Sony VAIO VGN-TZ298N/XC
Notebook Reviews > Sony VAIO > VGN-TZ298N/XC

Review Date: 22nd Jul' 08

Sony VAIO TZ298 is an exclusive notebook for consumers who demand for the best performance in as small size as possible. The only setback for this 2.7 pound ultraportable laptop could be its costly pricetag. Priced at $3,699, Sony VAIO VGN-TZ298N/XC is aimed at business users who want superior computing power in a compact and stylish package.

The Sony VAIO VGN-TZ298 uses an Ultra Low Voltage Intel Core 2 Duo U7700 (1.33GHz) processor. It runs on Microsoft Windows Vista Business. This unit also sports a 64GB SSD drive for fast loading of operating sytem and other applications and a conventional 250GB hard drive for other storage. Like all Sony laptops, this unit has an impressive hardward profile despite its small form factor.

Although small and lightweight, the VAIO TX298 is highly durable as it features an extremely robust carbon-fiber casing. Its sleek and posh look coupled with its portability make it much more attractive to consumers.

Opening the notebook's lid, the first thing one will notice is its keyboard keys which are slightly raised above the attractive pitch-black bezel layer, which produces a user-friendly touch and feel and an enhanced typing experience. The keyboard and touchpad has a sophisticated and smart look and are generally easy to use. However, it is pretty evident that the keyboard layout is quite crowded due to the small form factor of the laptop, the keys are small and the pitch (the distance between the center of adjacent keys) is only 17mm instead of the usual 19mm.

The VAIO TZ notebook has a miniature 11.1" WXGA widescreen display which comes with Sony's XBRITE-HiColor™ LCD technology accompanied by white LED backlight. The display provides high brightness levels, colors are amplified and clear, crisp images and videos seem to "pop" off the LCD. The screen size does seem small at times but thankfully this disadvantage is offset by superior colors and motion display capability of the screen, which results in brighter whites, deeper blacks, more contrasts, extremely sharp detail and true-to-life color.

This unit is not only suitable for business users, it comes with all features necessary to accomodate for internet, multimedia and game users. Despite limited chassis space, 3 USD 2.0 ports are available as well LAN and modem jacks, a fingerprint reader, a VGA connecter, a webcam and Memory Stick and SD card slots. The speakers produced acceptable sound quality, a little on the thin side but the volume produced is loud enough for personal use. VAIO TZ boasts superior connectivity options, which include WiFi, Bluetooth and optional wireless WAN through Sprint Mobile Broadband. The fingerprint reader provides additional security premium for cautious business users on the move.

The battery life of VAIO TZ is impressive, even better than most full-size notebook. Sony has done a very good job here considering that a single fully charged battery could power the notebook for almost 4 hours at maximum performance. This mentioned battery is not even the extra large capacity unit, which is available for purchase as well. Mobile computing doesn't get better than this!

The Sony VAIO TZ298 may not be everyone's cup of tea. There are certainly more affordable, more powerful and even more attractive notebooks around. However, this unit is truly amazing in terms of performance, mobility and long-lasting battery life. It is indeed suitable for business users and travellers.