Sony took the wraps off a new line of richly-designed, high-performance ultra-portable notebooks.
The VAIO TZ model incorporates the power of a larger PC into a small, portable form factor. Luxuriously sleek, it weighs just 2.65 pounds and measures less than 1-inch thin.
The notebook is available in a classic black, premium carbon, champagne gold, and hand-painted Bordeaux. The unit has a carbon-fiber casing that contributes to its light weight, extra-slim figure and durability.
The model incorporates an energy-efficient 11.1-inch widescreen display (diagonal) with Sony’s original XBRITE-HiColor™ LCD technology, producing images in brilliant detail for razor-sharp viewing on-the-go.
“Sony is known for miniaturization and being an innovator in design, but this time we have really out done ourselves,” said Mike Abary, senior vice president of VAIO product marketing at Sony Electronics. “This new notebook is an engineering marvel that I believe is one of the best looking PCs on the market.”
Designed for ease-of-use, the keyboard’s keys are raised slightly above an attractive piano-black bezel layer producing a user-friendly touch. An extra support layer has been added to increase the stability of the keys, giving them an unwavering motion for quieter typing.
Mobility and Performance
The notebook packs the latest Intel Core™ 2 Duo ultra-low processor designed for high performance and low power consumption– perfect for advanced multi-tasking, and four to 7.5 hours of standard battery life on a single charge.
The unit’s built-in 802.11n wireless LAN capabilities make it faster and easier to connect to compatible wireless networks with greater performance and range. Whether surfing the web at the office or a local coffee shop, you can connect to compatible hot spots with greater ease and wirelessly stream video at high speeds.
The PC also integrates a wireless Wide Area Network (WAN) technology provided by the Sprint Mobile Broadband Network and its latest mobile network technology, EV-DO Revision A. A separate Sprint service subscription is required.
This technology supports faster data rates than Release 0 and higher system capacity enabling users to send and receive large amounts of data at broadband speeds. These faster speeds will enable customers to take advantage of large file uploads, video telephony and video messaging for blazing-fast wireless access beyond hotspots.
The new notebook features integrated Bluetooth technology for wireless communication with compatible Bluetooth-enabled devices. Sony’s SmartWi™ technology has also been added for a seamless experience navigating between wireless WAN, wireless LAN and Bluetooth technologies.
An optional MOTION EYE camera with a microphone built into the razor-thin LCD panel lets you video conference with colleagues, families and friends. It requires a broadband connection and VoIP services sold separately.
For security, an integrated biometrics fingerprint sensor has been added so you can access password protected content with the touch of a finger. The PC comes pre-installed with the Microsoft Windows Vista Business operating system.
LocationFreeEntertainment
The TZ unit also comes loaded with LocationFree software. This allows you to “place-shift” live television broadcasts, access a personal video recorder or DVD player, and view that content on your notebook via the Internet with broadband connectivity. A new VAIO-branded LF-V30 base station, with enhanced functionality, is required and will be sold separately starting in September.
The notebook is equipped with Instant Mode so you can go straight to watching a movie, playing music or viewing photos at the touch of a button — without having to boot-up the operating system.
The included Click to DVD software and DVD±R Double Layer/DVD±RW drive can be used to create customized DVDs, dynamic presentations and manage multimedia files.
A flash-based model will also be available. This unit will provide a rapid boot-up and quicker access to applications, while reducing the risk of hard drive damage — an ideal feature for travelers in situations where sudden movements are common.
The standard VAIO TZ notebook will start at about $2,200, while the flash-based model will go for around $3,200. Both models will be available online at www.sony.com/pr/tz. They will also be sold at Sony Style stores, military exchange bases and select retailers around the country beginning in August.
