Sony VAIO Z Review

The VAIO Z is Sony's 13.1-inch ultra-portable powerhouse. Features like Core i5 and i7 processors, RAID0 hard drive arrays and 1080P displays never end up describing a 13-inch notebook, but with Sony it does. The VAIO Z also offers switchable graphics with the NVIDIA GeForce GT 330M to give users solid gaming performance one second and low-power consumption the next. In this review we take a look at a modestly equipped Sony VAIO Z and see how it stacks up against the competition........


Our Sony Vaio Z (VPCZ127GX) Specifications:

* Windows 7
* Intel Core i5-520M 2.40GHz Processor (3MB cache)
* 6GB DDR3 1066MHz RAM (8GB max)
* 384GB (3 x 128GB) Samsung SSD Array (RAID 0)
* 13.1" Widescreen LED Backlit Display (1600 x 900)
* NVIDIA GeForce GT 330M GPU with 1GB of Dedicated Video RAM and Intel GMA HD integrated
* DVD±R/RW with Double Layer Drive
* Intel 6200 Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n, Gigabit Ethernet LAN, Bluetooth (2.1 + EDR)
* Biometric Fingerprint Sensor
* Ports: 3 x USB 2.0, Headphone Output, Microphone Input, VGA, HDMI, RJ-45 Ethernet, Port Replicator Connector
* 6-cell 57Wh battery
* Dimensions: 12.4 x 8.3 x 1.0-1.3-inches
* Weight: 3.04 pounds (with standard capacity battery)
* Price: $1,919 starting, $2,899 as configured



Build and Design
The outside appearance of the Sony Vaio Z is sleek and compact. The screen is a few millimeters thick and could easily be described as paper thin. The power button and DC-input jack are integrated into the screen hinges, another common trend on VAIO notebooks that aims to improve looks and make use of regularly wasted space. Inside, Sony takes a similar path as Apple did with the newer generation MacBooks with a machined keyboard bezel. The keyboard and palmrest trim are a solid piece of metal with a Chiclet-style keyboard embedded in the surface. Offered in multiple colors including black, silver, carbon fiber, and metal shield, the VAIO Z can be tailored to match different personalities. Overall as far as notebook designs go the Z merges the best in ultraportable notebooks with the best in high-end business notebooks ... I love it.

Build quality is very good but I don't think I would go as far as saying it is rugged by any means. The super thin design has a few weaknesses that could break if the system was treated roughly. The paper thin screen has some flex, but it doesn't seem to distort the display when bent. The screen cover also resists impacts without pressing against the panel. If the system was accidentally dropped I don't think it would hold up as well as say an HP EliteBook or Lenovo ThinkPad, but it should hold up better than the average consumer notebook. In my standard day-to-day activities I didn't notice any abnormal wear on the finish and the textured screen cover seemed to resist fingerprints very well.


The machined keyboard bezel is very strong, preventing flex and also giving the notebook chassis strength. While we were inspecting internals of the notebook we quickly found out the top panel is what gives the body of the VAIO Z much of its strength. As soon as it was removed the lower section of the chassis exhibited a lot of movement. Generally speaking most notebooks get their strength from an internal chassis or the bottom framework.

The Sony VAIO Z