Sony VAIO VGN-Z591U/B 13.1" Laptop (2.53 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo P9500 Processor, 4 GB of RAM, 320 GB Hard Drive, Vista Ultimate) Black

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Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 12.4 x 1.3 inches ; 3.3 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B001CNT4VA
• Item model number: VGN-Z591U/B
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (28 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,753 in Computers & PC Hardware (See Bestsellers in Computers & PC Hardware)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: July 14, 2008

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description
Built tough for business, the Sony VAIO VGN-Z591U/B blends easy portability with high-performance computing. Weighing just 3.31 pounds, this Z-series notebook offers a 13.1-inch screen featuring scratch-resistant XBRITE-DuraView LCD and a 320 GB hard drive with Sony's G-Sensor Shock Protection technology. A multi-layer carbon-fiber casing covers the LCD panel and bottom of the chassis to help protect against knocks and bumps, and a seamless aluminum keyboard panel adds structural rigidity to help keep internal components protected. And with up to 9 hours of standard battery life, it has the stamina to power you through your most demanding applications.

The durable, business-ready VAIO Z notebook in black.

It's powered by the latest Intel Core 2 Duo processor--with Centrino 2 technology--which boosts speed, reduces power requirements, and saves on battery life. The 2.53 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo P9500 includes a quick 1066 MHz front-side bus and 6 MB of L2 cache, providing an optimized, multithreaded architecture for improved multimedia and multitasking performance. This VAIO Z notebook also features Sony's Hybrid Graphics System, which lets you toggle between internal Intel GMA 4500MHD and external NVIDIA GeForce 9300M graphics chips, enabling you to choose lighter battery consumption or better performance depending on the situation.

With the integrated wireless WAN, you can access the national Sprint Mobile Broadband service (subscription required) to extend your wireless coverage beyond LAN access networks and hotspots, giving you the freedom to go farther, do more, and stay connected. Communicate with pals all around with world via VoIP calling and video conferencing using the built-in microphone and Motion Eye camera (with zoom function).

It offers high-definition Blu-ray Disc read/write capability, which supports full 1080p HD video as well as up to 5.1 discrete channels of uncompressed digital audio. The Blu-ray system is backwards-compatible with standard DVDs and CDs, enabling you to enjoy your digital library for years to come. The optical drive can also write a full range of disc formats, including dual-layer DVD discs. Other features include 4 GB of installed RAM (maximum capacity), dual-layer DVD±RW drive (which also burns CDs), quad-mode Wi-Fi, Gigabit Ethernet, Bluetooth connectivity (including stereo music streaming), ExpressCard 34 slot, both Memory Stick and SD card readers, and pre-installed Windows Vista Ultimate with SP1.

This Sony notebook is Energy Star 4.0 certified, and has received a Silver EPEAT designation for meeting standards to help reduce its environmental impact. Additionally, it is RoHS-compliant, effectively reducing the environmental impact by restricting the use of lead, mercury and certain other hazardous substances.

Security Enhancements
Sony's VAIO Z-series notebooks take security seriously, employing a biometric fingerprint sensor and proprietary hard disk drive protection software to ensure your data is protected from unauthorized use as well as accidental damage. It also stores passwords to secure web sites you visit, so authentication and access are quick and easy--you only need your fingerprint. It also includes an integrated Trusted Platform Module (TPM) TCG Ver.1.2 compliant chip that enhances security by allowing you to control access on a specific client/user basis.

Spec Check 13.1-inch XBRITE-DuraView LCD screen 2.53 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo P9500 processor 320 GB hard drive 4 GB RAM (4 GB maximum) Blu-ray Disc read/write, DVD±R read/write Quad-mode Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n) Bluetooth with stereo music streaming Hybrid Graphics System: Intel GMA 4500MHD & Nvidia GeForce 9300M GS Windows Vista Ultimate with SP1 Weighs 3.31 pounds

The Basics

• Processor: Experience improved energy efficiency, expanded wireless connectivity, and amazing battery life with the 45nm Intel Core 2 Duo P9500 processor featuring Intel Centrino 2 technology. This processor has a 2.53 GHz processor speed, super-sized 1066 MHz front-side bus (FSB), and a humungous 6 MB L2 cache. (An L2, or secondary, cache temporarily stores data; and a larger L2 cache can help speed up your system's performance. The FSB carries data between the CPU and RAM, and a faster front-side bus will deliver better overall performance.)

  Formerly codenamed Montevina, Intel Centrino 2 processor technology improves upon every facet of a laptop's main features, including performance and battery life via new processors and chipsets, faster draft 802.11n wireless, and new business-class manageability capabilities. The new hafnium-infused circuitry--which reduces electrical current leakage in transistors--conserves even more energy, giving you more time away from the wall outlet.

  The Intel Core 2 Duo processor has two computational execution cores in a single processor, providing greater system response when running multi-threaded applications simultaneously with no significant increase in power consumption. It's optimized for multitasking and it can run multiple demanding applications--such as graphics-intensive games or serious number-crunching business productivity applications--while downloading music or running virus-scanning security programs in the background.

• Hard Drive: The extra large 320 GB Serial ATA (SATA) hard drive (5400 RPM) offers a wealth of storage space, perfect for storing a vast multimedia collection or for editing digital video. This SATA hard drive also quickens the pace with a higher speed transfer of data--akin to Firewire and USB 2.0.

  The G-Sensor Shock Protection feature makes your data even less vulnerable to loss or damage. When the built-in 3D acceleration sensor detects a risky movement like being dropped, the HDD-head will lock up to secure its position and protect the disc from scratching. An intelligent algorithm, unique to VAIO PCs, judges whether or not a movement is risky, activating disk drive protection only when your hardware is at risk.

• Memory: The 4 GB of installed RAM (PC2-6400, 2 x 2 GB) maximizes the capacity for this notebook,. It also offers an ultra-fast 800 MHz speed.

• DVD/CD Drive: This Sony notebook is capable of both playing back Blu-ray Disc movies in stunning clarity, as well as burning HD Camcorder content in its original 1080p high-definition resolution to BD-RE/BD-RE DL (dual layer) discs (25 GB single layer disc to 50 GB on a double layer disc). It will also play your current library of purchased and burned disc content. This notebook can also write standard DVD and CD media. The BD drive offers 2x speed for reading and writing BD-R/BD-RE discs and 1x BD-R/RE DL writing. It also offers the following write speeds for standard DVD and CD discs: 4x DVD±R DL, 8x for single-layer DVD±R, 4x DVD±RW, 24/16x CD-R/RW, and 5x for DVD-RAM.

• Keyboard & Mouse: This notebook has a standard 82-key keyboard (2mm stroke and 19.05mm pitch) and electro-static two-button touchpad.

The VAIO Z focuses in on the details.

Screen, Video & Audio
The 13.1-inch XBRITE-DuraView LCD has a resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels--perfect for added screen real estate as well as watching movies in 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio. Sony's DuraView LCD technology utilizes a special hard coating on the LCD to help defend against scratching and general wear and tear. It also has an LED backlight, which provides lower power consumption for improved battery life as well as incredibly high brightness levels that amplify the color display.

This notebook uses Sony's exclusive Hybrid Graphics System, which lets you set your graphics performance with a simple flick of a switch, enabling you to toggle between an internal graphics chip for optimal power consumption with excellent performance or an external graphics chip for even more robust performance. You can choose either the integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD (with up to 1300 MB of dynamically allocated video memory) or the installed Nvidia GeForce 9300M GS graphics card (with up to 1500 MB of shared video RAM). This notebook also has an integrated Intel High Definition audio card.

Enabled by PureVideo HD, the Nvidia GeForce 9300M helps movies come to life with outstanding picture clarity, ultra-smooth video and vivid color. The lifelike images have up to six times the detail of standard DVD movies. Delivering state-of-the-art graphics performance, GeForce 9300M GS graphics card is sure to give you the power and performance you crave to play the hottest DirectX 9 and DirectX 10 titles.

This Intel GMA 4500MHD is built with Intel Clear Video technology, which delivers clearer, more detailed images by eliminating many of the jagged edges and video artifacts seen when viewing interlaced content and features powerful color control to ensure videos are not too dark, overly bright, or washed out.

Networking, Connectivity & Expansion
Go beyond LAN networks and find the internet virtually anywhere with integrated Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN) technology via optional Sprint Mobile Broadband EV-DO service (software included, subscription required)--helping you to keep connected without having to hunt for a Wi-Fi coffee shop. Sony's SmartWi technology seamlessly integrates your wireless Wide Area Network (WAN), office/home Wi-Fi LAN, and Bluetooth options, enabling you to toggle among your wireless connectivity options depending on your surroundings.

Be ready for the next platform in wireless connectivity with the integrated Intel Wireless Wi-Fi Link 5100AGN LAN chip. Based on the draft 802.11n Wi-Fi specification, it offers up to five times the performance and twice the wireless range as existing 802.11g wireless. It's also backward compatible with 802.11b/g networks (commonly found in home routers and wi-fi hotspots) as well as 802.11a networks (which has a higher throughput, but more limited range--great for closed office environments). You also get super-fast wired connectivity, with a Gigabit Ethernet port (10/100/1000).

With the Bluetooth connectivity, you can communicate and synchronize with Bluetooth-enabled peripherals such as PDAs and cell phones as well as enjoy wireless stereo music streaming (thanks to its embedded A2DP profile). This notebook also includes a next-generation ExpressCard 34 card slot (though no PCMCIA slot), which lets you take advantage of thinner, faster, and lighter expansion cards for even more advanced wireless, networking, storage, and security features. Here's the full list of connectivity options:

• 2 USB 2.0 ports for connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras to MP3 players
• 1 FireWire (also known as IEEE 1394 or i.Link) port for connecting digital video camcorders and other peripherals
• 1 HDMI output (for connecting to a compatible HDTV or home theater receiver for uncompressed digital audio and video via a single cable)
• Analog video output: 1 VGA
• 1 ExpressCard/34 slot
• Memory Stick/Memory Stick DUO slot (with MagicGate functionality)
• Secure Digital memory card slot (compatible with MMC cards)
• Stereo headphones/speakers/line-out
• Microphone/line-in
• 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet
• 56K modem (V.90/V.92)
• Port replicator connector

The VAIO Z's ports (see larger version).

Operating System
The Windows Vista Ultimate (SP1) operating system has it all--an advanced, business-focused infrastructure, mobile productivity, and premium home digital entertainment features. It offers all of the features found in Windows Vista Home Premium, including Windows Media Center, Windows Movie Maker with high-definition support, and Windows DVD Maker. It also provides all of the features found in Windows Vista Business, including business networking, centralized management tools, and advanced system backup features. In addition, Windows Vista Ultimate includes Extras such as:

• Windows Hold'em, a poker game for players of all skill levels
• Language packs for Windows multi-language interface, where users can install and use multiple languages on a single PC. Great for multi-lingual households or if you are learning a new language.
• Secure Online Key Backup, where Ultimate users can store their BitLocker recovery password and Encrypting File System certificate on Windows Marketplace's Digital Locker website for access to the key anytime, anyplace, and from any computer that has an Internet connection
• BitLocker Drive Preparation Tool, an automated tool which removes the complexity of setting up your PC to use this exclusive data security feature.

Every edition of Windows Vista provides the essential tools and technologies to help protect you whether you are browsing the Internet, connecting to a wireless network, or just reading e-mail. All editions of Windows Vista include new tools that can warn you of impending hardware failures long before you have lost any important personal data. And, all Windows Vista editions include parental control features that allow you to manage and monitor your family's use of games, the Internet, instant messaging, and other activities.

Preloaded Software
Microsoft Windows Live OneCare anti-virus and recovery (trial version), Microsoft Works SE 9.0, Microsoft Office 2007 Home and Student (60-day trial), Sony Click to Disk Editor (CD and DVD burning), VAIO Movie Story (video editing), VAIO MusicBox

Dimensions & Weight
This notebook measures 12.4 x 8.3 x 1.3 inches (WxDxH) and weighs 3.3 pounds.

Power
It's powered by the VGP-BPS12 rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which has a battery life of between 2.5 and 5.5 hours (depending on usage). This laptop is compliant with Energy Star 4.0 specifications, meaning that it uses less power and reduces greenhouse gas emissions by meeting very strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy.

What's in the Box
This package contains the VGN-Z591U/B notebook PC, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, and operating instructions. It is backed by a one-year limited hardware warranty, and Sony offers 1-year of toll-free telephone technical assistance.

Product Description
Built tough for business, the VAIO Z notebook offers the portability of a 3.31 lbs (with standard battery) form factor with the performance of a larger computer. Encased in durable carbon fiber and featuring scratch-resistant XBRITE-DuraView LCD technology, the Z notebook is designed to withstand the rigors of the road. To complement this durability, this mobile workstation is backed by powerful yet efficient Intel Centrino processor technology and a hybrid graphics system that lets you select your graphics performance on the fly - no reboot necessary. With this one-two punch combo, the Z notebook delivers the long battery life you need to stay productive when on the go.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Amazon demonstrates why I always go there first to shop., November 12, 2008

By	Stinson E. Humphrey "SEH" - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I am extrememly happy with this new Sony laptop which had all the bells and whistles I was looking for. The only con is only two USB ports which are on opposites side of the the laptop--a design improvement Sony should make would be a third one with power) along side one of the other ones.

However, what I most want to review is Amazon's handling of a minor problem I had. While the details of a minor problem with the initial computer was worked out, Amazon immediately sent me, without charge, another identical computer. I have since returned the "extra" computer, but Amazon's swift action at no cost to me has made me a happy and loyal customer.

18 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars VAIO CGN-570N, September 1, 2008

By	David J. Shulan (Delmar, NY) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Initial experience was mixed. The set up files for Microsoft One Care were corrupted (and on the restore partion also). I tried Norton 360 trial for security. Wireless sped seems to be slower than previous Centrino N setups. Sony support went on the system and nearly trashed it. I suspect the excellent but very tight security of Norton, may have added to my problems. After initial frustration, I tied to restore it to factory settings and used a disc for Microsoft One care. With his new instalation, what a difference. This is now the computer I was looking for. While the WiFi is still at 65 Mpbs, video from other computers comes in smooth I am using a D-Link dir 655 N router). The Sprint wireless works very well. The unit has builtin GPS and works easlilly with Microsoft Streets and Trips 2009. Battery life is good, with wireless on I would estimate 3-4 hours of usefull battery life (with the standard battery).I have been using now for 4 days since my reinstall and a so far no further glitches. The unit is a pleasure to use.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Incredible Laptop!, December 10, 2008

By	L. M. Villafana (New York, NY United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I have owned a thinkpad X41 for 5 years. I loved it because it was small, light, and relatively powerful. After all that time of constant usage and unintended abuse, I went into the market for a replacement. That was/is a sturdy laptop that just refused to die.

I looked at the Lenovo X200 and X300 at the store. The x200 is small and fast, but my eyes really needed a bigger screen than a 12". Especially if you do graphics and design work. Plus it still lacked a dvd drive. The X300 is just over priced and still looks like my 5 year old laptop just wider. When I went to the store and saw all three I immediatly went online and bought the Sony VAIO VGN-Z570N.

It is a great laptop! The battery litereally lasts 5 hours - on Vista! Imagine downgrading to XP (included) or using linux. I also got the deal where you get a free bag and battery if you buy by the end of December (check out pc nation). The keyboard is smooth and responsive. I love the toggle switch between performance (when using photoshop) and stamina (when just surfing the net). The screen is pretty wide and the resolution is incredible. It boots really fast (I am windows user). It has an HDMI slot and now I am watching movies on my HD screen dowloaded on this laptop. I do wish the screen was taller but that's not such a big deal. I highly recommend this laptop for people looking for performance, portability, and style!