Sony VAIO VGN-Z620N/B 13.1-Inch Laptop (2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo P8600 Processor, 4 GB RAM, 320 GB Hard Drive, Vista Business) Black

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Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 12.4 x 1.3 inches ; 3.4 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B001MS6NJQ
• Item model number: VGN-Z620N/B
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,335 in Computer & Accessories (See Bestsellers in Computer & Accessories)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: February 28, 2008

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Built tough for business, the Sony VAIO VGN-Z620N/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 (and a 7200 RPM speed). 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 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo P8600 includes a quick 1066 MHz front-side bus and 3 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). Other features include 4 GB of installed RAM (maximum), 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 Business with SP1 (available XP Pro downgrade on Windows Vista Business only).

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 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo P8600 processor 320 GB hard drive (7200 RPM) 4 GB RAM (maximum) Dual-layer DVD±R drive Quad-mode Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n) Integrated mobile broadband via Sprint (subscription required) Bluetooth with stereo music streaming Hybrid Graphics System: Intel GMA 4500MHD & Nvidia GeForce 9300M GS Windows Vista Business with SP1 (XP Pro downgrade included) 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 P8600 processor featuring Intel Centrino 2 technology. This processor has a 2.4 GHz processor speed, super-sized 1066 MHz front-side bus (FSB), and a extra-large 3 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 (with a fast 7200 RPM speed--usually found in desktops) 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 (PC3-8500, 2 x 2 GB) maximizes the capacity of this notebook, and it also offers a top-of-the-line 1066 MHz speed.

• DVD/CD Drive: The dual-layer DVD drive is compatible with a wide range of formats, including both DVD+RW and DVD-RW discs, CD-RW discs, and dual-layer (DL) DVD+/-R discs, which can hold up to 8.5 GB of data--great for backing up your MP3 collection or your most important documents. It features the following speeds: 4x for DVD+R DL, 4x for DVD-R DL, 8x for both single layer DVD±R, 8x for single layer DVD+RW, 6x for single layer DVD-RW, 5x for DVD-RAM, and 24x/16x for CD-R/RW. It reads DVD-ROM discs at 8x and CD-ROMs at 24x.

• 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 256 MB of dedicated RAM and up to 1500 MB of shared video RAM). This notebook provides resolutions to external displays of up to 1920 x 1080 via HDMI and 2048 x 1536 via VGA, and it 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 Business (SP1, 32-bit) operating system is designed to meet the needs of business organizations of all sizes. For small businesses, Windows Vista Business will help keep PCs running smoothly and more securely so you will be less reliant on dedicated IT support. For larger organizations, Windows Vista Business provides dramatic new infrastructure improvements, enabling your IT staff to spend less time focused on the day-to-day maintenance of PCs. An array of sophisticated new backup technologies helps protect your information even in the event of a catastrophic hardware failure. And Windows Vista Business has a new user interface, named Windows Aero, which is designed to deliver new levels of efficiency for any business user. This new interface makes it easy to navigate through the operating system and from application to application. For instance, Windows Aero helps you juggle multiple tasks at once by providing a three-dimensional, real-time, animated view of all your open applications and documents.

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 3.42 pounds.

Power
It's powered by the VGP-BPS12 rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which has a battery life of between 3 and 6 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-Z620N/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 3.42 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 Core 2 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

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Superb Notebook !, April 20, 2009

By	Bruno Freitas (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Amazon Verified Purchase

A Sony Vaio is always at the top of the range when it comes to Notebooks, and we pay the price for the brand (a little bit), but quality comes with it and this model just confirms it.

I purchased this in order to replace my "old" vaio (3 1/2 years old, which by the way is still running great) a VGN-SZ330P, but I wanted to seize the opportunity to get a new model for a good price.

First thing I was impressed was the size of it... Although my previous one was already small, this one managed to be smaller and still have a great size for a regular use.
I have a preference for the 13" screen, since they are not to small (11", which makes it hard to type and see at the small screen with a high resolution) and not to big (14" and 15" notebooks, which are usually quite heavy).. They are the perfect size...

The Weight issue from this one to my previous one is, I must say, ASTONISHING !! This Notebook is LIGHT ! and I am a heavy user of notebook doing a lot of international traveling and carrying it with me everywhere...
And this was by far what got me in love with this machine as I got my hands on it.. 3.42 pounds for a 13" notebook is nothing..
And the good news is that the power adapter source is also smaller then previous model !!

This is the main difference from a VAIO to another brand, as you know you are getting the top quality components, and the design is also on the bright side as well... Really nice design. Improving all the time.

After you turn it on... The thing is super fast...
The WiFi at N-Draft is also super fast (I am using a LINKSYS WRT310N router)...
Keyboard is very good, with the typing feel of it very comfortable.

The sensor of fingerprints is also faster than my previous one, which was quite a surprise...

I also like to push the notebook to it's limits, therefore, some games where installed on it and with the NVidia 9300GS graphic card it does handle well ...
Some of the Games are:
BF2 / BF2142
Flatout2
Tom Clancy's HWAX

Graphics are pretty intensive and the machine keep up with the Frame Rate at above average for such games... This was also some great news...
I must say that the 3 first games I mentioned also used to run on my previous one, although this one delivers higher frame rates.
As for the HAWX, it is a brand new one, which this note handles well !!

The HD is huge, 320Gb is the advertised, but you only get 280GB since there is a big part of it for Vista and the Sony Pre installed software which you will not get rid of it...
This is one of the few downsides of the Notebook.. The amount of software that comes preinstalled... Nothing that a few Uninstalls would not solve...

And I also had a great surprise... This Notebook comes with an integrated GPS, in connection with the WLAN Verizon (if you want)...
But the GPS was really a surprise, which works with the program from Microsoft Streets & Trips 2009.. This was definatelly a Bonus !

The webcam plays well on SKYPE, it has a real good sound (altough I must admit, that when it comes to sound, the VAIO's are not the cream of the crop, since the more sound quality and volume, you have to understand it will add up to weight and also that a lot of vibration from the speakers is not really good (internally) for the notebook.

Again, I have added a picture for the comparision from my previous VAIO to this new one, and I definattelly think is worth to pay the quality money on such machine as you know you will be excited with it's performance..

After all the compliments, I could point out a few things that could be improved.
a) Backlighting for the keyboard.. This is something which some notes are already doing and it makes a difference.
b) The size of the power source adaptor, although it has diminished a lot from previous versions, could come as a standart the already ULTRA compact one, which SONY now sells it only as an add-on, separatelly.
c) The arrow keys could be of a bigger size, since there is space around it for some "growth"... I believe a lot of the users would agree to this point.

But above all, these are only recomendations, since it does not underate what the Notebook is... A perfect companion for any business trip around the globe, ligtweight and fast in order not to add to the hand luggage and good size widescreen for watching movies.

Go for it. This is a very good machine and you will very happy with it.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Product - Greater Service, May 18, 2009

By	Raja Panyala (Union City, CA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Sony VAIO VGN-Z670N/B 13.1-Inch Laptop (2.66 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo P9600 Processor, 4 GB RAM, 320 GB Hard Drive, Vista Business) Black (Personal Computers)

Everything's great - only one con - minor one - the Sony has disabled the virtualization setting in the BIOS - so you cannot run 64bit virtual PC (to test Windows7 64 bit).

Otherwise a great product. And the promotion for a productivity / mobility pack is great too!

8 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Does not support Hardware Virtualization (VT), June 2, 2009

By	C. Harrison "geek" (San Diego, CA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Sony VAIO VGN-Z670N/B 13.1-Inch Laptop (2.66 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo P9600 Processor, 4 GB RAM, 320 GB Hard Drive, Vista Business) Black (Personal Computers)

While this laptop is advertised as a business laptop, the BIOS is crippled, and does not allow for the enabling of Hardware Virtualization (what Intel calls VT). If you plan on upgrading to Windows 7 and want to take advantage of one of its biggest features (the sweet new XP Compatability mode) or use the new version of Virtual PC, Hardware Virtualization is required. Do not purchase this laptop if you plan on moving to Windows 7 unless Sony fixes this issue.

(The rest of the laptop is amazing, but that one feature is a deal breaker)