VAIO
Encyclopedia
VAIO is a sub-brand used for many of Sony
's computer
products. Originally an acronym of Video Audio Integrated Operation, this was amended to Visual Audio Intelligent Organizer in 2008 to celebrate the brand's 10th anniversary. The branding was created by Timothy Hanley to distinguish items that integrate consumer audio and video with conventional computing products, such as the Sony VAIO W Series personal computer
, which functioned as a regular computer and a miniature entertainment center. Although Sony made computers in the 1980's exclusively for the local (Japan
) market, the company withdrew from the computer business around the turn of the decade. Sony's re-entry to the global computer market under the new VAIO brand, began in 1996 with the PCV series of desktops. The VAIO logo also represents the integration of analog and digital technology with the 'VA' representing an analog
wave
and the 'IO' representing a digital binary code
.
, subnotebook
s, desktop
s and media centres
. Network media solutions by Sony will also carry the VAIO brand.
VAIO notebooks are currently shipped with Microsoft Windows 7 Professional (Business line) or Windows 7 Home Premium, while high-end models sometimes come with Windows 7 Ultimate.
In mid-2005, all models stopped shipping with a Recovery CD, which was replaced by a hidden partition on the hard drive, accessible at boot via the BIOS
or within Windows via a utility. Pressing [F10] at the VAIO logo during boot-up will cause the notebook to boot from the recovery partition; where the user has the choice of either running hardware diagnostics without affecting the installed system, or restoring (re-imaging) the hard drive to factory condition – an option that destroys all user installed applications and data). When first running a VAIO system out of the box, users are prompted to create a set of recovery DVD
s, which will be required in case of hard disk failure
and replacement with a new drive. These are not normally required if the system is restored from the hidden partition).
Also included as part of the out-of-box experience
, are prompts to register at Club VAIO, an online community for VAIO owners and enthusiasts, which also provides automatic driver updates and technical support
via email, along with exclusive desktop wallpapers and promotional offer
s. On recent models, the customer is also prompted to register the installed trial versions of Microsoft Office
and the antivirus software
(Norton Anti-Virus on older models, and McAfee Antivirus on newer ones) upon initial boot.
VAIO computers come with components from companies such as Intel processors, Seagate Technology
, Hitachi, Fujitsu
or Toshiba
hard drives, Infineon RAM, Atheros
and Intel wireless chipsets, Sony (usually made by Hitachi
) or Matsushita optical drives, Intel, NVIDIA
or ATI graphics processors and Sony speakers. Recent laptops have been shipped with Qimonda
RAM, HP speakers with Realtek High Definition Audio Systems, and optional Dolby Sound Room technology. It has been confirmed that a touch-screen VAIO is planned for launch as well as support for PlayStation Network.
. The technology was pioneered by Sony engineer Masaaki Nakagawa, who is in charge of the VAIO TR development.
The TX series, introduced in September 2005, was the first notebook to implement an LED back-lit screen, which provides lower power consumption and greater color reproduction. This technology has now been widely adopted by many other notebook manufacturers. The TX series was also the first to use a 16:9 aspect ratio screen with 1366x768 resolution.
The SZ series was the first to use switchable graphics – the motherboard contained an Intel GMCH (Graphics Memory Controller Hub) featuring its own in-built graphics controller (complete memory hub controller and graphics accelerator on the one die) and a separate NVIDIA graphics accelerator chipset directly interfaced with the GMCH. The GMCH could be used to reduce power consumption and extend battery life whereas the NVIDIA chipset would be used when greater graphics processing power was needed. A switch is used to toggle between the graphics options but required the user to preselect the mode to be used before the motherboard could initialize. The Z series has recently replaced the SZ series and does not require a restart of the system to change graphic modes on Windows Vista, which can be done "on the fly". This feature has subsequently been used by other manufacturers, including Apple, Asus and Alienware.
The high-end AR Series VAIOs were the first to incorporate a Blu-ray Disc
burner. This series was designed to be the epitome of high-definition
products including a 1080p
capable WUXGA (1920 × 1200 pixels) screen, HDMI
output and the aforementioned Blu-ray burner. The AR series also includes an illuminated logo below the screen. Blu-ray/HDMI capable models have been the subject of intense promotion since mid-2007, selling with a variety of bundled Blu-ray Discs. The AR series was subsequently replaced by the AW series, which incorporates all of these features in a 18.4" 16/9 display.
Another recent addition to the VAIO series is the TZ model. This new design features a 64GB Solid State Drive (SSD) for rapid boot-ups, quicker application launches and greater durability. If selected, a 250GB Hard Drive may also be included in place of the built-in CD/DVD drive to provide room for additional storage. For security, this model includes a biometric fingerprint sensor and Trusted Platform Module
. The TZ offers a Built-in highly miniaturized Motion Eye camera built into the LCD panel for video conferencing. Additional features include the XBRITE LCD, integrated Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN) technology and Bluetooth technology.
A selection of media centres were added to the VAIO range in 2006. These monitorless units (identified by a product code prefixed by VGX rather than VGN) are designed to form part of a home entertainment system. They typically take input from a TV tuner card, and output video via HDMI or composite video
connection to an ideally high-definition television. So far this range includes the XL and TP lines. The VGX-TP line is visually unique, featuring a circular, 'biscuit-tin' style design with most features obscured behind panels, rather than the traditional set-top box
design.
The VAIO line also features a series of desktop computers, which incorporate a motherboard and widescreen LCD monitor into a single unit, in a manner similar to the more recent models of Apple's iMac
series. These are identified by VGC in the product code.
had been accused of the same practice, but after strong customer feedback agreed to offer "limited" pre-installed software on its machines. Sony now offers a "Fresh start" option in some regions with several of their business models. With this option, the computer is shipped only with a basic Windows operating system and very little trial software already installed.
The default webcam software in VAIO notebooks is ArcSoft
WebCam Companion. It offers a set of special effects called Magic-i visual effects, through which users can enhance the images and videos taken through the webcam. It also features a face detection feature. Certain other Sony proprietary software such as Click to Disc Editor, VAIO Music Box, VAIO Movie Story, VAIO Media Plus are also included with recent models. Those shipped with ATI Radeon Video cards feature the Catalyst Control Centre, which enables the user to adjust the various video features such as brightness, contrast, resolution etc., and also enables connection to an external display.
From the second quarter of 2008, all higher end models (AW, FW, Z, SR, TT and BZ) have incorporated a cylindrical spine, with no ports on the back of the computer. Generally, the AC adapter port is located on one end of the cylindrical spine, and the power button on the other.
VAIO Collection MARCH 2011 has completely omitted the wording 'Business/Professional' from its product line-up. Models such as the VPCSB series are now classified as 'Mobile' units. There are only three variations of the VAIO range MOBILE, ENTERTAINMENT and ALL IN ONE. There are no more Professional or Business units available any more.
, for servicing in a Sony repair center. ChannelWeb reports that 100,000 units have been recalled.
On affected VAIO notebook computers, the cooling fan will start to make an unusual noise. For affected models highlighted in this notice, Sony offers a free repair service for two years starting from the purchase date.
, rather than the customized Phoenix BIOS common on older models. However, on November 3, 2009, Sony released the following information on the Vaio-Link.com website:
The released BIOS updates were provided for most of the VAIO range, and as expected, it will only list the "Enable VT" option in the BIOS if the CPU supports it.
Sony
, commonly referred to as Sony, is a Japanese multinational conglomerate corporation headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, Japan and the world's fifth largest media conglomerate measured by revenues....
's computer
Computer
A computer is a programmable machine designed to sequentially and automatically carry out a sequence of arithmetic or logical operations. The particular sequence of operations can be changed readily, allowing the computer to solve more than one kind of problem...
products. Originally an acronym of Video Audio Integrated Operation, this was amended to Visual Audio Intelligent Organizer in 2008 to celebrate the brand's 10th anniversary. The branding was created by Timothy Hanley to distinguish items that integrate consumer audio and video with conventional computing products, such as the Sony VAIO W Series personal computer
Personal computer
A personal computer is any general-purpose computer whose size, capabilities, and original sales price make it useful for individuals, and which is intended to be operated directly by an end-user with no intervening computer operator...
, which functioned as a regular computer and a miniature entertainment center. Although Sony made computers in the 1980's exclusively for the local (Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
) market, the company withdrew from the computer business around the turn of the decade. Sony's re-entry to the global computer market under the new VAIO brand, began in 1996 with the PCV series of desktops. The VAIO logo also represents the integration of analog and digital technology with the 'VA' representing an analog
Analog signal
An analog or analogue signal is any continuous signal for which the time varying feature of the signal is a representation of some other time varying quantity, i.e., analogous to another time varying signal. It differs from a digital signal in terms of small fluctuations in the signal which are...
wave
Wave
In physics, a wave is a disturbance that travels through space and time, accompanied by the transfer of energy.Waves travel and the wave motion transfers energy from one point to another, often with no permanent displacement of the particles of the medium—that is, with little or no associated mass...
and the 'IO' representing a digital binary code
Binary code
A binary code is a way of representing text or computer processor instructions by the use of the binary number system's two-binary digits 0 and 1. This is accomplished by assigning a bit string to each particular symbol or instruction...
.
Products
Sony has expanded its use of the VAIO brand, which can now be found on notebooksLaptop
A laptop, also called a notebook, is a personal computer for mobile use. A laptop integrates most of the typical components of a desktop computer, including a display, a keyboard, a pointing device and speakers into a single unit...
, subnotebook
Subnotebook
A subnotebook is a class of laptop computers that are smaller and lighter than a typical laptop....
s, desktop
Desktop computer
A desktop computer is a personal computer in a form intended for regular use at a single location, as opposed to a mobile laptop or portable computer. Early desktop computers are designed to lay flat on the desk, while modern towers stand upright...
s and media centres
Home theater PC
A Home Theater PC or Media Center appliance is a convergence device that combines some or all the capabilities of a personal computer with a software application that supports video, photo, music playback, and sometimes video recording functionality...
. Network media solutions by Sony will also carry the VAIO brand.
VAIO notebooks are currently shipped with Microsoft Windows 7 Professional (Business line) or Windows 7 Home Premium, while high-end models sometimes come with Windows 7 Ultimate.
In mid-2005, all models stopped shipping with a Recovery CD, which was replaced by a hidden partition on the hard drive, accessible at boot via the BIOS
BIOS
In IBM PC compatible computers, the basic input/output system , also known as the System BIOS or ROM BIOS , is a de facto standard defining a firmware interface....
or within Windows via a utility. Pressing [F10] at the VAIO logo during boot-up will cause the notebook to boot from the recovery partition; where the user has the choice of either running hardware diagnostics without affecting the installed system, or restoring (re-imaging) the hard drive to factory condition – an option that destroys all user installed applications and data). When first running a VAIO system out of the box, users are prompted to create a set of recovery DVD
DVD
A DVD is an optical disc storage media format, invented and developed by Philips, Sony, Toshiba, and Panasonic in 1995. DVDs offer higher storage capacity than Compact Discs while having the same dimensions....
s, which will be required in case of hard disk failure
Hard disk failure
In computing, a hard-disk failure occurs when a hard disk drive malfunctions and the stored information cannot be accessed with a properly configured computer...
and replacement with a new drive. These are not normally required if the system is restored from the hidden partition).
Also included as part of the out-of-box experience
Out-Of-Box Experience
The term out-of-box experience describes the experience a user has when installing and/or performing initial configuration on a piece of hardware or software, which usually involves computers.- Definitions :...
, are prompts to register at Club VAIO, an online community for VAIO owners and enthusiasts, which also provides automatic driver updates and technical support
Technical support
Technical support or tech support refers to a range of services by which enterprises provide assistance to users of technology products such as mobile phones, televisions, computers, software products or other electronic or mechanical goods...
via email, along with exclusive desktop wallpapers and promotional offer
Sales promotion
Sales promotion is one of the four aspects of promotional mix. Media and non-media marketing communication are employed for a pre-determined, limited time to increase consumer demand, stimulate market demand or improve product availability...
s. On recent models, the customer is also prompted to register the installed trial versions of Microsoft Office
Microsoft Office
Microsoft Office is a non-free commercial office suite of inter-related desktop applications, servers and services for the Microsoft Windows and Mac OS X operating systems, introduced by Microsoft in August 1, 1989. Initially a marketing term for a bundled set of applications, the first version of...
and the antivirus software
Antivirus software
Antivirus or anti-virus software is used to prevent, detect, and remove malware, including but not limited to computer viruses, computer worm, trojan horses, spyware and adware...
(Norton Anti-Virus on older models, and McAfee Antivirus on newer ones) upon initial boot.
VAIO computers come with components from companies such as Intel processors, Seagate Technology
Seagate Technology
Seagate Technology is one of the world's largest manufacturers of hard disk drives. Incorporated in 1978 as Shugart Technology, Seagate is currently incorporated in Dublin, Ireland and has its principal executive offices in Scotts Valley, California, United States.-1970s:On November 1, 1979...
, Hitachi, Fujitsu
Fujitsu
is a Japanese multinational information technology equipment and services company headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. It is the world's third-largest IT services provider measured by revenues....
or Toshiba
Toshiba
is a multinational electronics and electrical equipment corporation headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. It is a diversified manufacturer and marketer of electrical products, spanning information & communications equipment and systems, Internet-based solutions and services, electronic components and...
hard drives, Infineon RAM, Atheros
Atheros
Qualcomm Atheros is a developer of semiconductors for network communications, particularly wireless chipsets. Founded under the name Atheros in 1998 by experts in signal processing from Stanford University, the University of California, Berkeley and the private industry, it became a public company...
and Intel wireless chipsets, Sony (usually made by Hitachi
Hitachi, Ltd.
is a Japanese multinational conglomerate headquartered in Marunouchi 1-chome, Chiyoda, Tokyo, Japan. The company is the parent of the Hitachi Group as part of the larger DKB Group companies...
) or Matsushita optical drives, Intel, NVIDIA
NVIDIA
Nvidia is an American global technology company based in Santa Clara, California. Nvidia is best known for its graphics processors . Nvidia and chief rival AMD Graphics Techonologies have dominated the high performance GPU market, pushing other manufacturers to smaller, niche roles...
or ATI graphics processors and Sony speakers. Recent laptops have been shipped with Qimonda
Qimonda
Qimonda AG, was a memory company split out of Infineon Technologies on 1 May 2006, to form at the time the second largest DRAM company worldwide, according to the industry research firm Gartner Dataquest...
RAM, HP speakers with Realtek High Definition Audio Systems, and optional Dolby Sound Room technology. It has been confirmed that a touch-screen VAIO is planned for launch as well as support for PlayStation Network.
Technology
Some Sony VAIO models come with Sony's proprietary XBRITE (known as ClearBright in Japan and the Asia-Pacific region) displays. The first model to introduce this feature was the VAIO TR series, which was also the first consumer product to utilize such technology. It is a combination of smooth screen, anti-reflection (AR) coating and high-efficiency lens sheet. Sony claims that the smooth finish provides a sharper screen display, the AR coating prevents external light from scattering when it hits the screen, and the high-efficiency lens sheet provides 1.5 times the brightness improvement over traditional LCD designs. Battery life is also extended through reduced usage of the LCD backlightBacklight
A backlight is a form of illumination used in liquid crystal displays . As LCDs do not produce light themselves , they need illumination to produce a visible image...
. The technology was pioneered by Sony engineer Masaaki Nakagawa, who is in charge of the VAIO TR development.
The TX series, introduced in September 2005, was the first notebook to implement an LED back-lit screen, which provides lower power consumption and greater color reproduction. This technology has now been widely adopted by many other notebook manufacturers. The TX series was also the first to use a 16:9 aspect ratio screen with 1366x768 resolution.
The SZ series was the first to use switchable graphics – the motherboard contained an Intel GMCH (Graphics Memory Controller Hub) featuring its own in-built graphics controller (complete memory hub controller and graphics accelerator on the one die) and a separate NVIDIA graphics accelerator chipset directly interfaced with the GMCH. The GMCH could be used to reduce power consumption and extend battery life whereas the NVIDIA chipset would be used when greater graphics processing power was needed. A switch is used to toggle between the graphics options but required the user to preselect the mode to be used before the motherboard could initialize. The Z series has recently replaced the SZ series and does not require a restart of the system to change graphic modes on Windows Vista, which can be done "on the fly". This feature has subsequently been used by other manufacturers, including Apple, Asus and Alienware.
The high-end AR Series VAIOs were the first to incorporate a Blu-ray Disc
Blu-ray Disc
Blu-ray Disc is an optical disc storage medium designed to supersede the DVD format. The plastic disc is 120 mm in diameter and 1.2 mm thick, the same size as DVDs and CDs. Blu-ray Discs contain 25 GB per layer, with dual layer discs being the norm for feature-length video discs...
burner. This series was designed to be the epitome of high-definition
High-definition video
High-definition video or HD video refers to any video system of higher resolution than standard-definition video, and most commonly involves display resolutions of 1,280×720 pixels or 1,920×1,080 pixels...
products including a 1080p
1080p
1080p is the shorthand identification for a set of HDTV high-definition video modes that are characterized by 1080 horizontal lines of resolution and progressive scan, meaning the image is not interlaced as is the case with the 1080i display standard....
capable WUXGA (1920 × 1200 pixels) screen, HDMI
HDMI
HDMI is a compact audio/video interface for transmitting uncompressed digital data. It is a digital alternative to consumer analog standards, such as radio frequency coaxial cable, composite video, S-Video, SCART, component video, D-Terminal, or VGA...
output and the aforementioned Blu-ray burner. The AR series also includes an illuminated logo below the screen. Blu-ray/HDMI capable models have been the subject of intense promotion since mid-2007, selling with a variety of bundled Blu-ray Discs. The AR series was subsequently replaced by the AW series, which incorporates all of these features in a 18.4" 16/9 display.
Another recent addition to the VAIO series is the TZ model. This new design features a 64GB Solid State Drive (SSD) for rapid boot-ups, quicker application launches and greater durability. If selected, a 250GB Hard Drive may also be included in place of the built-in CD/DVD drive to provide room for additional storage. For security, this model includes a biometric fingerprint sensor and Trusted Platform Module
Trusted Platform Module
In computing, Trusted Platform Module is both the name of a published specification detailing a secure cryptoprocessor that can store cryptographic keys that protect information, as well as the general name of implementations of that specification, often called the "TPM chip" or "TPM Security...
. The TZ offers a Built-in highly miniaturized Motion Eye camera built into the LCD panel for video conferencing. Additional features include the XBRITE LCD, integrated Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN) technology and Bluetooth technology.
A selection of media centres were added to the VAIO range in 2006. These monitorless units (identified by a product code prefixed by VGX rather than VGN) are designed to form part of a home entertainment system. They typically take input from a TV tuner card, and output video via HDMI or composite video
Composite video
Composite video is the format of an analog television signal before it is combined with a sound signal and modulated onto an RF carrier. In contrast to component video it contains all required video information, including colors in a single line-level signal...
connection to an ideally high-definition television. So far this range includes the XL and TP lines. The VGX-TP line is visually unique, featuring a circular, 'biscuit-tin' style design with most features obscured behind panels, rather than the traditional set-top box
Set-top box
A set-top box or set-top unit is an information appliance device that generally contains a tuner and connects to a television set and an external source of signal, turning the signal into content which is then displayed on the television screen or other display device.-History:Before the...
design.
The VAIO line also features a series of desktop computers, which incorporate a motherboard and widescreen LCD monitor into a single unit, in a manner similar to the more recent models of Apple's iMac
IMac
The iMac is a range of all-in-one Macintosh desktop computers built by Apple. It has been the primary part of Apple's consumer desktop offerings since its introduction in 1998, and has evolved through five distinct forms....
series. These are identified by VGC in the product code.
Bundled software
Sony has been criticized for loading its VAIO laptops with bloatware, or ineffective and unrequested software that supposedly allows the user to immediately use the laptop for multimedia purposes. DellDell
Dell, Inc. is an American multinational information technology corporation based in 1 Dell Way, Round Rock, Texas, United States, that develops, sells and supports computers and related products and services. Bearing the name of its founder, Michael Dell, the company is one of the largest...
had been accused of the same practice, but after strong customer feedback agreed to offer "limited" pre-installed software on its machines. Sony now offers a "Fresh start" option in some regions with several of their business models. With this option, the computer is shipped only with a basic Windows operating system and very little trial software already installed.
The default webcam software in VAIO notebooks is ArcSoft
ArcSoft
ArcSoft, Inc. is a computer software development company that makes multimedia technologies and applications across desktop and embedded platforms. ArcSoft works primarily with original equipment manufacturers and offers digital imaging and video solutions...
WebCam Companion. It offers a set of special effects called Magic-i visual effects, through which users can enhance the images and videos taken through the webcam. It also features a face detection feature. Certain other Sony proprietary software such as Click to Disc Editor, VAIO Music Box, VAIO Movie Story, VAIO Media Plus are also included with recent models. Those shipped with ATI Radeon Video cards feature the Catalyst Control Centre, which enables the user to adjust the various video features such as brightness, contrast, resolution etc., and also enables connection to an external display.
Personal notebooks
All personal notebook models come with Windows 7 Home Premium installed. Unlike the business range, XP downgrade options are not available on all models.- F SeriesSony VAIO F series-Current model:The VAIO F series is Sony's current multimedia and gaming orientated laptop. Launched in January 2010, it replaced the Sony VAIO FW series...
– released at CES 2011. 16.4" High-end entertainment range. There are options for a Blu-ray disc reader or burner, and a Full HD widescreen (optional in countries outside the U.S.). This series currently has the 2nd Generation Intel Core i7 (Sandybridge) with an optional configuration of a 2D or 3D screen. This notebook is the largest laptop in Sony's current range.
- CB Series – A 15.5" entry level laptop for home users. Successor to the NW and NS Series. Includes an HDMI port and a 16:9 display. The higher-end models include a Blu-ray Disc reader. New orange and green Colored Light version replaced the Sony VAIO NW series.
- CA Series – A 14" notebook that is customizable compared to the pre-built CB series. Successor to the NA series. Can be customized with up to a Core i5 2540M processor, 8 GB of DDR3 SDRAM, a Blu-ray burner, AMD graphics and 750 GB hard drive.
- SA/SB/SC Series – A 13.3" thin-and-light notebook. Contains the latest i5 or i7 Sandy Bridge processor and AMD GPU.
- SE Series – A 15.5" thin-and-light notebook. Similar in many ways to the SA/SB/SC 13.3" notebooks.
- Y Series – A 11.6" AMD Fusion laptop, replaced the Sony VAIO X.
Past Laptops
- EC Series – 17.3" middle-end multimedia range, configurable with Core i7 and 1 TB Hard Drive. Replaced the AR series CWSony Vaio ARSony VAIO AR is a series of notebook computers which are the first of the VAIO series to be Blu-ray-compatible. These computers have a 17-inch widescreen LCD display and weigh 8.8 pounds ; because of this, they are the largest of the Sony VAIO computers and are considered to be desktop replacement...
.
- X SeriesSony VAIO X seriesThe Vaio X series is a line of high-end ultraportable notebook computers from Sony introduced in September 2009, claiming to be the world's lightest notebook, at 655 grams...
– An 11.1" ultraportable that used the Intel Atom Z550 and had 2 GB of DDR2 SDRAM @ 533 MHz. This was the first computer launched in the United States to use the 2 GHz Atom Z550 as well as one of the most expensive computers to use an Intel Atom processor, competing with Sony's own VAIO P Series.
- P SeriesSony VAIO P seriesThe Sony VAIO P series are a range of ultraportable subnotebook computers launched in January/February 2009.It was marketed as a "lifestyle PC", although they share many characteristics with netbook computers.- Description :...
– An 8" ultraportable range that used an Intel Atom CPU Z520-Z550 dependant on model, and had 2 GB of DDR2 SDRAM @ 533 MHz and a 1600x768(UWXGA)
- W SeriesSony VAIO W seriesThe Sony VAIO W series is a netbook in Sony's VAIO series of notebook computers. It was released on July 7, 2009. It is aimed primarily towards the youth market, creating a new market audience for VAIO. The product is intended to be mainly used for at home for browsing, sharing photos online,...
– A 10.1" sub-notebook (netbook), aimed at a young audience. It was available in white, brown or pink and used an Intel Atom Processor N450, 1GB DDR2 RAM, 160 GB HDD, Windows XP Home or Windows 7 Home Basic
Business notebooks (VAIO Professional)
Business notebook models usually come with Windows 7 Professional installed (some higher models feature Windows 7 Ultimate. All business models have an XP downgrade option and full driver support).- TT Series – Ultra portable 11.1" professional notebook. Successor to the TZ Series and at 11 inches the smallest notebook computer to accommodate a Blu-ray Disc drive .
- Z SeriesSony VAIO Z seriesSony has used the Z model moniker for its high-end ultraportable notebook computers since 2000. Unlike other Sony models, the Z has always been manufactured in Japan....
– 13.1" Ultra portable, featuring a 1600 x 900 display an optional 1920 x 1080 (Full High Definition) resolution upgrade and integrated WWAN. (Replaces the high-end models of the SZ SeriesSZ2The SZ is a discontinued series of notebook computers from Sony introduced in mid 2006 to replace the S series. They fall into the ultraportable notebook class, with a 13.3" 16:10 ratio 1280x800 screen, and a weight from 1.69kg for the top model, which featured carbon fiber casing...
.) - SR Series – 13.3" ultraportable, for home and business use. (Replaces the low-end models of the SZ Series.)
- BZ Series – Robust business notebooks with Trusted Platform ModuleTrusted Platform ModuleIn computing, Trusted Platform Module is both the name of a published specification detailing a secure cryptoprocessor that can store cryptographic keys that protect information, as well as the general name of implementations of that specification, often called the "TPM chip" or "TPM Security...
and biometricBiometricsBiometrics As Jain & Ross point out, "the term biometric authentication is perhaps more appropriate than biometrics since the latter has been historically used in the field of statistics to refer to the analysis of biological data [36]" . consists of methods...
fingerprintFingerprintA fingerprint in its narrow sense is an impression left by the friction ridges of a human finger. In a wider use of the term, fingerprints are the traces of an impression from the friction ridges of any part of a human hand. A print from the foot can also leave an impression of friction ridges...
security technology. (Replaces the BX Series.) - G Series – 11.1" ultra portable notebook employing Trusted Platform ModuleTrusted Platform ModuleIn computing, Trusted Platform Module is both the name of a published specification detailing a secure cryptoprocessor that can store cryptographic keys that protect information, as well as the general name of implementations of that specification, often called the "TPM chip" or "TPM Security...
technology and biometricBiometricsBiometrics As Jain & Ross point out, "the term biometric authentication is perhaps more appropriate than biometrics since the latter has been historically used in the field of statistics to refer to the analysis of biological data [36]" . consists of methods...
fingerprintFingerprintA fingerprint in its narrow sense is an impression left by the friction ridges of a human finger. In a wider use of the term, fingerprints are the traces of an impression from the friction ridges of any part of a human hand. A print from the foot can also leave an impression of friction ridges...
security features. Weighed only 1.1 kg and was made from CFRP and had an ultra thin LED backlit screen. This model brought many notebook technologies that are now mainstream to the consumer.
From the second quarter of 2008, all higher end models (AW, FW, Z, SR, TT and BZ) have incorporated a cylindrical spine, with no ports on the back of the computer. Generally, the AC adapter port is located on one end of the cylindrical spine, and the power button on the other.
VAIO Collection MARCH 2011 has completely omitted the wording 'Business/Professional' from its product line-up. Models such as the VPCSB series are now classified as 'Mobile' units. There are only three variations of the VAIO range MOBILE, ENTERTAINMENT and ALL IN ONE. There are no more Professional or Business units available any more.
Customizable notebooks (configure-to-order)
As of early 2009, Sony offer a customization option on higher-end machines through Sony's high-street and online retail store, SonyStyle.com. Customization options include the operating system (64-bit rather than 32-bit versions of Windows), RAM, graphics hardware, and in some models, casing. Configure-to-order machines can be distinguished by their 8-digit product code starting with 54 rather than 27 or 28.All-in-one desktops
- L Series
- LV Series – Full 24" HD LCD display with resolution of 1920x1200 and 16:10 aspect ratio. Blu-ray reader/recorder able to record TV shows on Blu-ray
- LT Series – 22" display with a 2.5 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 4GB of RAM, a 1TB hard drive, and a built-in Blu-ray burner
- LN Series – 20.1” X-black LCD display with resolution of 1680x1050 and 16:10 aspect ratio. Blu-ray reader but not recorder
- LM Series – 19" display, TV tuner, built-in 1.3 mega pixel cameras with face-tracking software, 2.1-channel speaker system and sub-woofers. Features an Intel Core2 Duo Processor T7250 (2.00 GHz), 2GB DDR2 SDRAM, 250GB HDD, Windows Vista Home Premium, and NVIDIA graphics
- L Series – 24" touch screen displaying 1080p resolution. Intel Core 2 Quad, 6GB RAM, Blu-ray burner, HDMI port, dual TV tuners, 1TB hard drive, 1GB Nvidia graphics and Windows 7 Home Premium.
- JS Series – 20.1" integrated lifestyle desktop available in a variety of colors. The chassis design closely resembles that of the Sony Bravia KDL-19M4000 19" LCD HDTV.
- RT – 25" All-in-one desktop aimed at HD editing..
Heat problems
On September 4, 2008, Sony announced a worldwide voluntary product inspection and rework program for TZ-series notebook computers manufactured since June 2007. All model numbers beginning with VGN-TZ1 and VGN-TZ2 were eligible, along with some VGN-TZ3 notebooks. The issue involves "a limited number of units" which could potentially "generate heat around the DC jack inlet and frame of LCD screen, which creates the potential of deformation of the plastic casing". In the United States, the service offered is generally on-site, whilst in the rest of the world it typically involves collection of the notebook by a courier, often DHLDHL
DHL Express is a division of the German logistics company Deutsche Post providing international express mail services. DHL is a world market leader in sea and air mail....
, for servicing in a Sony repair center. ChannelWeb reports that 100,000 units have been recalled.
VGN-CS Series Cooling Fan failure
On 9 October 2007, Sony announced:On affected VAIO notebook computers, the cooling fan will start to make an unusual noise. For affected models highlighted in this notice, Sony offers a free repair service for two years starting from the purchase date.
Concerns regarding hardware virtualization
In the past, nearly all Sony VAIO computers have had hardware virtualization technology (VT) disabled at the factory, the exception being the new BZ range, which uses an Aptio BIOS by American MegatrendsAmerican Megatrends
American Megatrends Incorporated is an American hardware and software company that specializes in PC hardware and firmware. The company was founded in 1985 by Pat Sarma and S. Shankar, who was chairman and president...
, rather than the customized Phoenix BIOS common on older models. However, on November 3, 2009, Sony released the following information on the Vaio-Link.com website:
A number BIOS updates have been released which provide the option to enable VT in the BIOS.
If a VT-enabling bios has been published for your VAIO model, you can find it in the Updates section.
The released BIOS updates were provided for most of the VAIO range, and as expected, it will only list the "Enable VT" option in the BIOS if the CPU supports it.
Wireless Hardware Switch
WiFi can be disabled by the user in two methods: the hardware switch and the software switch. If either one of these switches is turned off the WiFi will stay switched off. The hardware switch is located on the front or the keyboard hood or the side depending on the model with the inscription WLAN. A green light usually accompanies the switch but is only lit when both the hardware switch and the software switch are on indicating the WiFi NIC being in operation. The software switch is an icon usually located in the system tray, this program is called 'VAIO Smart Network' and also controls the bluetooth power. This program varies between older and newer models but is inherent in all OEM installations.See also
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