Sony has just announced and revealed to the world the rumored VAIO Z21, previously called the Ultimate Mobile PC. The VAIO VPC-Z21V9E, which is the proper model number, was unveiled earlier today or late last night, depending on when you read this, with many of the rumored specs that we had reported on previously and some surprises that we only hinted at. This ultra-slim 13.1-inch VAIO, which comes in at 1.2 kg (2.6 pounds), is designed for the users on the go, giving you a standard 6-hour battery and an optional 14-hour sheet battery. Even with the ever-so-thin design, the VAIP Z21 still packs a punch, and unlike other laptops in its range, for instance the MacBook Air, is no slouch! Some specs include:
- 2.7GHz Intel Core i7 Processor (with Turbo Boost up to 3.40GHz)
- 256GB SSD
- 8GB RAM
- 1600 x 900 Resolution
- Intel’s HD Graphics 3000
- WLAN 802.11a/b/g/n
- 3G WWAN
- Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
- HDMI Out (3D support)
- HD web camera powered by ‘Exmor’ (1.3 effective megapixels)
- (1) USB 2.0
- Windows 7 Professional (64bit)
- Finger print reader
Now, if the integrated graphics card and resolution of 1600 x 900 just don’t cut it for you, then you are in luck. Users will be given the option to upgrade the screen to full HD, meaning 1920 by 1080 to enjoy full 1080p on their VAIO and even export out 1080p 3D footage via the HDMI out port. If any of you read our previous coverage of the VAIO Z21, then you will know that our story hinted towards the following and now we can confirm it. You see, for those who require a little more power and ports from their VAIO, Sony has built a great solution for you called the Power Media Dock (VGP-PRZ20C). When in need of additional power, users can simply connect their VAIO to the Power Media Dock and receive a boost of power, via the units built in AMD Radeon 6650M GPU with 1GB of dedicated memory. This connection is made thanks to the Power Media Dock’s “light peak” aka Thunderbolt connector cable.
Hit the jump for the dock’s additional specs, official press release and pictures.
Other specs for the Power Media Dock include:
- (1) USB 3.0
- (1) USB 2.0
- Gigabit Ethernet Port
- VGA
- HDMI ports
- Slot for Blu-ray or DVD Burner/Player
As you can see, Sony has created quite the portable monster, which, on its own, packs quite a bit of power. However, once users come back to the office for instance and plug the machine into the Power Media Dock, then the additional connectivity and power are immediately utilized by the VAIO VPC-Z21V9E, making it a great computer for the professional on the go. No price point has been announced yet but look for a late summer launch date.
Discuss:
As desktop computers fade more and more from our eyes with the rise of portables like notebooks and tablets, do you like the approach Sony is taking with the VAIO Z21 which offers you great power on the go while giving you even more desktop-like functionality once you’re back in the office or home?
Ultimate performance and design: ultra-mobile new VAIO Z Series from Sony weighs under 1.2kg
28 June 2011Thin, ultra-light 13.1” notebook PC with innovative new Power Media Dock
· 33.2cm (13.1”) VAIO Z Series: less than 1.2 kg and 16.65mm slim with stunning design and smart battery concept
· Business-class power with latest standard voltage Intel® Core™ i7 processors and fast SSD storage
· High-resolution (1600×900) anti-reflective VAIO Display Premium
· Optional sheet battery gives up to 14hr stamina1 with quick charge
· Power Media Dock™ 2 with quad video monitor support, AMD Radeon™ HD graphics,optical drive and extra ports including HDMI™ out
· Quick Boot gets you working in seconds
Weighing little over a kilogram, the new VAIO Z Series notebook PC from Sony is created for mobile professionals who demand absolute performance and portability.
VAIO Z blends ultra-desirable styling and premium carbon fibre with no-compromise specifications and innovative productivity features. In the office or on the road, this class-leading business notebook helps demanding users work more efficiently with the ultimate in on-the-move computing power.
All-new VAIO Z takes cutting-edge styling by Sony to new extremes, with a ‘full flat’ body and display lid that are crafted in tough, ultra-light carbon fibre. At just below 1.2kg and 16.65mm slim, the new VAIO Z is the perfect partner for business travellers who demand ultimate power with less to carry.
On-the-go usability is enhanced further by the backlit keyboard with extra-wide palm rest and ergonomic new ‘button-less’ touchpad. With a resolution of 1600×900, the 33.2cm (13.1”) VAIO Display Premium features an anti-reflective coating that cuts glare from direct light sources and ensures crisp colour reproduction.
Performance is everything you’d expect from the most sophisticated VAIO notebook yet. Latest-generation standard voltage Intel® Core™ i7 processors are teamed with speedy DDR3 SDRAM and up to 256GB SSD RAID storage to blaze through the toughest workload with ease.
As an extra refinement, Quick Boot saves precious time when you’re in a hurry, loading Genuine Windows® 7 Professional up to 50% quicker than conventional notebooks. Embedded VAIO ‘everywair’ 3G WWAN on selected models connects via your mobile broadband operator.
Power Media Dock™
The performance of VAIO Z Series is taken to new extremes by the unique Power Media Dock2, a monolithic expansion module that links with VAIO via an optical cable. The proprietary port can also be used to attach regular USB devices to VAIO when it’s not docked.
Featuring high-speed I/O data transfer based on the architecture codenamed ‘Light Peak’, Power Media Dock boosts graphics performance while adding numerous extra connectivity options. It includes an optical drive for even greater business productivity and satisfying HD entertainment. The module comes supplied with a stylish design-matched stand.
With Power Media Dock added, VAIO Z can manage up to four displays (including the notebook screen) via HDMI™ and/or VGA output ports. In this configuration, VAIO Z makes a compelling choice for design, finance and science professionals who need to work across several screens simultaneously. New-generation AMD Radeon HD graphics with 1GB VRAM effortlessly handle demanding graphics tasks, from 3D CAD to gaming.
When docked, connectivity options are boosted by additional USB ports plus VGA and HDMI outputs. Power Media Dock also sports an optical drive bay that can be specified with a Blu-ray Disc™ or SuperMulti combo drive. Games and movies on DVD or Blu-ray Disc sound as good as they look with latest Dolby® Home Theater® v4.
Sheet battery
VAIO Z features the innovative ‘sheet battery’ already showcased on this year’s VAIO S Series. The notebook’s internal lithium polymer battery provides power for up to 7 hours1 on-the-go computing. It’s partnered by a second thin, flat optional lithium polymer sheet battery that can be charged separately from the PC and added without removing the internal battery. The sheet battery attaches without having to switch off the PC, boosting stamina to up to 14 hours1 for day-and-night working, even if you’re far from mains power.
VAIO Z delivers a richer communication experience if you’re staying in touch with colleagues via video conference or web chat. The HD web camera powered by Exmor™ technology ensures detailed-packed video even in low light.
There’s a full range of official accessories from Sony, style-matched to complement the looks and performance of your VAIO. Many more configuration options – including a Full HD (1920 x 1080) LCD – are available exclusively to online shoppers at Sony Store.
The new 2011 VAIO Z Series of ultra-portable performance notebook PCs is available from the end of July 2011 (actual date of availability varies by country).
1 As measured by MobileMark® battery test
2 Power Media Dock available with selected models or as an optional accessory
-ends-
[Via Sony Europe]
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