SAN DIEGO, July 16, 2008 - Taking personalization to the next level, Sony and Microsoft today announced a competition that challenges consumers to create designs for the lids of a new line of VAIO® Graphic Splash notebooks.

Starting today through Aug. 10, 2008, budding designers can submit their proposed designs online at www.sony.com/mygraphicsplash  along with a photo of themselves and a brief message revealing their “style.”

“For many, notebooks are an extension of their personalities,” said Mike Abary, senior vice president 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, including television star and fashion icon Lauren Conrad and visual artist and Graphic Splash notebook designer Maya Hayuk, will select 10 finalists from the submissions.

The finalist’s one-of-a-kind PCs will be revealed at PROJECT Las Vegas— a high-end fashion event taking place 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, vice president 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 PC.”

The final 10 lid designs will also be posted online where fashion-enthusiasts are urged to log on and vote for their favorite. The three designs receiving the most votes will be deemed the winners.

Winners will receive an all-expense-paid trip to New York, this September, where they will unveil their artwork and meet the panel of celebrity judges. Winning entries will be made into limited-edition VAIO notebooks.

The new VAIO My Graphic Splash notebook line will be available for sale online at www.sony.com/pr/mygraphicsplash  starting later this fall for a limited time. For terms and conditions of the contest go to www.sony.com/mygraphicsplash. No purchase necessary to enter to win.