Analysts have often wondered why Apple Computer, and not Sony, ended up creating the ultimate Internet-era Walkman, but Sony hopes the release of its VAIO pocket portable device will send consumers fleeing from their iPods. Sony, however, has a bit of work to do. Although the VAIO pocket features a sleek design, a color screen, a 20GB hard disk capable of storing 13,000 songs, and 20 hours of battery life, the company has foolishly tied the product to its proprietary ATRAC audio format, which will limit its appeal. Still, the VAIO pocket offers a number of features that iPod users can only dream of: For example, you can connect the device directly to a digital camera and download the pictures or view them on the VAIO pocket's screen
