A familiar face
Sony dumped its Vaio PC brand two years ago and hightailed it to mobile, though you could be forgiven for thinking it was still involved in some way. Thats because the newest Vaio laptops retain the same overall look as systems that came before them, and of course carry the same branding.
Be that as it may, these are new models, starting with the Vaio Z available in both two-in-one convertible and clamshell styles. The flip model weighs 2.96 pounds while the clamshell variant is even lighter at 2.58 pounds.
Both are based on Intels 6th generation 28W Skylake architecture and feature 13.3-inch displays, albeit with different resolution options—1920x1080p or 2560x1440 for the clamshell model and just 2560x1440 for the flip version.
The least expensive of the bunch is the Vaio Z Clam VJZ131X0211S. It runs $1,499 and includes an Intel Core i5-6267U processor, 8GB of LPDDR3-1866 RAM, 256GB PCIe-based SSD, 1920x1080 resolution, 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1, SD card slot, two USB 3.0 ports, HDMI output, Windows 10 Home 64-bit, and up to 15.5 hours of battery life.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, the highest end configuration is the Vaio Z Flip VJZ13BX011B priced at $2,399. It bumps things up to an Intel Core i7-6567U processor, 16GB of RAM, 512GB of SSD storage, and Windows 10 Pro 64-bit. Battery life on this one is rated at up to 11 hours and 15 minutes.
While the Vaio Z models are pitched as flagship machines, the Vaio S is an "all-purpose, durable" laptop, also with a 13.3-inch display (1920x1080 only).
"The Vaio S is equipped with a molded magnesium alloy casing that ensures robustness and durability. The casing is further reinforced by adding ribs to the designated points, which also brings improvement to the feel of keyboard and touch pad," Sony says.
Pricing for the Vaio S ranges from $1,099 to $1,399, the latter of which boasts an Intel Core i7-6500U processor, 8GB of DDR3L-1600 RAM, 256GB of PCIe-based SSD storage, 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1, three USB 3.0 ports, HDMI and VGA output, SD card slot, and Windows 10 Pro 64-bit.
The Vaio Z in flip form will be available to order starting February 8, 2016; all the rest will be available in early March of this year.
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