Instead of working on just another VAIO SZ review, I aimed to come up with a review which especially does not fall too short of complementary reports based on personal experience gathered from long-term use in different working environments. Even better, if existing VAIO SZ6 owners might find it useful as well.
Back in 2006, the SZ1 set the standard for power in a small package in the 13″ notebook segment. Recently (in October 2007), the Sony VAIO SZ61 was introduced in Europe – two months after it became available as the VAIO SZ6xx in the United States. As the new high end of the SZ line, the SZ6 series is packed with power features. The laptop sports an Intel Core 2 Duo processor, an upgrade to the Intel Santa Rosa platform, a 13.3″ glossy X-black widescreen display, and in Germany starts at about EUR 1,650 (incl. VAT) for the standard edition VGN-SZ61MN/B or at about EUR 2,050 (incl. VAT) for the premium models VGN-SZ61WN/C, VGN-SZ61AWN/C or VGN-SZ61VN/X. Though the competition is stronger than ever, it’s hard to find a better 13″, 4 lb./1.7 kg or under notebook of its kind.
The latest European Model Sony VAIO VGN-SZ61WN/C has just replaced my VGN-SZ1VP, the very first SZ model which accompanied me from day one since it became available in March 2006. Additionally, I can look back to the long-term (6 years!) use of a VAIO VGN-Z600TEK (one of the first better built laptops in VAIO history and ‘real’ predecessor of the current SZ design and form factor).
Overview
The SZ6 comes in three (formerly two) different editions: regular, premium, special. For more details, see the Sony Learning Center Comparison.
The Sony VAIO SZ6 is available in a number of configurations. In the United States you can configure a VAIO online at SonyStyle.com or buy a stock configuration from various retailers. In Europe only pre-built stock configurations can be purchased. (Choose between country specific/localized or English versions at Sony Style Europe. Unfortunately, the ordered keyboard layout is linked to the system’s software language. Thus, be prepared to install your own retail version of the operating system and dump the OEM license as I did, if your desired language of operating system and software vary from that of your keyboard. That’s the only way to end up with e.g. a German keyboard layout in coherence with an English version of Windows.)
The feature set of the reviewedSZ61WN/C premium model is comparable to the U.S. version VGN-SZ650N/C. Built-in Wireless LAN a/b/g, but no support for draft n here. All European Premium models offer integrated 3G WWAN.
What’s in the box: Besides the notebook, the package contains a lithium-ion rechargeable battery, AC adapter and power cord, T-Mobile SIM card (+ 30 days HSDPA flat rate trial voucher), express card adapter and printed quick start/troubleshoot guides. It’s backed by a 2-year limited warranty (battery warranty limited to 6 months). The notebook comes preinstalled with Microsoft Windows Vista Business.
SZ61WN/C Specs as Reviewed
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Operating System: Windows Vista Business OEM
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Processor: 2.2 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T7500 (4 MB L2 cache, 800 MHz front side bus)
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Chipset: GM965
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Memory: 2 GB RAM (667 MHz, PC5300 DDR2 SDRAM, 2x 1024 MB), 2 SODIMM slots, 4 GB max. (64-bit)
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Optical Drive: multi-format/dual-layer DVD/CD burner (DVD+-RW/+-R DL/RAM)
Write: CD-R x24, CD-RW x16, DVD-R x8, DVD-RW x6, DVD+R DL x4, DVD+R x8, DVD+RW x8, DVD-RAM x5, Read: CD x24, CD-R x24, CD-RW x24, DVD x8, DVD-R DL x6, DVD-R x8, DVD-RW x8, DVD+R DL x6, DVD+R x8, DVD+RW x8, DVD-RAM x5 -
Hard Drive: 160 GB hybrid hard drive (SATA, 5400RPM),Windows ReadyDrive: 256 MB flash memory
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Display: 13.3“widescreen X-black LC-Display with LED-Technology, 1280 x 800 WXGA
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Graphics: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100 (max. 358 MB of shared memory) (stamina), Dedicated: NVIDIA GeForce 8400M GS GPU, 64 MB DDR2 dedicated(max. 831 MB of allocated RAM)
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Connectivity and Expansion Slots: i.LINK (IEEE 1394) 4-Pin 400 Mbit/s, docking station port, integrated Memory Stick reader (Memory Stick Duo, Memory Stick PRO Duo, MagicGate), microphone-in, RJ-11 (Modem), RJ-45, 2 USB-Version 2.0 High/Full/Low Type A USB ports, VGA, PCMCIA-Card-Type I or II, Multi-Card-reader (Express Card Adapter VGP-MCA20: MultiMedia Card (MMC), SD Card, xD Card, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, Magic Gate), headphone/line-out, Express Card 34 slot
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Networking: WWAN (HSDPA 3,6 Mbit/s, Rx Diversity), Wireless LAN 802.11a/b/g (54 Mbit/s, 100 m), Ethernet adapter 10Base-T/100Base-TX/1000Base-T, Modem V92/V.90, Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR (10 m)
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Multimedia: compatible with Intel High Definition Audio, 3D-Surround, Stereo speakers (integrated), compatible with Windows Sound System, Sound Reality
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Camera with microphone: Motion Eye Digital Camera, 25/30 fps, 0.3M motion/ 1.3M still, 640×480
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Buttons: 2 customizable Special Buttons, On/Off button, Wireless On/Off, Stamina/Speed Mode Switch
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Security: Infineon Trusted Platform Module (TPM), TCG 1.2 compatible Trusted Platform Module (TPM), biometric fingerprint scanner, Kensington lock slot, G-Sensor HDD Shock Protection
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Software: SonicStage CP 4.2, SonicStage Mastering Studio 2.3, VAIO Photo & Video Suite, WinDVD 8.0 for VAIO, Adobe Photoshop Elements 5.0, Easy Media Creator 9, Click to DVD 2.6, Adobe Acrobat Standard 8.0, Adobe Reader 8.0, Microsoft Works 8.5, Microsoft Office Ready 2007 (free 60-days trial), Norton Internet Security 2007 (free virus definition updates for 90 days), VAIO Recovery Utility, Protector Suite QL 5, Infineon TPM Professional Package
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Dimensions: 234.3 x 21.8 - 33.0 x 315 mm/12.5 x 0.9 - 1.3 x 9.3 inches
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Weight: 1.79 kg / 3.7 lb
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Battery: Lithium Ion rechargeable, 10.8v, 5800 mAh (VGP-BPS10), claimed runtime 3 to 6 hours, charge time: 270 min, extended 9 cell battery available for purchase (VGP-BPL9).
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Power Adapter: AC100-240 V (VGP-AC19V26): Dimensions 3 cm x 12.2 cm x 5 cm, Weight 320 g, Output 19.5 V, power cable 1.8 m
Long-term Impressions of the SZ1VP
Sony VAIO SZ1
It took about six weeks for the SZ1VP from pre-order to shipping; just in time to get it ready (performance tests, software installations, configuration, workflow requirements, backup/sync plans) for a forthcoming mobile performance art project at that time. The laptop requirements: Horse power, decent battery life, high build quality and reliability - all in a very small package: Small/slim/light enough to accompany me 24/7 along with all the microphones, sensors, cameras and cords during travelling. But still with a screen big enough for daily work with complex and space consuming software workspaces (signal processing, coding, audio/video editing, post production, digital imaging, and asset management).
And what a choice it was: The SZ1 hit the nail! Something that seemed impossible just months before was real: The perfect mobile workstation was born and saved the show. But it wasn’t Sony alone who made it possible. The star of the hour was Intel with its new mobile core duo processors. For the first time in history they made it possible to build notebooks with similar or even better CPU performance than desktop x86 desktop counterparts. One of the few lasting bottlenecks: The hard drive. But with its 5,400 rpm it still outperformed some former laptops and was actually fast enough for our needs. No dropped frames or performance issues with real-time processing, live rendering of multiple video/audio tracks, video capturing, audio recording, complex signal processing and sensor/midi data.
Documentary pictures of the SOUND NOMADS project, USA 2006 & Germany 2007.
(VAIO SZ1VP, video/audio, sound recordings, sensor based art performances) In the desert: The VAIO SZ1 managed midday heat, sand and sun intensity amazingly well. The notebook’s body temperature went up pretty fast - especially in direct sunlight. Sure enough, you shouldn’t do that too long and try to find some shadow better soon than late. But we had to do so several times (max. 1-2 hours in a row) and it was definitely more stressful for us than for this notebook, to fight the heat. (cf. the second laptop on tour - an old Toshiba Satellite – which could not even be turned on at temperatures far beyond those in deserts.) The screen in bright sunlight is barely readable and a transreflective LCD (similar to Toshiba’s recently announced sunlight/high ambient light readable displays) would make sense.
On the go: Shaky SZ field recordings during hiking, city walks, rodeos, car and theme park rides, etc. The HDD g-sensor protection feature (hardware/software driver combo) does its job, but intense shock hazards can occasionally halt recording streams and cause some glitches with certain software applications. Just beware, but don’t deactivate this overall nice to have feature for a more secure working environment. I always tried to prevent scratches to the notebook, but on the go when the SZ is turned on and the air circulation must be kept, it needs to be carried in the bag without any protection. An USB audio interface in the same bag is enough to easily scratch especially the notebook’s bottom side. Take care.
Soak Zones: Never do that to your VAIO. But different high humidity scenarios turned out well and so did a few raindrops. (At least good to know: The VAIO Z600TEK survived a whole cup of water followed by three days of drying and is still running.)
Build Quality: The build quality is very good, although there is also some room to improve. The battery of the SZ1 doesn’t fit tightly into the back and causes rattle. Display and WLAN module both had to get replaced after the first 12 months. The repair service acted quickly and was covered by Sony’s warranty. The battery died two more months later, not covered by warranty (only over the first six months). After several months of use, the right hand rest area became somewhat discolored (brighter). The CD/DVD drive mechanism didn’t make any problems. There were complains that several other users had with the SZ1’s space bar. This has been fixed in SZ2s and above. But I never experienced this sort of glitches with my keyboard. (Besides the fact that the SZ1VP’s space between keyboard and closed lid is too small and can affect your screen, if you carry your laptop in your bag.)
Battery/Power Adapter:Battery life (2-4 hours) with the SZ1 was ok on Windows XP, but the whole tour would have been easier and still more productive with more juice on days working away from civilization. The power adapter should be smaller.
Software/Drivers/Vista issues: The initial (bloated) Windows XP Professional SP2 setup was replaced by my own installation and later (Feb 2007) upgraded to Windows Vista Business together with a new firmware from Sony’s support website. Very high WLAN activity could cause dropped network connections, blue screens, or necessary reboots because the Intel wireless adapter in Windows suddenly disappeared and couldn’t be switched on any longer. The Nvidia driver in a dual monitor setup lost its settings from time to time. With Windows Vista at least the blue screens caused by high network activity were gone, but occasional reboots remained and they do so with the SZ6 (But the November release of Intel’s wireless driver from Sony’s SZ61WN support website fixed most of these issues.). Other Windows Vista specific issues: The fan were suddenly running louder than on XP and audio playback on the internal Sigmatel sound card began with a clicking noise (not just media player files, also recognizable in professional audio production software). Disk performance (internal SATA and external USB 2.0) both with the SZ1VP and the SZ61WN under Vista is very poor. But don’t blame Sony for that.
Bottom line: Looking back on 19 months of heavy usage: The VAIO SZ1VP has some small flaws (which were most fixed with the SZ2-6 releases, please read on) but it’s still a very good fit for mobile work with style and speed. The 100% impeccable laptop just doesn’t exist.
The Evolution of the SZ Line (SZ1 vs. SZ6)
Sony VAIO SZ6
Some major differences and widely overlooked small changes between the SZ1 and SZ6 series:
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VGN-SZ6WN | VGN-SZ1VP |
| Accessories | VGP-MCA20A | VGP-MCA20 |
| Battery/AC Adapter | 10.8V/5800mAh, better battery lifesmaller power adapter | 11.1V/5200mAh |
| Body | color scheme, labeling, build qualityflexible and unpluggable WWAN antenna | |
| Chipset | Santa Rosa Platform, Intel GM965 | Intel GMA950 |
| CPU | 2.2 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T7500 (4 MB L2 cache, 800 MHz front side bus) | 2.0 GHz Intel Core Duo Processor T2500 (2 MB L2 cache, 667 MHz front side bus) |
| Dimensions/Weight | slightly thicker (not noticeable)1,79 kg / 3.7 lbs | 1,69 kg |
| Display | screen rubbing protection | |
| Drives (HDD/DVD) | 160 GB Hybrid HDD, faster optical drive | 120 GB HDD |
| Graphics | Stamina: Intel GMA X3100Speed: NVIDIA GeForce 8400M GS | Stamina: Intel GMA 950Speed: NVIDIA GeForce Go 7400 |
| Keyboard/Touchpad | feel better, space bar fix since SZ2, fits better with the overall color scheme | rattling buttons, space bar doesn’t always work |
| Networking | WWAN (HSDPA), Gigabit Ethernet | Gigabit Ethernet only with the docking station, no WWAN |
| Operating System | Windows Vista Business | Windows XP Professional SP2 |
| Memory | SO-DIMM 667Mhz (DDR2) | SO-DIMM 533Mhz (DDR2) |
| Webcam | VGP-VCC7 | VGP-VCC2 |
The SZ61WN’s keyboard typing noise seems to be louder compared to the SZ1VP but therefore the mouse buttons on the SZ1 rattled a little bit. The SZ6’s touchpad feels better and fit well with the new overall color scheme. The SZ6 has a more elegant Jet Black look. The SZ6’s lid doesn’t show fingerprints but the wrist rest area shows hand oil much more noticeable then the SZ1 did.
Left to right: SZ61WN VAIO and slightly changed windows logo, SZ1VP, SZ61WN touchpad/finger print reader, SZ1VP
Sony/VAIO logo labeling swapped. More andbigger pads were added onto the SZ6’s bottom inner lid to protect screen rubbing on the keyboard during transport. Between the lid and chassis activity lights a black strip of padding has been added to prevent the scratching produced on previous models. It’s very possible, that Sony also added more stability to the extremely thin premium screen, since the SZ61WN drops WLAN connections with limited signal strength as soon as the lid closes. Bad for docking station and external display usage, good if the screen would be more robust now. Time will show. A newWWAN LED has been added to the SZ61WN for connection status indication.
Left to right: SZ61WN, SZ1VP, SZ61WN, SZ1VP The Battery has fitted into the SZ1-5 laptops loosely and users reported adding a thin piece of sticky foam would improve things a bit, but with the SZ6 one more design flaw is gone. The battery fits quite well. Finally! Lithium Ion Battery capacity has changed from 11.1V/5200mAh to 10.8V/5800mAh. Two more vents (Santa Rosa specific?) at the bottom front of the SZ6, which should help with heat reduction. At the same time, the HDD and fans of the SZ6 produce less noise. The docking station port cover didn’t close properly on the SZ1VP, on the SZ61WN it does.
Left to right: SZ61WN, SZ1VP, SZ61WN, SZ1VP The new AC power adapter VGP-AC19V26 is smaller than the VGP-AC19V12 of the SZ1. The VGP-AC19V26’s input: ~1.5A vs. the VGP-AC19V12’s input: ~1.3A.
The SZ61WN’s new AC power adapter is smaller than the SZ1VP’s. A small Express Card Memory Card Reader upgrade (VGP-MCA20->20A) may implement support for newer large size memory cards. The new VGP-VCC7 Motion Eye Webcam has a more stylish design. What I like about the SZ61WN’s new palm rest: it still has a smooth surface but also incorporates a subtle feel of friction.
Left to right: 3x SZ61WN vs. SZ1VP, VGP-MCA20A vs. VGP-MCA20 Memory Card Adapter The graphics upgrade from the SZ1’s Nvidia GeForce Go 7400 to the SZ6’s Nvidia GeForce 8400GM is far less spectacular than the performance boost which comes with the upgrade from Intel’s GMA 950 to the new Intel X3000 in Stamina mode. The Santa Rosa platform keeps the notebook running cool combined with a significantly improved battery life and the system feels more responsive as well.
Improved write and access speed of the optical CD/DVD drive (SZ61WN vs. SZ1VP): CD-RW: 16x vs. 10x, DVD+R: 8x vs. 4x, DVD+RW 8x vs. 2.4x, DVD-R: 8x vs. 4x, DVD-RW: 6x vs. 2x, DVD DL: 4x vs. 2.4x
Mobile Phone on April 22nd, 2008 at 1:22 pm says:
Sony Laptops VAIO is most famous among laptops users. Its hardware features are comparable with others and its screen is fantastic.
koenvaio on April 28th, 2008 at 6:06 pm says:
I recently adopted a VGN-SZ1VP from a friend but the thing is in Italian only. Any idea how I could solve this problem. Would I have to reinstall an English version of XP and also download and install the drivers of the English Vaio support page, or might there be an easier way to get around this?
many thanks
vaiokoen on April 28th, 2008 at 11:16 pm says:
I recently got a used vaio sz1vp of a friend. The only problem is that as he is Italian the whole thing is programmed in Italian. Is there an easy way to get around this or is the only real solution to reinstall the whole lot including an english version of XP and downloading all the english drivers of the sony website and then choose the correct keyboard configuration along the way? please help me as i am not that computer savvy, I am afraid that if I reboot and reinstall there might be software that no longer works the right way as the computer was originally designed for italian software or is this of lesser importance?
thx