Sony bumps out Vaio Z, F, W and Y series laptops
By Laura June 
posted January 6th 2010 11:23PM
posted January 6th 2010 11:23PM
NEW Sony NOTEBOOKS DELIVER THE ULTiMATE IN MOBILITY, PERFORMANCE and ENTERTaINMENT
LAS VEGAS (CES Booth #14200), Jan. 6, 2009 – Once again providing consumers with networked products that enhance the mobile entertainment experience, Sony today took the wraps off two innovative PC lines- the ultra-portable VAIO® Z Series and the VAIO F Series multi-media notebook.
"Sony engineers have raised the bar once again" said Mike Abary, senior vice president of the VAIO business group at Sony. "By melding cutting-edge technologies such as a Blu-ray Disc optical drive, HDMI output and a hybrid graphics system into highly-mobile PCs, consumers can now enjoy HD content on their terms- in the living room, on–the-go, where ever."
Ultra-Mobility Meets Ultra-Performance
At just over three pounds, the Z notebook is housed in a durable carbon-fiber aluminum chassis and delivers all the features found in a full-sized PC including the latest powerful Intel® processor technology.
It incorporates a 13.1-inch (diagonal) high-resolution LED backlight screen, delivering a bright picture with 100 percent color saturation (select models) while conserving power and providing a wide spectrum of true-to-life colors.
The Z model has an optional Blu-ray Disc (BD) optical drive for enjoying, creating and storing high-definition content. Watch BD movies in stunning clarity while on the road or utilize the HDMI output during meetings and make presentations come to life in full 1080 HD resolution. Compatible HDTV and HDMI cable required, sold separately.
-more-
A dynamic hybrid graphics system lets you easily set your graphics performance to provide power when you need it and energy savings to extend battery life when you do not. Select "speed" for maximum power when multi-tasking, "stamina" to conserve energy or "auto" to have the unit select the appropriate computing usage for you.
The PC integrates wireless 3G Mobile Broadband technology provided by Verizon Wireless Mobile Broadband Built-In (optional), Wi-Fi® (802.11n), and Bluetooth® wireless technologies-so you will always be connected. For 3G Mobile Broadband technology, a separate Verizon service subscription is required (fees apply).
The Z Series comes exclusively in solid state drive (SSD) models-up to 512GB. Faster and more durable, the SSD unit provides a rapid boot-up and quicker access to applications than is typical of standard hard drives.
Multi-media Powerhouse
Featuring a 16.4-inch (diagonal) screen, the VAIO F Series is the ultimate multi-media, entertainment notebook. It incorporates an optional Blu-ray Disc™ optical drive so it can play high-definition content like movies in Full 1080 HD resolution as well as record, store and playback personal content on high-capacity BD media (select models).
Its display is ideal for watching Blu-ray Disc movies. Since many HD films are shot with a 16:9 aspect ratio, the unit's extra-wide LCD is constructed with the same dimensions. This minimizes the black bars that typically appear, letting you view movies in their intended format.
For those who prefer to watch content on a big screen television, it also has an HDMI™ output connector so you can connect to a high-definition TV set for a larger viewing experience.
An NVIDIA® GeForce® dedicated graphics card provides high-definition graphics processing for intense gaming action without placing huge demands on the unit's CPU.
Launch directly into Sony's own Media Gallery software by pushing the designated VAIO button on the keyboard and create high-quality home movies. Import your photos and video, choose a theme and soundtrack, click finish and the software does the rest, generating a professional-looking movie complete with special effects.
The PC incorporates Sony's own Transfer Jet™ technology (select models) enabling you to wirelessly transfer digital photos from select digital cameras-quickly and easily. Simply place your camera on the palm rest and your digital images transfer automatically. A Transfer Jet enabled digital camera and Memory Stick® are required.
It packs an Intel® CoreTM i7 Processor with 4 cores and supports Hyper-Threading and Turbo Boost technologies delivering the performance needed for multitasking.
Both notebooks come equipped with an assist button that links directly to VAIO Care™ software to help maintain and troubleshoot any issues. They also incorporate backlit keyboards for typing in dark situations.
The Z Series comes with Windows® 7 Professional operating system. The F Series is loaded with Windows Home Premium 64-Bit operating system.
The VAIO Z Series will retail for about $1,900 and be available in late spring. For more information on the Z Series log on to www.sony.com/pr/zseries.
The F Series will start at around $1,000 and is available online today for pre-orders at www.sony.com/pr/fseries. They will also be sold at Sony Style® stores and at other major retailers around the country.
LAS VEGAS (CES Booth #14200), Jan. 6, 2009 – Once again providing consumers with networked products that enhance the mobile entertainment experience, Sony today took the wraps off two innovative PC lines- the ultra-portable VAIO® Z Series and the VAIO F Series multi-media notebook.
"Sony engineers have raised the bar once again" said Mike Abary, senior vice president of the VAIO business group at Sony. "By melding cutting-edge technologies such as a Blu-ray Disc optical drive, HDMI output and a hybrid graphics system into highly-mobile PCs, consumers can now enjoy HD content on their terms- in the living room, on–the-go, where ever."
Ultra-Mobility Meets Ultra-Performance
At just over three pounds, the Z notebook is housed in a durable carbon-fiber aluminum chassis and delivers all the features found in a full-sized PC including the latest powerful Intel® processor technology.
It incorporates a 13.1-inch (diagonal) high-resolution LED backlight screen, delivering a bright picture with 100 percent color saturation (select models) while conserving power and providing a wide spectrum of true-to-life colors.
The Z model has an optional Blu-ray Disc (BD) optical drive for enjoying, creating and storing high-definition content. Watch BD movies in stunning clarity while on the road or utilize the HDMI output during meetings and make presentations come to life in full 1080 HD resolution. Compatible HDTV and HDMI cable required, sold separately.
-more-
A dynamic hybrid graphics system lets you easily set your graphics performance to provide power when you need it and energy savings to extend battery life when you do not. Select "speed" for maximum power when multi-tasking, "stamina" to conserve energy or "auto" to have the unit select the appropriate computing usage for you.
The PC integrates wireless 3G Mobile Broadband technology provided by Verizon Wireless Mobile Broadband Built-In (optional), Wi-Fi® (802.11n), and Bluetooth® wireless technologies-so you will always be connected. For 3G Mobile Broadband technology, a separate Verizon service subscription is required (fees apply).
The Z Series comes exclusively in solid state drive (SSD) models-up to 512GB. Faster and more durable, the SSD unit provides a rapid boot-up and quicker access to applications than is typical of standard hard drives.
Multi-media Powerhouse
Featuring a 16.4-inch (diagonal) screen, the VAIO F Series is the ultimate multi-media, entertainment notebook. It incorporates an optional Blu-ray Disc™ optical drive so it can play high-definition content like movies in Full 1080 HD resolution as well as record, store and playback personal content on high-capacity BD media (select models).
Its display is ideal for watching Blu-ray Disc movies. Since many HD films are shot with a 16:9 aspect ratio, the unit's extra-wide LCD is constructed with the same dimensions. This minimizes the black bars that typically appear, letting you view movies in their intended format.
For those who prefer to watch content on a big screen television, it also has an HDMI™ output connector so you can connect to a high-definition TV set for a larger viewing experience.
An NVIDIA® GeForce® dedicated graphics card provides high-definition graphics processing for intense gaming action without placing huge demands on the unit's CPU.
Launch directly into Sony's own Media Gallery software by pushing the designated VAIO button on the keyboard and create high-quality home movies. Import your photos and video, choose a theme and soundtrack, click finish and the software does the rest, generating a professional-looking movie complete with special effects.
The PC incorporates Sony's own Transfer Jet™ technology (select models) enabling you to wirelessly transfer digital photos from select digital cameras-quickly and easily. Simply place your camera on the palm rest and your digital images transfer automatically. A Transfer Jet enabled digital camera and Memory Stick® are required.
It packs an Intel® CoreTM i7 Processor with 4 cores and supports Hyper-Threading and Turbo Boost technologies delivering the performance needed for multitasking.
Both notebooks come equipped with an assist button that links directly to VAIO Care™ software to help maintain and troubleshoot any issues. They also incorporate backlit keyboards for typing in dark situations.
The Z Series comes with Windows® 7 Professional operating system. The F Series is loaded with Windows Home Premium 64-Bit operating system.
The VAIO Z Series will retail for about $1,900 and be available in late spring. For more information on the Z Series log on to www.sony.com/pr/zseries.
The F Series will start at around $1,000 and is available online today for pre-orders at www.sony.com/pr/fseries. They will also be sold at Sony Style® stores and at other major retailers around the country.
if you hit on every girl in the bar, one of them is going to go home with you....or will she?
@epic
What?
@epic
he means that eventually you will make a good laptop if you put out a whole bunch.
I just looked at the page for the F series . . . it says up to 1 hour dvd playback. thats funny.
I expected higher prices.
@Steven : Yeah, it's almost like the Sony Corp. executives are beginning to understand that the majority of consumers aren't as rich as they are.
The Z series is certainly the most impressive of the new Sony laptops.
@NavyBrush It'll cost you an arm and a leg once it's configured, but it's an impressive move for an ultraportable. Your move, Lenovo.
@NavyBrush
Also made out of carbon fiber, but engadget didn't mention that. Vaio Z's are the most powerful packages in smallest and lightest chassis bar none (and made in Japan last time I checked.)
"high res backlit screen"
I didnt know backlighting is now a feature worth mentioning. Did you mean LED backlit? :)
@marcomera No, they mean high res. The last Z was available with a 1600x900 13" screen. That is the highest res at that size by far.
Oh hell yeah!!!
Only F and Y are available on sony.com.
I also expect more than just a mouse and case for $480. Maybe some decent headphones, accessories?
@Jeff
Retract my first statement, second still stands.
@Jeff
The F series is ready to ship.
https://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&categoryId=8198552921644691998&N=4294953518
So how much does the ten incher weigh ? Starting to get interesting as a travel machine.
@vistet
On the site it shows 2.96 lbs.
The "assist" button is silly imo.
@Peytral the picture you use is hot in my opinion
@bakkermaarten007
http://encyclopediadramatica.com/Zoe_Kimball
So they managed to fit a core i7 and discrete graphics in the Z; a package that weighs less than my netbook. Worth every penny.
@infinitespecter
And more. There is simply nothing comparable to this.
@infinitespecter
NO
and can I point out, Intel should go die.
Core i7 is just the new name for CULV, essentially. These are slow dual core processors that are energy efficient but ridiculously expensive.
Intels pricing and marketing is basically just designed to confuse people into buying expensive shit that is either not as good as what they were expecting or faster than what they actually needed.
@DrDr the i7-720QM has 4 cores; i3 and i5 are dual core but are way more powerful than any CULV processor out, which incidentally makes them not as energy efficient as a CULV.
lol, I was rather underwhelmed when I read the "leaked" spec bumps. I'm glad it was wrong, and I'm officially interested in Sony laptops again. I can't seem to find the video card specs of the updated laptops though... Anyone know?
@nemein They are now listed at sonystyle.com. I believe the Y has a 4500 MHD, the rest Geforce GT 330.
Here is a direct link to the W series (10 inch):
https://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&productId=8198552921666047655#additionalImage1"
what happened to the S series??
@verbigeration My thoughts exactly
so no more T series ? they found it to competing with X series ?
SSD only on Z series sounds crazy ... that's quite a big jump for the entry price ....
Nothing really revolutionary, it's all just evolutionary. Normally that would be fine, but in comparison to the amount of originality HP and Lenovo have been busting out, this is disappointing.
why does the W have that stupid big battery
The Y series doesn't look at that impressive.. what's the advantage of getting a Y series laptop over something like ASUS UL30Vt-X1 with 210m for $800??
@(Unverified) As always, for the "Vaio" logo on it :p
i keep falling in love with the z more and more
so wheres the keyboard backlight?
I came across this japanese site.. it says that the new vaio z series will have core i5 cpu with 330m gt.. is this right? it's hard to believe you can pack that much stuff into a 13inch laptop.
http://pc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/event/20100107_340889.html
http://pc.watch.impress.co.jp/img/pcw/docs/340/889/html/04.jpg.html
Can you post a link for the pre-order site? I only see the old models on their site.
Is it just me who thinks they all look a lot uglier!? I think Sony nailed the design of the FW while the new F is so much uglier... Same as the Z...
you missed the S series that sony is throwing out, http://www.sony.co.uk/product/vnp-s-series
@samsungvaio You're a genius! I was becoming desperate already =) . Funny the US site doesn't mention the S-series =s
How the hell is Engadget so stupid not to mention the S-series!? These are wonderful laptops! (only got to see the price though) I'm a student who uses his laptop at school, and I need a fast and reliable laptop, but I'm also a movielover so I need a gorgeous screen. But FW is a bit to big. So is 13,3 inch (with 1366x768 resolution, LED display and 16:9 ratio) a big difference to the 15,4 inch screen of my current FZ?
Help me please, cuz I'm afraid to take the jump
What happened to the 18 Incher!? It's Gone!!!
AW series.