Sony VAIO Z Series Overview

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.

*These are preconfigured models. Sony also offers the VGN-Z590 and VGN-Z540 Configure-to-Order VAIO Z.

Source

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. […]