Sony VAIO VGN-TZ350N/B Product Tour

by Jim Fisher

Business Minded Portability and Functionality

Sony has recently refreshed their TZ line of VAIO notebooks, tiny 11.1" computers aimed at frequent travelers. The TZ series first hit the US market in July of 2007, delivering a unique mix of style and functionality in a 2.7 pound package.

The latest iteration, the VGN-TZ350N/B, is powered by a 1.2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Ultra Low Voltage U7600 CPU for balanced battery life and performance. It is loaded with 2GB of RAM, a 120GB 4200rpm hard drive, and a SuperMulti DVD burner.

The computer also features Bluetooth, 802.11n Wi-Fi, and integrated wireless broadband by Sprint. Sony has preinstalled Windows Vista Business, making it an ideal notebook for use in corporate environments.

Ergonomics and Usability

Despite its small size, the computer features a surprisingly excellent keyboard. Sporting a design with spaced keys, typing is extremely comfortable. Touch typists should be able to bang away in upwards of 80wpm with comfort. The computer's solid-state trackpad sits comfortably on the wrist-rest of the computer; it is placed in a manner so as not to trigger accidental input when hands are placed in the home-row position. Two mouse buttons complement the trackpad, which has a dedicated scrolling area at its extreme right edge.

A biometric fingerprint reader rests between the two mouse buttons of the trackpad. Once a set of fingerprints is enrolled, a swipe of one's finger can be used to enter stored passwords, or log in to the computer. Properly running your finger through the scanner takes a bit of getting used to, but is pretty easy once you get the hang of the correct speed and finger placement that are necessary for an accurate reading.

The computer's 11.1" screen features a high-gloss finish for enhanced color saturation and brightness. It has a native resolution of 1366 x 768, which can make text a little small at default font sizes. The notebook isn't a bad option for photographers who would like to review images on the road, but should not be considered as an option for serious post-processing and color-critical work due to its small size and gloss finish.

Unlike some other notebooks in its class, the VAIO TZ features an integrated DVD burner. The tray-loading drive can write all standard disc formats, including dual-layer, DVD-RAM, and CD discs.

Communications

An ultraportable notebook lives and dies by its Internet connectivity options, and this computer has no shortages in that department. In addition to standard Gigabit Ethernet and fast 802.11n Wi-Fi, the notebook features an integrated 56k modem for those situations where dial-up is your only option.

It also features an integrated Sprint broadband modem. Utilizing fast EV-DO technology, the cellular modem requires Sprint service to operate. Thirty-days of free use are included with the notebook, but after that you'll be looking at a monthly fee with a minimum two-year service contract.

The computer has integrated Bluetooth for communication with wireless devices, including cell phones, keyboards, mice, and headphones. The VAIO's integrated webcam is positioned in the top bezel of the screen, allowing you to video conference with ease.

Ports and Slots

The VAIO has no shortage of slots and expansion options. It features two high-speed USB 2.0 ports, both easily accessible on the left side of the computer. The computer's ExpressCard/34 expansion slot is located directly adjacent to the USB ports. Also located on the left side, but hidden behind a protective flap, is the 4-pin FireWire-400 port.

The computer features the ability to read two types of memory cards: Sony's MagicGate MemoryStick Pro and Secure Digital. This allows you to download pictures and videos from the most popular card formats, without the need for an external card reader.

Standard 1/8" headphone and microphone minijacks are built into the front of the computer. You can also connect to an external display via a standard VGA port.

AV Mode

Convenient multimedia controls are located on the front of the computer. In addition to standard play/pause, stop, back, forward, and eject controls, there is an “AV Mode" button. Pressing this while in Windows simply brings up a menu that gives you quick access to multimedia applications: Windows Media Player, DVD playback software, ArcSoft WebCam software, and more.

While this is all well and good, the really cool stuff happens when you press the AV Button while the computer is turned off. Doing so brings up a menu that allows you to play DVDs, listen to music, or watch digital movies – without having to boot into Windows. This is great for a quick entertainment fix when traveling.

Light and Portable

The VAIO TZ is a great choice for the mobile professional. At a svelte 2.7 pounds, the computer will do anything but weigh you down. Integrated Wi-Fi and Sprint broadband work together to facilitate Internet access from almost any civilized locale. The computer's battery can provide power for about four hours of moderate use. All in all, the PC is a balanced package of functionality, usability, and power, ideal for use in the corporate world.