Sony VAIO VPC-Z216GX Pro Reviews

Like the original, the Z of 2011 is a masterpiece of a computer for its time. Every part of the machine (okay, save for its touchpad and speakers) is built with the newest and greatest components around — the full HD screen is one of the highest quality panels you’ll find on a laptop today, the unique implementation of Intel’s Light Peak provides beyond competent graphics, and the Core i7 CPU and Samsung RAID 0 SSD trounces every other ultraportable in performance. And of course, the fact that all of that is put into a 2.57-pound package is downright impressive. However, it’s a different time and market for this Z. Ultraportables are no longer niche laptops just for road warriors with large amounts of cash to burn. Shelves are now flooded with ultraportables — like the 13-inch MacBook Air or the Samsung Series 9 — which for under $1,500 provide just enough power for the average user. And then there are thin and light mainstream systems with more muscle, like the $999 XPS 15z and $1,300 ThinkPad X1. What I am trying to get at here is that it’s tough to recommend a laptop that’s over $2,000 (nearly three grand when spec’d like my review unit) when there are very compelling options out there for almost half the price. But hey, if you’re one of those people who has to have the latest and greatest or perhaps just inherited a large wad of cash, the Z will keep you ahead of the curve for the next couple of years. That’s certainly not something I can say about most of the laptops that land on my desk, and well, that’s evidence enough for me that Sony is at least capable of acting like Sony again.

The lightest non-netbook laptop we've tested, the Z Series has a stunning design, with an external dock that boosts the graphics. But only deep-pocketed buyers will consider this luxe model.