Sony's 13.3-inch VAIO VGN-SZ791N gets reviewed

Just glancing at the specifications sheet, you can tell Sony's 13.3-inch VAIO VGN-SZ791N packs quite the punch for its size. After all, who wouldn't be pleased with a 2.5GHz T9300 CPU, discrete GeForce 8400M graphics, 4GB of RAM and a built-in optical drive? Still, what looks good on paper doesn't always translate into perfection on your lap, but according to a glowing review posted over at PC Mag, this is one of those cases in which it does. When benchmarked, this critter bested the highly-praised Asus U6S, Acer Ferrari 1100, Fujitsu P8010 and MacBook Air in the vast majority of tests -- heck, it even cranked out a whopping 2 frames-per-second running Crysis at high quality (seriously, that's an accomplishment). All in all, this beauty managed to impress in basically every category, and with 4.5 out of 5 stars and an Editor's Choice badge, it seems that you'd be hard pressed to find a better ultraportable for $2,500.

[Thanks, Kane]

[Fernando @ Mar 13th 2008 11:31AM]

Hackintosh Time!

[Saumil @ Mar 13th 2008 11:32AM]

but how thin is it?

[digitalhen @ Mar 13th 2008 11:37AM]

I have an early SZ, and I love it.

[Samo @ Mar 13th 2008 11:44AM]

I can best you one on that, I still have a S1XP! Plus it works(ish), well it runs Win Xp, slideshow style (i.e. slow). I love it to bits :)

The entire series (inc SZ) is usually the best performance vs portability ratio... Shame about the prices here in the UK (if you change the $ for a £, it's close to the price here, so that's double!)

Having said that, I see this baby runs Crysis in slideshow mode too, guess you'll need a desktop replacement lappie to run that beast reasonably, huh?

[hen @ Mar 13th 2008 11:51AM]

Mine is in fact an SZ1XP (to replace the S1XP i had before). It cost me about 1400 GBP when I lived in England. Ouch.

[sr @ Mar 13th 2008 11:48AM]

The best price/portability ratio is the Thinkpad X60s. Weighs 2.7lbs and costs around $1500.

[LloydChiro @ Mar 13th 2008 11:50AM]

Somebody help me out here. Seriously. I love well placed sarcasm, but I can't figure out what is serious in this post, and what is tongue-in-cheek.

I'm reading reasonable specs, then I get, "a built-in optical drive and two whole USB ports?"

Then I see them talking about running Crysis at 2fps? Are you making fun, or is this an achievement for a laptop?

[Jorvay @ Mar 13th 2008 11:57AM]

I'd say that 2 USB ports and optical drive thing is a shot at Apple's Macbook Air and not much else since neither feature is overly stunning.
2fps for Crysis on a highly portable laptop with a geforce 8400 gpu is damn impressive considering the demanding nature of Crysis on high settings.

[asphixiated @ Mar 13th 2008 3:42PM]

Just to put things into perspective, I have a 13.3" Dell XPS M1330, with a T7500 (2.2 ghz) Processor, 2GB ram and a GeForce M8400 GS, and i can only play crysis if i set the res to 800x600 and everthing on low

[RC @ Mar 13th 2008 12:16PM]

Being a big fan of Sony's aesthetics, I'm kind of disappointed in this one. It seems to lack a lot of what I like so much in Sony's other laptops.

[Michael Leuchtenburg @ Mar 13th 2008 12:17PM]

Hello!? Comparing this laptop to systems like the Lifebook P8010 and the Macbook Air is absurd. It's way bigger and heavier. The Asus U6S comparison is apt, but the other competition isn't mentioned - the Dell XPS M1330. The specs are roughly the same.

[farfisa @ Mar 13th 2008 12:28PM]

They do compare it to the Dell in the article. But nowhere in the article do they mention size and weight. Weird in a comparison of "ultra"-portables.

[eggothewaffle @ Mar 13th 2008 12:35PM]

Nothing indicates the sad state of affairs in contemporary nerd fitness more than when a 1 pound difference makes something "way heavier."

[bot @ Mar 13th 2008 12:37PM]

Depends on who you ask. I think the most used definition of ultra portable is anything below 4 pounds (and some manufacturers will still mention 4.5lb systems as ultra portable), so by those standards the comparison is valid. My own definition of ultra portable is anything under 3lbs, so I would only consider the Lifebook P8010 to be out of its class in this comparison.

[nebulus @ Mar 13th 2008 1:03PM]

I have an SZ, and a friend a Dell M1330, they are very very similar in spec and performance but the Dell is definitely heavier, but still a fine computer.

Comparing the SZ to an MacBook Air in size is interesting its actually smaller in two dimensions (due to the MBA having such a big bezel round the screen), just thicker than then MBA by probably 1/2inch. (and please the 0.16inch size for the front of the MBA is complete BS!!)

Weight wise my SZ is 1.69kg and the MBA 1.36kg (SSD option), just over 1/2 a pound difference.

Down to portability its so close, size well my SZ won't fit in a US envelope, but I got it in a UK one!

But performance the SZ is streets ahead of the MBA in all ways CPU, GPU, memory, HD (not to mention connectivity and having a optical drive).


Comes down to OS preference (I'm an ubuntu user...) or a design v performance issue.

[s @ Mar 13th 2008 12:44PM]

I have one of these and this is the best laptop i have ever had, if they would make it in a convertable tablet sony would sell thousands of these, fast, long battery life, a thin bright screen, it runs vista like a charm, light weight. I customised mine to only have 3gb ram because that is all vista 32 bit can handle and i did not get the sprint card. My only gripe is that I received this a few days ago and it does not come with vista sp1 installed, which is unusual since computer builders have had it for weeks.

[YoMomma @ Mar 13th 2008 12:45PM]

but can it play doom?
or will it blend?

[Seoultrain @ Mar 13th 2008 1:47PM]

Maybe you didn't get the memo, but you can't ask these questions on engadget anymore, unless it's a clever and funny variation.

[phanbouy @ Mar 13th 2008 2:27PM]

i'm looking you up in the DSM-IV right now. yep, just what i thought. obsessive compulsive disorder.

[guerilla779 @ Mar 21st 2008 3:10AM]

i dunno bout the vaio but im pretty sure u dont !

[Kobe_No_Means_No @ Mar 13th 2008 12:56PM]

What laptop CAN'T you get for $2,500?? Give me five Dell Vostros please.

[linusk01 @ Mar 13th 2008 1:00PM]

i had a vaio fs back in 2005, until it drove me insane...how would you sz owners say the keyboard handles? since that is personally the most important component to me.

[TheChaz @ Mar 13th 2008 1:55PM]

The keyboard is hands down the best I've ever used on a laptop. It's the stand out feature on a stand out laptop, as far as I'm concerned. Better than the switchable graphics (integrated Intel and discrete Nvidia), better than the carbon-fiber and magnesium chassis, better than the LED backlight. It's more comfortable than plenty of full size desktop keyboards I've used.

[Kev50273 @ Mar 13th 2008 5:37PM]

The keyboard on the SZ series is great, I love my SZ270p to death, even though it's getting old now (1.5 years) it can still run everything I throw at it, and can even play many popular video games quite well because of the dedicated graphics card. They have a switch in this series that lets you chose whether to use the integrated gfx or the dedicated card, which is a great idea. Integrated gets amazing battery life, dedicated for playing games.

[j @ Mar 13th 2008 1:09PM]

LG p300 stomps it out.

8600m @ 3.5lbs ftw (although only the GS)

[Scotty @ Mar 13th 2008 2:22PM]

I've got an sz2 and would have nothing else

checkout this link to see how during development they had the discussion whether or not to go for a 2mm or 3mm keystroke - i love it!

http://vaio.sony.co.uk/view/ShowArticle.action?section=WhyVaio_Craftsmanship_VOE&articlesection=1&article=1168443958975&site=voe_en_GB_prof

[crho85 @ Mar 13th 2008 2:03PM]

I think they need a standard measurment for ultra portables... shall we say anything under hmmmm 2.1 courics?

[someonetherelalala @ Mar 13th 2008 2:07PM]

I understand that ultra portable is the word of the month, but since when has anything bigger that 7" been ultra portable? Ah, yeah after Macbook air cos uncle Steve said so? I mean what the hell? Anything that big (13") is far from ultra portable nevermind how fockin' thin it's..

[FatDude @ Mar 13th 2008 3:36PM]

As long as your all talking about portable... I remember when THIS was "portable"

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Compaq_portable.jpg

[Craig @ Mar 13th 2008 4:04PM]

It weighs 4 lbs and still doesn't even get 4 hours of battery life? Weak. Seriously...who buys a laptop like this to game on? Nobody. 3D marks are really silly for this product category.

[Lesz8986 @ Mar 13th 2008 4:51PM]

Will it fit in a manila envelope?

[Botchok @ Mar 13th 2008 5:08PM]

I have a fairly new Dell 1330 and my wife has the Sony SZ-340 bought a year and a half ago.

Yes, the Dell does weigh more but it comes with a much smaller and portable power brick. The Sony is older but somehow it feels much snappier in use even with a slower, previous generation cpu and one-gig of ram less than my 1330.

I do like the look of the 1330 better but the Sony is not ugly (I guess looks are up for debate). In a way they are like our children---they are both different but we love them just the same.

[Cunthor @ Mar 13th 2008 6:05PM]

Pound for pound, this is the fastest laptop in smallest form. Period. I know, I got the model before, use it for Photoshop and playing HL2 and Farcry :)

[Perry @ Mar 13th 2008 8:33PM]

The LG P300 has this beat easy. $1800 CDN with a Penryn and a 8600m GS.

[Yemen @ Mar 13th 2008 8:43PM]

I love my Sony VAIO SZ6 so much its almost disturbing, its perfect all round. This laptop isn't just another laptop its a "work of art".

And I'm glad to see that its still king of the 13inch range. Well done Sony.

[nikster @ Mar 13th 2008 8:50PM]

Way to go PC Magazine for one of the worst reviews I have ever read. The laptop is compared to the MacBook Air and the Lenovo X61 without mentioning weight or size anywhere in the article! Weight and size are the whole point of ultra portables, so this is just silly.

Journalism 101: Fail.

Not to reflect badly on this Sony laptop - it's a fine machine. Top specs, small form factor and awesome battery life (!!) are enough to make me want it. But comparing it to real ultra portables is just plain dumb.

[umijin @ Mar 13th 2008 9:38PM]

As a MacBook Air owner, I would have jumped at a laptop with the SZ791N's stats.

However, at 3.9 lbs, it's 25% heavier, something the morons at PC magazine neglect to discuss. After carrying the MBA around for the last 3 weeks, the weight really matters to me during my 3 hour hour commute on the train. Plus, it's nearly $2700 - much more expensive.

Too bad it wasn't out first though, as it might have been a good hackintosh candidate.

[James @ Mar 14th 2008 12:35AM]

The best part of this laptop is that it comes with xp downgrade discs!!!!!!!

[Toronto Guy @ Mar 14th 2008 2:06AM]

If im purching it online customizable, theres no option to downgrade to XP?? Can I just call or something which I doubt cuz its an online thing?? Can this laptop handle Vista Ultimate by the way?? Cheers!

[James @ Mar 14th 2008 9:24AM]

If you can, purchase it in the sony style store, i work there. Theyll price match any larger store online, and give you an accidental warranty free for 3 years if you purchase any 2 small accessories. its always Cheaper in the stores.
The computer handles ultimate fine. The option to downgrade to xp isnt there online, but inside the box for at least the 770 model and the 791 there are discs for the downgrade. I am not sure if the customized ones come with the discs too, I would call for that. They should come with the discs though, it was added in there for people using the models for business work.
I also recommend actually getting the 4 gb of ram, although 32 vista wont recognize all four, the fourth puts it in dual channel mode and it runs alot better. If you dont want to spend the money for the ram on the website, (who does) just get it on newegg and put it in yourself and you will save like 500 bucks or something. If you have anymore questions hit me up

[Kane @ Mar 14th 2008 4:52AM]

Woohoo, my tip got featured!

I've had my SZ for a year and a half and i have never loved a piece of electrical equipment as much. Fast, relatively light, and well made. I'm seriously considering an upgrade to this latest model.

However Sony needs to sort out all the crapware that it loads onto the systems as the laptop is no where near as fast as it could be with all the rubbish they load onto it at the factory.


and yes, in hindsight, that review was pretty poo.

[cwckw4 @ Mar 15th 2008 4:48PM]

ive owned both the sony sz660 and the dell m1330 and by far enjoy the sz more. lighter, better battery life and just love how you can turn off the graphics and go to integrated to get alot more battery life!

and the keyboard on the sz is phenomenal

[karl @ Mar 30th 2008 6:32PM]

I own the new Sony VGN-sz791n laptop, as well as a new MacBook Air and a new ThinkPad x61s, and in my opinion the Sony is definitely my favorite of the three.

I think the VAIO's screen is every bit as good as the MacBook Air's in terms of brightness and readability. The ThinkPad screen is dim and too high-res in comparison (yes, I know it's a touch screen, but it looks antique compared to the new screens in the Sony and the Apple).

The VAIO keyboard is okay - it has an old-school spring-loaded feel to it - yet I admittedly prefer the keyboard on the ThinkPad. Build quality on the Sony is really great, but the MacBook Air fit and finish is insanely great, so it's tough to compare.

When it comes to performance however the MacBook Air is insanely disappointing. The MBA is really, really slow for its price. I don't see the benefit in the form factor at all either; once I get the Apple external drive, adapters for plane, display, Ethernet, etc. in my Tumi I genuinely feel no discernible weight difference than when I carry the Sony. I think Apple has another G4 Cube on its hands where "function follows form" in the MBA.

The Sony isn't perfect. For example I can't figure out why Sony put in 4GB of RAM if I can only use 3GB in Windows. Likewise there's the inexplicable "Stamina - Speed" switch that forces a reboot, the fingerprint scanner software is slow compared to the ThinkPad's, and I think the trackpad is not for those with bigger hands. Finally although Vista Business plays nicely with Office 2007 it will maddeningly crash at random with lots of third-party apps (read: Adobe).

I like the Sony a lot, it's my first one, and if you can afford it I recommend it.

[Guido @ May 13th 2008 8:07PM]

I have a VGN-SZ791N and i hate this shit. Is not that i hate this because it has a bad performance.I hate this because nothing is as it should be. It should reconize 4 gb RAM although it just reconize 3 gb RAM. I know some people will say thats because of win vista 32 bits that cant reconize 4 gbs RAM . Other would say this laptop come with two video cards , one of them use the the 800 Mb Ram thats because it only reconizes among 3 gbs.
Other thing is it comes with 2 graphic card when it need graphic processing power it should use nvidia geforce ,the thing it itsnt working . The system dont even reconize nvidia geforce i cant not even configure it .
Nobody on vaio support does understand i shit and cant help to fix this problems

[darren @ May 17th 2008 6:49AM]

A question to James at the sont store or to anyone else who might know can you change the sim card in this laptop with another brand/company. Thanks