Sony today announced the launch of the new VAIO Z Series; an ultra-deluxe 13.1in laptop aimed at media professionals and wealthy fashionistas. With its carbon fibre gold stylings and cutting edge components (including a Core i7-2620M CPU, 8GB of DDR3 RAM and a Blu-ray optical drive), it's the kind of product meant to inspire envy in passers-by.
In Pictures: Sony Vaio Z Series
Sony claimed that we were amongst the first in the world to see the ultra-luxurious notebook in the flesh. Not one to waste an opportunity, we spirited it away to a corner of the showroom floor for some private one-on-one time.
In Pictures: Sony Vaio Z Series
The Vaio Z's lid is constructed from light and durable carbon fibre. It comes in a choice of two finishes: black and gold.
In Pictures: Sony Vaio Z Series
The VAIO Z Series measures just 16.65 mm at its thickest point. Thanks to its ultra-light carbon fibre casing, the notebook weighs less than a kilogram.
In Pictures: Sony Vaio Z Series
Sony VAIO Z side view. We'd say it was worth its weight in gold, but that would probably be an underestimation.
In Pictures: Sony Vaio Z Series
Sony Vaio Z Series bottom view. Note the strategically placed vents for cooling.
In Pictures: Sony Vaio Z Series
Sheer, unadulterated opulence. If you can afford one of these, you probably need to give more money to charity. Just saying.
In Pictures: Sony Vaio Z Series
Beneath its swanky lid, the Vaio Z is equipped with a 2nd generation Intel Core i7 CPU, 8GB or RAM, an AMD Radeon HD 6650M graphics card and a pair of SSD hard drives totalling 256GB.
In Pictures: Sony Vaio Z Series
Connectivity options on the Sony Vaio Z are reasonable: it comes with two USB ports, an HDMI output with 3D support, one
VGA output, an Ethernet input, one headphone jack and a pair of memory card slots (Memory Stick Duo and SD/SDHC). Wireless options include WiFia/b/g/n and Bluetooth 2.1.
In Pictures: Sony Vaio Z Series
The lid's hinge is cleverly incorporated into the laptop casing. Mind your fingers!
In Pictures: Sony Vaio Z Series
In addition to its inbuilt battery, the Sony Vaio Z can be connected to a proprietary Sheet Battery, sold seperately. This extends the Vaio Z's battery life from 6.5 hours to thirteen. The Sheet Battery sits flush against the Vaio's back with a pair of rolling mechanisms to keep it secure. Handily, the sheet battery can be charged separately from the laptop with its own AC adaptor.
In Pictures: Sony Vaio Z Series
The Sheet Battery appears in the Power Options as a seperate battery. When it runs out of juice, you still have the Vaio Z's inbuilt battery at your disposal.
In Pictures: Sony Vaio Z Series
Sony Vaio Z with sheet battery attached. As you'd expect, this adds to the laptop's bulk considerably.
In Pictures: Sony Vaio Z Series
The Sony Vaio Z feels incredibly light in the hand, although the 'wow' factor has been somewhat diminished in recent months. (See the Samsung Notebook Series 9 and Apple MacBook Air for further examples.)
In Pictures: Sony Vaio Z Series
As you'd expect from a top-of-the-range notebook, the Vaio Z's 13.1in Full HD display looks stunning. We tried it out beneath a sunny window; the anti-reflective glossy coating works well.
In Pictures: Sony Vaio Z Series
The trackpad is highly responsive and also looks attractive. We like the way it mirrors the laptop's aesthetic.
In Pictures: Sony Vaio Z Series
We're not sure about you, but the gold finish seems a teensy bit gaudy. Maybe the black version is the way to go?
In Pictures: Sony Vaio Z Series
The Sony Vaio Z Series will be available in Australia from late July. Pricing starts at $3999.
In Pictures: Sony Vaio Z Series
Sony today announced the launch of the new VAIO Z Series; an ultra-deluxe 13.1in laptop aimed at media professionals and wealthy fashionistas. With its carbon fibre gold stylings and cutting edge components (including a Core i7-2620M CPU, 8GB of DDR3 RAM and a Blu-ray optical drive), it's the kind of product meant to inspire envy in passers-by.