Sony Launches New Ultra-Thin, Ultra-Light 13.1” Z Series Laptop

[Video below] Being only 16.65 mm thin and weighing just 1.18 kgs, a good 300 grams lighter than the previous model, the new Vaio Z Series notebook PC from Sony is likely to be a popular choice with business travellers who demand a stylish ultraportable with plenty of power.

The new, slightly wider laptop, features a backlit keyboard with ergonomic new ‘button-less’ touchpad.

With a resolution of up to 1920x1080, the 33.2cm (13.1”) Vaio Display Premium features an anti-reflective coating that helps to cut glare from direct light sources and ensures crisp colour reproduction.

Performance is everything you’d expect from the most sophisticated Vaio notebook yet. Latest-generation standard voltage Intel Core i7 processors are teamed with speedy DDR3 SDRAM and up to 256GB SSD RAID storage to blaze through the toughest workload with ease.

As an extra refinement, Quick Boot saves precious time when you’re in a hurry, with Sony claiming it loads Genuine Windows 7 Professional up to 50% quicker than conventional notebooks.

Embedded Vaio 'everywair' 3G WWAN on selected models in select markets connects via your mobile broadband operator.

Power Media Dock

The optional Power Media Dock is a monolithic expansion module that links with Vaio via an optical cable. The proprietary port can also be used to attach regular USB devices to Vaio when it’s not docked.

Featuring high-speed I/O data transfer based on the architecture codenamed ‘Light Peak’, Power Media Dock boosts graphics performance while adding numerous extra connectivity options. It includes an optical drive for even greater business productivity and HD entertainment. The module also comes supplied with a stand.

With Power Media Dock added, Vaio Z can manage up to four displays (including the notebook screen) via HDMI and/or VGA output ports. When docked, connectivity options are boosted by additional USB ports plus VGA and HDMI outputs. 

New-generation AMD Radeon HD graphics with 1GB VRAM handle demanding graphics tasks, from 3D CAD to gaming.

Sheet Battery

Vaio Z features the innovative ‘sheet battery’ already showcased on this year’s Vaio S Series. Sony says the notebook’s internal lithium polymer battery provides power for up to 7 hours on-the-go computing. It’s partnered by a second thin, flat optional lithium polymer sheet battery that can be charged separately from the PC and added without removing the internal battery. The sheet battery attaches without having to switch off the PC, and Sony says it boosts battery power to up to 14 hours.

The new Vaio Z also features a much improved HD web camera powered by Exmor technology that helps ensure detailed-packed video even in low light.

The 2011 Vaio Z Series, being offered with numerous configuration options, is expected to become available from the end of July 2011, although the actual date of availability varies by country. Prices in the UK start from GBP 1,434 while in Taiwan you can pick up a 1080p model plus the dock for NT$94,800.

A full review of this laptop from a business traveller's perspective to come.

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