Sony VAIO TZ Review

The Sony TZ is the latest offering from Sony in the ultra portable market. With its small size and extreme low weight, it is a must on any business traveler's notebook list. The Sony TZ combines a new LED backlight display, solid state drive, over-sized battery, and ultra low voltage processors from Intel to make it an all around extended battery performer. Read on to find out how the paper specs stack up in real world use.

The Sony TZ (VGN-TZ191N) we are going over today has the following configuration:

• Windows Vista Business (32-bit)
• Intel Core 2 Duo Processor U7600 (1.20GHz, 2MB L2, 533MHz FSB)
• Mobile Intel 945GMS Express Chipset
• Intel Wireless WiFi Link 4965AGN (802.11a/g/n)
• Sprint Mobile Broadband (EV-DO Rev. A)
• 2GB PC2-5300 DDR2 SDRAM (1 slot, maximum capacity 2GB)
• 32GB Samsung SSD Ultra-ATA HD
• 8x DVD (+/-R double layer) drive
• 11.1" diagonal widescreen XBrite TFT LCD display at 1366x768 (WXGA, Glossy, LED Backlit)
• Premium Carbon-Fiber Casing
• Intel GMA950 w/ up to 224MB
• MOTION EYE camera and microphone
• Bluetooth version 2.0 plus Enhanced Data Rate (EDR)
• ExpressCard slot (ExpressCard/34)
• 5-in-1 media card reader
• Memory Stick PRO (with MagicGate functionality) Secure Reader
• VGA, Modem, 1Gb LAN, IEEE 1394, Dock, and Mic/Headphone connectors
• IEEE-1394s (FireWire)
• Two USB 2.0 ports
• Dimensions (WxDxH Front/H Rear): 10x7.8x0.9/1.2
• Weight: 2lbs 10.5oz actual, 3lbs 4oz travel weight
• 60W (19V x 4.62A) 100-240V AC adapter (10oz)
• Standard Lithium Ion battery (11.1oz)
• 1-Year Standard Limited Warranty

Build and Design

Sony's designers worked overtime to make the TZ not only an ultra portable notebook, but to make it an ultra portable notebook that looks good. Lines match up, panel thicknesses stay the same, hinges are molded into body with the battery, AC plug, and power button integrated, and it's topped off with a carbon fiber lid to seal the deal. Lifting the display cover you find the glossy keyboard surface reflecting the world around you with keys standing out like ripples on a pond. This notebook could be perfectly described in one word; glamorous.