Review Sony Vaio VPC-Z21Q9E/B Subnotebook

Many have tried and failed so far, until now: An external graphics solution that is supposed to help mobile notebooks to improve their performance at will. The main problem thus far: A relevant high performance external interface for the exchange of data to and from the notebook was missing, which is able to also serve the integrated display at peak performance. Asus 70-NLF1B2000Y battery This problem has now apparently been solved by Sony thanks to the new Intel Light Peak technology - an external monitor makes a lot more sense. Does that mean everything is perfect? Not quite. More on this in the following review.

When it comes to Sony's top of the range models, these have for the past several years been of the favorite 'small black' variety. This options is of course not completely arbitrary, since this is also supposed to represent the material value of the notebook. The online configuration tool on Sony's website in addition also provides three further designs: Blue, gold, and premium carbon. Asus 70-NLF1B2000Z battery
Carbon is the material used by Sony to achieve the best possible performance to weight ratio. The Japanese manufacturer declares an official thickness of 1.7 centimeters, and a total weight of only 1.2 kilograms, which is below Netbook values, in its documentation. We measured to make sure: 1.15 kilograms, and 17 millimeters not including the two millimeter rubber feet, which is therefore correct.

Asus 70NLF1B2000Y battery Optically the case can definitely make a good impression: Elegant, simple, understatement par excellence would be fitting. When it comes to handling the device it quickly becomes obvious though that we are dealing with a plastic case in the sub 1000 euros class. The satin surfaces are good at concealing finger prints and dust particles, and definitely feel qualitative. Without knowing it would be possible to think of 08/15 plastic, in detail the Vaio Z21 can still sway all doubts though. Paint problems, uneven gaps, or even a wobbly battery? - Our reviewed device didn't show any of these weaknesses. Asus 70NLF1B2000Z battery

Apropos battery: Sony has been known for not always taking the precision of the battery size too seriously in the past. This shortcoming was however obviously avoided intentionally with these high-end models. Compared to its counterparts in the 13 inch segment, such as the MacBook Air or the Samsungs 900X3A, with which the battery can either not be removed or only after taking apart the case (warranty?), Sony has attached the battery to the bottom of the base unit in the front region with the help of 8 (!) screws. Changing this is therefore possible, but only with a lot of effort. Asus 90-NLF1B2000Y battery The remaining components cannot be accessed however, with the exception of taking apart the whole case. What for though, the RAM is soldered in place - which prevents any further future upgrades. And also the Solid State Drive has a special format which prevents an easy exchange. Those that want to take a look at the inside of the Vaio VPC-Z21 anyway can do that by watching this video.

Asus 90-NLF1B2000Z battery Before we continue, just another quick note regarding the case: The attractive optical appearance and high quality feel aren't quite matched by the stability of the case. The base unit can easily be dented somewhat by a little pressure in the area around the palm resting area, as well as the keyboard (wireless switch). This becomes more apparent when it comes to the display. The lid of the only 5 millimeter thin component may not let any pressure through to the sensitive display panel, but it can be warped easily. Merely two fingers are enough to create a lot of bending. Asus 90-NLF1BZ000Y battery

The 'Z' in the product description has been an indication for especially good performance reserves for Sony devices for a long time. In the case of the reviewed Vaio Z21, Sony has opted for the dual-core model CPUs from the Intel Sandy Bridge palette. What is interesting is the fact that - in contrast to the initial expectations for the adoption of ULV processors - the standard 35W TDP processors have been used. Asus 90-NLF1BZ000Z battery Sony is currently listing three different models in the online configuration options: i5-2410M as the entry level model, i5-2524M with an already extended VT-x and VT-d functionality, and finally the i7-2620M CPU; in other words the currently fastest available dual-core processor with a base clock speed of 2.7 GHz and a Turbo bandwidth up to 3.4 GHz, as long as only one core is utilized and adequate cooling is provided. In light of the base unit height of only about 12 millimeters, this could be more complicated than thought though. More on this later.

Asus 90-NVD1B1000Y battery Integrated into the notebook, or more accurately: Directly in the CPU unit, there is also Intel's HD Graphics 3000 graphics solution, which is intended for office use and can therefore perform less demanding tasks with less power consumption. When it comes to particular professional tasks the Intel solution does significantly lag behind compared to other independent graphics solutions though. For this reason Sony has equipped the Power Media Dock with an AMD HD 6650M graphics chip with 1 GB of dedicated DDR3 graphics memory. In order to dock the notebook graphics intensive applications have to be closed, and the picture is interrupted very briefly. Following this, after a few seconds, the system is once again ready for use though. Asus 90NLF1B2000Y battery
The Radeon HD 6650M is a mid-range graphics card from the current AMD 6xxxM family. The chip is DirectX 11 compatible, can decode HD material with its UVD3 decoder, supports the output of 7.1 surround sound via HDMI, and can theoretically drive 5 monitors simultaneously thanks to AMD Eyefinity. Apart from graphics concerns, there are therefore also plenty of reasons that are supposed to make the use of this GPU appealing. Asus 90NLF1B2000Z battery

When it comes to the RAM there is the option of either 4 or 8 GB of memory of the DDR3 1333 MHz variety, which is however soldered onto the motherboard, and can thus not be upgraded. The right choices should also be made when selecting the main storage memory, which is inevitably in the form of a Solid State Drive (SSD) in the case of the Vaio Z21. The options are either flash SSD with a capacity of 128-512 GB, or SSDs in the online configuration of the 'third generation', which should have some additional performance. Or reviewed device contained the standard 128 GB entry level solution. Asus 90NLF1BZ000Y battery

Gaming Performance

With the AMD Radeon HD 6650M there is a mid-range graphics chip in the Power Media Dock, which should definitely be capable of processing current games with appealing graphics details. We tested the performance with the aid of several games. In the process the integrated display is utilized with various resolution and detail levels together with the Power Media Dock. Asus 90NLF1BZ000Z battery

Already the first test with the racing game Dirt 2 reveals some mysteries. With 20.7 fps using high settings (1360x768, 2xAA, high presets) the HD 6650 only provides the performance of a GT 520M. Devices with the same graphics solution manage to achieve 30 fps in this case. We started again without the Dock GPU, in other words using the integrated HD Graphics 3000. Result: FRAPS on average gives 17.1 fps. Hardly an advantage as a result of the external GPU? Asus A32-F52 battery
We carried on testing: With Mafia 2 the next graphics challenge is on the agenda. With 33.9 fps to 16.0 fps using high graphics details (1366x768, 16xAF, high) the HD 6650M clearly has an advantage, and is more or less on the expected performance level. The Packard Bells LS11 with the same graphics for example achieves 34.2 fps.

Asus A32-F82 battery Battlefield Bad Company 2 achieves 26.4 fps using high details (1366x76 on average - which is also too little. The LS11 from Packard Bell achieves 32.7 fps with the 6650M in this case. The same picture emerges using medium details: 33.6 fps vs. 49.4 fps with the LS11. We tested the clock speed and temperature of the CPU and GPU in parallel - nothing stands out
Following this comes CoD Black Ops. With 26.6 fps using high details, the HD 6650 remains behind its capabilities. The same graphics card in the Packard Bell LS11 achieves a proud 46.9 fps. Asus L0690L6 battery

We tested the BFBC2 again, this time however with an external display attached to the Power Dock. With 36.7 fps using medium details, no ground is made up in this case either. The same picture shows itself with Dirt 3. With 22 fps using high details, the Z21 HD 6650M contests with the same performance as the HD Graphics 3000, regardless of whether the internal display or an external display via the Power Dock is used. Asus L0A2016 battery
The Catalyst Control Center provides the options 'allow additional displays' and 'accelerate notebook displays' with regard to the XGP station. Regardless of which option is selected: Our gaming benchmarks just don't want to reach the expected results.

Verdict: The gaming benchmarks partially achieve the expected performance level, but also partially remain significantly below the expected performance level. Whether the internal or an external display is opted for remains irrelevant. Altogether the impression of a not completely matured graphics driver arises, which prevents the utilization of a lot of potential performance. Asus 90-OA001B1000 battery

Battery Life

Without the Power Dock the Sony VPC-Z21 is relatively frugal, at least as long as the required performance stays within limits. With 6.4 W - 10.9 W in an idle state, it belongs among the most modest laptops that we have tested so far, in terms of the power consumption. Under load the notebook draws between 45 W and 56 W from the plug, depending on the task. In the standby mode we measured 0.3 W. Asus A22-700 battery

The picture changes as soon as the Power Media Dock is connected. 19 W - 23 W during use without load, and 57 W - 96 W under load, or more specifically during the stress test, explain the significantly bigger rated AC adapter for the Power Media Dock (120 W).

In light of the measured values regarding the power consumption, first indications for the likely possible battery life start to emerge. In the device itself there is an especially thin, two part Lithium-Polymer battery, with a capacity of 45 Wh. Asus A22-P701 battery Sony also offers an optional additional battery with the slice-principle, more specifically a thin plate, which is attached to the bottom of the notebook. With a capacity of 48 Wh this should be capable of doubling the battery life measured by us. With an additional weight of around 520 grams this also increases the total weight of the laptop by about 50% though. The additional battery (VGP-BPSC27) is available from about 125 Euros from retailers.

Asus A23-P701 battery With the integrated 45 W battery we measured a maximum battery life of 546 minutes which equates to about 9 hours, with the BatteryEater Readers test (minimum display brightness, wireless modules off, power saving profile) as could be expected. Using the Classic test (load, maximum brightness, wireless modules on, maximum performance profile) things already come to an end after 70 minutes though, when the battery is empty.
For practical WLAN surfing (profile balanced, wireless modules on, adjusted brightness: -1) we reached a battery life of about 6 hours while surfing a mixture of websites. The mobile use without a power connection is therefore definitely still comfortably possible, even without the additional battery. Asus P22-900 battery

It all started so well: The technical specifications, as well as the additional features in the press releases, spell out a wishlist for the perfect notebook: Small, light, first class materials, a high quality display, ample performance, small emissions, and battery life that makes it possible to forget that electricity is even necessary for its operation.
The reality is unfortunately, as so often, a little different. The devil is in the detail.

Asus A31-1015 battery The case is impressive with a timeless design and high quality feel. Not to be forgotten is the especially thin build, and a total weight of less than 1200 grams. What the carbon fiber chassis can't do though, is to provide a convincing shape rigidity. The case only comes to terms with pressure and bending to a limited extent.

The provided interfaces are well placed, and considering its build the device is also able to give a satisfying assortment. With the Power Dock solution, which uses Intel's Light Peak technology, the device is extended by a GPU as well as additional interfaces during desktop use. Asus AL31-1015 battery
Integrated UMTS/HSUPA, elaborate, even if expensive accessories, and service upgrades (unfortunately no On-Location service) make the device more enticing.
The keyboard takes some getting used to with regard to the typing feeling, as well as the touchpad, which we couldn't really develop a liking for.

When it comes to the display, Sony does (almost) everything right: Good resolution (1600x900, FHD optional), high brightness (around 300 cd/m²), and sufficient contrast, even let the Sony VPC-Z21 look good during outdoor use. A shame: The meager viewing angle stability along the vertical plane, which is especially detrimental during mobile use. Asus A32-1015 battery

Things get interesting again when it comes to the performance. Thanks to the extremely fast SSD, and the Intel i7 Sandy Bridge CPU, the Z21 catapults itself to the top of the rankings in terms of application performance. The external AMD HD 6650M is able to deliver the expected good performance with some benchmarks, but unfortunately falls behind expectations significantly with some gaming tests. The old OpenGL driver for the HD Graphics 3000 could also pose a drawback in some cases, which can potentially lead to problems with some applications. Asus PL32-1015 battery In fact we generally anticipate a problem with the driver (special AMD drivers required for the XGP station), since these are already antiquated when the notebook is delivered, and there are no updates available at the time of writing this review.

As far as the emission of the notebook are concerned, these are primarily a result of the required performance, either users can be pleased with a silent companion, or have to come to terms with a noticeably loud cooling fan and a hot case. This does stay within limits though, since the notebook quickly becomes inconspicuous again following the elevated performance requirements. Asus 70-OA111B1000 battery
Also when it comes to the battery life, a full days use without a power cable is possible, until the power socket is connected again for about an hour, after which everything is possible again.

The Sony Vaio VPC-Z21 is an altogether attractive subnotebook from the upper range. Combined with the Power Media Dock an extended application may be possible, but there are also certain problems associated with this, which can probably be traced back to the applied drivers.
The project 'subnotebook' can be described as a success, the project 'external graphics solution' still leaves a question mark at present though. Asus 70-OA1G1B1000 battery

HP ProBook 5330m-LJ463UT Laptop Review

The HP ProBook series is a lineup of affordable business notebooks with build quality made to keep up with the constantly moving user. The m series was designed to appeal to a broader range, including the enterprise and consumer markets.

With the ProBook 5330m, HP is introducing Beats Audio and a backlit keyboard to the m series for the first time. The model under review includes an Intel Core i5-2520M, although users can opt for a Core i3-2310M for $100 less at $799 USD. Regardless of choice, the 5330m is a huge upgrade, in terms of specs and built-in security features, over the ProBook 5310m released in 2009. Asus 70-OA1G1B1100 battery

At just under 1-inch thick (0.99 inches to be exact), the 5330m isn't the slimmest notebook around, but it definitely feels solid. The anodized aluminum casing and magnesium alloy chassis both give the notebook a tough and smooth feel. The base can flex slightly, but takes a good amount of torsional force to do so. The lid could have been more firm, unfortunately, as a finger can depress the outside case without much force, especially towards the center. At any rate, the "Durafinish" wear protection coating diffuses reflections quite well and actually makes it somewhat difficult to accumulate fingerprints and scuffs anywhere outside of the screen. Asus AP21-MK90 battery

At 3.99 pounds (1.8kg), the HP notebook feels quite dense and weighs about as much as the 13.3-inch Sony Vaio VC-SB1Z9EB with the same CPU configuration. The hefty base means that the user can open the monitor with only one hand.

In terms of looks, the 5330m roughly resembles the HP 4430s, but with a much more boxy and minimalistic build. Instead of smooth edges and round curves that many other notebooks tend to pursue, the 5330m has a bit of a retro and industrial feel to its construct. Unfortunately, this means that the visual appeal of the notebook will be hit or miss depending on user preferences. Those wishing for a sleek and ultra-modern design will have to look elsewhere. Asus AP21-T91 battery

The hinges are good if working on a stable desk, but are not stiff enough to be used during bumpy train rides or otherwise unsteady surfaces. A maximum angle of about 135 degrees is allowed before the bottom of the lid reaches the rear of the notebook base.

Battery Life

The reviewed model is equipped with a 4-cell Li-Ion polymer battery rated at 14.8V and 41WHr. The battery is located on the bottom of the notebook and is thus flat and thin as opposed to larger batteries that attach to the notebook's backend. Asus AP23-T91 battery

The HP Power Assistant allows direct access to power profiles and wireless connections so users can quickly disable and modify power-draining system settings more easily than with the default Windows Power Manager. It also includes a scheduler for user-defined automatic power profile switching.

According to the BatteryEater Classic Test, the 5330m achieved a minimum battery life of 56 minutes before automatic shutdown at 5%. This was done with full screen brightness, WLAN enabled and under the Windows High Performance power option. Asus 15G10N381200 battery

A maximum battery life of 299 minutes was obtained with the Reader's Test at minimum screen brightness, wireless disabled and the Windows Energy Saver mode. A more reality-oriented test was done at 66% screen brightness while surfing the net with Adobe Flash enabled and the Windows Balanced profile. The notebook reached up to 191 minutes, but this result will be highly variable depending on how many videos and applications the user could be demanding. Asus 15G10N381200CM-2 battery

As such, actual run time is highly tied to the user's needs. The notebook will die rather quickly with heavy applications and too many background activities, but should last noticeably longer if used mostly for word processing, notetaking and presentations. Still, at only around 3 hours with some videos mixed in, we recommend keeping the power adapter nearby.

Asus A34-M90 battery For comparison, the larger 15.6-inch ProBook 6560b with the same CPU was able to last a little over 5 hours when left idle, although it includes a larger 6-cell battery. The similarly equipped 12.5-inch Lenovo ThinkPad X220, 14-inch Toshiba Tecra R840-11E and 13.3-inch Sony Vaio VPC-SB1Z9EB can all last a couple hours longer than the 5330m.

The power consumption at idle at the lowest brightness setting comes in at 14 watts, according to the built-in HP Power Assistant. Under load and maximum brightness, the total power draw hovers around 61 watts. Asus A34-W90 battery

For every feature the HP ProBook 5330m excels at, it misses the mark in an equal number of key areas. For example, the notebook base is built sturdy with its magnesium alloy chassis, but its lid is comparatively more delicate. A standard voltage Core i5 CPU can handle most applications thrown at it, but is tied to a weak battery. The screen is passably bright at its center, but is so unevenly lit that prolonged outdoor use should be avoided. There seems to be an unfortunate opposing corollary for each attribute done adequately well. Asus L0690L6 battery

Additionally, there are no options for a larger battery, so heavy notebook users may need to lug around a second battery in case or downgrade the CPU to a Core i3-2310M. Note that the Core i3 model omits the Intel vPro Technology and software, however. A SIM card slot would have been a great addition as well, especially when the older ProBook 5310m included the option. Asus NBP12A100 battery

All in all, the ProBook 5330m offers a very straightforward and unobtrusive design with extra data protection, additional layers of login credentials, a speedy processor and a more sophisticated power manager. Those interested in the built-in security software features and don't require an all-day battery life can consider this HP notebook.

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