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[[File:VGN-P Colours.png|alt=VGN-P Colours|thumb|VGN-P Colours]]
== Overview ==
== Overview ==
The Sony VAIO VGN-P (aka. Type P) is a line of “Lifestyle PC” ultraportable subnotebook/ultra-mobile PC (UMPC) laptops released by Sony in early 2009 and offered in stylish casing finishes such as Ebony Black, Ivory White, Volcano Red and Forest Green for international markets and additional exclusive designs for the Japanese market. Its tentpole feature is without doubt the extra-compact design that enabled superlative levels of mobility while still remaining a fully-featured ultraportable Windows device.
{{Infobox Specs
| name = VGN-P
| image =The VAIO P from every angle that matters.jpg
| subtitle = VGN-P
| series = Type P
| rel = 2009
| cpu = Intel Atom Z520/Z530/Z540 (all single-core, all 2 threads, all x86)
| gpu = Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 500 (based on PowerVR SGX535)
| memory = 1GB/2GB DDR2 Onboard RAM
| storage = 60/80GB HDD (4200rpm), 64GB/128GB/256GB SSD on option
| display = 8" UWXGA X-BLACK LED (1600x768)
| os = Windows XP Home Edition (at launch), Windows Vista Home Basic/Premium (a Windows 7 Upgrade kit was available later on), Windows 7 Home Basic/Home Premium (later models)
| connectivity = WLAN 802.11a/b/g/n, broadband 3G-WWAN, Bluetooth 2.1, GPS (Ethernet available through the VGP-DA10 port expansion)
| features = MOTION EYE built-in fixed webcam, 1x MS HG Duo/MS Duo with MagicGate functionality, 1x SD/SDHC/SDXC Card
| weight = 589 g
}}The Sony VAIO VGN-P (aka. Type P) is a line of “Lifestyle PC” ultraportable subnotebook/ultra-mobile PC (UMPC) laptops released by Sony in early 2009 and offered in stylish casing finishes such as Ebony Black, Ivory White, Volcano Red and Forest Green for international markets and additional exclusive designs for the Japanese market. Its tentpole feature is without doubt the extra-compact design that enabled superlative levels of mobility while still remaining a fully-featured ultraportable Windows device.


Backing up Sony’s touting of the VGN-P’s “Lifestyle PC” status is a whole host of features pertaining to connectivity and on-the-go home+office usage. From the built-in GPS module, wireless broadband 3G/WWAN adapter and right-hand-side MOTION EYE webcam found on the upper end of the model line all the way to the Corel InstantON XMB Linux environment installed on all models that apparently allows one to boot up, get online and access multimedia files in a matter of 30 seconds or less, the focus on providing a bespoke mobile computing experience is obvious from the get-go. Further bolstering those lofty claims are a pair of wired earbuds with active noise cancelling capability included with order-customized models from the “VAIO Owner” program, a port expander (VGP-DA10) allowing additional Ethernet and VGA connectivity, an optional VGP-BPL15 battery that held 4200mAh as opposed to the stock VGP-BPS15’s 2100mAh (making the P thicker and raising it at an angle in the process) plus an unusually high-res 8" X-BLACK UWXGA display providing a bright, crisp and colorful picture at the expense of compromised text readability on default DPI scale settings.
Backing up Sony’s touting of the VGN-P’s “Lifestyle PC” status is a whole host of features pertaining to connectivity and on-the-go home+office usage. From the built-in GPS module, wireless broadband 3G/WWAN adapter and right-hand-side MOTION EYE webcam found on the upper end of the model line all the way to the Corel InstantON XMB Linux environment installed on all models that apparently allows one to boot up, get online and access multimedia files in a matter of 30 seconds or less, the focus on providing a bespoke mobile computing experience is obvious from the get-go. Further bolstering those lofty claims are a pair of wired earbuds with active noise cancelling capability included with order-customized models from the “VAIO Owner” program, a port expander (VGP-DA10) allowing additional Ethernet and VGA connectivity, an optional VGP-BPL15 battery that held 4200mAh as opposed to the stock VGP-BPS15’s 2100mAh (making the P thicker and raising it at an angle in the process) plus an unusually high-res 8" X-BLACK UWXGA display providing a bright, crisp and colorful picture at the expense of compromised text readability on default DPI scale settings.
   
   
This being among several ultraportable machines from the late-2000s, the Intel Atom CPU was the premier choice of processor for netbook-type machines by several OEMs based on battery power efficiency for a few hours of usage and Sony made no exception to the rule with the P as said CPU was available in Z520, Z530 and Z540 models depending on spec, all mated to the Intel US15W “Poulsbo” chipset and Intel GMA 500 graphics solution. Also available based on configuration was anywhere from 1 to 2GB of onboard DDR2 RAM and even the choice between an HDD and the less common mSATA SSD for storage (the same SSDs that can be found on models such as the VGN-AW and the VGN-Z). Regardless, even back in the day performance across the board was found to be detrimental to the otherwise feature-packed micro-laptop’s viability in a space where netbooks with better price/performance ratios had an uphill battle of their own to earn their existence in the face of the impending smartphone revolution as we know it today.  This effectively leaves the VGN-P squarely into “Novelty Item” territory.
This being among several ultraportable machines from the late-2000s, the Intel Atom CPU was the premier choice of processor for netbook-type machines by several OEMs based on battery power efficiency for a few hours of usage and Sony made no exception to the rule with the P as said CPU was available in Z520, Z530 and Z540 models depending on spec, all mated to the Intel US15W “Poulsbo” chipset and Intel GMA 500 graphics solution. Also available based on configuration was anywhere from 1 to 2GB of onboard DDR2 RAM and even the choice between an HDD and the less common mSATA SSD for storage (the same SSDs that can be found on models such as the [[VGN-AW]] and the [[VGN-Z]]). Regardless, even back in the day performance across the board was found to be detrimental to the otherwise feature-packed micro-laptop’s viability in a space where netbooks with better price/performance ratios had an uphill battle of their own to earn their existence in the face of the impending smartphone revolution as we know it today.  This effectively leaves the VGN-P squarely into “Novelty Item” territory.


Not that the pricing itself made it especially easy to join the “Lifestyle PC Club” as it were to begin with. Sticker prices for these tiny laptops were quite steep (base models hovering around 800 USD and top-end models going for about south of 1900 USD MSRP) and thus the P was hardly a sales hit by any stretch of the imagination, making them pretty rare and well sought-after today. Prices for used examples are typically around 250-350 USD, though it's possible to find some good deals with enough patience and sheer luck.
Not that the pricing itself made it especially easy to join the “Lifestyle PC Club” as it were to begin with. Sticker prices for these tiny laptops were quite steep (base models hovering around 800 USD and top-end models going for about south of 1900 USD MSRP) and thus the P was hardly a sales hit by any stretch of the imagination, making them pretty rare and well sought-after today. Prices for used examples are typically around 250-350 USD, though it's possible to find some good deals with enough patience and sheer luck.
[[File:VAIO P Dimensions (mm).gif|thumb|Measurements of the VAIO P (mm)]]
[[File:Size difference with the extended battery on.jpg|thumb|Impact of the extended battery on the size and appearance of the VGN-P]]


== Detailed Specs ==
== Daily Usage Today ==
'''Processor:''' Intel Atom Z520/Z530/Z540 (1 core, 2 threads, 32-bit)
Beyond basic web browsing, office work, lightweight multimedia playback and some Minesweeper/Solitaire/Pinball fun, modern-day usage of this “Lifestyle PC” is rather niche or otherwise situational as a consequence of its diminutive CPU and graphics that struggle to even run Windows Vista’s Aero effects serviceably.
 
'''Graphics:''' Intel GMA 500 (based on PowerVR SGX535)
 
'''Chipset:''' Intel US15W


'''Memory:''' 1/2GB DDR2 Soldered
Tiny10 can be installed on the VGN-P but even so operational performance might leave something to be desired, meaning that one would be better off running either Windows 7, 8/8.1 or even XP. 3D gaming of any description is off-limits and even 2D gaming carries some caveats depending on graphical fidelity.


'''Display:''' 8" 1600x768 LED display
Linux distros are an obvious choice for a boost in performance but support for the PowerVR-based Poulsbo SCH remains suboptimal two decades after the fact, with improvements to said support decreasing in frequency as newer hardware is introduced to the market over the years.
Updated software (Drivers, OS and Apps), basic UI themes/color schema, a lean background apps/services startup loadout and an SSD upgrade will mitigate the aforementioned performance shortcomings to an appreciable degree. Still, do not expect to wring regular-size laptop speeds and load times out of that exercise.


'''Storage:''' 60-80GB HDD, 64GB/128GB/256GB SSD options available


'''Weight:''' 1.3lbs (589g)
[[File:VGP-DA10 port extender.jpg|thumb|VGP-DA10 port extender]]
 
[[File:VGN-P Colours.png|thumb|VGN-P casing colors as available to the global market]]
'''MSRP:''' Starting at $799.99
[[File:Color selection for the Japanese market, featuring an extra option for ''Pyrite Gold''.jpg|thumb|Color selection for the Japanese market, featuring an extra option for "Pyrite Gold"]]
 
== Daily Usage Today ==
The VGN-P is only usable for extremely basic web browsing and offline productivity tasks, due to the very weak CPU and graphics (which cannot even run Aero smoothly). Windows 10 is compatible with the VGN-P, but expect it to run very slowly, instead you are better off running Windows XP or Linux for the fastest experience. The device is incapable of any gaming except Minesweeper and Solitaire. The GMA 500 graphics also has little support for Linux, though it does work and runs better than Windows 7.
 
It does fit in some big pockets so it is a pretty good candidate for writing articles on the go in a very small package as the keyboard is at least not super tiny but still cramped and will not be a great typing experience.


== Resources ==
== Resources ==
[https://archive.org/details/corel-instanton-xrossmediabar-xmb-linux-for-sony-vaio-p-series Corel InstantON XrossMediaBar XMB Linux for Sony Vaio P series]
Follow our [[Drivers Downloading Guides|guides]] to download and install drivers. If a link is broken, please input the URL in the [http://web.archive.org/ Wayback Machine]. You can bypass the model checks of recovery discs by using [[Sony VAIO Recovery Patcher (SVRP)|SVRP]] if applicable.
 
[https://archive.org/details/drivers-for-vaio-vgn-p-530-h-windows-7 VGN-P530H Drivers (Works on all models)]
 
[https://archive.org/details/sony_p788k Modified VGN-P788K Recovery Disks]
 
[https://archive.org/details/sony-vaio-vgn-p530h-recovery-discs VGN-P530H Recovery Disks]


[https://archive.org/details/vaio-vgn-p80h-recovery VGN-P80H Recovery Discs]
==== Downloads & Guides ====
{| class="wikitable"
|+
|-
| VGN-P90HS Windows Vista HDD Image + Recovery Partition (Japanese) || [https://archive.org/details/sony-vaio-p-series-vgn-90-hs-vista VGN-P90HS Windows Vista HDD Image + Recovery Partition (Japanese)]
|-
| VGN-P788K Windows 7 HDD Image + Recovery Partition || [https://archive.org/details/vaio-vgn-p788k-win7-oem-with-recovery VGN-P788K Windows 7 HDD Image + Recovery Partition]
|-
| VGN-P788K Windows 7 HDD Image + Recovery Partition (debloated) || [https://archive.org/details/sony_p788k VGN-P788K Windows 7 HDD Image + Recovery Partition (debloated)]
|-
| VGN-P11Z Windows Vista Home Premium Recovery DVD ISOs || [https://archive.org/details/sony-vaio-vgn-p11z-restore-discs VGN-P11Z Windows Vista Home Premium Recovery DVD ISOs]
|-
| VGN-P80H Recovery Discs (Japanese) || [https://archive.org/details/vaio-vgn-p80h-recovery VGN-P80H Recovery Discs (Japanese)]
|-
| VGN-P530H Recovery Discs || [https://archive.org/details/sony-vaio-vgn-p530h-recovery-discs VGN-P530H Recovery Discs]
|-
| VGN-P530H Windows 7 Drivers || [https://archive.org/details/drivers-for-vaio-vgn-p-530-h-windows-7 VGN-P530H Windows 7 Drivers]
|-
| Corel InstantON XrossMediaBar XMB Linux for Sony VAIO P Series || [https://archive.org/details/corel-instanton-xrossmediabar-xmb-linux-for-sony-vaio-p-series Corel InstantON XrossMediaBar XMB Linux for Sony VAIO P Series]
|-
| Sony VAIO Windows 7 Upgrade Kit || [https://archive.org/details/sony-vaio-windows-7-upgrade-discs Sony VAIO Windows 7 Upgrade Kit]
|-
| Corel InstantON XrossMediaBar XMB Linux for Sony VAIO P Series || [https://archive.org/details/corel-instanton-xrossmediabar-xmb-linux-for-sony-vaio-p-series Corel InstantON XrossMediaBar XMB Linux for Sony VAIO P Series]
|-
| VGN-P drivers and utilities archive || [https://www.helpdrivers.com/notebooks/Sony/VGN-P/ VGN-P drivers and utilities archive]
|-
| SSD swap guide (JP) || [https://henjinkutsu.com/text/pc/vgn_p70h_hdd2ssd/]
|}


== Credits ==
==Sources==
{| class="wikitable"
|+
|-
| Sony VAIO P product page (JP) || [https://www.sony.jp/vaio/products/P/ Sony VAIO P product page (JP)]
|-
| Sony VAIO P design digest || [https://www.sony.com/en/SonyInfo/design/gallery/VAIO_TypeP/ Sony VAIO P design digest]
|-
| Sony Vaio VGN-P11Z/R review || [https://www.notebookcheck.net/Review-Sony-Vaio-VGN-P11Z-R-Mini-Notebook.16038.0.html Sony Vaio VGN-P11Z/R review]
|-
| State of Linux support for the Poulsbo SCH as of 2026 || [https://www.phoronix.com/news/Intel-GMA500-Driver-In-2026 State of Linux support for the Poulsbo SCH as of 2026]
|}

Latest revision as of 20:09, 7 May 2026

Overview

VGN-P
VGN-P
VGN-P
Series Type P
Release 2009
Processor Intel Atom Z520/Z530/Z540 (all single-core, all 2 threads, all x86)
Graphics Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 500 (based on PowerVR SGX535)
Chipset
Memory 1GB/2GB DDR2 Onboard RAM
Display 8" UWXGA X-BLACK LED (1600x768)
Storage 60/80GB HDD (4200rpm), 64GB/128GB/256GB SSD on option
Audio
Networking
OS Windows XP Home Edition (at launch), Windows Vista Home Basic/Premium (a Windows 7 Upgrade kit was available later on), Windows 7 Home Basic/Home Premium (later models)
Battery
Weight 589 g
Dimensions
MSRP

The Sony VAIO VGN-P (aka. Type P) is a line of “Lifestyle PC” ultraportable subnotebook/ultra-mobile PC (UMPC) laptops released by Sony in early 2009 and offered in stylish casing finishes such as Ebony Black, Ivory White, Volcano Red and Forest Green for international markets and additional exclusive designs for the Japanese market. Its tentpole feature is without doubt the extra-compact design that enabled superlative levels of mobility while still remaining a fully-featured ultraportable Windows device.

Backing up Sony’s touting of the VGN-P’s “Lifestyle PC” status is a whole host of features pertaining to connectivity and on-the-go home+office usage. From the built-in GPS module, wireless broadband 3G/WWAN adapter and right-hand-side MOTION EYE webcam found on the upper end of the model line all the way to the Corel InstantON XMB Linux environment installed on all models that apparently allows one to boot up, get online and access multimedia files in a matter of 30 seconds or less, the focus on providing a bespoke mobile computing experience is obvious from the get-go. Further bolstering those lofty claims are a pair of wired earbuds with active noise cancelling capability included with order-customized models from the “VAIO Owner” program, a port expander (VGP-DA10) allowing additional Ethernet and VGA connectivity, an optional VGP-BPL15 battery that held 4200mAh as opposed to the stock VGP-BPS15’s 2100mAh (making the P thicker and raising it at an angle in the process) plus an unusually high-res 8" X-BLACK UWXGA display providing a bright, crisp and colorful picture at the expense of compromised text readability on default DPI scale settings.

This being among several ultraportable machines from the late-2000s, the Intel Atom CPU was the premier choice of processor for netbook-type machines by several OEMs based on battery power efficiency for a few hours of usage and Sony made no exception to the rule with the P as said CPU was available in Z520, Z530 and Z540 models depending on spec, all mated to the Intel US15W “Poulsbo” chipset and Intel GMA 500 graphics solution. Also available based on configuration was anywhere from 1 to 2GB of onboard DDR2 RAM and even the choice between an HDD and the less common mSATA SSD for storage (the same SSDs that can be found on models such as the VGN-AW and the VGN-Z). Regardless, even back in the day performance across the board was found to be detrimental to the otherwise feature-packed micro-laptop’s viability in a space where netbooks with better price/performance ratios had an uphill battle of their own to earn their existence in the face of the impending smartphone revolution as we know it today. This effectively leaves the VGN-P squarely into “Novelty Item” territory.

Not that the pricing itself made it especially easy to join the “Lifestyle PC Club” as it were to begin with. Sticker prices for these tiny laptops were quite steep (base models hovering around 800 USD and top-end models going for about south of 1900 USD MSRP) and thus the P was hardly a sales hit by any stretch of the imagination, making them pretty rare and well sought-after today. Prices for used examples are typically around 250-350 USD, though it's possible to find some good deals with enough patience and sheer luck.

Measurements of the VAIO P (mm)
Impact of the extended battery on the size and appearance of the VGN-P

Daily Usage Today

Beyond basic web browsing, office work, lightweight multimedia playback and some Minesweeper/Solitaire/Pinball fun, modern-day usage of this “Lifestyle PC” is rather niche or otherwise situational as a consequence of its diminutive CPU and graphics that struggle to even run Windows Vista’s Aero effects serviceably.

Tiny10 can be installed on the VGN-P but even so operational performance might leave something to be desired, meaning that one would be better off running either Windows 7, 8/8.1 or even XP. 3D gaming of any description is off-limits and even 2D gaming carries some caveats depending on graphical fidelity.

Linux distros are an obvious choice for a boost in performance but support for the PowerVR-based Poulsbo SCH remains suboptimal two decades after the fact, with improvements to said support decreasing in frequency as newer hardware is introduced to the market over the years. Updated software (Drivers, OS and Apps), basic UI themes/color schema, a lean background apps/services startup loadout and an SSD upgrade will mitigate the aforementioned performance shortcomings to an appreciable degree. Still, do not expect to wring regular-size laptop speeds and load times out of that exercise.


VGP-DA10 port extender
VGN-P casing colors as available to the global market
Color selection for the Japanese market, featuring an extra option for "Pyrite Gold"

Resources

Follow our guides to download and install drivers. If a link is broken, please input the URL in the Wayback Machine. You can bypass the model checks of recovery discs by using SVRP if applicable.

Downloads & Guides

VGN-P90HS Windows Vista HDD Image + Recovery Partition (Japanese) VGN-P90HS Windows Vista HDD Image + Recovery Partition (Japanese)
VGN-P788K Windows 7 HDD Image + Recovery Partition VGN-P788K Windows 7 HDD Image + Recovery Partition
VGN-P788K Windows 7 HDD Image + Recovery Partition (debloated) VGN-P788K Windows 7 HDD Image + Recovery Partition (debloated)
VGN-P11Z Windows Vista Home Premium Recovery DVD ISOs VGN-P11Z Windows Vista Home Premium Recovery DVD ISOs
VGN-P80H Recovery Discs (Japanese) VGN-P80H Recovery Discs (Japanese)
VGN-P530H Recovery Discs VGN-P530H Recovery Discs
VGN-P530H Windows 7 Drivers VGN-P530H Windows 7 Drivers
Corel InstantON XrossMediaBar XMB Linux for Sony VAIO P Series Corel InstantON XrossMediaBar XMB Linux for Sony VAIO P Series
Sony VAIO Windows 7 Upgrade Kit Sony VAIO Windows 7 Upgrade Kit
Corel InstantON XrossMediaBar XMB Linux for Sony VAIO P Series Corel InstantON XrossMediaBar XMB Linux for Sony VAIO P Series
VGN-P drivers and utilities archive VGN-P drivers and utilities archive
SSD swap guide (JP) [1]

Sources

Sony VAIO P product page (JP) Sony VAIO P product page (JP)
Sony VAIO P design digest Sony VAIO P design digest
Sony Vaio VGN-P11Z/R review Sony Vaio VGN-P11Z/R review
State of Linux support for the Poulsbo SCH as of 2026 State of Linux support for the Poulsbo SCH as of 2026
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