The Laptop That Gave Sony a Voice

Inside the Creation of the VAIO 505

In 1995, Sony wasn’t new to computers. But it had never made one that truly mattered. From the MSX series to UNIX workstations like NEWS to IBM-compatible models like the Quarter L, the company had explored nearly every direction. It had the engineering talent, the technology, and the brand recognition, but none of its efforts had made a lasting impact. The market kept evolving, and none of those machines ever fully expressed Sony’s identity.

That changed when Sony president Nobuyuki Idei met with Intel CEO Andy Grove. Over dinner, Grove encouraged Idei to reenter the PC market, but not as another company trying to compete on specs or price. He urged Sony to do what it had done in other categories, focusing on thoughtful design, originality, and a strong connection to the user. Idei agreed. Soon after, he challenged his teams to create a computer that could sit proudly next to a Trinitron or a Walkman and feel like it truly belonged.