VGN-SZ (XP)

Summary

A standard XP VGN-SZ from multiple angles

A premium Vista VGN-SZ from multiple angles

The Sony Vaio VGN-SZ Series is a Portable Notebook from Sony, being released in 2006 with Windows XP as the Operation system. The SZ Series was known for its sleek and light design, being compact but also delivering good performance when needed thanks to its Hybrid graphics System, which allows the user to select between two options of Graphics processor. Stamina being the Intel GMA integrated into the CPU or Speed, which involves a discrete NVIDA GeForce Go 7400 GPU. These first Vaio VGN-SZs were delivered with Windows XP Home Premium or Professional, the CPU in the XP Models a wide array of Core Duos, ranging from the T2300 to the T2500. The later SZ3 featured the newer Core 2 Duo Processors from Intel. Those being used were the T5600 for lower range and the T7200 for higher end models. With features such as WWAN, a fingerprint sensor, powerful hardware, Windows Vista Business, and a compact casing, it was no wonder, that the VGN-SZ became a favorite of traveling businessmen and -women. Also, the SZ was featured in James Bond: Casino Royale, in which Bond uses the SZ to resign from the service. Premium SZs replaced the standard black and silver plastic casings with dark-brown ones. The nicer looking monochrome design and thinner Lid made for a more expensive and VIP-like look, which complimented the highly increased price tag of up to 1000€ from the standard version.

Detailed Specs

Processor: Intel Core Duo T2300/T2400/T2500 / Intel Core 2 Duo T5600/7200 (on SZ3)

Graphics: NVIDIA Geforce Go 7400 256MB/ Intel GMA 900 (945 on SZ3) 128MB

Display: 13.3" 16:10 1280x800

RAM: 1GB/2GB DDR2 (4GB max) Weight: 1.7kg - 1.9kg

OS: Windows XP Home Premium/Professional

Release year: 2006/07

2006/07 MSRP: 1,400€ - 2,500€

Daily Use

Even though the VGN-SZ Series is from 2006-08, it still offers a good web browsing and text editing experience, when complimented with a modern lightweight operating system such as Lubuntu or an older Version of Windows, like Vista or 7. A problem users will face with the latter is the possibility of a failing GPU, be it the 7400 or 8400, due to insufficient cooling, on the Versions that offer a dedicated GPU. This can cause performance issues with Windows 7 and Vista. Other than that, especially the later SZ6 and SZ7 models are perfectly adequate for web browsing and text editing. Even older 3D Games such as GTA: San Andreas run fine on the 8400M GS models, though only if the GPU is not broken.

Downloads

currently unavailable

Sources

notebookcheck and Sony

Pictures:xdevice.blogspot