 4.5-inch screen. According to the AP report, the mini PC weighs 1.2 pounds and is approximately the size of a 4x6 photo print. It is 1.5-inches thick.

The laptops will be widely available by July.

For more information, visit www.sony.com.

------

Niladri Sekhar Nath is a contributing writer for TMCnet covering telecommunications, service providers and networking.