Sony Vaio VGN-SZ

Notebook specifications

Notebook: Sony Vaio VGN-SZ
Processor: Intel Core Duo T2500 (2000 MHz)
Graphics adapter: NVIDIA GeForce Go 7400 (256 MB)
Display: 13.3 inch 16:10 (1280x800 pixels)
Weight: 1.7 kg
Average score: 75% - good
Average of 1 scores (from 3 reviews)

Reviews in English

75%Sony Vaio SZ
Source: CNet
Sandwiched between the 2.8-pound VAIO TX and the 5.5-pound VAIO FJ in Sony's lineup, the VAIO SZ offers perhaps the the optimal compromise between size, weight, and screen and keyboard size. At 3.8 pounds, it's not the lightest model available--even within Sony's lineup--but it manages to be eminently portable without sacrificing a readable screen or a usable keyboard. Even better, the VAIO SZ has all of the features a business user will need, from an integrated microphone and Webcam for videoconferencing to a fingerprint scanner for security, not to mention a solid array of components such as an Intel Core Duo processor and an Nvidia graphics card. Of course, as with all Sony laptops, the VAIO SZ is pricey. Though it starts at $1,400, our loaded, premium test unit costs $2,500; for contrast, the 3.2-pound Gateway NX100X costs nearly $1,000 less (though it lacks an optical drive and a number of the VAIO SZ's other features). That said, if budget isn't your primary consideration, we think the VAIO SZ is an excellent portable laptop.
Date: 05/04/2006
Rating: Total score: 75%

Sony VAIO SZ Review
Source: Notebookreview
I think this is a great little ultraportable for anyone who wants the latest technology in a small package. As of this writing, the Sony SZ line simply has no peer. It is the most full-featured Core Duo ultraportable series currently available, and if you don't want to sacrifice power for portability, this would be the series to get. Whether you should get the 110B or another SZ depends on your specific needs and budget. For me, this was the only SZ model I could afford, and honestly, it's not all that different from the other SZs. The lowest-priced model already has everything I need. Though I don't like Sony very much, I am quite happy with the notebook itself. I dislike the company's pricing, policies and support/service, but I have to say that the products themselves are usually pretty good.
Date: 04/04/2006

Reviews in German

Sony Vaio VGN SZ1
Source: c't
Date: 03/01/2006

Comment

NVIDIA GeForce Go 7400: NVIDIA GeForce Go 7400 is a faster clocked Geforce Go 7300, which is a slightly enhanced GeForce Go 6200. The performance is a bit below average. Some current not demanding games can be played fluently with low details. For other games massive restrictions with the game settings must be tolerated. The performance is sufficient for office applications and surfing.
>> Further information can be found in our Comparison of Mobile Graphics Cards and the corresponding Benchmark List.

Intel Core Duo: Intel Core Duo (successor of Pentium M), is a double core processor with a very good relation of performance to current consumption. The 2 MB L2 Cache are used common. The maximum current consumption of 31 Watts is only 4 W more then with Pentium M. Due to the low energy need is Core Duo also suited for subnotebooks. Further now it supports SSE3 orders. The performance can nearly be doubled for applications, which were designed for multiprocessors (compared with Pentium M).

T2500: The strong Core Duo type T2500 is not only suitable for office applications and surfing, but also for games.
>> Further information can be found in our Comparison of Mobile Processsors.

13.3": This is a frequent and the biggest display format for sub-notebooks.
The advantage is, that the subnotebook can be small dimensioned and can be carried easily. Further the tiny display has the advantage, that it needs few current, which improves the battery runtime and in consequence the mobility. The disadvantage is that the reading of texts is very exhausting vor the eyes. High resolutions can hardly be used.
>> To find out how fine a display is, see our DPI List.

1.7 kg: This sub-notebook weights less than the average of all notebooks and represent a medium class of weight among the sub-notebooks. 11 inch displays are normal for this class of weight.

Sony: Sony is a notebook manufacturer of medium size according international market shares. There exist a lot of reviews about Sony notebooks. The total ratings and price/value ratings are good above average.

>> Further information can be found in our Notebook Purchase Guide.