Sony, Microsoft make a 'Splash' with VAIO 'style' competition

SAN DIEGO Sony and Microsoft have announced a competition that will allow consumers to create designs for the lids of the new line of VAIO Graphic Splash notebooks. Today through Aug. 10, designs can be submitted online at www.sony.com/mygraphicsplash, along with a photo of the designer and a brief message revealing his or her "style."

"For many, notebooks are an extension of their personalities," said Mike Abary, senior vp of VAIO product marketing at Sony Electronics. "And what better way to share your 'style' with the rest of the world than on the most personal of devices--the PC?"

A celebrity panel of judges that includes TV star and fashion icon Lauren Conrad and visual artist and Graphic Splash notebook designer Maya Hayuk, will select 10 finalists. The finalists' PCs will be revealed at PROJECT Las Vegas at the end of August. Finalists will receive a VAIO notebook emblazoned with their own art.

"The PC is becoming a more personalized tool that enables consumers to do more of what they love in style," said Rick Wong, vp of multi-national and partner alliances for the original equipment manufacturer division at Microsoft. "The 'My Graphic Splash' contest enables consumers to think about what is important to them and how they want to see that reflected on their PCs."

The final 10 lid designs will also be posted online where other consumers can vote for their favorite. The three designs receiving the most votes will be deemed the winners and will receive an all-expense-paid trip to New York in September where they will unveil their artwork and meet the panel of celebrity judges. Winning entries will be made into limited-edition VAIO notebooks.