==Models==
==Models==
*Z5xx (US), Z1x (Europe, Asia) – launch models ~ July/August 2008
*Z5xx (US), Z1x (Europe, Asia) launch models ~ July/August 2008
*Z6xx (US), Z2x (Europe, Asia) – October/November 2008 – minor hardware (CPU, hard disk, RAM) improvements
*Z6xx (US), Z2x (Europe, Asia) October/November 2008 minor hardware (CPU, hard disk, RAM) improvements
*no new model (US), Z3x (Europe, Asia) – minor hardware upgrades, as above
*no new model (US), Z3x (Europe, Asia) minor hardware upgrades, as above
*Z7xx (US), Z4x (Europe, Asia) – different colour palm rest, minor hardware improvements
*Z7xx (US), Z4x (Europe, Asia) different colour palm rest, minor hardware improvements
*Z8xx (US), Z5x (Europe, Asia) – new model for Windows 7, minor hardware improvements, enabled VT support in BIOS
*Z8xx (US), Z5x (Europe, Asia) new model for Windows 7, minor hardware improvements, enabled VT support in BIOS
*Z11 – 2010 post-CES model. Core i5 and i7 CPU options. SSD-only. Nvidia GT330m GPU.
*Z11 2010 post-CES model. Core i5 and i7 CPU options. SSD-only. Nvidia GT330m GPU.
*Z12 – September 2010, updated iXXX series CPUs, sim card holder added to North American models
*Z12 September 2010, updated iXXX series CPUs, simcard holder added to North American models
*Z13 – October 2010, added i7-640M CPU, TPM options, keyboard updated.
*Z13 October 2010, added i7-640M CPU, TPM options, keyboard updated.
*Z14 – January 2011, added CTO 1 TB SSD option
*Z14 January 2011, added CTO 1 TB SSD option
*Z21 – July 2011 – Sandy Bridge (i7 2ndGen), 0.66“ thickness, slate battery, external AMD graphics/power dock, lightpeak, USB 3.0, 1.3 Mpx webcam, new Flash SSD
*Z21 July 2011 Sandy Bridge ( ), 0.66 thickness, slate battery, external AMD graphics/power dock, lightpeak, USB 3.0, 1.3 Mpx webcam, new Flash SSD
== PCG-Z Original (2003) ==
== PCG-Z Original (2003) ==
The original Z featured a color 14.1“ SXGA TFT display (1400 x 1050), Firewire (i-Link), two USB 2.0, and a PCMCIA slot and external CD and Floppy Drives, and weighed around 2.1kg. It had a Pentium M processor ranging from 1.5 to 1.7 GHz. It ran Windows XP and included Sony’s DV-Gate software for importing video from DV camcorders.
The original Z featured a color 14.1 SXGA TFT display (), (i-Link), two USB 2.0, and a PCMCIA slot and external CD and Floppy Drives, and weighed around 2.. It had a Pentium M processor ranging from 1.5 to 1.7 GHz. It ran Windows XP and included Sony’s DV-Gate software for importing video from DV camcorders.
== VGN-Z (2008 & 2009) ==
== VGN-Z (2008 & 2009) ==
In 2008 the first series of VGN-Z was introduced. Second series was introduced in December 2009 as a part of the Intel [[Centrino 2]] launch. They fall into the [[ultraportable]] category, with a 13.1“ screen and 1.47 kg weight (3.4 lb) (dependent on configuration). They were configured with Intel Core 2 Duo CPUs.
In 2008 the first series of VGN-Z was introduced. series was introduced in December 2009 as a part of the Intel [[Centrino 2]] launch. They fall into the [[ultraportable]] category, with a 13.1 screen and 1.47 kg weight (3.4 lb) (dependent on configuration). They were configured with Intel Core 2 Duo CPUs.
Compared with the SZ series, the Z is slightly lighter (200 grams), with a slightly smaller (13.1″ vs. 13.3″) screen, which was switched from 16:10 to 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio. In comparison to the SZ, which was available only in 1280×800 resolution, the Z series come with a choice (model-dependent) of screens which were 1366×768 and 1600×900 TN panels.
Compared with the SZ series, the Z is slightly lighter (200 grams), with a slightly smaller (13.1″ vs. 13.3″) screen, which was switched from 16:10 to 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio. In comparison to the SZ, which was available only in 1280×800 resolution, the Z series come with a choice (model-dependent) of screens which were 1366×768 and 1600×900 TN panels.
[[File:Expo Comm Wireless Japan 2008 Sony VAIO Z.jpg|alt=Sony Vaio VGN-Z laptop|thumb|Sony Vaio VGN-Z (Japan)]]
[[File:Expo Comm Wireless Japan 2008 Sony VAIO Z.jpg|alt=Sony Vaio VGN-Z laptop|thumb|Sony Vaio VGN-Z (Japan)]]
As with the SZ, the Z has hybrid graphics, featuring a NVIDIA GeForce 9300M GS as well as Mobile Intel 4 Series Express 4500MHD chipsets. The user can switch between the Nvidia (for better graphics performance) and Intel (for longer battery life) via a 2 way switch above the keyboard.
As with the SZ, the Z has hybrid graphics, featuring NVIDIA GeForce 9300M GS as well as Mobile Intel 4 Series Express 4500MHD chipsets. The user can switch between the Nvidia (for better graphics performance) and Intel (for longer battery life) via a 2 way switch above the keyboard.
Newer options with the Z series are an integrated [[Blu-ray Disc]] drive, built-in [[HSDPA]] support and the use of an [[SSD]] (including RAID configuration, for better performance) instead of a hard drive for storage.
Newer options with the Z series are an integrated [[Blu-ray Disc]] drive, built-in [[HSDPA]] support and the use of an [[SSD]] (including RAID configuration, for better performance) instead of a hard drive for storage.
Other features include a 0.3 megapixel webcam, Bluetooth, SD and [[Memory Stick]] reader, FireWire 400 port, fingerprint sensor and [[Trusted Platform Module]] support.
Other features include a 0.3 megapixel webcam, Bluetooth, SD and [[Memory Stick]] reader, FireWire 400 port, fingerprint sensor and [[Trusted Platform Module]] support.
As with the SZ series, the Z is equipped with standard, rather than ultra-low voltage (which are slower, but produce less heat and provide better battery life) processors. The CPUs are generally Core 2 Duo P- (mid voltage) CPUs, but also T- (standard voltage) CPUs. Additionally, the CPU uses a [[Socket P]] socket rather than being soldered to the motherboard.
As with the SZ series, the Z is equipped with standard, rather than ultra-low voltage (which are slower, but produce less heat and provide better battery life) processors. The CPUs are generally Core 2 Duo P- (midvoltage) CPUs, but also T- (standard voltage) CPUs. Additionally, the CPU uses a [[Socket P]] socket rather than being soldered to the motherboard.
[[Intel VT-x]] support was intentionally disabled in the laptop’s BIOS, resulting in the use of hacked BIOSes by some users.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/08/06/sony_vaio_virtualization_disabled/|title=Sony’s Windows 7 virtualization switch-off (Partly) reversed|website=[[The Register]]}}</ref> Sony claimed VT had been disabled for security reasons, but eventually enabled the feature in November 2009. Sony originally shipped Windows Vista with the computer, however they offer options to downgrade to Windows XP or upgrade to Windows 7.
[[Intel VT-x]] support was intentionally disabled in the laptop’s BIOS, resulting in the use of hacked BIOSes by some users.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/08/06/sony_vaio_virtualization_disabled/|title=Sony’s Windows 7 virtualization switch-off (Partly) reversed|website=[[The Register]]}}</ref> Sony claimed VT had been disabled for security reasons, but eventually enabled the feature in November 2009. Sony originally shipped Windows Vista with the computer, however they offer options to downgrade to Windows XP or upgrade to Windows 7.
== VPC-Z Update (2010) ==
== VPC-Z Update (2010) ==
[[File:SONY_VAIO_VPCZ119FJ-S_02.jpg|thumb|Sony Vaio VPCZ119FJ]]
[[File:SONY_VAIO_VPCZ119FJ-S_02.jpg|thumb|Sony Vaio VPCZ119FJ]]
The Z series was updated in light of the new Core i5/i7 CPUs from Intel. The new range offers an i5 or i7 (although it is not clear if memory is dual port or triple port for the i7; it seems likely to be dual port, since varying the memory portness{{typo help inline|reason=similar to pertness|date=November 2019}} in the motherboard by CPU is a big change and because the memory choices remain 2/4/8, rather than changing to 3/6/12), a keyboard backlight, revised chassis and a Blu-ray writer. The first SSD models (VPC-Z1xxx) all use non-standard form-factor drives (due to lack of internal space) sourced from Samsung specifically for the Vaio; they cannot be replaced with standard third party 1.8 or 2.5 inch drives. The SSDs in the refreshed models (VPC-Z12xx, VPC-Z13xx & VPC-Z14xx) can be replaced with 1.8“ drives from Intel or Crucial, provided the Vaio is a dual RAID model and not a Quad-RAID model. The caveat is that the outer casing of the Intel or Crucial SSD must be stripped off of the SSDs in order for the SSDs to fit in the Z. At least VPCZ-13 dual-RAID models, custom-ordered in Japan were shipped with a pair of reduced size Toshiba SSD’s, with Micro-SATA connector. The second, third and fourth refresh models still use proprietary Samsung drives on the Quad-RAID models. In order to replace the SSD drives in a first generation (VPC-Z11xxx) model, or any generation Quad-RAID model, the cable for the SSDs will need to be replaced with Sony part # A-1781-464-A.
The Z series was updated in light of the new Core i5/i7 CPUs from Intel. The new range offers an i5 or i7 (although it is not clear if memory is dual port or triple port for the i7; it seems likely to be dual port, since varying the memory portness{{typo help inline|reason=similar to pertness|date=November 2019}} in the motherboard by CPU is a big change and because the memory choices remain 2/4/8, rather than changing to 3/6/12), a keyboard backlight, revised chassis and a Blu-ray writer. The first SSD models (VPC-Z1xxx) all use non-standard form-factor drives (due to lack of internal space) sourced from Samsung specifically for the Vaio; they cannot be replaced with standard third party 1.8 or 2.5inch drives. The SSDs in the refreshed models (VPC-Z12xx, VPC-Z13xx & VPC-Z14xx) can be replaced with 1.8 drives from Intel or Crucial, provided the Vaio is a dual RAID model and not a Quad-RAID model. The caveat is that the outer casing of the Intel or Crucial SSD must be stripped off of the SSDs in order for the SSDs to fit in the Z. At least VPCZ-13 dual-RAID models, custom-ordered in Japan were shipped with a pair of reduced size Toshiba SSD’s, with Micro-SATA connector. The second, third and fourth refresh models still use proprietary Samsung drives on the Quad-RAID models. In order to replace the SSD drives in a first generation (VPC-Z11xxx) model, or any generation Quad-RAID model, the cable for the SSDs will need to be replaced with Sony part # A-1781-464-A.
Custom Z series models which are built with a hard disk (i.e. non-SSD) and no optical drive are manufactured with a standard 2.5“ hard disk fitted into the empty optical bay. These models can have the hard disk replaced by a standard 2.5“ SSD. The adapter in the optical bay expects a 12.7 mm high 2.5“ drive. At least some 2.5“ SSD drives (such as the Intel X-25e) are 9 mm models. Proper fitting requires a shim (a piece of cardboard about 4 mm thick cut to the shape of the drive will do).
Custom Z series models which are built with a hard disk (i.e. non-SSD) and no optical drive are manufactured with a standard 2.5 hard disk fitted into the empty optical bay. These models can have the hard disk replaced by a standard 2.5 SSD. The adapter in the optical bay expects a 12.7 mm high 2.5 drive. At least some 2.5 SSD drives (such as the Intel X-25e) are 9 mm models. Proper fitting requires a shim (a piece of cardboard about 4 mm thick cut to the shape of the drive will do).
In these cases, the unit can be opened up by unscrewing every screw on the back. The battery must be removed first and there are five screws covered by the battery; a group of three holding down a plastic rail and two which screw into the back part of the chassis. The two screwed into the chassis need to be removed. Opening the unit up appears not to void the warranty (no stickers broken).
In these cases, the unit can be opened up by unscrewing every screw on the back. The battery must be removed first and there are five screws covered by the battery; a group of three holding down a plastic rail and two which screw into the back part of the chassis. The two screwed into the chassis need to be removed. Opening the unit up appears not to void the warranty (no stickers broken).
== VPC-Z2 Update (2011) ==
== VPC-Z2 Update (2011) ==
Sony has officially announced its new Ultra-Thin 13-inch Z series laptop the Sony Vaio Z in Europe on [[June 27, 2011]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Sony Vaio Z 2011 promo video|website = [[YouTube]]| date=28 June 2011 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tn9hDnRCu00 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211220/tn9hDnRCu00 |archive-date=2021-12-20 |url-status=live}}{{cbignore}}</ref> The highest custom configuration available includes a 2.7 GHz second generation Intel Core i7 (Sandy Bridge) processor, 512 GB SSD in RAID-0 (Newer SATA III Generation 3 SSD), 8 GB 1333 MHz Fixed On-board (Irremovable) DDR3 RAM and a 1920×1080 13.1“ screen (a 1600×900 screen is also available).<ref>{{cite web|title=Sony goes slim with the Vaio Z laptop|url=http://www.reghardware.com/2011/06/28/sony_vaio_z_series/}}</ref>
Sony has officially announced its new Ultra-Thin 13-inch Z series laptop the Sony Vaio Z in Europe on June 27, 2011.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sony Vaio Z 2011 promo video|website = [[YouTube]]| date=28 June 2011 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tn9hDnRCu00 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211220/tn9hDnRCu00 |archive-date=2021-12-20 |url-status=live}}{{cbignore}}</ref> The highest custom configuration available includes a 2.7 GHz second generation Intel Core i7 (Sandy Bridge) processor, 512 GB SSD in RAID-0 (Newer SATA III Generation 3 SSD), 8 GB 1333 MHz Fixed On-board (Irremovable) DDR3 RAM and a 1920×1080 13.1 screen (a 1600×900 screen is also available).<ref>{{cite web|title=Sony goes slim with the Vaio Z laptop|url=http://www.reghardware.com/2011/06/28/sony_vaio_z_series/}}</ref>
The Z2 is also compatible with Sony’s Power Media Dock, which includes an external AMD GPU and a DVD or Blu-ray drive and connects to the laptop through Sony’s implementation of the [[Light Peak]] Technology.
The Z2 is also compatible with Sony’s Power Media Dock, which includes an external AMD GPU and a DVD or Blu-ray drive and connects to the laptop through Sony’s implementation of the [[Light Peak]] Technology.
! Model Number
! Model Number
| SVZ1311AJ
| SVZ1311AJ
|
| SVZ13115GGXI (Hong Kong Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Arabic, Thai)<br /> SVZ13116GGXI (Hong Kong Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Arabic, Thai) <br />SVZ13116GAXI (Arabic) <br />SVZ13115FCB/SVZ13117FCX/SVZ1311S1C (China) <br />
* SVZ13115GGXI (Hong Kong Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Arabic, Thai)
* SVZ13116GGXI (Hong Kong Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Arabic, Thai)
* SVZ13116GAXI (Arabic)
* SVZ13115FCB/SVZ13117FCX/SVZ1311S1C (China) <br />
|SVZ1311XXX
|SVZ1311XXX
|SVZ131190X
|SVZ131190X
|-
|-
! Colours (Carbon Fibre)
! Colours (Carbon Fibre)
|
* Black
* Gold
* Silver
* Carbon Black
| Glossy Premium Carbon with the 15th anniversary collectors edition message
| Glossy Premium Carbon with the 15th anniversary collectors edition message
|
* Black
| Black <br /> Gold <br />Carbon Fibre (Canada) <br />Premium Carbon Fibre
* Carbon Black
|
* Black
* Gold
* Carbon Fibre (Canada)
* Premium Carbon Fibre
|-
|-
! [[Operating system]]
! [[Operating system]]
| style=”text-align:center;” colspan=”4″| [[Windows 7]] Home Premium [[64 bit]]<br />
| style=”text-align:center;” colspan=”4″| [[Windows 7]]
Home Premium [[64 bit]]
Windows 7 Professional 64 bit <br />
Professional 64 bit
Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bit
Ultimate 64 bit
|-
|-
! [[LED]]-[[Backlit]] [[Anti-reflective coating|antireflective]] [[Electronic visual display|display]]
! [[LED]]-[[Backlit]] [[Anti-reflective coating|antireflective]] [[Electronic visual display|display]]
| style=”text-align:center;” colspan=”3″| {{convert|13.1|in|cm|abbr=on}} 1600×900 NTSC100% <br /> {{convert|13.1|in|cm|abbr=on}} Full [[High-definition video|HD]] 1920×1080 with 96% Adobe RGB Gamut
| style=”text-align:center;” colspan=”3″|
{{convert|13.1|in|cm|abbr=on}} 1600×900 %
{{convert|13.1|in|cm|abbr=on}} Full [[High-definition video|HD]] 1920×1080 with 96% Adobe RGB Gamut
|
| 13.1″ Full [[High-definition video|HD]] 1920×1080 with 96% Adobe RGB Gamut <br />{{convert|13.1|in|cm|abbr=on}} 1600×900 NTSC100% (Canada)
13.1″ Full [[High-definition video|HD]] 1920×1080 with 96% Adobe RGB Gamut
|-
|-
! [[CPU|Processor]]
! [[CPU|Processor]]
| [[Intel]] [[Intel Core|Core]] <br />Core i5-3210M（2.50 GHz)<br />
| [[Intel Core]]
* i3-3110M (2.40 GHz)
Core i7-3612QM（2.10 GHz)<br /> Core i7-3520M（2.90 GHz)<br /> Core i5-3320M（2.60 GHz)<br /> Core i3-3110M（2.40 GHz)
* i5-3210M (2.50 GHz)
* i5-3320M (2.60 GHz)
Core i7-3612QM（2.10 GHz)<br /> Core i5-3320M（2.60 GHz) (China)<br /> Core i3-3210M（2.40 GHz) (China)
| [[Intel]] [[Intel Core|Core]] <br />Core i5–3210M (2.5 GHz) <br />
– (2. GHz)
Core i7-3632QM (2.2 GHz) <br /> Core i7-3612QM（2.10 GHz)
i7- (2.10 GHz)
| [[Intel]] [[Intel Core|Core]] <br />i5-3210M (2.5 GHz) <br />
| [[Intel Core]]
* i3-3210M (2.40 GHz) (China)
* i5-3320M (2.60 GHz) (China)
* i7-3612QM (2.10 GHz)
* i5-3210M (2.5 GHz)
* i7-3612QM (2.10 GHz)
* i7-3632QM (2.2 GHz)
| 3rd Gen Intel Core i5/i7
* i5-3210M (2.5 GHz)
|-
|-
! [[Random access memory|Memory]] ([[DDR 3]] 1600 MHz)
! [[Random access memory|Memory]] ([[DDR 3]] 1600 MHz)
| 8 GB <br />4 GB (Canada) <br />6 GB (Canada)
| 8 GB <br />4 GB (Canada) <br />6 GB (Canada)
|-
|-
! [[Harddrive|Hard Disk]]
! [[Harddrive|Hard Disk]]
| 128 GB SATA Gen3 Flash [[SSD]] in [[RAID]] 0 configuration (2x 64 GB)<br />
| 128 GB SATA Gen3 Flash [[SSD]] in [[RAID]] 0 configuration (2x 64 GB)<br />
256 GB [[SSD]] (2x 128 GB)<br />
256 GB [[SSD]] (2x 128 GB)<br />
128 GB [[SSD]] (2x 64 GB) (China)<br />
128 GB [[SSD]] (2x 64 GB) (China)<br />
512 GB [[SSD]] (2x 256 GB) (China)<br />
512 GB [[SSD]] (2x 256 GB) (China)<br />
| style=”text-align:center;” colspan=”4″| 256 GB SATA Gen3 Flash [[SSD]] in [[RAID]] 0 configuration (2x 128 GB)<br />
| style=”text-align:center;” | 256 GB SATA Gen3 Flash [[SSD]] in [[RAID]] 0 configuration (2x 128 GB)<br />
128 GB [[SSD]] (2x 64 GB) (USA)<br />
128 GB [[SSD]] (2x 64 GB) (USA)<br />
512 GB [[SSD]] (2x 256 GB)<br />
512 GB [[SSD]] (2x 256 GB)<br />
|-
|-
! [[Computer graphics|Graphics]]
! [[Computer graphics|Graphics]]
| style=”text-align:center;” colspan=”4″| [[Intel HD 4000]] with Intel® Wireless Display technology (WiDi)<br />
| style=”text-align:center;” colspan=”4″|
[[Intel HD 4000]] with Intel Wireless Display technology (WiDi)
[[AMD Radeon]] 7670M 1 GB [[VRAM]] in the Power Media Dock
[[AMD Radeon]] 7670M 1 GB [[VRAM]] in the Power Media Dock
|-
|-
! [[Optical disc drive]]
! [[Optical disc drive]]
|-
|-
! Wireless Connectivity
! Wireless Connectivity
|
|
Bluetooth® standard Ver. 4.0 + HS <br />
Bluetooth standard Ver. 4.0 + HS <br />
IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n [[MIMO]] 2×2<br />
IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n [[MIMO]] 2×2<br />
MIMO 3×3 <br />
MIMO 3×3 <br />
IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n [[MIMO]] 2×2<br />[[LTE (telecommunication)|LTE]] – Download 14.4 Mbit/s / Upload 5.76 Mbit/s (HSDPA, UMTS, EDGE, GPRS) <br />
IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n [[MIMO]] 2×2<br />[[LTE (telecommunication)|LTE]] – Download 14.4 Mbit/s / Upload 5.76 Mbit/s (HSDPA, UMTS, EDGE, GPRS) <br />
Wireless WAN LTE – Download 100 Mb/S / Upload 50 Mb/S (LTE, HSPA+, UMTS, EDGE, GPRS) (Denmark, Finland, Germany, Norway, Russia & Sweden)
Wireless WAN LTE – Download 100 Mb/S / Upload 50 Mb/S (LTE, HSPA+, UMTS, EDGE, GPRS) (Denmark, Finland, Germany, Norway, Russia & Sweden)
|Bluetooth® standard Ver. 4.0 + HS <br />
|Bluetooth standard Ver. 4.0 + HS <br />
IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n [[MIMO]] 2×2<br />
IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n [[MIMO]] 2×2<br />
|-
|-
[[Trusted Platform Module|TPM]]
[[Trusted Platform Module|TPM]]
|-
|-
! I/O
! I/O
| style=”text-align:center;” colspan=”4″| 1x [[USB 2.0]] with sleep and charge <br />
| style=”text-align:center;” colspan=”4″|
1x [[USB 2.0]] with sleep and charge
1x [[USB 3.0]] with [[Lightpeak]] integration for the Power Media Dock <br />
1x [[USB 3.0]] with [[Lightpeak]] integration for the Power Media Dock
1x Memory Stick Duo Reader <br />
1x Memory Stick Duo Reader
1x SD Card Reader <br />
1x SD Card Reader
Internal Stereo Speakers with Intel® High Definition Audio, Dolby Home Theater v4, Digital Noise Cancelling, “Clear Phase”, “xLOUD<br/>
Internal Stereo Speakers with Intel® High Definition Audio, Dolby Home Theater v4, Digital Noise Cancelling, “Clear Phase”, “xLOUD
Internal Microphone<br/>
Internal Microphone
Multi-touch Touchpad with Gesture Support<br/>
Multi-touch Touchpad with Gesture Support
1x [[HDMI]] <br />
1x [[HDMI]]
1x [[VGA]] <br>
1x [[VGA]]
1x [[Gigabit]] [[Ethernet]] <br />
1x [[Gigabit]] [[Ethernet]]
1x [[3.5mm headphone]] <br />
1x [[3.5mm headphone]]
1x Docking Station for Sheet Battery
1x Docking Station for Sheet Battery
|-
|-
! Noise Cancelling Headphones
! Noise Cancelling Headphones
| style=”text-align:center;”| Optional <br />
| style=”text-align:center;”| Optional
| style=”text-align:center;” colspan=”2″| Included <br />
| style=”text-align:center;” colspan=”2″| Included
|
| Included (USA) <br />
Included (USA)
Optional (Canada)
Optional (Canada)
|-
|-
! Power Media Dock
! Power Media Dock
| style=”text-align:center;” colspan=”4″| CD/DVD Player/Burner <br />
| style=”text-align:center;” colspan=”4″|
CD/DVD Player/Burner
CD/DVD Player/Burner & Blu-ray Disc player <br />
Blu-ray Disc/CD/DVD Player/Burner
CD/DVD Player/Burner
* Blu-ray Disc/CD/DVD Player/Burner
* 3x USB 2.0
3x USB 2.0 <br />
USB .0
1x USB 3.0 <br />
* 1x VGA
1x VGA <br />
|-
|-
! Battery
! Battery
| style=”text-align:center;” colspan=”4″| 4000 mAh [[Lithium polymer]] (5.5 hours)<br />
| style=”text-align:center;” colspan=”4″|
4000 mAh [[Lithium polymer]] (5.5 hours)
Optional 4400 mAh sheet battery (Extra 5.5 hours)
Optional 4400 mAh sheet battery (Extra 5.5 hours)
|-
|-
! Dimensions
! Dimensions
| style=”text-align:center;” colspan=”4″| {{convert|13|in|cm|abbr=on}} (L) <br />
| style=”text-align:center;” colspan=”4″| {{convert|13|in|cm|abbr=on}} (L)
{{convert|0.66|in|cm|abbr=on}} (D)
|-
|-
! Weight
! Weight
=== Problems ===
=== Problems ===
Most Sony Vaio models with hybrid Intel-nVidia graphics are affected with vast number of bugs present in every accelerated 2D (DX, DS) graphics, 3D graphics and power management of the video-system. Yet Sony doesn’t provide any driver update or fix leaving customers on their own. Some enthusiast-made Intel-nVidia hybrid graphics driver updates solving general gaming performance problems can be found in the Internet although Sony keeps stating that use of those drivers is the pretext to cease the warranty or extended warranty (damage insurance).<br />
Most Sony Vaio models with hybrid Intel- graphics are affected with vast number of bugs present in every accelerated 2D (DX, DS) graphics, 3D graphics and power management of the video-system. Yet Sony doesn’t provide any driver update or fix leaving customers on their own. Some enthusiast-made Intel- hybrid graphics driver updates solving general gaming performance problems can be found the Internet although Sony keeps stating that use of those drivers is the pretext to the warranty or extended warranty (damage insurance).<br />
While Sony was positioning Z1x series as equipped with nVidia Optimus graphics actually resource sharing between Intel and nVidia subsystems was never supported leaving the graphics system in legacy switchable mode. And as far as the provided software doesn’t support automatic graphics switching during most multimedia software running, the user is left the only option to switch performance modes manually, making the multimedia software crash or behave unexpectedly.<br />
==External links==
==External links==
Range of laptops by Sony
Sony has used the Z model naming scheme for its high-end ultraportable notebook computers since 2000. Unlike other Sony models, the Z has always been manufactured in Japan or in the United States for some models (i.e. VGN-Z540). Sony stated that production of the Z series would cease at the end of 2012.[1]
The model numbers for these computers have been PCG-Z (2003), VGN-Z (2008), VPC-Z1 (2010), VPC-Z2 (2011), SVZ (2012).
For differentiation, subsequent Z models proceeded to include high-end screens, CPUs, GPUs and on-board DVD/Blu-ray drives etc.
- Z5xx (US), Z1x (Europe, Asia) — launch models ~ July/August 2008
- Z6xx (US), Z2x (Europe, Asia) — October/November 2008 — minor hardware (CPU, hard disk, RAM) improvements
- no new model (US), Z3x (Europe, Asia) — minor hardware upgrades, as above
- Z7xx (US), Z4x (Europe, Asia) — different colour palm rest, minor hardware improvements
- Z8xx (US), Z5x (Europe, Asia) — new model for Windows 7, minor hardware improvements, enabled VT support in BIOS
- Z11 — 2010 post-CES model. Core i5 and i7 CPU options. SSD-only. Nvidia GT330m GPU.
- Z12 — September 2010, updated iXXX series CPUs, sim-card holder added to North American models
- Z13 — October 2010, added i7-640M CPU, TPM options, keyboard updated.
- Z14 — January 2011, added CTO 1 TB SSD option
- Z21 — July 2011 — Sandy Bridge (2nd Gen Intel Core i7), 0.66-inch thickness, slate battery, external AMD graphics/power dock, lightpeak, USB 3.0, 1.3 Mpx webcam, new Flash SSD
PCG-Z Original (2003)
[edit]
The original Z featured a color 14.1-inch SXGA TFT display (1400×1050), FireWire (i-Link), two USB 2.0, and a PCMCIA slot and external CD and Floppy Drives, and weighed around 2.1 kg. It had a Pentium M processor ranging from 1.5 to 1.7 GHz. It ran Windows XP and included Sony’s DV-Gate software for importing video from DV camcorders.
VGN-Z (2008 & 2009)
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In 2008 the first series of VGN-Z was introduced. The second series was introduced in December 2009 as a part of the Intel Centrino 2 launch. They fall into the ultraportable category, with a 13.1-inch screen and 1.47 kg weight (3.4 lb) (dependent on configuration). They were configured with Intel Core 2 Duo CPUs.
Compared with the SZ series, the Z is slightly lighter (200 grams), with a slightly smaller (13.1″ vs. 13.3″) screen, which was switched from 16:10 to 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio. In comparison to the SZ, which was available only in 1280×800 resolution, the Z series come with a choice (model-dependent) of screens which were 1366×768 and 1600×900 TN panels.
As with the SZ, the Z has hybrid graphics, featuring an NVIDIA GeForce 9300M GS as well as Mobile Intel 4 Series Express 4500MHD chipsets. The user can switch between the Nvidia (for better graphics performance) and Intel (for longer battery life) via a 2 way switch above the keyboard.
Newer options with the Z series are an integrated Blu-ray Disc drive, built-in HSDPA support and the use of an SSD (including RAID configuration, for better performance) instead of a hard drive for storage.
Other features include a 0.3 megapixel webcam, Bluetooth, SD and Memory Stick reader, FireWire 400 port, fingerprint sensor and Trusted Platform Module support.
As with the SZ series, the Z is equipped with standard, rather than ultra-low voltage (which are slower, but produce less heat and provide better battery life) processors. The CPUs are generally Core 2 Duo P- (mid-voltage) CPUs, but also T- (standard voltage) CPUs. Additionally, the CPU uses a Socket P socket rather than being soldered to the motherboard.
Intel VT-x support was intentionally disabled in the laptop’s BIOS, resulting in the use of hacked BIOSes by some users.[2] Sony claimed VT had been disabled for security reasons, but eventually enabled the feature in November 2009. Sony originally shipped Windows Vista with the computer, however they offer options to downgrade to Windows XP or upgrade to Windows 7.
VPC-Z Update (2010)
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The Z series was updated in light of the new Core i5/i7 CPUs from Intel. The new range offers an i5 or i7 (although it is not clear if memory is dual port or triple port for the i7; it seems likely to be dual port, since varying the memory portness[check spelling] in the motherboard by CPU is a big change and because the memory choices remain 2/4/8, rather than changing to 3/6/12), a keyboard backlight, revised chassis and a Blu-ray writer. The first SSD models (VPC-Z1xxx) all use non-standard form-factor drives (due to lack of internal space) sourced from Samsung specifically for the Vaio; they cannot be replaced with standard third party 1.8 or 2.5-inch drives. The SSDs in the refreshed models (VPC-Z12xx, VPC-Z13xx & VPC-Z14xx) can be replaced with 1.8-inch drives from Intel or Crucial, provided the Vaio is a dual RAID model and not a Quad-RAID model. The caveat is that the outer casing of the Intel or Crucial SSD must be stripped off of the SSDs in order for the SSDs to fit in the Z. At least VPCZ-13 dual-RAID models, custom-ordered in Japan, were shipped with a pair of reduced size Toshiba SSD’s, with Micro-SATA connector. The second, third, and fourth refresh models still use proprietary Samsung drives on the Quad-RAID models. In order to replace the SSD drives in a first generation (VPC-Z11xxx) model, or any generation Quad-RAID model, the cable for the SSDs will need to be replaced with Sony part # A-1781-464-A.
Custom Z series models which are built with a hard disk (i.e. non-SSD) and no optical drive are manufactured with a standard 2.5-inch hard disk fitted into the empty optical bay. These models can have the hard disk replaced by a standard 2.5-inch SSD. The adapter in the optical bay expects a 12.7 mm high 2.5-inch drive. At least some 2.5-inch SSD drives (such as the Intel X-25e) are 9 mm models. Proper fitting requires a shim (a piece of cardboard about 4 mm thick cut to the shape of the drive will do).
In these cases, the unit can be opened up by unscrewing every screw on the back. The battery must be removed first and there are five screws covered by the battery; a group of three holding down a plastic rail and two which screw into the back part of the chassis. The two screwed into the chassis need to be removed. Opening the unit up appears not to void the warranty (no stickers broken).
VPC-Z2 Update (2011)
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Sony has officially announced its new Ultra-Thin 13-inch Z series laptop the Sony Vaio Z in Europe on June 27, 2011.[3] The highest custom configuration available includes a 2.7 GHz second generation Intel Core i7 (Sandy Bridge) processor, 512 GB SSD in RAID-0 (Newer SATA III Generation 3 SSD), 8 GB 1333 MHz Fixed On-board (Irremovable) DDR3 RAM and a 1920×1080 13.1-inch screen (a 1600×900 screen is also available).[4]
The Z2 is also compatible with Sony’s Power Media Dock, which includes an external AMD GPU and a DVD or Blu-ray drive and connects to the laptop through Sony’s implementation of the Light Peak Technology.
The SVZ has a 15th Anniversary Collector’s Edition.
It has nearly the exact same design and weight from VPC-Z2.
The processor changed from a 2nd Gen Intel Core i5 or i7 to a 3rd Gen Intel Core i5 or i7, HM67 chipset to HM77 chipset, HD3000 to HD4000, and the dedicated Power Media Dock GPU changed from an AMD Radeon HD 6650M to an AMD Radeon HD 7670M (exact same model).
Technical specifications
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| Component | Japan | Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa | Europe | North America |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Release date | June 2012 | |||
| Model Number | SVZ1311AJ |
|
SVZ1311XXX | SVZ131190X |
| Colours (Carbon Fibre) |
|
Glossy Premium Carbon with the 15th anniversary collectors edition message |
|
|
| Operating system | Windows 7
|
|||
| LED–Backlit antireflective display |
|
|
||
| Processor (CPU) | 3rd Gen Intel Core
|
3rd Gen Intel Core
|
3rd Gen Intel Core i5/i7
|
3rd Gen Intel Core i5/i7
|
| Memory (DDR 3 1600 MHz) | 4 GB 6 GB 8 GB |
8 GB 4 GB (China) 6 GB (China) |
4 GB 8 GB |
8 GB 4 GB (Canada) 6 GB (Canada) |
| Hard Disk (Storage) | 128 GB SATA Gen3 Flash SSD in RAID 0 configuration (2x 64 GB) | 256 GB SATA Gen3 Flash SSD in RAID 0 configuration (2x 128 GB) | 256 GB SATA Gen3 Flash SSD in RAID 0 configuration (2x 128 GB) | |
| Graphics (GPU) | ||||
| Optical disc drive | None | |||
| Wireless Connectivity |
Bluetooth standard Ver. 4.0 + HS |
Bluetooth standard Ver. 4.0 + HS
IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n MIMO 2×2 |
Bluetooth standard Ver. 4.0 + HS |
Bluetooth standard Ver. 4.0 + HS
IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n MIMO 2×2 |
| Keyboard | Keyboard Backlit Keyboard |
Backlit Keyboard | Keyboard (English (UK), Finnish, French, German, Italian, Dutch, Danish, Norwegian, Swedish, Russian Backlit Keyboard |
Backlit English (US) Keyboard Bilingual English (US)/French (Canada) |
| Webcam | Webcam Exmor HD 1.3MP Webcam |
Exmor HD 1.3MP (1280×1024) Webcam | ||
| Sensors & Security | Ambient Light Sensor
TCG ver.1.2 compliant Fingerprint scanner |
|||
| I/O (Ports) |
|
|||
| Noise Cancelling Headphones | Optional | Included |
|
|
| Power Media Dock | Disc Player
All Power Media Docks also possess: |
|||
| Battery |
|
|||
| Dimensions | 13 in (33 cm) (L), 8.27 in (21.0 cm) (W), 0.66 in (1.7 cm) (D) | |||
| Weight | 1.17 kg (2.6 lb) | |||
Most Sony Vaio models with hybrid Intel-NVIDIA graphics are affected with vast number of bugs present in every accelerated 2D (DX, DS) graphics, 3D graphics and power management of the video-system. Yet, Sony doesn’t provide any driver update or fix, leaving customers on their own. Some enthusiast-made Intel-NVIDIA hybrid graphics driver updates solving general gaming performance problems can be found on the Internet, although Sony keeps stating that use of those drivers is the pretext to seize the warranty or extended warranty (damage insurance). While Sony was positioning the Z1x series as equipped with Nvidia Optimus graphics, actually resource sharing between Intel and Nvidia subsystems was never supported, leaving the graphics system in legacy switchable mode. And as far as the provided software doesn’t support automatic graphics switching during most multimedia software running, the user is left the only option to switch performance modes manually, making the multimedia software crash or behave unexpectedly.
