Zalebox.com : Consumer Buying Guide

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #140 in Personal Computers
• Color: Black
• Brand: Sony
• Model: VGN-Z550N/B
• Dimensions: 1.30″ h x 12.40″ w x 8.30″ l, 3.31 pounds
• CPU: Intel Core Duo 2.4 GHz
• Memory: 3000MB DDR2 SDRAM
• Hard Disk: 250GB
• Processors: 2
• Display size: 13.1

Features

• Intel Core 2 Duo P8600 processor (2.40GHz), 3MB L2 cache
• Genuine Microsoft Windows Vista Business with SP1/XP downgrade
• 13.1″ widescreen LCD with XBRITE-DuraView technology & LED backlight
• 3GB of pre-installed RAM & a roomy 250GB Serial ATA hard drive
• Biometric fingerprint scanner & hybrid graphics system

Amazon.com Product Description
Built tough for business, the Sony VAIO VGN-Z550N/B blends easy portability with high-performance computing. Weighing just 3.31 pounds, this Z-series notebook offers a 13.1-inch screen featuring scratch-resistant XBRITE-DuraView LCD and a 250 GB hard drive with Sony’s G-Sensor Shock Protection technology. A multi-layer carbon-fiber casing covers the LCD panel and bottom of the chassis to help protect against knocks and bumps, and a seamless aluminum keyboard panel adds structural rigidity to help keep internal components protected. And with up to 9 hours of standard battery life, it has the stamina to power you through your most demanding applications.

The durable, business-ready VAIO Z notebook in black.

It’s powered by the latest Intel Core 2 Duo processor–with Centrino 2 technology–which boosts speed, reduces power requirements, and saves on battery life. The 2.40 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo P8600 includes a quick 1066 MHz front-side bus and 3 MB of L2 cache, providing an optimized, multithreaded architecture for improved multimedia and multitasking performance. This VAIO Z notebook also features Sony’s Hybrid Graphics System, which lets you toggle between internal Intel GMA 4500MHD and external NVIDIA GeForce 9300M graphics chips, enabling you to choose lighter battery consumption or better performance depending on the situation.

With the integrated wireless WAN, you can access the national Sprint Mobile Broadband service (subscription required) to extend your wireless coverage beyond LAN access networks and hotspots, giving you the freedom to go farther, do more, and stay connected. Communicate with pals all around with world via VoIP calling and video conferencing using the built-in microphone and Motion Eye camera (with zoom function). Other features include 3 GB of installed RAM (4 GB maximum), dual-layer DVD±RW drive (which also burns CDs), quad-mode Wi-Fi, Gigabit Ethernet, Bluetooth connectivity (including stereo music streaming), ExpressCard 34 slot, both Memory Stick and SD card readers, and pre-installed Windows Vista Business with SP1 (available XP downgrade on Windows Vista Business only).

This Sony notebook is Energy Star 4.0 certified, and has received a Silver EPEAT designation for meeting standards to help reduce its environmental impact. Additionally, it is RoHS-compliant, effectively reducing the environmental impact by restricting the use of lead, mercury and certain other hazardous substances.

Security Enhancements
Sony’s VAIO Z-series notebooks take security seriously, employing a biometric fingerprint sensor and proprietary hard disk drive protection software to ensure your data is protected from unauthorized use as well as accidental damage. It also stores passwords to secure web sites you visit, so authentication and access are quick and easy–you only need your fingerprint. It also includes an integrated Trusted Platform Module (TPM) TCG Ver.1.2 compliant chip that enhances security by allowing you to control access on a specific client/user basis.

Spec Check 13.1-inch XBRITE-DuraView LCD screen 2.40 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo P8600 processor 250 GB hard drive 3 GB RAM (4 GB maximum) Dual-layer DVD±R drive Quad-mode Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n) Bluetooth with stereo music streaming Hybrid Graphics System: Intel GMA 4500MHD & Nvidia GeForce 9300M GS Windows Vista Business with SP1 (XP downgrade available) Weighs 3.31 pounds

The Basics

• Processor: Experience improved energy efficiency, expanded wireless connectivity, and amazing battery life with the 45nm Intel Core 2 Duo P8600 processor featuring Intel Centrino 2 technology. This processor has a 2.40 GHz processor speed, super-sized 1066 MHz front-side bus (FSB), and a extra-large 3 MB L2 cache. (An L2, or secondary, cache temporarily stores data; and a larger L2 cache can help speed up your system’s performance. The FSB carries data between the CPU and RAM, and a faster front-side bus will deliver better overall performance.)Formerly codenamed Montevina, Intel Centrino 2 processor technology improves upon every facet of a laptop’s main features, including performance and battery life via new processors and chipsets, faster draft 802.11n wireless, and new business-class manageability capabilities. The new hafnium-infused circuitry–which reduces electrical current leakage in transistors–conserves even more energy, giving you more time away from the wall outlet.

  The Intel Core 2 Duo processor has two computational execution cores in a single processor, providing greater system response when running multi-threaded applications simultaneously with no significant increase in power consumption. It’s optimized for multitasking and it can run multiple demanding applications–such as graphics-intensive games or serious number-crunching business productivity applications–while downloading music or running virus-scanning security programs in the background.

   

• Hard Drive: The extra-large 250 GB Serial ATA hard drive (5400 RPM) provides more than enough capacity for storing a large audio and video library, as well as extra space required for video editing. This SATA hard drive also quickens the pace with a higher speed transfer of data–akin to Firewire and USB 2.0.The G-Sensor Shock Protection feature makes your data even less vulnerable to loss or damage. When the built-in 3D acceleration sensor detects a risky movement like being dropped, the HDD-head will lock up to secure its position and protect the disc from scratching. An intelligent algorithm, unique to VAIO PCs, judges whether or not a movement is risky, activating disk drive protection only when your hardware is at risk.

   

• Memory: The 3 GB of installed RAM (PC3-8500, 1 x 2 GB, 2 x 1 GB) helps boost the amount of available video RAM that’s shared with this notebook’s video card. It also offers a top-of-class 1066 MHz speed. This notebook has a 4 GB maximum RAM capacity (2 x 2 GB). To receive the faster data transfer benefits of the dual-channel DDR2 RAM, any RAM additions require memory modules of same capacity and clockspeed. 
• DVD/CD Drive: The dual-layer DVD drive is compatible with a wide range of formats, including both DVD+RW and DVD-RW discs, CD-RW discs, and dual-layer (DL) DVD+/-R discs, which can hold up to 8.5 GB of data–great for backing up your MP3 collection or your most important documents. It features the following speeds: 4x for DVD±R DL, 8x for both single layer DVD±R, 8x for single layer DVD+RW, 6x for single layer DVD-RW, 5x for DVD-RAM, and 24x/16x for CD-R/RW. It reads DVD-ROM discs at 8x and CD-ROMs at 24x. 
• Keyboard & Mouse: This notebook has a standard 82-key keyboard (2mm stroke and 19.05mm pitch) and electro-static two-button touchpad.

The VAIO Z focuses in on the details.

Screen, Video & Audio
The 13.1-inch XBRITE-DuraView LCD has a resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels–perfect for added screen real estate as well as watching movies in 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio. Sony’s DuraView LCD technology utilizes a special hard coating on the LCD to help defend against scratching and general wear and tear. It also has an LED backlight, which provides lower power consumption for improved battery life as well as incredibly high brightness levels that amplify the color display.This notebook uses Sony’s exclusive Hybrid Graphics System, which lets you set your graphics performance with a simple flick of a switch, enabling you to toggle between an internal graphics chip for optimal power consumption with excellent performance or an external graphics chip for even more robust performance. You can choose either the integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD (with up to 1300 MB of dynamically allocated video memory) or the installed Nvidia GeForce 9300M GS graphics card (with up to 1370 MB of shared video RAM). This notebook also has an integrated Intel High Definition audio card.

Enabled by PureVideo HD, the Nvidia GeForce 9300M helps movies come to life with outstanding picture clarity, ultra-smooth video and vivid color. The lifelike images have up to six times the detail of standard DVD movies. Delivering state-of-the-art graphics performance, GeForce 9300M GS graphics card is sure to give you the power and performance you crave to play the hottest DirectX 9 and DirectX 10 titles.

This Intel GMA 4500MHD is built with Intel Clear Video technology, which delivers clearer, more detailed images by eliminating many of the jagged edges and video artifacts seen when viewing interlaced content and features powerful color control to ensure videos are not too dark, overly bright, or washed out.

Networking, Connectivity & Expansion
Go beyond LAN networks and find the internet virtually anywhere with integrated Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN) technology via optional Sprint Mobile Broadband EV-DO service (software included, subscription required)–helping you to keep connected without having to hunt for a Wi-Fi coffee shop. Sony’s SmartWi technology seamlessly integrates your wireless Wide Area Network (WAN), office/home Wi-Fi LAN, and Bluetooth options, enabling you to toggle among your wireless connectivity options depending on your surroundings.

Be ready for the next platform in wireless connectivity with the integrated Intel Wireless Wi-Fi Link 5100AGN LAN chip. Based on the draft 802.11n Wi-Fi specification, it offers up to five times the performance and twice the wireless range as existing 802.11g wireless. It’s also backward compatible with 802.11b/g networks (commonly found in home routers and wi-fi hotspots) as well as 802.11a networks (which has a higher throughput, but more limited range–great for closed office environments). You also get super-fast wired connectivity, with a Gigabit Ethernet port (10/100/1000).

With the Bluetooth connectivity, you can communicate and synchronize with Bluetooth-enabled peripherals such as PDAs and cell phones as well as enjoy wireless stereo music streaming (thanks to its embedded A2DP profile). This notebook also includes a next-generation ExpressCard 34 card slot (though no PCMCIA slot), which lets you take advantage of thinner, faster, and lighter expansion cards for even more advanced wireless, networking, storage, and security features. Here’s the full list of connectivity options:

• 2 USB 2.0 ports for connecting a wide range of peripherals–from digital cameras to MP3 players
• 1 FireWire (also known as IEEE 1394 or i.Link) port for connecting digital video camcorders and other peripherals
• 1 HDMI output (for connecting to a compatible HDTV or home theater receiver for uncompressed digital audio and video via a single cable)
• Analog video output: 1 VGA
• 1 ExpressCard/34 slot
• Memory Stick/Memory Stick DUO slot (with MagicGate functionality)
• Secure Digital memory card slot (compatible with MMC cards)
• Stereo headphones/speakers/line-out
• Microphone/line-in
• 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet
• 56K modem (V.90/V.92)
• Port replicator connector

The VAIO Z’s ports (see larger version).

Operating System
The Windows Vista Business (SP1) operating system is designed to meet the needs of business organizations of all sizes. For small businesses, Windows Vista Business will help keep PCs running smoothly and more securely so you will be less reliant on dedicated IT support. For larger organizations, Windows Vista Business provides dramatic new infrastructure improvements, enabling your IT staff to spend less time focused on the day-to-day maintenance of PCs. An array of sophisticated new backup technologies helps protect your information even in the event of a catastrophic hardware failure. And Windows Vista Business has a new user interface, named Windows Aero, which is designed to deliver new levels of efficiency for any business user. This new interface makes it easy to navigate through the operating system and from application to application. For instance, Windows Aero helps you juggle multiple tasks at once by providing a three-dimensional, real-time, animated view of all your open applications and documents.

Every edition of Windows Vista provides the essential tools and technologies to help protect you whether you are browsing the Internet, connecting to a wireless network, or just reading e-mail. All editions of Windows Vista include new tools that can warn you of impending hardware failures long before you have lost any important personal data. And, all Windows Vista editions include parental control features that allow you to manage and monitor your family’s use of games, the Internet, instant messaging, and other activities.

Preloaded Software
Microsoft Windows Live OneCare anti-virus and recovery (trial version), Microsoft Works SE 9.0, Microsoft Office 2007 Home and Student (60-day trial), Sony Click to Disk Editor (CD and DVD burning), VAIO Movie Story (video editing), VAIO MusicBox

Dimensions & Weight
This notebook measures 12.4 x 8.3 x 1.3 inches (WxDxH) and weighs 3.3 pounds.

Power
It’s powered by the VGP-BPS12 rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which has a battery life of between 3 and 6 hours (depending on usage). This laptop is compliant with Energy Star 4.0 specifications, meaning that it uses less power and reduces greenhouse gas emissions by meeting very strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy.

What’s in the Box
This package contains the VGN-Z550N/B notebook PC, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, and operating instructions. It is backed by a one-year limited hardware warranty, and Sony offers 1-year of toll-free telephone technical assistance.

Customer Reviews

Best 13″ laptop on the market!!
I researched and read endless reviews on many laptops before making my decision and overall I am very satisified with my purchase of the sony Z530N. It does everything I need and more. Apple although popular because of all the advertising is not that reliable. The hardware has many issues from bad screens, system shutdowns, battery life, etc. Apple is great at promoting thier product however, they need to invest more time in quality control. I am happy to be a PC and look forward to future sony purchases.

A great Machine at the end of the WindowsXP era
I bought this machine after a lot of research & consideration. Mine came with he option to “roll back” to WindowsXP Professional AND the two DVDs to roll it back were included. I would not have bought this machine without that option. VISTA is a terrible opporating system! But, still I had tons of crapware loaed up from SONY on their roll back DVDs to get rid of. I wish SONY would not load up all that software by default. However, the machine is very complicated and I like that SONY had the critical drivers on those XP roll back DVDs. Had a better equipped machine been available for XP I would have bought it. There is a lot to this little machine and it is FAST, at least with XP. But there is a lot to be desired. For one, the default SONY settings don;t even set up the software to address and take advantage of that huge 6 MB of L2 cache. For another, by default, the DDR3 RAM is set to run at a lower speed. Also, I find the instructions, guidelines and recommendations for battery charging & care to be confusing. Otherwise I would give this machine a 5-star rating. SONY has a very slow loading website and SONY does not allow users much in the way of options when configuring a notebook. If I didn’t need this fast processor with its huge L2 cache for voice recognition, I would have bought something at half the price with more standard warranty coverage, better support and a lot less crapware. SONY needs to listen to its customers and give us what we want rather than dictate to us, especially when they want so much money for on of these!

excellent all around laptop with some minor problem
When I first saw this laptop at local electronics store, I immediately knew that this is the laptop that I will be getting. Solid build, great look, light and powerful for such a small notebook. Although my laptop arrived with the express card slot flap messed up, it did not ruin my love for this lovely laptop. The monitor is super thin and covered in one material, the keyboard area is covered in a slippery albeit comfy metal feeling material, the bottom is composed of another kind of material and the battery is in its own kind. It sounds like a clump of non matching stuff, but they fit and the design is flawless. For such a small laptop, all the necessary ports are there (vga, 2 usb, ethernet, modem, express slot, wireless, sound i/o). The monitor is super bright if you turn it all the way up, which I doubt you will. It is clean and sharp, however it doesn’t glare as bad as some other types of monitor. For the keyboard, I don’t know if its my hand or what, but I tend to miss a few letters when typing which may come annoying but it happens rarely and most typing program catches typos for you.
My main complaint would be that Sony’s crapware really clogs up the system. For the more adventurous souls out there, if you have a stand alone copy of windows vista, WIPE THE SYSTEM AND REINSTALL! I guarantee you this beast will kill your average desktop. Sony’s driver website provides all the important drivers in which one should have no problem when reinstalling. Windows 7 users might have some problems as I have yet to be able to get the fn adjust brightness keys to work.
The hybrid graphic switch system is really great. It switches really fast and smooth. However as per the power that is saved.. I would say it only differs by about 30 to 50 minutes of work. I have yet to really get the battery to over 5 hours. Dont’ know how they adjusted it but I’ve only managed about 4 hours with bluetooth wireless dvd drive off, and screen to lowest. The laptop under prolonged use does not get hot. Unlike other brands of laptop that just heats up like a stove, sony did a surprisingly incredible job on heat control and truly deserves your attention.
My biggest gripe on this laptop will be on the battery however. The battery takes forever to charge from 80% to 100% and loses charge quickly from 100% to 80%. It took me 5 hours just to get from 90% to 100% one time, and while off, it lost 18% in 15 hours. So somehow, the battery likes to stay below.. 80% charge.
Regardless, it is an excellent laptop. Excellent build quality and great design. It is incredible !