Sony VAIO SZ Series VGN-SZ61WN/C

...at.
* Vista + Sony = BAD.
* No media buttons?
*No DVI-D interface. Still uses dated VGA.
* The built in memory card reader only supports Sony Memory Stick Duo and Pro Duo now (although there's a plus too)
* Sony only put a 64MB 8400M GS in it; so below par graphics.

== A break-down ==

Just going to go over everything I've thought of in the three months I've had this laptop using the ...
...Windows Vista Home Premium. No Sony crap other than the utilities (without them the buttons won't work) and I've now got much more free memory. Sony also support Windows XP Professional and I considered changing to that; but they mention that some of the laptop's features won't work fully - including hard drive protection. That would put anyone who wants to use the laptop out without the HDD protection, which you might as well have!
The Hybrid ... more

Well, where to start! This series has been a very eagerly awaited release and not without reason!

I previously owned a S660; which was essentially THIS laptop in the old series - top of the range; but I felt it was time for a change to something newer as it was starting to get a little too slow for what I use it for.Anyway; to start, a brief summary: (I'll go over each point later)

Pros

• Good battery life
• VERY clear screen.
• Nice, easy to use keyboard
• Built in webcam & microphone
• Quiet optical drive
• Build in bluetooth, and multi-spec networking
• Fingerprint scanner/reader
• Thin, light and very well built. Surprisingly durable!
• Small power supply
• Very good sound out of speakers for laptop size. Can go LOUD.
• Comes with additional card reader
• You can remove that annoying little rubber antennae on the right hand side if you never use it. Simply pull, and remove!

Cons

• Screen resolution isn't great; although is the maximum for this size screen.
• Vista is a very Black operating system when running Aero, and this laptop is also very black - makes it quite dull to look at.
• Vista + Sony = BAD.
• No media buttons?
• No DVI-D interface. Still uses dated VGA.
• The built in memory card reader only supports Sony Memory Stick Duo and Pro Duo now (although there's a plus too)
• Sony only put a 64MB 8400M GS in it; so below par graphics.

A break-down

Just going to go over everything I've thought of in the three months I've had this laptop using the ciao criteria:

Speed

This Vaio is fast. It's got a desktop equivalent processor at 2.2GHz so any tasks are done quickly and efficiently - you usually won't notice the fan speed up much unless you're doing some prolonged activity.
At this point I'll say that I reinstalled Windows on mine, to leave me with a clean install of Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium. No Sony crap other than the utilities (without them the buttons won't work) and I've now got much more free memory. Sony also support Windows XP Professional and I considered changing to that; but they mention that some of the laptop's features won't work fully - including hard drive protection. That would put anyone who wants to use the laptop out without the HDD protection, which you might as well have!
The Hybrid Hard drive is certainly interesting - this is the first machine I've had with one and it's actually ok. It's definitely faster than a standard 5400Rpm - but not as fast as a nice 7200Rpm. In my view it's there mainly to save power and I could agree with that - it hasn't started spinning up again the whole time I've been writing this review.
So speed on desktop applications AND even 3d rendering and graphics applications is good.
Speed: 5 stars!

Look and Feel

Sony are well known for making very pretty laptops; this one is no exception. I wasn't so keen on the promotional pictures but love it now. It's still a little "sharp" for me (it's got very straight edges etc) after coming from the "round" s-series but it is growing on me.
The build quality is also excellent, with no flex on any part, no noticeable rattles, well placed buttons and lights and a great keyboard.
The keyboard is built for people with adult fingers, and is a pleasure to type on. It's got just the right amount of give and my only complaint is that it's a little noisy.
Unfortunately there are no volume controls of media buttons on the laptop other than Sony's 2 preset buttons; although these can be configured to do different things. I would have liked some media controls (like play, skip, volume) but it's not the end of the world! The buttons are of better quality that the S series and have a good feel when pressed. They are also in a good place, as you would be unlikely to accidentally hit them!
There's also a STAMINA - SPEED selector for selecting between Intel Graphics and Nvidia Graphics and a OFF - ON selector for the wireless.
I'll note here that on my model I have WWAN and I don't use it. It's a little too expensive so I took the antennae off (it simply pulls out) and put a plug in. The wireless selector allows you to have either the WWAN and Bluetooth OR the WLAN and Bluetooth.

Memory & Graphics

Ok this is the low point of the review.
I'm annoyed that there is no DVI support - still only VGA! Why? Lots of laptops now have DVI and it makes so much more sense! It produces clearer pictures and outputs in digital. Nevermind though, not the end of the world.
Intel graphics are...Intel. Not fantastic but great when you want the laptop to last forever!
Nvidia graphics are disappointing, probably due to Sony only choosing the 64MB 8400M GS. This means that other comparable laptops like Dell's XPS M1330 are actually faster laptops - if not built to the same standard or with the same attention to detail. Still peeved about this one, as my dad bought one meaning his 13.3" laptop is faster than mine! He would still trade laptops with me any day though, this Sony is just so much more impressive and is simply built better.
So a low point, but seeing as the only real competition with this screen size is the Dell; the Sony would win (if money is no object). The Dell still creaks when you lift it up and feels much more plastic-y.
Also I would choose to have 4GB of RAM if I had the choice as if you play games or run intensive graphics applications the graphics card sucks up a LOT of the remaining RAM. Will be an upgrade that I myself strongly consider purchasing (although not direct from Sony!).

Comfort & Portability

13.3", ~4lbs and less than an inch thin at the front (it gets slightly fatter at the back - but this works well as it puts a slight tint on the keyboard).
Screen is very very clear, best I've seen and is also the brightest I've seen. Thumbs up!
Will fit inside any backpack or suitcase EASILY. I personally use a neoprene case inside my bag when I go out; just want that little bit more protection.

=== Robustness & Durability ===
Tough. Feels really nice when you're holding it. No creaking.
That said; I'm not going to try dropping it just for the sake of this review!

Ease of use

Very easy to use. UNLESS you want to reinstall Windows - and you will have to download all the Sony utilities and install them in a very specific order to get things working!

Range of Extra Features

Fingerprint reader - you see them popping up on all the business machines now and I've gotta say they are pretty gimmicky! That said, I love it. No more entering passwords; you can have a logon password as complicated as you like and use your fingertip to get in. It lets you scan all fingers from both hands and gets it right every time. You can also do things like get different fingers to open different applications or set it so the other users can only use their finger to logon and not their password. (There's also a fair few other uses)
There was a supplied card reader too which compliments the useless Sony one on the other side. It goes in the cardbus socket and reads Sony MS, SD, XD and MMC. It doesn't protrude either and any card you put in goes in it's full length so you can leave cards in there as additional document storage or backup.
Not much else comes in the box; but these 2 are pretty cool.

Instruction manual

Standard, didn't bother reading as it's very simple to start the laptop. Get it out, charge it, switch it on and follow the prompts!

Manufacturer Support

From experience Sony are the worst; that said I've only once had a fault on a Sony laptop - I'll put this down to being built well. Just one piece of advice - NEVER do their bios updates; they are notoriously unreliable!

Value For Money

I would say it's a little overpriced, but you do get what you pay for. This is a quality laptop and I don't regret paying what I did for it.
If you want the king of ultra-portables, this SZ is for you! Sony's best screen yet, better graphics than most 15.4" laptops in the shops, a fast processor and beautiful build!

-dc 

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