Sony Vaio Z series

Last updated

Sony has used the Z model naming scheme for its high-end ultraportable notebook computers since 2000. Unlike other Sony models, the Z has always been manufactured in Japan or in the United States for some models (i.e. VGN-Z540). Sony stated that production of the Z series would cease at the end of 2012. [1]

Contents

The model numbers for these computers have been PCG-Z (2003), VGN-Z (2008), VPC-Z1 (2010), VPC-Z2 (2011), SVZ (2012).

For differentiation, subsequent Z models proceeded to include high-end screens, CPUs, GPUs and on-board DVD/Blu-ray drives etc.

Models

PCG-Z Original (2003)

The original Z featured a color 14.1" SXGA TFT display (1400 x 1050), Firewire (i-Link), two USB 2.0, and a PCMCIA slot and external CD and Floppy Drives, and weighed around 2.1kg. It had a Pentium M processor ranging from 1.5 to 1.7 GHz. It ran Windows XP and included Sony's DV-Gate software for importing video from DV camcorders.

VGN-Z (2008 & 2009)

In 2008 the first series of VGN-Z was introduced. Second series was introduced in December 2009 as a part of the Intel Centrino 2 launch. They fall into the ultraportable category, with a 13.1" screen and 1.47 kg weight (3.4 lb) (dependent on configuration). They were configured with Intel Core 2 Duo CPUs.

Compared with the SZ series, the Z is slightly lighter (200 grams), with a slightly smaller (13.1" vs. 13.3") screen, which was switched from 16:10 to 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio. In comparison to the SZ, which was available only in 1280×800 resolution, the Z series come with a choice (model-dependent) of screens which were 1366×768 and 1600×900 TN panels.

Sony Vaio VGN-Z (Japan) Expo Comm Wireless Japan 2008 Sony VAIO Z.jpg
Sony Vaio VGN-Z (Japan)

As with the SZ, the Z has hybrid graphics, featuring a NVIDIA GeForce 9300M GS as well as Mobile Intel 4 Series Express 4500MHD chipsets. The user can switch between the Nvidia (for better graphics performance) and Intel (for longer battery life) via a 2 way switch above the keyboard.

Newer options with the Z series are an integrated Blu-ray Disc drive, built-in HSDPA support and the use of an SSD (including RAID configuration, for better performance) instead of a hard drive for storage.

Other features include a 0.3 megapixel webcam, Bluetooth, SD and Memory Stick reader, FireWire 400 port, fingerprint sensor and Trusted Platform Module support.

As with the SZ series, the Z is equipped with standard, rather than ultra-low voltage (which are slower, but produce less heat and provide better battery life) processors. The CPUs are generally Core 2 Duo P- (mid voltage) CPUs, but also T- (standard voltage) CPUs. Additionally, the CPU uses a Socket P socket rather than being soldered to the motherboard.

Intel VT-x support was intentionally disabled in the laptop's BIOS, resulting in the use of hacked BIOSes by some users. [2] Sony claimed VT had been disabled for security reasons, but eventually enabled the feature in November 2009. Sony originally shipped Windows Vista with the computer, however they offer options to downgrade to Windows XP or upgrade to Windows 7.

VPC-Z Update (2010)

Sony Vaio VPCZ119FJ SONY VAIO VPCZ119FJ-S 02.jpg
Sony Vaio VPCZ119FJ

The Z series was updated in light of the new Core i5/i7 CPUs from Intel. The new range offers an i5 or i7 (although it is not clear if memory is dual port or triple port for the i7; it seems likely to be dual port, since varying the memory portness[ check spelling ] in the motherboard by CPU is a big change and because the memory choices remain 2/4/8, rather than changing to 3/6/12), a keyboard backlight, revised chassis and a Blu-ray writer. The first SSD models (VPC-Z1xxx) all use non-standard form-factor drives (due to lack of internal space) sourced from Samsung specifically for the Vaio; they cannot be replaced with standard third party 1.8 or 2.5 inch drives. The SSDs in the refreshed models (VPC-Z12xx, VPC-Z13xx & VPC-Z14xx) can be replaced with 1.8" drives from Intel or Crucial, provided the Vaio is a dual RAID model and not a Quad-RAID model. The caveat is that the outer casing of the Intel or Crucial SSD must be stripped off of the SSDs in order for the SSDs to fit in the Z. At least VPCZ-13 dual-RAID models, custom-ordered in Japan were shipped with a pair of reduced size Toshiba SSD's, with Micro-SATA connector. The second, third and fourth refresh models still use proprietary Samsung drives on the Quad-RAID models. In order to replace the SSD drives in a first generation (VPC-Z11xxx) model, or any generation Quad-RAID model, the cable for the SSDs will need to be replaced with Sony part # A-1781-464-A.

Custom Z series models which are built with a hard disk (i.e. non-SSD) and no optical drive are manufactured with a standard 2.5" hard disk fitted into the empty optical bay. These models can have the hard disk replaced by a standard 2.5" SSD. The adapter in the optical bay expects a 12.7 mm high 2.5" drive. At least some 2.5" SSD drives (such as the Intel X-25e) are 9 mm models. Proper fitting requires a shim (a piece of cardboard about 4 mm thick cut to the shape of the drive will do).

In these cases, the unit can be opened up by unscrewing every screw on the back. The battery must be removed first and there are five screws covered by the battery; a group of three holding down a plastic rail and two which screw into the back part of the chassis. The two screwed into the chassis need to be removed. Opening the unit up appears not to void the warranty (no stickers broken).

VPC-Z2 Update (2011)

Sony has officially announced its new Ultra-Thin 13-inch Z series laptop the Sony Vaio Z in Europe on June 27, 2011. [3] The highest custom configuration available includes a 2.7 GHz second generation Intel Core i7 (Sandy Bridge) processor, 512 GB SSD in RAID-0 (Newer SATA III Generation 3 SSD), 8 GB 1333 MHz Fixed On-board (Irremovable) DDR3 RAM and a 1920×1080 13.1" screen (a 1600×900 screen is also available). [4]

The Z2 is also compatible with Sony's Power Media Dock, which includes an external AMD GPU and a DVD or Blu-ray drive and connects to the laptop through Sony's implementation of the Light Peak Technology.

SVZ Update (2012)

The SVZ has a 15th Anniversary Collector's Edition.

It has nearly the exact same design and weight from VPC-Z2.

The processor changed from a 2nd Gen Intel Core i5 or i7 to a 3rd Gen Intel Core i5 or i7, HM67 chipset to HM77 chipset, HD3000 to HD4000, and the dedicated Power Media Dock GPU changed from an AMD Radeon HD 6650M to an AMD Radeon HD 7670M (exact same model).

Technical specifications

Sony Vaio Z Series 2012
ComponentJapanAsia Pacific, Middle East & AfricaEuropeNorth America
Release dateJune 2012
Model NumberSVZ1311AJSVZ13115GGXI (Hong Kong Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Arabic, Thai)
SVZ13116GGXI (Hong Kong Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Arabic, Thai)
SVZ13116GAXI (Arabic)
SVZ13115FCB/SVZ13117FCX/SVZ1311S1C (China)
SVZ1311XXXSVZ131190X
Colours (Carbon Fibre)Black
Gold
Silver
Carbon Black
Glossy Premium Carbon with the 15th anniversary collectors edition message
Glossy Premium Carbon with the 15th anniversary collectors edition messageBlack
Carbon Black
Premium Black with the 15th anniversary collectors edition message
Black
Gold
Carbon Fibre (Canada)
Premium Carbon Fibre
Operating system Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit

Windows 7 Professional 64 bit
Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bit

LED-Backlit antireflective display 13.1 in (33 cm) 1600×900 NTSC100%
13.1 in (33 cm) Full HD 1920×1080 with 96% Adobe RGB Gamut
13.1" Full HD 1920×1080 with 96% Adobe RGB Gamut
13.1 in (33 cm) 1600×900 NTSC100% (Canada)
Processor Intel Core
Core i5-3210M(2.50 GHz)

Core i7-3612QM(2.10 GHz)
Core i7-3520M(2.90 GHz)
Core i5-3320M(2.60 GHz)
Core i3-3110M(2.40 GHz)

Intel Core

Core i7-3612QM(2.10 GHz)
Core i5-3320M(2.60 GHz) (China)
Core i3-3210M(2.40 GHz) (China)

Intel Core
Core i5-3210M (2.5 GHz)

Core i7-3632QM (2.2 GHz)
Core i7-3612QM(2.10 GHz)

Intel Core
i5-3210M (2.5 GHz)

Core i7-3612QM(2.10 GHz)

Memory (DDR 3 1600 MHz)4 GB
6 GB
8 GB
8 GB
4 GB (China)
6 GB (China)
4 GB
8 GB
8 GB
4 GB (Canada)
6 GB (Canada)
Hard Disk 128 GB SATA Gen3 Flash SSD in RAID 0 configuration (2x 64 GB)

256 GB SSD (2x 128 GB)
512 GB SSD (2x 256 GB)

256 GB SATA Gen3 Flash SSD in RAID 0 configuration (2x 128 GB)

128 GB SSD (2x 64 GB) (China)
512 GB SSD (2x 256 GB) (China)

256 GB SATA Gen3 Flash SSD in RAID 0 configuration (2x 128 GB)

128 GB SSD (2x 64 GB) (USA)
512 GB SSD (2x 256 GB)

Graphics Intel HD 4000 with Intel® Wireless Display technology (WiDi)

AMD Radeon 7670M 1 GB VRAM in the Power Media Dock

Optical disc drive None
Wireless Connectivity

Bluetooth® standard Ver. 4.0 + HS
IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n MIMO 2x2
MIMO 3x3
MIMO 2x2 with WiMax
LTE

Bluetooth standard Ver. 4.0 + HS

IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n MIMO 2x2

Bluetooth standard Ver. 4.0 + HS
IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n MIMO 2x2
LTE - Download 14.4 Mbit/s / Upload 5.76 Mbit/s (HSDPA, UMTS, EDGE, GPRS)
Wireless WAN LTE - Download 100 Mb/S / Upload 50 Mb/S (LTE, HSPA+, UMTS, EDGE, GPRS) (Denmark, Finland, Germany, Norway, Russia & Sweden)

Bluetooth® standard Ver. 4.0 + HS

IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n MIMO 2x2

KeyboardKeyboard
Backlit Keyboard
Backlit KeyboardKeyboard (English (UK), Finnish, French, German, Italian, Dutch, Danish, Norwegian, Swedish, Russian
Backlit Keyboard
Backlit English (US) Keyboard
Bilingual English (US)/French (Canada)
WebcamWebcam
Exmor HD 1.3MP Webcam
Exmor HD 1.3MP (1280x1024) Webcam
Sensors & SecurityAmbient Light Sensor

TCG ver.1.2 compliant Fingerprint scanner
TPM

I/O1x USB 2.0 with sleep and charge

1x USB 3.0 with Lightpeak integration for the Power Media Dock
1x Memory Stick Duo Reader
1x SD Card Reader
Internal Stereo Speakers with Intel® High Definition Audio, Dolby Home Theater v4, Digital Noise Cancelling, "Clear Phase", "xLOUD
Internal Microphone
Multi-touch Touchpad with Gesture Support
1x HDMI
1x VGA
1x Gigabit Ethernet
1x 3.5mm headphone
1x Docking Station for Sheet Battery

Noise Cancelling HeadphonesOptional
Included
Included (USA)

Optional (Canada)

Power Media DockCD/DVD Player/Burner

CD/DVD Player/Burner & Blu-ray Disc player
Blu-ray Disc/CD/DVD Player/Burner

All Power Media Docks also possess:
AMD Radeon 7670M 1 GB GDDR3 VRAM GPU
3x USB 2.0
1x USB 3.0
1x HDMI
1x VGA
1x Gigabit Ethernet

Battery4000 mAh Lithium polymer (5.5 hours)

Optional 4400 mAh sheet battery (Extra 5.5 hours)

Dimensions13 in (33 cm) (L)

8.27 in (21.0 cm) (W)
0.66 in (1.7 cm) (D)

Weight1.17 kg (2.6 lb)

Problems

Most Sony Vaio models with hybrid Intel-nVidia graphics are affected with vast number of bugs present in every accelerated 2D (DX, DS) graphics, 3D graphics and power management of the video-system. Yet Sony doesn't provide any driver update or fix leaving customers on their own. Some enthusiast-made Intel-nVidia hybrid graphics driver updates solving general gaming performance problems can be found in the Internet although Sony keeps stating that use of those drivers is the pretext to cease the warranty or extended warranty (damage insurance).
While Sony was positioning Z1x series as equipped with nVidia Optimus graphics actually resource sharing between Intel and nVidia subsystems was never supported leaving the graphics system in legacy switchable mode. And as far as the provided software doesn't support automatic graphics switching during most multimedia software running, the user is left the only option to switch performance modes manually, making the multimedia software crash or behave unexpectedly.

Related Research Articles

VAIO is a brand of personal computers and consumer electronics, currently developed by Japanese manufacturer VAIO Corporation, headquartered in Azumino, Nagano Prefecture. VAIO was formerly a brand of Sony, introduced in 1996, until it offloaded it into an independent company in 2014; Japan Industrial Partners owns VAIO Corporation, with Sony maintaining a minority stake. Sony still holds the intellectual property rights for the VAIO brand and logo. In November 2024, it was announced that Japanese retailer Nojima will take control of Vaio, expected to finalize in January 2025.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alienware</span> American computer hardware subsidiary of Dell Inc.

Alienware Corporation is an American computer hardware subsidiary brand of Dell. Their product range is dedicated to gaming computers and accessories and can be identified by their alien-themed designs. Alienware was founded in 1996 by Nelson Gonzalez and Alex Aguila. The development of the company is also associated with Frank Azor, Arthur Lewis, Joe Balerdi, and Michael S. Dell (CEO). The company's corporate headquarters is located in The Hammocks, Miami, Florida.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dell XPS</span> Line of high performance computers manufactured by Dell

Dell XPS is a line of consumer-oriented laptop and desktop computers manufactured by Dell since 1993.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Toughbook</span> Line of rugged laptop computers made by Panasonic.

The Panasonic Toughbook is a line of rugged computers produced and marketed by Panasonic. The first model, the CF-25, was introduced in 1996. The Toughbook brand mainly competes with other lines of rugged computers, such as Dell's Rugged Extreme.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dell Latitude</span> Line of business-oriented laptop computers by Dell

Dell Latitude is a line of laptop computers manufactured and sold by American company Dell Technologies. It is a business-oriented line, aimed at corporate enterprises, healthcare, government, and education markets; unlike the Inspiron and XPS series, which are aimed at individual customers, and the Vostro series, which is aimed at smaller businesses.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dell Vostro</span> Line of laptop and desktop computers by Dell

Dell Vostro is a line of business-oriented laptop and desktop computers manufactured by Dell aimed at small to medium range businesses. From 2013–2015, the line was temporarily discontinued on some Dell websites but continued to be offered in other markets, such as Malaysia and India.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sony Vaio P series</span> Range of subnetbook PCs by Sony

The Sony Vaio P series is a range of ultraportable subnotebook computers launched in January 2009.

The Sony Vaio SR series was a line of consumer-grade notebook computers from Sony introduced in July/August 2008 to replace the Sony Vaio C series range, as a part of the Intel Centrino 2 launch. They are equipped with a 13.3" screen and weigh approximately 1.95kg, significantly lighter than the C series, similar to the non-premium carbon fiber models of the SZ, but significantly heavier than the Z Series.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sony Vaio S series</span> Line of notebook computers by Sony

The VaioS series was a line of notebook computers from Sony introduced in summer 2004. They have been touted as business laptops, and their designs have focused on being thin and light. They also have features friendly to businesspeople, such as TPM chips, matte (anti-glare) displays, RAID SSDs, and extended sheet batteries, as well as continuing to include RJ-45 and VGA (D-Sub) connections.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sony Vaio F series</span>

The Vaio F series is Sony's multimedia and gaming orientated laptop series. Launched in January 2010, it replaced the Sony Vaio FW series. Like the preceding model, it features a 16.4" screen, but with Full HD 1920 x 1080 resolution, 240 Hz refresh rate, and LED backlight. The model came in two choices (VPCF2), 2D or 3D models. The 3D model is included with 3D glasses.

The Vaio Y series is a line of notebook computer from Sony introduced in January 2010. It is a netbook-inspired model designed for travel use: compared with the other 13.3" models in the Vaio range, the Y lacks an optical drive, and is heavier and cheaper than the premium Sony Vaio Z series, but lighter than the consumer-grade Sony Vaio S series, with better battery life than either, thanks to the use of CULV processors. The weight is 3.92lbs (1.78kg).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">ThinkPad E series</span> Series of laptops by Lenovo

The ThinkPad E Series is a notebook computer series produced since 2010 by Lenovo. It is the most affordable sibling in the ThinkPad family and is aimed at small business users as well as education markets.

The Sony Vaio E series is a range of consumer-grade laptops manufactured by Sony since 2010. The 14 and 15" laptops are configurable in a choice of bright colors: Passion Purple, Iridescent Blue, Caribbean Green, Coconut White, Hibiscus Pink, Lava Black and Gunmetal Black, while the 17" laptops offer only black or white. There is also an 11.6" version available. Each laptop each features 4GB & 8GB DDR3 RAM, optical drive, Bluetooth functionality, 802.11b/g/n wireless and gigabit ethernet,HDMI,mic & headphone jack.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Clevo x7200</span> Laptop by Clevo

The Clevo X7200 is a 17.3" laptop computer manufactured by Clevo, released in September 2010. Unlike other laptops of the time, the X7200 is designed to run a desktop Intel Core i7 processor for LGA 1366 socket. The X7200 may be configured to use dual link video cards using either Nvidia GeForce GTX in SLI or AMD (ATI) Mobility Radeon 6970 in Crossfire configuration. The X7200 has capacity for three hard drives, allowing various RAID configurations, including RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, and also RAID 10 if the optical drive is replaced by a fourth HDD.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">ThinkPad X series</span> Series of laptops by IBM and Lenovo

The ThinkPad X series is a line of notebook computers and convertible tablets produced by Lenovo as part of the ThinkPad family. The ThinkPad X series is traditionally the range best designed for mobile use, with ultraportable sizes and less power compared to the flagship ThinkPad T series. It was initially produced by IBM until 2005.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">IdeaPad Y series</span> Discontinued range of gaming laptops produced by Lenovo

The IdeaPad Y series was a consumer range of laptops produced by Lenovo, first announced in 2008. They were marketed as premium high performance laptops for multimedia and gaming, as part of the IdeaPad line.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lenovo Yoga</span> Line of consumer-oriented laptop computers and tablets

Lenovo Yoga is a line of consumer-oriented laptop computers, tablets, and all-in-one computers designed, developed and marketed by Lenovo, named for their ability to assume multiple form factors due to a hinged screen. The line currently competes against other 2-in-1 PCs such as the HP Spectre.

The HP Envy was a line of consumer-oriented high-end laptops, desktop computers and printers manufactured and sold by HP Inc. They originally started as a high-end version of the HP Pavilion line. The Envy brand is being retired in 2024 with all of HP's consumer-grade portable computers coming under the HP OmniBook name.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dell Inspiron laptops</span> Laptop computer series by Dell

The Dell Inspiron series is a line of laptop computers made by American company Dell under the Dell Inspiron branding. The first Inspiron laptop model was introduced before 1999. Unlike the Dell Latitude line, which is aimed mostly at business/enterprise markets, Inspiron is a consumer-oriented line, often marketed towards individual customers as computers for everyday use.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">ThinkPad P series</span> Series of mobile workstations by Lenovo

The ThinkPad P series line of workstation laptop computers produced by Lenovo as part of the ThinkPad product family. Originally introduced in 2015 as a successor to the previous ThinkPad W series, the P series are the most advanced ThinkPad products offered by Lenovo.

References

  1. "Sony Z on the way out". 11 October 2012.
  2. "Sony's Windows 7 virtualization switch-off (Partly) reversed". The Register .
  3. "Sony Vaio Z 2011 promo video". YouTube . 28 June 2011. Archived from the original on 2021-12-20.
  4. "Sony goes slim with the Vaio Z laptop".