NetbookShow

Last week we heard that Sony was launching a special edition Vaio W netbook with a Billabong design. Billabong is an Australian company that designs gear for surfers and skateboarders, and last I’d heard the netbook would only be available in Australia. But it turns out Sony has decided to offer the distinctive looking mini-laptop in the US as well.

The Sony Vaio W Series Billabong mini notebook is available for pre-order from the SonyStyle store for $499.99.

The netbook features a 1.83GHz Intel Atom N470 processor, a 10.1 inch 1366 x 768 pixel HD display, 1GB of RAM, a 250GB hard drive, Bluetoth, 802.1b/g/n WiFi, and a 6 cell battery.

Sony’s never been one to craft a “low-cost laptop,” and even the company’s minuscule VAIO W netbook remains one of the most expensive in the sector. But this, friends, might just be one worth the premium. Announced over in Australia, the limited edition VAIO W you’re peering at above has been designed in partnership with Billabong, and the Imperial Lime lid is certainly the primary selling point. Expected to ship Down Under next month, the 10.1-inch machine will be outfitted with a 1.6GHz Intel Atom N450 CPU, 2GB of RAM, a 1,366 x 768 resolution panel, Windows 7 Starter and a GPU that’s incapable of handling 1080p material. You’ll also find an Ethernet jack, a pair of USB 2.0 sockets, built-in webcam and a 250GB hard drive, but none of those ho hum specs help to justify the AU$749 ($619) price tag.