So far Thunderbolt – the high-speed I/O interface developed by Intel – has been used on one computer, the Mac. Now Sony is joining the fray with its redesigned VAIO Z laptop.
[ad#Google Adsense 300×250 in story]Developed to be lighter than the MacBook Air, the VAIO Z moves some connectivity to an external chassis called the “Power Media Dock,” an apparatus that sports a more powerful graphics chip, a USB 3.0 hookup, other USB, VGA and HDMI ports, and an optical drive slot – along with what Sony refers to as “the architecture code-named Light Peak.” In other words, Thunderbolt.
Thunderbolt debuted on MacBook Pros earlier this year; a number of peripheral vendors have pledged support for the high-speed I/O interface, which is suitable for storage peripherals, network interfaces, even monitors (which is why, in Apple’s implementation, it’s pin-compatible with the Mini DisplayPort interface).
“along with what Sony refers to as “the architecture code-named Light Peak.” In other words, Thunderbolt.”
I thought it was established that Thunderbolt was to be used, no?
That’s what intel is caling it. But sony also called Firewire for iLink
/thomas
So did Sony end up yielding to the USB guys, or did they put it in a @#$%ing USB connector?
It’s about time more manufacturers got onboard.
Apple’s pricing for their Thunderbolt cable screams ”Go ahead, undercut me!”
Now, about those HDD encolsures…
Calling it Thunderbolt requires the controller chip and the Mini DisplayPort interface. My assumption is that Sony is *not* using the Mini DisplayPort, but something else.
Interesting that it’s Sony. They were also next on board with Firewire on their digital camcorders when Apple first introduced it.