Sony's mechanical canine, the AIBO, went out and fetched buyers today when it launched in Japan. All 3,000 of the US$2,000 pooches sold out in 20 minutes when sales for the item opened on the Web. The same dog has been for sale (only 2,000 units for the US) on a special Sony site (http://www.world.sony.com/robot/) since 9am PST for $2,500. Looks as though many of the AIBO still need loving homes with power sockets.