Sony VAIO TZ

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
(view large image)
Build and DesignSony'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.
(view large image)
The build quality of this notebook is excellent. Having such thin panels merging together across various parts of the notebook you would almost expect to see uneven panel spacing or gaps, but this notebook has none. Panels merge together with razor thin clearances, and even flexing the notebook doesn't make the parts squeak or groan from plastic rubbing together. Support is excellent around the base of the laptop, leaving just the screen with some amount of flex. I can't really place too much blame on Sony for that, since it is only 4.75mm thick. Overall I found the Sony TZ to be of excellent quality, only lacking on allowing certain parts to be upgraded by the user.
ScreenSporting a new LED backlight screen, a first for a Sony ultra-portable, the laptop is able to achieve great color reproduction and backlight distribution. Watching movies, editing pictures, or just browsing the web was very enjoyable. I only wish this laptop had the performance of a gaming machine, so that the screen could be used for more recreational purposes. Comfortable brightness levels on the TZ were around midrange, with anything above too bright for my poor eyes. As is common with most notebook displays, viewing angles were excellent horizontally, but poor vertically. The purple anti-glare screen coating combined with the poor viewing angles helped make dark colors invert at shallow angles.
(view large image)
Protection of the screen from the display cover is on the weak side, since it is extremely thin. Throughout the review procedure, the only damage I was able to inflict were key marks left on the screen from the LCD pressing on the dirty keys. These were only temporary marks, I was able to rub them off with a soft cloth (which Sony included with the notebook). Besides flexing the screen into a taco shape or accidentally sitting on it, I don't see most users having any problem with the screen.
SpeakersThe speakers on the Sony TZ are located right below the pivot point of the display, providing a clear path to your head for maximum listening pleasure. They worked quite well for watching movies, playing games, or listening to some music around the office. With the volume set to max, the decibel meter registered ~64dB at one foot. The audio was only slightly distorting on high notes, but stayed mostly clear. During normal use high and upper midrange came through well, but don't expect any lower notes from speakers this small.
Keyboard and TouchpadThe keyboard on the Sony TZ is very compact, and takes a bit to get used to typing on. It took a few hours of use before I could type without peaking at the keys. Passwords were mangled, friends were confused with my typing, and websites locked me out for too many login attempts. Once I got used to it the typing was fairly comfortable, but this keyboard is not ideal as a primary machine used during an entire work week. For users who would buy this machine as the main computer in their office, a docking station with full-size keyboard would be highly recommended.
(view large image)
The touchpad was easy to use, and very stable with finger tracking. It did not appear to have any lag moving across the screen, nor did it have any pause when it sat idle. My only complaint with the touchpad was the upper boundary was flush with the keyboard tray, making it easy to slide your finger right off the surface. The soft texture made the touchpad easy to control, as well as very comfortable on the fingertips.
Performance and BenchmarksThe only modern game I found to work at decent frame rates was Half Life 1 as mentioned in my first look. Watching movies, editing photos, and using productivity software worked out much better. The beautiful LED backlit screen really made those activities enjoyable. Below are the standard benchmarks to see how this laptop stacks up against others notebooks. Keep in mind that the TZ compares favorably to other notebooks in the ultra portable notebook class.