Sony has unveiled recently a new line of ultraportable PCs – the VAIO Z Series 13.1-inch notebooks for “busy executives”.
Weighing just over 3 pounds, the VAIO Z is based on Intel’s Centrino 2 “Montevina” mobile platform. The laptop includes the latest Intel Core 2 Duo 45-nanometer processor, and enables on-the-fly switching between the power-saving GMA 4500MHD graphics chip and the dedicated NVIDIA GeForce 9300M GS 128MB/256MB for better performance. Other core components of the Sony VAIO Z include up to 4GB of new DDR3 memory, up to 320GB hard drive or up to 128GB (64GBx2) of solid state drive storage, and a DVD burner or Blu-Ray burner.
The 13.1″ display of the Z Series has LED backlight and a resolution of 1366-by-768 or 1600-by-900 pixels.
Regarding communications, there are the Intel WiFi Link 5100AGN (802.11a/b/g/n) wireless module, Gigabit Ethernet LAN, a 56K modem, optional mobile broadband by Sprint, and Bluetooth.
The laptop also features HDMI and VGA outputs, a web camera, fingerprint reader, the Trusted Platform Module 1.2, 2 USB ports, an ExpressCard slot, Firewire port, Memory Stick Duo card reader, and Secure Digital slot.
According to the product specifications, the Sony VAIO Z provides up to up to 6 hours of battery life with a standard capacity battery or up to 9 hours with a large capacity unit.
The components of the notebook are housed in a durable carbon-fiber casing. The Z also incorporates G-Sensor Shock Protection technology.
Sony’s new ultraportable runs Windows Vista operating system.
Available beginning in August, the standard VAIO Z notebook will start at about $1,800 while the SSD model will start at around $2,300. The laptops can be preordered now through Sony’s online store.
| Sony VAIO Z Series* | VGN-Z530N/B | VGN-Z540EBB | VGN-Z550N/B | VGN-Z570N/B | VGN-Z590UAB |
| CPU (Intel Core 2 Duo) |
P8600 2.4GHz |
P8600 2.4GHz |
P8600 2.4GHz |
P9500 2.53GHz |
P9500 2.53GHz |
| Display Resolution | 1366 x 768 | 1366 x 768 | 1366 x 768 | 1366 x 768 | 1600 x 900 |
| Memory (DDR3) | 2GB | 3GB | 3GB | 3GB | 4GB |
| Storage (HDD or SSD) | 250GB HDD | 320GB HDD | 250GB HDD | 320GB HDD | 128GB SSD |
| Optical Drive | DVD Burner | DVD Burner | DVD Burner | DVD Burner | DVD Burner |
| Sprint Mobile Broadband | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Current Price (US$) | 1999.99 | 2059.99 | 2099.99 | 2349.99 | 3999.99 |
*These are preconfigured models. Sony also offers the VGN-Z590 and VGN-Z540 Configure-to-Order VAIO Z.
3 lbs isn’t “ultraportable” by todays standards…. especially with all the netbooks available.
[…] The VAIO Z is a 13.1-inch ultraportable with a display resolution of 1600-by-900 pixels and an optional solid state drive. The notebook is aimed at mobile professionals and weighs “just over 3 pounds”. The VAIO Z notebook with a hard drive will start at about $1,800, while the SSD model will go for around $2,300. Both laptops will be available in August. […]
I have bought a Sony Vaio Z 530 series laptop. Why is it that at the back of the unit the model number is shown as PCG 6X1L ?
my brother in-law have a laptop sony vaio pcg-6×1 then i have encountered a problem..the problem is the monitor will be white screen. how can i repair thet.?
I also have one with the PCG 6X1L model number on it. Is this the incorrect model number, because I need to order a battery for it?
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