Sony vaio z series laptop. Sony Vaio Z Series. Battery life tests

The recently launched Sony VAIO Z laptop aims to re-establish Sony's position in the mobile computing market. Rather, not even the position, but the reputation of the Japanese company as the main innovator in this segment. For this purpose, Sony decided to take special measures, which manifested itself in the creation of a special docking station for the VAIO Z, which included not only an optical drive, but also a fairly powerful discrete video card.

The idea of ​​equipping laptops with an external graphics accelerator is not new. AMD had the most thought out of it in its Puma platform, but even before that, some manufacturers were “willful” and used the PCI Express x1 interface connected to the ExpressCard slot to connect an external video card.

But Sony's implementation has certain advantages, which we will mention below. Otherwise, the new VAIO Z is similar in size and weight to the 13.3-inch MacBook Air, although its configuration easily competes with the latest generation 13.3-inch MacBook Pro and even surpasses it in a number of ways. In general, the product turned out to be outstanding and at least worthy of detailed study.

Specification

To date, there is only one laptop in the VAIO Z line. However, it is supplied to Russia in three different configurations. The cheapest, costing almost 70 thousand rubles, includes a Core i5-2410M processor, 4 GB of RAM and a 128 GB SSD. The second option involves exactly the same laptop, but complete with a docking station - it will cost a very tidy sum of 30 thousand rubles (100 thousand in total). Well, the most advanced option costs 120 thousand. It came to us, but, unfortunately, without a docking station. Let's take a closer look at its characteristics.

With a body thickness of just under 17 mm and a weight of less than 1.2 kg, it is somewhat unusual to see a similar processor in the VAIO Z Core i7-2620M - this kind of processor is not usually found in such laptops. These are often large 15.6-inch laptops, and they are far from the cheapest. The VAIO Z is “okay” with the latter, but the weight and dimensions are clearly comparable to those of the MacBook Air.

So, the Core i7-2620M is a fast processor, you can’t argue with that. Another question: is it needed in such a computer? Still, it is unlikely that its owner will use it to transfer full-length films from one format to another, and it will not render three-dimensional scenes, and fast response in other applications can be ensured by the Core i5-2410M, installed in cheaper VAIO Z modifications. So we recommend that you think carefully about whether it’s worth paying extra for the most expensive configuration.

The top modification includes 8 GB of RAM and a 256 GB SSD drive, but here again you should proceed from your own needs. This amount of RAM is currently still excessive - 4 GB, as a rule, is enough for active work in almost any application, but the VAIO Z is not designed for professional programs. As for SSDs, today the difference between 128 and 256 GB is quite noticeable, because the large capacity in this case is a noticeable plus.

The Intel HD Graphics 3000 graphics card built into the processor is generally suitable for the tasks that the VAIO Z is aimed at. But if this is not enough, then you may have an AMD Radeon HD 6650M located in the docking station at your disposal. This is a mid-level accelerator, faster in speed than the one that comes with the younger 15.4-inch MacBook Pro. So, coupled with the docking station, it will be clear who will win.

The remaining capabilities of the docking station are provided by the VAIO Z with an external optical drive (DVD±RW, BD-ROM or BD-RW) and six connectors (1xUSB 3.0, 2xUSB 2.0, 1xD-SUB, 1xRJ-45 and audio jack). As we wrote in the preview, the dock is connected via an optical cable, through which the Thunderbolt interface transmits data. However, Sony implemented it in the form of a USB connector (essentially having two fiber optic contacts in it), and therefore does not have the right to use this name. And it’s unlikely that devices other than a docking station will appear for such a connector, so there’s no point in calling it by its official name.

For the system, the video card is connected via the PCI Express x4 version 2.0 interface (which is similar to PCI-E x8 version 1.0). In principle, this will be enough for such an accelerator, as well as for all other interfaces placed on the dock.

The cable that connects the external module deserves special mention. The use of a fiber optic connection made it possible to make it a meter long, which is very convenient. ATI XGP technology, implemented in the above-mentioned AMD Puma platform, in its usual “manifestation” requires a massive, thick and short (no more than 20 cm) wire, which may not be enough.

Another useful quality of the docking station is the ability to connect two monitors. At the same time, the laptop screen can remain working, as well as a third external monitor connected directly to the computer.

Returning to the remaining characteristics of the VAIO Z, we note the huge variety of communication interfaces. Everything is supported: Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi standards 802.11b/g/n, Bluetooth version 3.0, WiMAX and even 3G. Wi-Fi and WiMAX are provided by the Intel Centrino Advanced-N + WiMAX 6150 network card (this is where the Centrino brand went) - one of the most functional models. As for 3G, the Sierra Wireless Gobi 3000 module developed by Qualcomm is responsible for this standard. It supports data transfer in HSPA+ networks at speeds up to 14.4 Mbps. Add LTE support and it would definitely be a complete set.

We have said everything about prices and weight parameters, so it remains to mention the operating system. Of course, since the VAIO Z is a premium business laptop, it comes with Windows 7 Professional. This is a more than expected solution. To make things even more solid, one could also bother installing Windows 7 Ultimate (at such and such prices), but this would not give much. And so Sony emphasizes the working positioning of the VAIO Z.

Sony's new product came to us in the form of a test sample without a delivery kit, so let's get straight to the design.

Design and ergonomics

The design of the new VAIO Z clearly echoes the previously updated VAIO S. They both have a strict black body color, as well as strict straight lines without any smooth bends. However, in VAIO Z the designers went even further - the edges of the laptop were even more sharpened, there were no roundings at the corners. It looks like they were cut with a sharp knife.

Closed Sony VAIO Z

There are no “bulges” or bends either above or below. On the lid there is only the traditional VAIO logo. On the bottom there are barely protruding rubber feet on which the laptop rests. By the way, it also rests on the rear side end, which, when opening the screen, serves as a stand, and at the same time slightly raises the computer. The legs rather serve as protection against scratches on the bottom.

VAIO Z is very suitable for its thin body. It looks stylish and even a little futuristic - like a device from the near future. The sensational VAIO X was only 3 mm thinner, although it contained a much more modest Intel Atom processor.

Sony VAIO Z. Side view

The VAIO Z's body is made of carbon fiber and aluminum. The latter is used only on the work area under the keyboard. It was impossible to do otherwise - if you make a laptop entirely out of metal, its weight will increase noticeably; Sony would lose an advantage over the MacBook Air in this regard. Carbon fiber is a very durable material, so you don't have to worry about the integrity of the structure.

And a few words about the docking station. It is quite massive - a little less than half the laptop. Moreover, it has the same thickness. However, Sony solved the space problem quite simply - it is proposed to install the external module vertically, for which a special stand is included in the kit. However, the dock will also have nothing against horizontal placement.

The design of the dock matches the style of the VAIO Z, it has the same strict faceted shape without unnecessary bends. There are many ventilation holes in the back, and the rear end is covered with silver plastic, similar to a laptop. It is worth noting that the dock is not made of carbon fiber, like a laptop, but of plastic.

Sony VAIO Z keyboard

The keyboard of the premium Sony laptop deserves special attention. There are no complaints about the layout. But the right Shift, for example, should be made a little longer, and the arrow block lowered lower. But there is nothing unusual about this. But the fact that the keys have less travel than usual, coupled with the minimal profile height, will take some getting used to. There is no obvious discomfort, but the sensations are completely unusual. There is also a backlit keyboard. Moreover, it is implemented very well - all the inscriptions are visible in the dark, including the Cyrillic layout. And, of course, it’s worth remembering that the engraving is laser. This means that the characters on the keyboard will not be erased after a year of active use.

Touchpad Sony VAIO Z

The touchpad is quite large, although it is obvious that there is still room for increasing its area. But the question is, is it necessary to do this? Gestures in Windows 7 are still not as developed as in Mac OS X, and therefore this touchpad area is quite enough for comfortable work with the VAIO Z. It has a glossy finish, but with small raised dimples so that your finger can more accurately control the mouse pointer. The buttons under the touchpad are also glossy. Between them is a fingerprint scanner, which is almost not recessed relative to the buttons, as is usually the case.

Additional buttons Sony VAIO Z

All additional controls are located on the right above the keyboard. At the very edge there is a button to turn the computer on and off. It is combined with a green LED. To the left are three LEDs Num, Caps and Scroll Lock. This is followed by a light sensor, three additional buttons (VAIO and Assist call proprietary utilities, and Web is the default browser) and a wireless controller switch.

Bottom of Sony VAIO Z

The main danger with such compact laptops is excessive heating of the case. There is no room for massive fans and radiators, but the processor is powerful. However, Sony managed to cope with the heating - the VAIO Z does not heat up as much as it could. However, it does not have an aluminum body, like the MacBook Air, which also acts as a heatsink.

As for the update options, the owner of the VAIO Z can do only one thing on his own - connect the docking station. The rest is only through the service center.

Interfaces, screen, sound

Although the Sony VAIO Z cannot boast of a particularly “refined” body, there are not much more connectors on its side edges than on the MacBook Air.

Left side Sony VAIO Z: D-SUB, Kensington Lock

Only the D-SUB connector is located on the left side. Of the other elements next to it are a massive (at half the end) block of ventilation holes and a Kensington Lock.

Right side of Sony VAIO Z: audio connector, RJ-45, HDMI, USB 2.0, USB 3.0, power connector

The remaining connectors are grouped on the right: audio output for headphones, RJ-45, HDMI, USB version 2.0 (supports charging devices), USB version 3.0 (combined with the Light Peak optical interface for connecting a docking station), power connector.

Front end of Sony VAIO Z: SD card readers and Memory Stick

On the front end there are two card readers in the center, and on the left there are three indicators: battery charge level, hard drive operation, wireless controller operation. The rear panel, due to its mobility, is not used in any way.

Rear end of Sony VAIO Z

Compared to the 13.3-inch MacBook Air, the VAIO Z has a clear advantage in terms of video outputs and the presence of an Ethernet port. However, everything is relative here too. In our opinion, it would be wiser to place DisplayPort (even its mini version) on the left side instead of the outdated D-SUB. The presence of RJ-45 is a clear plus, although it is foldable. Blue USB 3.0 will also come in handy. And even if it is occupied by the docking station wire, it is still duplicated on the rear panel of the dock. The presence of two card readers can hardly be called a serious advantage - the Memory Stick format is practically no longer relevant today, and therefore its support does not provide a decisive advantage at all.

Sony VAIO Z card readers

In our opinion, the placement of the connectors could have been more convenient. Leaving the entire left side almost empty is not the best solution. After all, right-handed people often use the mouse, and all the wires come out of the VAIO Z on the right - they can create some inconvenience.

Sony didn't do a very good job with sound. The speakers on the VAIO Z are located in a rather strange place - at the rear of the bottom, so the sound is muffled. It would definitely be better to use headphones.

Sony has clearly changed its approach when choosing a matrix for the VAIO Z. Let us recall that in the last generation of the laptop a screen with a mind-blowing 13.1" diagonal resolution of 1920x1080 was used. So far, modern operating systems are not capable of proportionally scaling the interface, like mobile versions. So Although the image was very clear, it was small. Now Sony has chosen a matrix with a resolution of 1600x900 pixels. This option is much better: there is a lot of space on the desktop, and the elements are not very small, especially text.

As for the image, we were more than satisfied with it. The VAIO Z display does not have a “mirror”, but also not a classic matte finish - something in between. This made it possible to get rid of glare, and at the same time give the colors additional saturation. The viewing angles also did not disappoint.

Sony VAIO Z screen color gamut

And one more thing. According to Sony, the VAIO Z's screen provides 94% Adobe RGB color gamut. We decided to check this statement by making the necessary measurements. As can be seen from the graph, this is not entirely true, although overall the matrix turned out to be excellent.

Performance and battery life

We decided to compare the performance of the Sony VAIO Z with something equally extraordinary. A rare laptop in our area caught my eye

Average rating: 76% - Good
Average of 13 ratings (from 15 reviews)

: - %, Performance: 77%, Equipment: 44%, Screen quality: 82%
Portability: 81%, Appearance: 78%, Ergonomics: 84%, Heat and Noise: 85%

Specifications

Pricecompare

Review: Vaio Z Canvas
Source: Unlocked Newegg EN→RU
Vaio set out to create the ultimate creative platform in the Canvas, and for the most part they succeeded. It’s not as powerful as a dedicated laptop, but the stylus and tablet functionality, coupled with the excellent screen and a wireless keyboard, make it a contender for one of the most unique and desirable 2-in-1s on the market.
classic review, available online, very detailed, Date: 01/30/2017

80% VAIO Z Canvas Review
Source: Notebookreview.com EN→RU
Whether or not VAIO finds success with the Z Canvas will depend greatly on their ability to find a target audience so committed to staying within the Windows environment that they’re willing to dig deep into their pockets. Without that, or without VAIO finding some way to lower prices, it’s likely the appeal of owning one of the most powerful Windows tablets on the market will be overshadowed by the desire to leave at least a little in the bank.
classic review, available online, moderately detailed, Date: 01/15/2016
Rating: Total score: 80%

70% Review: Vaio Z Canvas
Source: Wired Magazine EN→RU
The Canvas is a Windows tablet unlike any we’ve seen before. Wedged into this 12.3-inch, 2.6-pound chassis are a Core i7 CPU, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of solid state storage-specs in line with the highest high-end laptops. The included keyboard is detachable (it charges via two small contacts on the tablet and the keyboard), adds an extra 12.8 ounces, and doubles as a magnetically-affixed cover. The fun doesn't stop there, though. Just check out these ports: two full-size USB 3.0 ports, a mini DisplayPort, HDMI, and a full-size (fold-out) Ethernet jack. Ethernet! On a tablet! If you can’t smell the legacy of Sony overambition all over this thing, it’s official name-the Vaio Z Canvas VJZ12AX0211S-surely seals the deal.
classic review, available online, brief, Date: 11/23/2015
Rating: Total score: 70%

90% Vaio Z Canvas
Source: Mobile Tech Review EN→RU
The Vaio Z Canvas is an amazing piece of technology--it"s a dream PC or tablet in a world where most products make compromises due to pricing constraints or lack of engineering prowess. It"s uncompromisingly fast--twice as fast as the Surface Book/ Surface Pro 4 and around the same performance as a 15" Retina MacBook Pro. Unlike most tablets, it has plenty of ports; in fact, more than many Ultrabooks offer.
classic review, available online, very detailed, Date: 10/14/2015
Rating: Total score: 90%

Specifications

Pricecompare

84% | Notebookcheck
Dear, dear. The Vaio brand returns to the laptop market, carefully preserving the style and traditions of Sony. Speaking of them: what is this Z Flip made of that it costs as much as two MacBooks? Aluminum, carbon fiber and... stone?

Vaio Z Flip: Great Laptop, Great design but a bit too expensive
Source: G Style Magazine EN→RU
The Vaio Z is a super portable, clean, impeccably designed, powerful laptop/tablet hybrid. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience with the Vaio Z. It’s one of the best laptops I’ve used. I personally always appreciated the Vaio brand, now even more so that they’re their own company. Bottom line however, the Vaio Z is a bit too expensive. This is my biggest problem.
classic review, available online, very detailed, Date: 04/25/2017

Review: VAIO Z 2-in-1 Flip
Source: Unlocked Newegg EN→RU
If you’re looking for high-end content creation or video editing, this is not the 2-in-1 for you. But if looks are your thing, and you want a durable Windows 10 laptop that can double as a tablet, the VAIO Z Flip is at the head of the game.
classic review, available online, thorough, Date: 03/02/2017

84% Vaio Z Flip (2016) Laptop Review
Source: Reviewed.com EN→RU
Quite honestly, there's something charming about goods made in Japan. Maybe it's because I'm a huge camera fan (some of the highest-grade camera equipment continues to be assembled in Japan), but knowing that the expert craftspeople of Azumino put the Vaio Z Flip together makes it feel like a singular laptop. It"s not cheap, but it"s fast, elegant, and well-equipped.
classic review, available online, very detailed, Date: 07/10/2016
Rating: Total score: 84%

70% VAIO Z Flip
Source: PC Mag EN→RU
If you"re a graphics professional, the VAIO Z Flip delivers class-leading performance, a long-lasting battery pack, and a convertible screen mechanism that helps you interact with your art up close and personal, in a tactile manner. But at almost $2,000, it just costs too much for most general users, even well-heeled ones. At $500 less, the Lenovo Yoga holds remains our Editors" Choice for high-end convertible-hybrid laptops because it has a higher-resolution screen, the same amount of system memory and storage, comparable multimedia benchmark numbers, and only slightly less battery life (almost 11 hours).
classic review, available online, brief, Date: 06/30/2016
Rating: Total score: 70%

80% VAIO Z Flip Model Review: Gets the Right Parts Right
Source: Notebookreview.com EN→RU
The VAIO Z flip model gets most things right. It has a great build, stunning display, and decent battery life. Its pen is also a pleasure to use, and it pulls off the hinged display design well, which sets it apart in a market awash in detachables and Yoga clones. These are all more important features than any of its drawbacks.
classic review, available online, medium in length, Date: 04/29/2016
Rating: Total score: 80%

80% VAIO Z Flip
Source: Computer Shopper EN→RU
The VAIO Z Flip is a strong offering in the premium convertible-notebook market. It has impeccable quality throughout. We liked its unique display-flipping mechanism, which covers the keyboard in tablet mode. This eliminates the complaint we have about conventional 360-degree folding convertibles, which leave their keyboards exposed in tablet mode.
classic review, available online, very detailed, Date: 04/25/2016
Rating: Total score: 80%

70% Vaio Z Flip

Difficult times have long come for VAIO; those in charge do not know which way to look. Or finally reduce the line and do everything like Apple in terms of assortment. Or continue what we started a long time ago and make the most technologically advanced solutions with Windows. Or produce toys, folding laptops, all-in-one tablets with a twenty-inch display and other nonsense. They tell me - but you liked the transformable laptop? Yes, I liked it. He's good. Like a Sonystyle toy. But you can't take such things seriously. Sony wanted to make something like a tablet with a keyboard, something unusual, but here it’s always a double-edged sword. Consumers may either accept the item with a bang, or they may bury it. In the case of new products, the latter is more likely to happen. For example, Apple can make both transformers and iMacs with a touch screen, and they can do a lot of things there. But instead, they recently introduced the MacBook Pro 13 with a Retina display. It used to be that VAIO laptops had the best displays. This is no longer the case. The Sony VAIO Z laptop being reviewed today is the company's most advanced computer. Most likely, this will be the end of the Z series. There are such rumors. Maybe it will be renamed. Maybe these will be devices with a different display diagonal. Maybe serious decisions will be replaced by folding toys, transformers, shiny, shimmering in the sun. But this is certainly not VAIO as regular users know it - those who loved the brand for its technology and lack of competitors. Now it’s not like there are more than enough competitors. Now VAIO laptops are not a competitor at all to most modern solutions, especially in the expensive segment. And it doesn’t surprise me what metamorphoses are taking place in Russia. Here's one example. There was a chain of VAIO salons. In all major shopping centers of the city one could get acquainted with laptops and buy accessories. Trained staff. New items quickly appear on sale. And now the same network has changed its sign. Network of Samsung stores. Why do you think? Because people, with all their love for VAIO, are doing business. And if the product is dead and not for sale, then something needs to be done. This means that we need to do what is in demand by the audience. Everything is logical and simple. So don’t be surprised if you go to a familiar store to choose VAIO, and there’s a different sign there.

The laptop in question is an updated version of the Sony VAIO Z; you can find a review of the previous version on our website.

This is one of my favorite Sony series, both in terms of design and in terms of performance and solutions used. There are some flaws, but overall it’s an extremely nice thing for the money. This top version costs about 110,000 rubles, the SVZ1311V9R model with an i5 processor, a different display and without a docking station will cost half as much. Regarding the dock - if you are not going to play games, do not need a drive and additional ports, then you can safely consider just such a modification. If something happens, you can buy an additional docking station; you can find one for about 20,000 rubles. In this review, I will repeat some points, since the changes in the Z13 concern the laptop’s hardware; the differences in assembly and other aspects are minimal.

Design, construction

What really captivates me personally about the Z series is the design, in my opinion, it is impeccable. The company's designers managed to capture the golden mean between a serious, utilitarian item and traditional Sony motifs; the item is at once from the world of practical tools, stylish, and even, dare I say it, fashionable. Nowadays, Apple products have long been established in the segment of expensive portable computers, and only the Sony VAIO Z looks like a worthy alternative from a design point of view. Other manufacturers are still at the stage of experimenting with form and content; I would also like to mention Dell with a number of interesting models. The laptop dimensions are 210 x 16.65 x 330 mm, weight 1.19 kg. I carried the laptop with me for a long time and persistently, took it on trips, and naturally, the weight makes me very happy, especially considering the technical characteristics of the device. Moreover, I really like that the laptop is thin and as compact as possible, no matter how you look at it. The body here is made of carbon fiber, as indicated on the official website, but I’m not entirely sure where it is located. There is also a place for metal; the back of the lid is made of this material. When you flip it back, the laptop rises above the table, a similar solution was found in the Sony VAIO X. The keyboard is located in a small recess, I can’t help but note that it’s quite possible to do without any fancy stickers to the right of the touchpad, these days it looks funny. Traditionally for VAIO, the light indicators on the front end are very beautifully made, plus the power button is illuminated. On the left side there is an input for connecting a monitor, a “radiator” grille, and a groove for a lock. On the right are two USB ports, one of which supports charging various devices even when the laptop is in sleep mode. There is also a 3.5 mm headphone input, Ethernet, HDMI, and an input for the power supply. On the front end there are slots for SD memory cards and MemoryStick; why the latter is needed, I don’t know - it’s unlikely that there are many users of cards of this type left these days.

As much as I love design, there are many controversial issues here. External docking station with a drive and a video card - okay, I'm ready to put up with it. But I don’t like that if I sit on the couch, this very docking station gets in the way. I started playing CoD on my laptop, but the design doesn’t allow me to enjoy it, I need to do it at a table. The cable is not that long, you can't cross your legs. Then, the touchpad is very small, and there is so much empty space around. A well in the desert, such an association. The keyboard is ok in size, but why are the buttons so toy-like, the movement like a telephone button, and inconvenient to type? The lid naturally bends.

That is, everything looks solid, great, cool. Fair materials and appearance. In fact, why did they take the drive and video card out if there was no room on the case for another USB? There is room for a larger touchpad, but this was not done. Was it worth sacrificing an all-in-one device, which would have both a drive and a video card, for the sake of reducing weight? After all, it is clear that the consumer of a device costing at least 70,000 rubles (and the modification in question costs 119,000) is unlikely to carry a laptop on himself for hours; rather, he carries it in the car. And I would like to know how many hundreds of grams were saved.

That is, when design and functionality are tied together and, as they say, the threads do not sharpen, everything is clear and great. In the case of the Sony VAIO Z, I personally enjoy the visual side, but with use all the shortcomings come out. But the Sony VAIO SZ, the founder of the series, was harmony itself.

Among the original accessories, you can buy the VGP-CVZ3 cover, which does not need to be removed from the case, or the VGP-CKZ3 folder, I personally would prefer the cover. She looks great.

In this version, the lid is lacquered, the metal strip on the back is black, fingerprints are naturally very visible. Oddly enough, the “Second” product and the miracle rag help clean not only metal, but also such surfaces. “Second” conquers everything.

The speakers here are not very powerful, they are quite enough for watching a movie, but for music it is better to take headphones or transmit the sound to speakers.

Screen

The display diagonal is 13.1 inches, resolution is 1920 x 1080 pixels, when viewing pages in a browser you often want to zoom in, the letters are very small. On the other hand, it’s better this way than another. The screen is a little yellow, the brightness is very high, viewing angles are good horizontally, but worse vertically. Watching movies is great, but the diagonal is small. It is pleasant to work with, there is an anti-reflective coating, it seems that the display is matte. Interestingly, even with minimal brightness you can still work.

Above the display there is a webcam, the resolution is 1280 x 1024 pixels, it is quite convenient to use, the microphone allows you to communicate via Skype without a headset.

Keyboard

In the comparison of MacBook Air 13 and Sony VAIO Z, I said that the Z keyboard is not the best, a month with this laptop confirms my belief.

Yeah, not the best. The buttons have little travel, they are too elastic, it is very difficult to get used to, especially after the keyboards of Apple laptops - in my opinion, almost ideal. If we consider the Z as a journalist's tool, then I would give the keyboard a two. If you need Z as a tool for Facebook, easy work with documents, games, then there will be no problems with the keyboard. There is a backlight, it is done very well, the letters are illuminated.

It is necessary to make a reservation that the keyboard has purely subjective impressions; my friend has completely different sensations from the Z, and he also types a lot. He just likes the design. So, when buying, it’s better to try it yourself.

Touchpad

I decided to write separately about the touchpad on this laptop. It seems that the detail is not the most important, on the one hand. On the other hand, it’s good when you don’t have to attach a mouse to your laptop in order to comfortably control the cursor. Z is not doing very well with this, I’ve said it more than once. But I’ll note one more time - I don’t like the touchpad here. First of all, it's small. Very small, and why didn’t Sony bother to double it? There is a lot of free space around, look for yourself. Secondly, the buttons do not have such a long travel, they are not separated, and although there are almost no mistaken presses, they are inconvenient to use due to their size. Thirdly, the biggest pain is the fingerprint scanner. Tell me, why is this burp of the past needed in a modern device? Does anyone really think that if Z is stolen, it will be difficult to deal with the scanner? Does anyone really think that this provides reliable protection? It’s funny, but a person who has installed his fingerprint can often do without anti-virus software, open some wild archives and otherwise harm the laptop. I didn’t make this story up, friends from the service center told me. And there was a password, and a fingerprint, and everything that wasn’t there - oh yes, there was no banal computer literacy. And it ended with pop-up banners from porn sites everywhere, reinstalling the system and other amenities. So, the Z scanner is also located inconveniently, between the touchpad buttons. Naturally, you will offend him. Naturally, the setup program will be launched each time. Is this annoying? Yes. There are a lot of settings, you can use different fingerprints to launch different programs, the main question is why do this.

In general, keep in mind that you will need a mouse for Z, the touchpad here is from the last century, which is quite normal for Windows-based laptops. You can do this with any MacBook without a pointing device, but this won’t work. Or it will work out, but with difficulty.

It’s good that they made notches on the small touchpad, and the sensitivity here is wonderful.

Opening hours

The stated operating time is seven hours, full charging time is two and a half hours. The power supply is small, like the good old VAIO P. In fact, the laptop lasts for a maximum of four hours with Wi-Fi turned on; I couldn’t achieve a longer service life even if I wanted to. The backlight was not quite at the maximum, testing for operating time was carried out not while watching movies, but while working, mainly writing articles plus a browser, an FTP client, iTunes with Internet radio running. I would like to note that the laptop holds a charge well, not like the MacBook Air, but also different from previous representatives of the Z series. But what I don’t like is the loss of charge while you are not using the laptop. Apple models have overcome this problem long ago for a number of models, but here everything is the same as in the last century.

An additional VGP-BPSC27 battery is available for the laptop, looks like the bottom, the stated service life is about 14 hours. It costs about eight thousand rubles, the weight increases by about six hundred grams.

Performance

The main changes in the laptop's hardware include an Intel Core i7-3612QM processor, clock frequency 2.10 GHz (up to 3.10 GHz with Turbo Boost), 8 GB of DDR3 SDRAM memory, the laptop has an Intel HD Graphics 4000 graphics processor, in the dock -station video card. The complete docking station is called Sony VAIO VGP-PRZ20A, it has an AMD Radeon HD 6650 video card, two USB 2.0 ports, a USB 3.0 port (needed to connect to a laptop), a connector for connecting to a monitor, Ethernet, an input for a power supply, a Blu drive -ray. The memory in the laptop is 256 GB SSD, which is very good.

As for performance, the laptop quickly turns on and falls asleep, opens even heavy video files cheerfully, and to test it with games, I bought CoD: MW3, took the mouse and tried to play. First, in single player, then in multiplayer. It turned out interesting, I’ll report. I set the resolution to maximum, graphics settings almost at maximum. Oddly enough, the laptop reacted to all this quite normally, it was clear that the game did not twitch, the image was smooth and you could quite normally engage in the destruction of enemies and other amusements. No problems with loading times or anything at all. No matter how strange it may be, the Sony VAIO Z is quite suitable for the role of a gaming device, just keep in mind that you must connect the module, and connect a special power supply to it; it is larger and heavier than usual. And the module itself cannot be called small. In multiplayer, everything is also quite normal, only I slightly lowered the graphics settings without reducing the resolution, and it was possible to do without it, the speed is still fine. I made a short video about the laptop and CoD, where you can evaluate the application yourself.

The main thing you need to know about the performance of the model in question is that this is a laptop with a powerful processor, a good SSD for up to 256 GB, and among laptops with such a display diagonal you will not find a competitor in terms of the totality of characteristics. Another question is who might need all this power and why.

The laptop does not heat up very much, even during the game, as they say, the knees do not burn.

In addition to CoD, I also played BF3 with the same success.

The operating system is Windows 7 Professional 64bit Service Pack 1, a number of proprietary programs, most of which deserve to be immediately added to the trash can.

Connection

There is a Swiss army knife, Bluetooth, LTE, Wi-Fi, 3G and many other buzzwords. The laptop works with “our” LTE.

• Wireless adapter for cellular networks supporting LTE, HSPA+, GSM, GPRS, EDGE protocols
• Type - Sierra Wireless AirPrime MC7710
• Maximum download speed 100 Mbps
• Maximum upload speed 50 Mbps
• LTE frequencies: 800/900/1800/2100/2600 MHz
• UMTS/HSPA+ frequencies: 900/2100 MHz
• EDGE/GPRS/GSM frequencies: 850/900/1800/1900 MHz
• Maximum wireless LAN data transfer rate - 300 Mbps
• Wireless LAN range -100 m
• Built-in Bluetooth 3.0 + HS
• Bluetooth range - 10m
• Wireless LAN Protocol - 802.11 a/b/g/n
• Ethernet network 10Base-T/100Base-TX/1000Base-T

It’s a fact, but the device is practically impossible to remain without communication.

Conclusions

I can only repeat the conclusions from the review of the last generation Sony VAIO Z; it is still one of the best representatives of Windows-based laptops. From the design to the performance, this is a piece of candy, albeit with bitter notes - the keyboard has not become better, the operating time is not so amazing after the MacBook Air, the touchpad has not been made any more. But if you need to always be connected, then the Sony VAIO Z13 is just from this series. You can play on business trips, but then you will also have to carry a docking station. You can do almost everything and even upgrade to Windows 8 - but I believe many will prefer a MacBook Air to a laptop for 119,000 rubles. Nothing that will have to be inserted into a USB modem for 4G - but it’s half the price and has many advantages. Last year's comparison of Sony VAIO Z and MB Air is still relevant, you can easily use it when choosing.

Now we just have to wait to see what will happen to VAIO next year. I really want to believe that the Z series will not end with the device reviewed today.

Sergey Kuzmin ()

In general terms, the design of the new representatives of the Sony Z-series does not differ from the design of last year’s Z-series. The chopped shapes characteristic of the modern VAIO style remained in place, the materials did not change: the bottom and lid are made of carbon fiber, the working panel is made of aluminum alloy.

We were a little unlucky: the laptop came into our hands in a special “collector’s” edition dedicated to the 15th anniversary of the VAIO brand. The corresponding engraving can be found on the aluminum base of the lid, which, on the occasion of the special edition, changed its color from natural light silver to black.

If that was all there was to it, it would even be good. But no: a special edition primarily involves a special design of the body panels. Firstly, they show a pronounced carbon fiber structure. And secondly, all panels are generously covered with a thick layer of varnish.

Not only the bottom, but also the lid. Without varnishing, only the working panel. And that’s only because it’s aluminum. If there had been carbon fiber here too, they would have filled it with varnish too.

Smooth surfaces become covered with so many fingerprints after the first couple of hours of use that we decided not to include photos of the “patched” laptop - so as not to scare readers away from a good model that was simply unlucky with the special version.

But in the pictures and on the counter, this version of the VAIO Z13 looks really beautiful. Depending on the lighting, the material changes color - from gray to brownish.

At the time of its announcement, last year's VAIO Z series was probably the thinnest in the 13-inch laptop class. However, a lot of time has passed since then, the Koreans and Taiwanese have rushed into this market segment, and designers from the Land of the Rising Sun did not radically reshape the “Z”. So compared to its most talented competitors, it looks not so much thin.

This, however, is not scary: but the case fits everything or almost everything that the owner might need. So from the point of view of a reasonable buyer, this loss is actually a gain. The Japanese did not fall for the race of millimeters, well done.

We have a protractor and we are not afraid to use it!

Despite the smaller display diagonal than its competitors, the VAIO Z13’s body is half a centimeter wider (longer?). Therefore, it accommodates a wider keyboard unit.

True, the designers did not make very good use of the additional space: on the right side of the keyboard there are several pressed keys (Shift, as well as period and comma in the English layout). But the left Shift, Control and Caps Lock turned out to be truly royal in size.

The keyboard is short-travel - it seems to be the shortest of all those currently used in laptops. The keyboard block and the case are a little lacking in rigidity: if you are accustomed to an “aggressive style” of typing, then you are unlikely to like this. However, those who type barely touching the keys (which is correct) will not notice this flaw - the body is still not so “papery”.

Reddish things under the key caps are backlight elements

As in the previous generation, there is an electroluminescent keyboard backlight, less bright, but more economical than the usual LED options. This year, such backlights are in fashion: Samsung used this backlight in the updated Series 9 laptops, and Acer chose the same option for the Aspire S7 ultrabook.

The backlight turns on only automatically - when you press any key, but only on the condition that the sensor reports an insufficient level of external lighting. The backlight also turns off automatically 10 seconds after the last press.

Sony has abandoned the hardware slider switch for wireless networks. Now their state can only be controlled programmatically, which is not always convenient. Otherwise, the set of additional elements above the keyboard remains the same: three auxiliary touch buttons, a light sensor, and a microphone.

The power button is positioned in such a way that it can be pressed accidentally. To reduce the likelihood of overlays, it is made very tight

The touchpad is a controversial element of the VAIO Z; it has both pros and cons. As in all ultra-thin laptops, the panel is made as a single unit with buttons, and there is only one physical “clicker”, it is located in the center. However, on buttons, sensitivity is only used to detect right and left clicks. This avoided the typical problems with current ultrabooks in recognizing what is a press and what is a cursor move or multi-touch gesture. So working with the panel as a whole is quite convenient.

And it would be even more convenient if the panel were more spacious: the sensitive area is more than two times smaller in area than that of competitors - only 73x40 mm. It's a bit cramped.

Compared to the currently fashionable ultrabooks, the range of on-board interfaces of the VAIO Z13 can frankly please almost any user. There are two video outputs (VGA and HDMI), a pair of memory card readers (SD and branded Memory Stick), a connector for connecting a wired network and two USB 3.0 ports. Absolutely all connectors are full-size; you don’t need to carry adapters with you.

Two dark rectangles deep in the right USB port - optical Thunderbolt

One of the USB ports has a built-in Thunderbolt interface in its optical version. Theoretically, Sony could already switch to a standard electrical connector. But for this, we would have to get rid of the USB port or HDMI, because there was simply no free space left in the laptop. This is probably why the designers considered it more expedient to preserve the original solution, which is as compact as possible.

Dock connector combines power, USB and optical Thunderbolt

The dock itself looks the same: Sony believes the main option for its placement is vertical. For this purpose, the kit includes a special stand, beautiful and weighted, so that the structure does not tend to fall on its side.

However, you can place the attachment horizontally - this option is also provided for by the design.

The docking station does not so much expand the range of ports - there are only two additional USB 2.0 connectors - but it duplicates them.

In addition, it has an optical drive. If you still need it for some reason. In our case, the laptop was equipped with the most advanced dock, with a Blu-ray writer. But there are simpler options - with BD-ROM or DVD-RW.

Among other things, all configurations intended for the Russian market will have a cellular modem installed in the VAIO Z13. Moreover, it supports not only 3G, but also LTE - which also operates in the 2600 MHz band that is relevant for our country.

To remove the SIM card tray, you need an “iceclip”

⇡ Technical specifications

Traditionally, one of the most striking features of the VAIO Z line is the use of “full-size” mobile processors instead of low-voltage models. In the newest generation, Sony designers have gone even further: the 2012 Z13 is the first laptop weighing around a kilogram to feature a quad-core processor.

This became possible thanks to the fact that this year Intel introduced a quad-core model with lower power consumption. The Core i7-3612QM's TDP is 35 W, similar to mobile dual-core CPUs, rather than 45 W like typical quads designed for use in large laptops. The operating frequencies of the i7-3612QM are slightly lower than those of the i7-3610QM, but not much. Otherwise, the characteristics of the processors are identical.

Unlike many ultrabooks, in which the memory is soldered on the motherboard, Sony uses removable modules in Z series laptops. But the modules are non-standard, so it is impossible to replace them yourself - there is simply nowhere to buy them. So you should think about the required volume in advance. In our case, the laptop had two DDR3-1600 modules installed with a capacity of 4 GB each - a total of 8 GB.

There is no external video adapter on board the laptop: in mobile mode you will have to be content with the standard Intel HD 4000 solution integrated into the processor.

In this CPU model, the nominal frequency of the graphics core is higher than in low-voltage processors. But the ceiling of the Turbo Boost mode is slightly lower. Looking ahead: despite this, the Sony VAIO Z13 still turns out to be faster in graphics tests than absolutely all ultrabooks - a more efficient cooling system helps keep the graphics core overclocked longer.

In addition to the video adapter built into the processor, an external one is also available for the Sony VAIO Z13. External in every sense, because it is installed in a docking station.

The driver is not the latest - but there is no other one for the exotic VAIO Z graphics yet

At the moment, three configurations are available for the Russian market: expensive, insanely expensive and “at the price of an airplane.” When testing, we dealt with the latter - first of all, it differs in the matrix used and the presence of a docking station in the package.

It must be said that in the American market there are simply no analogues of the younger version: all VAIO Z13 in the States are sold with a Full HD display and 8 GB of RAM (though with Windows 7 Home Premium in the base). Accordingly, the older version without taxes costs $2,399, and the younger ones - with the specified amendments in the configuration - will cost $1,949 and $1,599, respectively.

So buying the VAIO Z13 outside the bounds turns out to be even more profitable than Apple products: in the case of younger versions, in addition to tangible savings, you will also be able to get a more advanced display. And in the case of the older one, the savings amount to more than a thousand euros, there is nothing to comment on.

Obviously, all sellers understand this very well, so even now the recommended prices are not observed particularly strictly - the VAIO Z13 can be easily found 10-15 thousand cheaper than the official price. If you wait until mid-winter, prices will obviously drop even lower.

⇡ Internal structure of Sony VAIO Z13

There is not a single component in the VAIO Z13 that its owner could replace on his own. In addition, the design of the laptop is very delicate, so if you need to get under the hood, we strongly recommend that you do not do anything yourself and contact a service center.

It is impossible to make a part of complex shape from carbon fiber. Therefore, the bottom in the Z13 is made exactly the same as in DellXPS 13 (or rather, on the contrary - after all, the “Z” appeared earlier): a carbon plate is mounted on a frame made of fiberglass (glass fiber reinforced polyamide, GF+PA). In addition, a graphite radiator is glued to the bottom eGRAFSpreadShieldSS400 , which removes excess heat from the cellular module and the solid-state drive.

We are already accustomed to ultrabooks in which the filling is located more compactly. Compared to them, the layout of the VAIO Z13 seems extremely wasteful. On the other hand, Sony designers managed to equip the thin laptop with a very efficient cooling system - this must be taken into account when comparing.

The 4G modem is also equipped with a Velcro thermal interface - we peeled it off during photography

It was not possible to get by with just one fan, so the Japanese used two at once. Air intake occurs directly below them, on the bottom. The exhaust is located on the left side of the laptop. Another option, provided that a quad-core processor was used, would hardly have worked.

The motherboard in the VAIO Z13 is extremely difficult to remove, so before memory modules we didn't get there. But we admired a completely non-standard solid-state drive, entirely assembled on Samsung chips.

And also how the Thunderbolt optical interface works inside the laptop. It is very dangerously designed: one careless swing with a screwdriver - and goodbye, the docking station.

4G communication module. Next to it is a connector for a full-size SIM card:

Sony is famous for producing ultra-mobile laptops. It was in this field that she earned herself fame. But besides mobility, power is very important. No matter how much Atom or ULV/CULV processors are praised for their long-lasting capabilities, they all stumble on performance. That is why Sony has always produced, is producing and will continue to produce (I hope) laptops that have no equal in either mobility or performance - these are the Z series laptops.

When working with the VPCZ series, I want to draw a parallel with expensive cars, for example, with the BMW Z. Sony engineers and marketers are correctly adding options to the new VPCZ chassis; it has everything that VGN-Z series users have been missing for 2 years. I am sure that this model will be a success! But first things first.

Historical background

Just as Mendeleev dreamed of the idea of ​​the periodic table of elements, so, apparently, Sony engineers dreamed of the idea of ​​​​installing 2 graphics adapters in one compact laptop. The first graphics, Intel, is used in power saving mode (Stamina mode), and the second, Nvidia, is turned on when higher performance is needed (Speed ​​mode). The idea was brought to life in 2006, when the VGN-SZ1 series was announced, on which yours truly worked for 3.5 years. The SZ series was able to switch graphics cards only when the laptop was rebooted. The VGN-Z series, born in 2008, has learned to switch adapters without rebooting in Windows Vista. And finally, the newest VPCZ series has learned to do this automatically, without unnecessary movements on the part of the user. Why no one thought of this before - only God knows.

Design

The shape of the operating mode switch and graphics cards has changed. The switch is now three-position and has an Auto option added.

A decorative strip has been added to the top of the screen, which at the same time serves as a limiter that prevents the screen from touching the main unit.

Design comparison with VGN-Z series

Specifications

You can judge the filling by looking at the palm rest in the store. An Intel ® Core™ i5 processor is “hidden” inside. Modifications with i7 will also be available, but it will be dual-core due to the extremely high level of heat generation for such a compact body.

The information obtained by CPU-Z is shown below.

Laptop review

The main difference from the previous Z series is the absence of a modem and an i.Link (FireWire) port, but thanks to this it was possible to place an additional 1 USB connector, which is much more important.

The following elements are located on the left side of the body:
• Power adapter input
• Kensington lock slot
• Ethernet RJ45
• HDMI connector supporting a maximum resolution of 2048×1536 pixels
• USB 2.0x2
• ExpressCard 34

On the right are the following elements:
• Optical drive
• USB 2.0×1
• Power button.
• VGA connector

The front panel of the laptop contains the following elements:
• Slots for Memory Stick Duo and SD memory cards
• Wireless adapter switch (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Wi-Max)
• Battery charging indicator
• HDD operation indicator
• 3.5mm headphone jack
• 3.5mm microphone jack
• Built-in monaural microphone

Above the keyboard are:
• Stereo speakers
• Three-position laptop mode switch. Operating modes: Stamina, Speed, Auto
• Light sensor
• Pressure indicators NumLk, Caps Lock, ScrLk
• Computer power indicator combined with power button
• Additional ASSIST, VAIO keys, as well as a window sorting button
• DVD drive open button
• Keyboard
• Touchpad

On the bottom of the laptop are located:
• RAM compartment cover
• Port Replicator Connector
• Battery connector
• SIM card slot (under battery)

On the display at the top there is a MOTION EYE webcam, the camera resolution is 0.3 megapixels.

Screen

The laptop has a VAIO Display Premium display with LED backlighting and a resolution of 1600x900 pixels. The screen surface is matte and absorbs reflections well. Has a very high level of contrast and brightness. Viewing angles are maximum. This is all very similar to the VGN-Z series. According to information from the company, the new series uses a different set of LEDs: there are now three (blue, green and red) instead of two (yellow and blue) to create a white glow. As a result, the display is capable of displaying up to 96% of the Adobe RGB palette.

Sound

Speaker volume is set to four. Nothing rattles. The stereo stage is very audible. But the high frequencies are missing. The comparison was made with a VGN-Z series laptop, which has louder speakers. This is the price to pay for weight loss. So I recommend headphones for watching movies.

Keyboard and additional buttons.

The keyboard is identical to the previous Z series, but this one has a backlight added! Hooray! This option was sorely lacking on the previous generation of Z series laptops.

Quick launch keys:
• ASSIST - launches the VAIO Care program, which helps the user keep the computer in optimal condition.
• The window sorting button is a legacy of the P series; in this model the button was never needed, but in models with Full HD screen resolution it will most likely come in handy.
• VAIO - The button controls the sound, but can be programmed to do other things.
• The button to open the optical drive is hardware and works even in the BIOS.

Performance

You can see the results of synthetic tests below.
The Windows Experience Index scored 5.9.

PCMark Vantage 64bit testing results

As you can see, the laptop outperforms the F series in all respects, except for games, which is logical. Separately, I would like to note the result of the disk system test. Thanks to the use of SSD drives combined into a RAID array, such a high result was achieved.

To test the gaming capabilities, the game Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare was installed. The graphics settings were those recommended by the game, but the screen resolution was set to 1600x900. The laptop handled this game easily, which was nice. The laptop heats up well on the left and in the middle, where the processor and graphics chip are installed.

The heating results are shown in the figures below. Before starting the game and after 30 minutes of active play.

In addition to the Wi-Max module, the laptop has Wi-Fi, 3G and Bluetooth modules on board. Maximum possibilities when connected! Class!
The 3G module works without problems. Testing was carried out with SIM cards from Megafon and MTS. The OneClick Internet program (an application from the manufacturer of the Gobi module) determines the network settings itself, and the user just needs to click the “Connect” button. Very convenient.

Software

In this model, Sony added licensed versions of Adobe Photoshop Elements 7.0 (Russian version) and Adobe Premiere Elements 7.0 (English version), although the 8th versions of these products are mentioned on the Sony website. This confused me a little, because it would be more logical to see these products on the F series.

Battery operation

On the Russian website of Sony, the operating time is “up to 6 hours”. To be honest, this is a little hard to believe. We received a VGP-BPS20/B battery (5200 mAh, 10.8 V, 57 Wh) along with the laptop.

The Battery Eater Pro 2.7 program showed a runtime of 2 hours 10 minutes, the laptop was tested in Classic mode.

When viewing a movie in high definition format (file size 4.4 GB, resolution 1280x720p, MKV format) - 3 hours 20 minutes.

In the mode of working with office applications, with a light load, the laptop can work for about 4.5 hours.

The laptop was tested in the following configuration:
• All wireless adapters are turned off
• Energy saving mode, Stamina laptop mode
• Sound turned off (except for movie watching test, MDR-G73 headphones were used, volume 80%)
• The brightness level is set to 80%.

Conclusion

I don’t know how correct it is to compare the new model with the previous series. On my own behalf, I would like to note that this is not a completely new model; I would say that Sony did a deep “face lift” of the previous VGN-Z series. They installed a more powerful “engine” inside in the form of processors and graphics. We replaced the “running” of the video with SSD drives combined into a RAID array, which immediately increased the speed of the system. Added new options: keyboard backlight, automatic transmission... Oh! Automatic switching of graphics and operating modes. We reduced the weight of the laptop and expanded the connectivity options by adding Wi-Max. We improved the color rendering of the display and increased the display resolution to 1920×1080. They added a third USB connector, which was so missing during the two years of using the previous series.

As for real competitors, in my opinion, the Z series did not have them and will not appear in the near future, because this model embodies the whole spirit of Made in Japan. Just think, with a weight of 1.41 kg, having such a set of technologies and power on board! This is what all laptops in the future should be like.

The recommended retail price for this model is 79,990 rubles. Is it a lot or a little? I think it's just right. Of course, there will be people who will say: “If only a “zette” would cost 30 thousand! Then I would buy it." But understand, such a laptop simply cannot cost that cheap.

Should you immediately replace your good old VGN-Z with a “tightened up” VPCZ? I think so.

Strengths:
• High performance
• Light weight
• Powerful graphics
• Keyboard backlight
• High quality display
• Stylish design
• Unlocked Wi-Max module
• 3G module

Weaknesses:
• Average battery life
• Slight battery play

Specifications and prices can be viewed at the links below:
VPCZ11X9R/B - junior model (as in the review), black.
VPCZ11X9R/S - junior model (as in the review), silver color.
VPCZ11V9R/B - medium model (more powerful processor), black color.
VPCZ11Z9R/B - older model (more powerful processor and higher screen resolution), black color.