Sony VAIO Z Review Discussion

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.

Read the full content of this Article: Sony VAIO Z Review

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Yeah, I agree that it's a no-compromises notebook with the pricetag to match. It is expensive but not overpriced; the Z fills a niche market and they probably don't expect to sell a ton of them.

1920x1080 on a 13.1" . . . where do I sign?

 

Is it me or is that thing really housing an abnormal amount of hardware?

 

This is my dream notebook *drools*

But yes, its hardware and build quality are pretty unique given its form factor and weight. Seems it's still as good as it was when the line first came out

The only quote on quote "bad thing" I can see is the battery life given that it's an ultraportable, but it's still an average battery life and very good considering what it's packing ^^

 

I love the redundancy in the cons,

What are the internal temps with the i5 like?

 

How else do you describe the 2,000 price and the 5,000 price

At the bottom of the sheet that says "your wages for the next 10 years + soul"

 

"Premium/luxury pricing" I believe they call it

 

High performance mode, ~3/4 of the way through wprime 1024M

 

Great review, always wanted one but sadly a little out of my price range.

 

You can't get a quad-core chip with this notebook like the intro of the review states. The core i7 offered with this notebook is the exact same as the core i5 except with a higher clock and 4mb cache instead of 3.

Intel® Core? i7-620M Processor (4M Cache, 2.66 GHz) with SPEC Code(s) SLBPD, SLBPE, SLBTQ

Intel® Core? i5-540M Processor (3M Cache, 2.53 GHz) with SPEC Code(s) SLBPF, SLBPG

 

Thanks! Your review helped me make my decision, I'm going go ahead and purchase a Z12. I think I'll get the silver, it seems distinctive vs. the typical all-black color you usually see in a notebook.

I also think the only way I will deviate from the base config is that I will upgrade to a 256GB SSD. The 128GB seems like it would get used up awfully fast, especially when I'm guessing that only 70-80GB would still be free on a formatted and Windows 7 fully installed machine.

 

are you sure it can take quad cores?
i'm surprised a 13'' laptop has 3 drive bays. are they 2.5'' or 1.8''?

 

Do you have a Sony store anywhere within driving distance? The one here in Cincinnati has all the various Z models on display in each offered color scheme (at least they did last time I was there). I really suggest seeing the finishes in person before buying one.

 

How is that even possible?

 

No, dual core, with each physical core having two virtual cores.

The Z1s either come with Sony SSDs + DVD/BR, or just HDD. For the Sony SSDs, the Z11s use custom Samsung SSDs (smaller than 1.8"), with an SSD on each side of the board (hence 4 SSDs reside on two sandwiched boards). For the newer Z12s, the connectors to the Toshiba-branded SSDs seem to be non-proprietary (micro-SATA), it's still not clear how Z12's 4 SSDs can fit, or if they go back to using Samsung ones. It is also not clear if the Toshiba SSDs in Z12s have the same size as 1.8" drives.

For the HDD-optioned Zs, there's no DVD/BR drives, in place of that there is the normal 2.5" HDD, which can be replaced with any commercial 2.5" SSD (which is what I did). It is also possible to install two off-the-shelf 2.5" bare SSDs, though that requires some work

 

One word: MAGIC

 

Smart a$$

Did you try running IntelBurn Test? I find it usually stresses better than wPrime

 

I'm in State College, PA (which is at about the center of PA). The nearest Sony Style store is near Philly at the awesome King of Prussia mall (one of the biggest malls in the USA). There's also a Micro Center near there. My brother lives down there, so maybe I'll make the trip and see them in person before pulling the trigger. Do you know if they have the 1080p screen option on any of the in-store models? It would be great to be able to see that.

 

Not sure on that. I also just found out today that the Cincinnati Sony store closed, making one like 2-3 hours away the only nearby location

 

Thats one sweet notebook.
Me wants. xD

 

Awesome computer, way too expensive.

Will you be doing a review of the latest Vaio Y i3 with integrated graphics?

 

Very tempting machine. However, with the price tag, I can only drool at it. :cry:

I would also love to see how Vaio Y Series is reviewed on NBR before mine arrives next week.

 

I think it's interesting that a lot of people here don't seem to have even heard of the Sony Z before now - it's been out for years! I guess Sony isn't the greatest at marketing, or maybe they just think it's too niche to be worth advertising.

Anyway I'm glad NBR finally got around to doing an official review. Definitely take a look at it in a store if you can, very nice laptop!

 

I just got the maxed out system, this thing is a monster!

 

Oh, we've heard of them but like most mere mortals can only dream about one.

 

Did you already purchase it or were you going to buy one next week?

The VAIO Y is actually my next in line system that I am working on right now.

*Also*

The Z gets packed up for return tomorrow morning. If you guys have any further hands-on questions or info you want off our review unit let me know. I will check the forums tomorrow before I send her off.

 

I think you're referring to the VGN-Z, which was certainly out from 2008. This review is for the VPC-Z, the all new one introduced Q1 of 2010.

 

My temps on the processor cores and the GPU usually reach upper 80s after playing a game for a few hours. That's with the GPU overclocked.

All in all, I find the cooling system on this machine to be nothing short of remarkable, considering its size.

 

Good review for an amazing feet of engineering. I want more than need a Z- so I'll wait. But I hope this type of size/performance migrates down to more affordable levels over the next few years. There are some amazing 13" machines in the $1300...2 kg range slowly hitting the market. But having this type of performance at 1.3 kg is unique.

 

I was looking to order an adjusted version of what your reviewed but I don't see the same model listed.

At the Sony site, I can configure the following:
- Intel® Core™ i7-620M processor (2.66GHz) with Turbo Boost up to 3.33GHz
- 13.1" VAIO Full HD Premium Display (1920x1080)
- 8GB (4GBx2) DDR3-SDRAM-1066
- 256GB (128GBx2) Solid State Drive with RAID 0 Technology
- Blu-ray Disc™ Player/Burner

It makes no mention of (a) the weight or (b) the video card model number.

There is no option to select 3 SSDs (of any size).

The model number is different also: VPCZ1290X.


I'm curious how accurate your review results are with this many differences between what you tested and what is configurable at the Sony site.

Can you provide some information on this, Kevin?

Thanks.

 

The Sony website sells various Z models, but not the specific configuration we reviewed. You can actually buy the exact configuration through one retailer right now:

Sony VAIO VPCZ127GX/B 13.1" Z Series Notebook PC - Black in PC Notebook Computers at JR.com

Googling our model number listed in the specs brings you right to that page

Depending on how old the item is when we receive it and when companies come in and out of stock, or even as updates come out, models we review can differ from what is currently available on the manufacturer's website.

 

In the original review was the stock battery tested or the optional 84 W?
Suggestion, Notebookreview should have a contest with one of these incredible machines as top prize.
Thanks, Josea

 

Stock battery was tested in the review.

 

I think the problem is you're not looking in the right place. If you want info on the graphics card and the weight, you need to click "Explore Series Details" from the main laptop selection screen (at least on SonyStyle USA). There is a specifications tab where you can view the GPU and weight specificatios.

And no, Sony doesn't indicate whether the SSD configuration is in dual, triple, or quad RAID 0. For a complete analysis of the various dual, triple, and quad RAID options, I suggest you take a look at the table created by Sunfox in the first post of this thread: http://forum.notebookreview.com/son...g-term-ssd-performance-post-your-results.html

 

Thanks for the info, all. I'll keep exploring.

 

I'd hate to have your job. Play with nice little gadgets for a little while, write a review, then have the man in the brown uniform pry the precious things from your fingers just as you're getting acquainted.

Anyways, if I minded weight and size, I'd have a Z. Alas, my 8730w feels like nothing to me.

 

All right! I took the plunge tonight and ordered a custom model from the Sony Style website, mostly because the pre-built models online didn't have the exact configurations that I wanted. Thanks for your review; it helped to sway my decision.

* Standard Capacity Battery
* No Fresh Start
* Adobe Bundle ($448 value.)
* 4GB (2GBx2) DDR3-SDRAM-1066
* Microsoft® Office 2010 Starter
* No Mobile Broadband Built-In
* Norton Internet Security™ 2010 (30 Day Trial)
* Blu-ray Disc™ Player/Burner
* No Engraving
* Intel® Core™ i5-540M processor (2.53GHz) with Turbo Boost up to 3.06GHz
* 13.1" VAIO Full HD Premium Display (1920x1080)
* Silver
* Genuine Windows® 7 Professional 64-bit
* 256GB (128GBx2) Solid State Drive with RAID 0 Technology

 

I will hunt you down and steal it! (unless you take pictures of that 1080p display)

 

I ended up pulling the trigger as well.

I7, 8GB, "256x2", 1920, BR

 

A 1920x1080 screen in a 13.3" laptop sure would be something... now if there was a Thinkpad with that screen...

Thanks for the review, Kevin!

 

I'll confirm that - no quad core for i7M chip.

I just ordered mine yesterday. I'm speaking with Sony about TRIM in RAID, but other than that I'm very excited at the laptop I'm getting.

I'm blessed to run my own business. I'll be using this for business and for gaming. And yes, I'm one of those consultants that, given the work I do in technology, that using sh*thot tech is a part of showing client I'm tuned in.

The z555 I owned at 3lbs with the ability to 3D game was always sweet. I'm hearing stories of 20-30 second boot up times with the raid 0 SSDs, and solid DX10 gaming at 16x9 resolution. Note: I deliberately avoided Full HD. I can use HDMI and my 52" monitor if I need Full HD experience from this laptop. But I've gotten used to that res and the text is small enough already. Full HD on a 13" screen is not for me. But Sony LCDs are AMAZING. My z555 is still beautiful 2 years later.

 

So frustrating that they strip the TPM for US models.

 

Hope that you never need service. I have had a Vaio Z for over two months. All the bells and whistles, plus docking station and case, over $2,500. Two weeks ago my unit died. Since it was off hours, I had to redial their non-prime time facility, probably offshore. After explaing the problem and basic troubleshooting, I was told that I would be hearing from a tech in 3 business days. I called on that day, was told the part was enroute and it would be a few more business days until I heard from the on-site service tech. But they sent the part to the wrong address. Reorder, but now there are no more parts in stock. After 3 calls to tech support, no one can tell me when the backordered part will be available, it could be weeks, but they may have parts if I ship it to them, but turnaround is up to 14 business days and they can't give me any guarantee if they will have the part at their facility (separate inventory and system), or if I will get priority turnaround despite their bungling. I asked to be escalated or to talk to their customer relations, and after checking the guy said they will just tell me to wait, so file a complaint online if I have an issue. Unacceptable! For a premium price machine, the customer service and support is awful!!!

 

Wow reminds me of my Asus G73JH Woes! Kinda reason why i got rid of it, its was a great machine but boy it just was so cheap feeling and plastically for the price you pay and now i have a m11x and will get the Envy 14 eventually. But this machine still remains up to date the most powerful, lightest and overpriced ultraportable laptop on the market. I can't deal with ssds you can even take out!

 

so this or an m11x?

 

This.

For the Z...
Solid State Drive
Better CPU
Classier design
Internal ODD
Better Screen

Really the M11x's only advantage in my opinion is the GPU. That and it's price of course. I guess if you're looking for gaming only, the M11x might be the way to go. But then again, if you're looking for gaming, I would probably just go with a larger more powerful laptop anyway. Or a desktop.

[Edit]

I take some if it back...

I didn't realize you could customize the M11x now with an SSD and core i processors. Makes it stiffer competition for the Z I suppose. Personally, I'd still choose the Z just on looks alone. Especially since maxing out the M11x makes it quite pricey too.

 

Hi,

did or can someone test the display's (1600x900 version) color space? I'd like to know if it also covers 100% of sRGB color space as the Z11.

regards

Enny

 

Great review! Nice machine! +1 rep to the author!

 

So here is something I haven't seen mentioned on the hours I have spend reading up on the Z on this forum. I just purchased the z1290X to replace my old MBP. Yes, I returned to the windows camp.

Anyway, yesterday, I am working away at moving files over from the MBP, and I notice the distinction in brightness between the two laptops. The MBP (2007 model) is significantly brighter than the Z. Granted, its colors seem more washed out, but the brightness is undeniably weaker on the Z.

Has anyone else experienced this?

I have had the Z for 2 weeks now, and loved every minute of it. This the first and only gripe I have had with the unit so far, but fear its dire enough to consider returning to the Mac camp. I simply don't understand - these models use the dura-Xbrite screens - the tech should be similar to that in the Apple notebooks, no?

 

You need to turn off auto-brightness in the Vaio Control Panel. This is not a good feature, as it keeps the brightness far too low, even when plugged into AC. Disable this and crank up the brightness using the Fn keys. I bet you the brightness will give your MBP a run for its money.