Review of Sony VAIO VGN-z890

Product: Sony Vaio VGN-z890

Price: $ 1,799 and up (depending on the setting)

Date: 11/11/2009

Rating: 4.25 / 5

Application management audit system: Windows 7 Home Premium 64-Bit Edition

Pros: High build quality. Attractive, successful patented Hybrid Graphics System (requires restart), lightweight and stylish design. DDR3 memory, great battery life, HDMIConnectivity with audio transmission, Windows 7, very portable.

Cons: Same old graphics card as the previous model VGN-Z790, very expensive. Many design bloatware, fragile, quiet speakers.

Key Takeaway: The VGN-z890 offers no substantial change compared to its predecessor, the VGN-Z790, but when a laptop is good, it's understandable. This laptop is still one of the most powerful in its weightClass.

Notebook Specifications:

Model: VAIO VGN-z890

Processor: 2.80GHz P9700

Color: carbon fiber Premium

Display: 13.1 "XBRITE widescreen LED-backlit display DuraView (1600 x 900 resolution - 16:9 aspect ratio)

Memory: 4GB (2GBx2) DDR3-1066 SDRAM

Camera: Motion Eye camera / microphone

Wireless: Intel WiFi Link2.4 GHz 5100AGN 802.11a/b/g/n, Bluetooth A2DP

Graphics: Hybrid: 256 MB NVIDIA GeForce 9300M GS / Intel GMA 4500MHD with Intel Clear Video Technology (No reboot needed between the two)

Hard Drive: 320 GB SATA Hard Drive (7200rpm) G-Sensor Shock Protection

Optical drive: CD-R/RW DVD-R/RW + - (DL) Play / Burns CD / DVD

Battery: Standard andExtended

Ports: 2 USB 2.0, VGA, HDMI (Audio / Video), SD / Memory Stick Duo, Gigabit Ethernet 10/100/1000, modem port, Firewire / IEEE / i.LINK port (4 pins) headphone jack, microphone jack , ExpressCard slot Card/34

Sound: Intel High Definition Audio

Weight: 3.3 pounds

Dimensions: 8.3 "x 12.4" x 1.3 "(length x width x height - Inches)

Warranty: 1 Year SonyGuarantee

Other: Built in biometric fingerprint sensor. Windows XP downgrade available.

Packaging:

The packaging of this product is the same standard as the previous model. Depending on where you are, can be packed in a box with another box and so on. Like its predecessor, is not really something interesting here ... The handset is packed, there is no guarantee / service informationthe rechargeable lithium ion battery and AC adapter.

Connections:

Here I repeat again, what are the links. For so small, the VGN-z890 certainly has a lot of useful compounds.

"2-USB 2.0, VGA, HDMI (Audio / Video), SD / Memory Stick Duo, Gigabit Ethernet 10/100/1000, modem port, Firewire / IEEE / i.LINK port (4 pins), headphone jack, input microphone, Card/34 ExpressCard slot.

Opposite:

SD Memory Card Slot

Memory Stick Duo Slot (MagicGate functionality)

Left Side:

Hard Drive

Transfer output (HDMI Audio / Video)

USB 2.0

VGA output

Right Side:

DC-In

10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet Port

Slots Express Card/34

Modem Jack

USB 2.0

Firewire / IEEE / i.LINK port (4 pin)

Headphone Jack

Microphone> Jack

Note: The cable for charging the battery, the site is on the hinge of the laptop. We found this a bit 'of pain to be like you a lot of waste if the cable nearest store is in the opposite direction of the door.

Display:

With its small screen, this laptop is only open on any item to see, even in air (as is aimed at managers?) The VGN-z890 has a widescreen 13.1-inch LED with a resolution of 1600x 900 pixels. The display uses a 16:9 widescreen format, which is perfect for movies. The LED-backlit display keeps the power and weight in an all-time low, and the screen with XBRITE technology DuraView. This technology provides added scratch protection on your LCD screen - something very necessary for a portable computer small and thin.

Processor:

The P9700 Intel is one of the best cost, energy-efficient processors for a laptop of this sizean additional $ 150 for the upgrade of the P8800. TheP9700 features 6MB of L2 cache and operates at 2.8 GHz, it uses the architecture to 45 nm and works with 28W, with a 1066 MHz FSB.

Video Card:

Once again, Sony is using the same graphics card as the first hybrid system. The VGN-z890 uses 256MB NVIDIA GeForce 9300M GS and Intel GMA 4500MHD with Intel Clear Video Technology. The patented hybrid system that Sony uses, you can switch between two graphics cardsHaving the computer restarts. The 9300M is able to run more demanding games and applications, and can run HD 4500MHD / Blu-Ray as they give you a much longer battery life. Both cards are DirectX 10 compatible, as well.

Benchmark (GeForce 9300M GS Only)

3DMark 06 (1024x768): Min: 1615 Media: 1989 Max: 2357 Points

Cinebench R10 (shadow): Min: 2270, Average: 2555, max: 2870 points

FEAR Benchmark: LowSettings (640x480) No AA Low Graphics: 308 FPS

Crysis Benchmark: low settings (800x600) No AA, graphics low: 27 FPS

Crysis Warhead Benchmark: low settings (800x600) No AA, graphics low: 35 FPS

World in Conflict Benchmark: low settings (800x600) No AA, graphics low: 70

Speakers and sound card:

The VGN-z890 comes with a standard Intel High DefinitionStandard sound card and speakers. Not really much to say ...

Wireless and Networking:

Sony offers many wireless and networking capabilities. The VGN-z890 comes with a Gigabit Ethernet port equipped - with incredible speed Ethernet. The laptop has Wireless-N connectivity, and can connect to 802.11 a / b / g / n 2.4-GHz frequencies using the Intel WiFi Link 5100AGN card. This laptop supports Verizon Mobile Broad BandOption, and supports Bluetooth wireless technology with a stunning reception and transmission speed. The Bluetooth standard has been, and so was the A2DP.

Keyboard and mouse:

The keyboard on the VAIO z890 is the single most laptop keyboards. The buttons are not together, rinsed and distance are out. There are 82 buttons that are all coated. The keyboard uses aluminum support that contains light and durable laptop. Although not specified, allows the touchpadTo scroll horizontally as well.

Battery:

When you test Mobile 2007 Year Battery standard battery, we got very acceptable levels. We were able to achieve an active life of the battery 4 hours and 2 minutes with the GeForce. With the integrated Intel graphics card, we achieved a battery life of 4 hours and 55 minutes.

Conclusion:

Overall we were very pleased with the Sony Vaio VGN-z890. This is one of the fastest laptops for their mobileClass size and weight. We were very happy with the keyboard design and very satisfied. This laptop is very similar to its predecessor, and we had to dock points. Due to the fact that this laptop is still an excellent choice for executive and traveler, I commend 4.25 / 5