No business mobile device does everything, but here's one that tries: the Sony VAIO Z Series.
The electronics giant’s latest ultra-portable laptop (starting at
$1,999) seeks to be the ultimate do-anything portable business
device.
It combines powerful processors, memory and connection options in a
package that’s slightly more than a half-inch thick.
We tried out a new Z for several weeks to see how it would behave in a
small business. While the Z is not low-priced – a fitted-out model can
run close to $2,500 – these ultra-light laptops offer lots of business
functionality.
What is it: This latest in the Sony VAIO Z Series is
billed as the lightest 13-inch laptop on the market. At just over
two-and-a-half pounds, it is slightly less than a half-pound lighter
than the 13-inch MacBook Air.
Our test unit was equipped with a powerful 2.30-GHz processor, which can
be upgraded. But the notable feature about this incarnation of the Z
Series is that it comes with a stand-alone external docking station that
contains an additional graphics processing unit, 1GB of video memory
and an optical drive for burning and playing CDs and DVDs.
Additionally, the device lets you switch between the basic graphics
available on the laptop and the docking station's more powerful graphics
card, which can run visually intensive programs such as video editing
software and high-definition presentations.
The Z includes a battery that holds a charge for about eight hours. But
for $150 you can purchase an extended-life battery that attaches to the
standard one, under the laptop, that is said to increase the charge up
to 16 hours.
What you might like: In a word: flexibility. If you're a
dedicated road warrior, the Z Series delivers desktop-like power in an
ultra-portable package. With its quick processing speed and portable
media dock, the Z Series can outperform its lightweight competitors. If
you have a full-size monitor and keyboard at the office to connect to,
this PC could easily be the only computer you need.
On the road you'll appreciate the hookup options available when combined
with the media dock. The Z Series can connect to multiple external
monitors for viewing and support two high-definition video multimedia
interface (HDMI) connectors. It supports multiple USB ports, slots for
SD and memory-stick storage devices, a headphone and microphone socket
and several Ethernet jacks.
Another bonus is its construction and engineering. The Z Series is made
from a distinctive carbon-fibre skin laid over a single-piece aluminum
case. The resulting enclosure is durable, yet physically flexible.
Though not specifically rated to be dropped, we felt the laptop would
certainly stand up to the dents and dings of life on the road.
What you might not like: The price. Some might find it
hard to justify spending more than $2,000 on a laptop. And for all its
power, the Z Series has the same small laptop drawbacks, including a
relatively cramped and uncomfortable keyboard.
The media dock is useful, but our experience with these external units
is they can work well for people who are organized enough to remember to
carry one. The average user might have a tough time committing to
keeping all the parts of a multiple-piece device handy.
Bottom line: If you're in the lucky position to spare
no expense, the Z Series will reward you both on the road and at the
office. If your business spends a lot of time dealing with rich media
such as marketing photos or video, you'll find the Z more than suitable
with its exceptional processing and multiple jacks and ports.
For the budget-conscious user who isn't desperate for such computing
power or connectivity, this unit might be overpriced and cluttered with
unnecessary features.
Jonathan Blum is a freelance writer and the principal of Blumsday
LLC, a Web-based content company specializing in technology news.
Copyright © 2011 Entrepreneur Media Inc., All rights reserved
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