According to reports, Sony is planning to start selling the world's lightest notebook computer in December in Japan, in a move to increase its presence among business users.

The company said that weighing 898 grams, Sony's type "G" Vaio computer would be the lightest laptop PC that comes with a 12.1-inch liquid crystal display (LCD) screen.

Sony further said that this would help them expand their presence amongst the business consumers who like to use ultra lightweight notebooks. In addition to the device's portability, the company has created a services bundle that aims to further appeal to business users.

In a statement, Koji Suzuki, vice president - marketing, Sony, said that price competition in the computer industry is getting tough. They will try to halt further price fall by introducing computers for corporate users.

Yoshihisa Ishida, senior vice president and head - business, Vaio, added that the small, thin, and light market within the business market is growing and that that is the area where they can show their strength in terms of product and technology.

The company also plans to launch a basic model of its new "type G" notebook, which would run for about 12.5 hours on a battery, and would not come with an optical drive. It would sell for about $1,881 (Rs 84,645).

Sony has also prepared a package of aftercare services to cater to business users. These include a help desk dedicated to Vaio business customers, a 3-year guarantee, and for the business travelers, the promise that a service technician will come to wherever the customer is located.

Meanwhile, the company has no plans at the moment to offer the "type G" models in other countries.