VGN-SZ (Vista)
Summary
With the release of Windows Vista in 2007 Sony updated the VGN-SZ Series to include the new Operating System on their Portable Notebook, which was known for its sleek and light design. Despite being compact, it also delivered good performance when needed thanks to its Hybrid graphics System, that makes it possible for 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 8400M GS GPU. The later Versions of the SZ, from the SZ4 up to the SZ7, where delivered with Windows Vista Business. Despite the upgrade in operating system, the SZ continued to feature similar Core 2 Duo processors, such as the T7200 or T7500, to the previous Versions. Only on last Revision, the SZ7, was available with faster CPUs. The T8100, which was offered as standard and the T9300, being an optional upgrade. Thanks to this hybrid system battery usage was very efficient which played well with the Vaio VGN-SZ's Business-orientated target audience. 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 SZ4 to SZ6 Specs
Processor:
Intel Core 2 Duo T5600 (SZ4)/ T7200 (SZ4&SZ5)/ T7500 (SZ6)
Graphics: NVIDIA Geforce 8400M GS 256MB/ Intel GMA X3100 (GMA 950 on SZ5, 945 on SZ4)
Display: 13.3" 16:10 1280x800
RAM: 2GB DDR2 (4GB max)
OS: Windows Vista Business 32-Bit
Weight: 1.8kg
Release year: 2007
2007 MSRP: 2299€
Detailed SZ7 Specs
Processor:
Intel Core 2 Duo T8100/T9300
Graphics: NVIDIA Geforce 8400M GS 256MB/ Intel GMA X3100
Display: 13.3" 16:10 1280x800
RAM: 4GB DDR2 (4GB max)
OS: Windows Vista Business 32-Bit
Weight: 1.9kg
Release year: 2008
2008 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.
Sources
NotebookCheck and Sutony
Pictures : xdevice.blogspot