Sony Vaio TZ series (VGN-TZ11XN) user reviews
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User reviews5
ScottF 15 October 2008
Good: Weight, battery life, SD card slot, screen, optical drive
Bad: keyboard, USB ports, thin lid, mouse pad, price
Comment: This is my second vaio lightweight, the 1st was the TR1MP. Improvements over the generations include processor power, memory, HD size. The increase to an 11" screen is useful and amazingly it's lighter. In terms of performance I have had no problems (although I have changed the OS to XP).
Problems?
1. Yes, it's really thin but I can't see why anyone would get excited about that. The lid is especially thin and somewhat flexible. I do worry about it getting too much pressure on the lid when in a day sack. I have nowhere near the confidence in that aspect of the machine as I had in my previous one. I would rather sacrifice a few more grammes for a thicker lid to protect the screen.
2. The keyboard, as already mentioned has poor contrast esp in lower light, which makes it hard to see the keys. The previous one was black letters on white(ish) keys. This is the other way round - not helpful. Also the keys need a more determined press, agan not as good as my last.
3. There are only 2 USB ports which is poor in this day and age. They are too close together so a mobile internet dongle obstructs the free port.
4. Finally, the mouse pad drives me nuts, sometimes being unresponsive whilst on other occasions it is overresponsive.
I was looking at the Toshiba Portege range but was put off by reviewer comments on screen bleed and keyboard.
All in all, I think this is a slightly overpriced machine with adequate performance (for an ultraportable). It is worth buying if you want a very light machine with a built in optical drive, a good battery life and a good screen. If you don't mind sneeking up to an outrageous 1.5kgs there is a good range of cheaper alternatives, although not all have an optical drive.
captvontrapp 8 December 2007
Good: size, weight, speed in switching on
Bad: cannot be repaired if broken, VERY fragile screen.
Comment: In July 2007 I ordered this PC direct from Japan in order to get the solid state hard drive and all day battery not offered on the UK market. At first everything seemed okay, however, in August the screen cracked when I pushed it closed from the side (advice here for the future: ALWAYS close the screen holding BOTH sides). I sent it to SONY for repairs. Eventually at the end of November it was returned with the statement "it is not possible to replace or repair the screen on the TZ model Vaio" !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have used a large quantity of notebook computers over the years (indeed I am credited in introducing notebooks into my industry back in the days of 086 processors) and although I have had a number of damaged products in that time I have NEVER had a company come back with that one! I should add, however, that this is both the first notebook I have bought with private money and also the first SONY.
iyoob ilyas 4 September 2007
Good: The shape, the incredible light weight, the clarity, compactness
Bad: Obviously the cost
Comment: Its a nice machine - worth every penny. You might think its expensive - but I can vouch it worth it.
The screen is very nice - crystal clear. It does take ur finger prints - needs a little bit of cleaning. The keyboard though small - does work quiet well - if you are someone who knows typing well, you could manage it like a 15 inch laptop.
The battery life is less than 4 hours only - and this is now - meaning with in a week of my purchase - so its no where near 7 hours - as they claim it to be.
The processor is 1.06 GHz - a little slow - but I think thats what they could afford with a machine which is just over one kg in weight - so this way its a little far from being perfect but a nice one over all.
An incredible experince over all.
Thomas Hames 7 July 2007
Good: Brilliant design, great screen, perfect size and feels good.
Bad: Keyboard difficult to read
Comment: There is not enough contrast between the letters and keys, which often makes it hard to read. A problem if you don't touch type. Otherwise a fabulous machine.
Daljit Sokhi 15 June 2007
Good: Sleek design, ultra-portability
Bad: Less scope to upgrade compared to larger VAIO laptops
Comment: This machine is so compact, it is unbelievable. If you look at the side profile the depth is only 2cm more than the size of the DVD drive! Now that's impressive. There is sufficient power to cater for everyday tasks. It's a winner