Sony VAIO SZ6

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, its 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).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. Its 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

• Operating System: Windows Vista Business OEM
  
• Processor: 2.2 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T7500 (4 MB L2 cache, 800 MHz front side bus)
• Chipset: GM965
• Memory: 2 GB RAM (667 MHz, PC5300 DDR2 SDRAM, 2x 1024 MB), 2 SODIMM slots, 4 GB max. (64-bit)
  
• 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
  
• Display: 13.3"widescreen X-black LC-Display with LED-Technology, 1280 x 800 WXGA
• 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)
  
• 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
  
• 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)
  
• Multimedia: compatible with Intel High Definition Audio, 3D-Surround, Stereo speakers (integrated), compatible with Windows Sound System, Sound Reality
  
• Camera with microphone: Motion Eye Digital Camera, 25/30 fps, 0.3M motion/ 1.3M still, 640x480
  
• Buttons: 2 customizable Special Buttons, On/Off button, Wireless On/Off, Stamina/Speed Mode Switch
  
• 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
  
• 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
  
• Dimensions: 234.3 x 21.8 - 33.0 x 315 mm/12.5 x 0.9 - 1.3 x 9.3 inches
  
• Weight: 1.79 kg / 3.7 lb
  
• 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).
• 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

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