BIOS: Technology Means Business

In its quest to put more power into a small package, Sony is attempting to raise the bar once again with its VAIO SZ series laptops. Using the latest mobile technology from Intel, the diminutive SZ (315x235x33mm, 1.7kg) delivers relatively feature-rich computing at speed with remarkably low power consumption, helping savvy travellers work faster and play longer.

The VAIO VGN-S72VP (from £1531) reviewed here sits at the top of the line and offers pretty much everything the mobile professional needs. Carbon fibre construction means strength without a weight penalty, while distinctive styling and finish make sure it gets noticed. The new-generation X-Black enhanced screen is lighter and thinner than ever before, while still delivering a vivid widescreen picture, and the innovative ‘Stamina Mode’ gives you moderate 3D power when needed, and lengthy battery life the rest of the time.

A dual-core processor generates serious performance, while fingerprint recognition and TPM provide robust security to your data. The TPM (Trusted Platform Module) chip authenticates and stores your passwords, and is typically safer than storing passwords in the operating system. At the top of the range, the chassis is worked from carbon fibre for unparalleled strength and lightness. This is a vital factor in reducing the carrying weight of these models to just 1.69kg. The finish is fine-textured, eye-catching and obviously out of the ordinary. A meticulously brushed aluminium palm rest provides the final touch.

The screen is equally carefully crafted. The ultra-thin LED backlight and light guide give the system one of the slimmest and lightest 13.3-inch WideXGA (1280x800 pixels) laptop displays in existence. Sony’s X-Black LCD enhancement ensures that it’s one of the best looking too, with true black, vivid colour and exceptional brightness and contrast. The innovative ‘Stamina Mode’ switch located underneath the keyboard lets you select between the default Intel integrated GMA 950 graphics for everyday use, and an nVidia GeForce Go 7400 for 3D or HD video performance. This means you can save battery power by not using the nVidia GPU except when needed, boosting battery life up to around 5 hours.

Relative future-proof power comes from the Intel’s Core Duo processors used throughout the range. Dual-core technology effectively gives you two processors in one - with the performance benefits you’d expect. Our review model shipped with an Intel Core Duo T2600 (2.16GHz, 667 MHz FSB) processor, as well as a 120GB SATA hard disk drive (5400rpm), 1024MB DDR2 SDRAM (2GB maximum), 56Kbit/s modem, 802.11a/b/g Wi-Fi (dedicated power switch), and Bluetooth.

To keep you safe on the road and at home, the VAIO VGN-S72VP has a biometric fingerprint sensor to protect your valuable data from hacks and snoops. There’s even ‘G-Sensor Shock Protection’ which can lock the hard disk drive when it senses a change in g-force or risky movement, like being dropped. The VGN-S72VP also includes a built-in microphone and 0.3-Megapixel Web camera (Motion Eye) to make long-distance communication with colleagues, family and friends convenient and fun.

The SZ Premium series (currently only available in US) packs all the punch of the SZ model into a slimmer carbon fibre-clad casing. At a mere 23mm, and under 1.5kg, the Premium series is a welcome but barely noticeable addition to any bag. For additional mobility, select SZ Premium laptops include integrated wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN) technology, allowing you to surf the Internet and check e-mail virtually anywhere there’s a mobile signal. Sony’s exclusive SmartWi technology lets you toggle between LAN, Bluetooth and WWAN service.

Recognising laptop computing isn’t strictly about business, Sony’s VAIO VGN-S72VP is a pretty decent multimedia solution. The company’s exclusive Sound Reality technology enhances the listening experience and a dual-layer DVD±RW optical drive lets you create your own DVDs and helps to simply media storage. For easy transfer of video and other large multimedia files, the SZ series supports ExpressCard, an emerging standard in smaller, faster PC card solutions, as well as a dedicated Memory Stick Duo/Pro/MagicGate slot and second slot for reading xD, SD, and MMC memory cards (adapter provided).

Overall the Sony VAIO VGN-S72VP is remarkably powerful for an ultra-portable, combining sexy looks with dual graphic options and a 2.16GHz Intel Core Duo T2600 processor, bringing plenty of speed to this thin-and-light system. Ideal for daily commuters, this system even has a built-in dual-layer DVD±RW optical drive. Road warriors who don’t want too sacrifice performance for portability may want to take a closer look, but we were disappointed with the quality of the keyboard (far too much travel and movement, the noise of the system when operating, and the fact that it gets very hot. The inclusion of just two USB 2.0 ports is also disappointing, but at least there’s a 4-pin FireWire and VGA-out port. [7.5]

[Best Laptop Pricing UK]
[Best Laptop Pricing US]