TPM in US Z13

Reading spec sheets, looks like US Z13 models have TPM, just an FYI:

Security: Biometric Fingerprint Sensor
Trusted Platform Module (TPM) TCG Ver.1.2 compliant

 

I think you're right & that's good news. Sony has also released the download for that driver in their support page for the US Z13 models:

Original - Infineon® Trusted Platform Module Professional Package

I just hope they'll provide even more good news for the US customers with options such as:

1) HDD only (no SSD + optical drive)
2) 2 USB ports + 1 iLink port

If Sony offers those 2 options for the US market, I'll jump right in ASAP.

 

Can someone explain what TPM is good for, please?

 

For data encryption purposes. Maybe the following Wiki link may help a bit in explaining what TPM is to be used for:

Trusted Platform Module - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

I wonder if it's possible to source the part and install it into VPCZ11's and VPCZ12's...

 

I've read that; I was looking for a more real-world usage explanation.

 

Simplified, it's a chip that generates and stores encryption keys, and keeps them hidden from the OS. Which means that anything encrypted on a machine with TPM can't be decrypted on any other machine, even if you have the passphrase to the key.

It's used by among other things Microsoft's EFS and Bitlocker encryption, as well as the fingerprint module.

Originally, it was feared that it would be used for draconian DRM schemes, where software vendors would use it to lock software to a particular machine. However, because most computers don't have TPM, software vendors can't rely on it, and the primary use is to tighten security.

Many businesses won't buy laptops unless they have TPM. If a foreign agency sneaks into an employees hotel room or detain them in customs and copies the HD, it will do them no good if it's encrypted with TPM assistance.

 

It's used for storing a "key" so that you can use BitLocker Hard Drive Excryption that comes with Windows 7 Ultimate. The point is if someone steals your laptop and want to access your files, usually they will just pop out the HDD/SSD and install it into an external enclosure and access the files. With BitLocker you can encrypt your Data and the data cant be read unless the TPM module is connected(because it stores the encryption algorithm).

edit: haha got beat to it =p. Arth's explanation is more accurate

 

Most likely, this will work - Sony usually does not alter the motherboard designs in minor model refreshes.

 

Yay, Z11 and Z12 owners have been screwed, thanks Sony

 

^really? how so?

 

No they haven't. If this was important to you you should have bought a laptop that includes it.

 

Yes they have, there was no other laptop with the same specs/size as my config

It was included in some regions and not in the US, now the same laptop, different name gets it. That's called screwing your customers.

 

Theoretically, the TPM module is discrete, socketed part for the laptop. If someone could determine the part number, it is theoretically possible to retrofit it into an existing Z11/Z12.

My company's IT department does not like that my Z11 doesn't have it, but the rest of the specs were more important. If someone figures out how to add it after the fact, I would certainly be interested...

 

Actually, for those who bought a VPCZ11, like me, Sony DID advertise VPCZ11's with TPM modules... (look at the beginnings of Part 1 of the Owner's thread for the Z). It's stupid how they included TPM modules in the BUSINESS line for the US but not the consumer line...

 

I disagree. Don't like it? Don't buy technology products.

I read it like this. Sony US cuts TPM because "most" people don't need it, and it saves costs. They listened to feedback that people (we) want it, and added it in a model refresh. Hardly screwing you. Did they come to your home and take something out of your computer?

 

Now YOU have a case for feeling screwed I'd call C/S and complain if it's an issue.

 

I bought the business line's top of the line Z and even that didnt include it.

 

The problem is that all earlier Zs had a TPM, and all non-US models have TPM. They had marketed the Z as having TPM, and then suddenly the new model didn't have it in the US, and Sony silently removed it from the marketing material.
That borders on deceipt, as it would be natural to think that a newer version of the Z wouldn't have fewer features than before, and unless specifically mentioned otherwise, what was true for the older Z (or the same model sold in other countries) would be true for the US Z11 too, especially since it's a standard feature for business laptops.

Or, to put it this way, did you double-check that the specs for your particular Z said that it had two RAM slots, or did you just assume that it did because all Z models do, and didn't even consider that Sony might suddenly have left one out? Or the same for the ExpressCard34 slot?

Another feature that has disappeared from the US model is the 1394A port (called Firewire by apple, and i-Link by Sony). But at least here it was phased out gradually, with an interrim model where you could choose between all-USB and USB+1394 for a few bucks more.
What's next to go? My guess is that they'll silently drop 802.11a support and possibly 5GHz n support too, leaving it 802.11 b/g/(n)
Better read the specs with a microscope before buying, because Sony really is Like.N ther.

 

2 separate issues here.

Issue 1 - early marketing sheets stating Z had TPM. That's a problem. If you bought a Z for TPM and it didn't have it, that's wrong and you should return it.

For your comments about features silently disappearing, I disagree. VPC-Z and VGN-Z are two totally different models. There should be no reasonable expectation from anyone that a new platform should contain all or any of the features from the previous platform. IF you needed TPM and simply assumed the VPC-Z would have it because the VGN-Z did or models in another continent did, that's ignorant.

Look at the evolution of notebooks from Sony, Apple, all mfr's. They all add and REMOVE features during model transitions based on customer feedback, costs, etc. I don't think there's a microscope needed with the specs.

 

Unless it's balled or SMD'd onto the MB itself, it should be trivial since the Z11's and Z12's did come with a TPM. Just not the US ones.

 

There is a pin header slot about 10x3mm on the Z's mainboard where the small tpm chip daughterboard can be plugged. It is true that if you can get hold of a TPM board used in EU Z11/12 or Z13 models, you can simply plug & play.

 

Yep, the trick is, how to get it?