VAIO
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| Manufacturer | Sony |
| Type | Personal Computer |
| Retail availability | 1996-present (first launched in US) |
VAIO (pronounced /ˈvaɪ.oʊ/) is a sub-brand for many of Sony's computer products. It was originally an acronym for Video Audio Integrated Operation, but since 2008 amended to Visual Audio Intelligence Organizer to celebrate the brand's 10th anniversary. The branding was created by Timothy Hanley to distinguish items that encompassed the use of consumer audio and video, as well as being conventional computing products. One example of this was the Sony VAIO W Series personal computer, which functioned as a regular computer and a miniature entertainment center. Although Sony made computers in the 1980s for the Japanese market only, Sony withdrew from the computer business around the turn of the decade. Sony's re-entry to the computer market, this time globally, under the new VAIO brand, started in 1996 with the PCV series of desktops. The VAIO logo also represents the integration of analog and digital technology. The 'VA' represents an analog wave and the 'IO' represents digital binary code.
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[edit] Products
Sony is expanding the use of the VAIO label. It can now be found on notebooks, subnotebooks, desktop and media centres. Network media solutions by Sony will also carry the VAIO brand.
VAIO notebooks are currently shipped with Microsoft Windows 7 Professional[citation needed] (Business line) or Windows 7 Home Premium, while high-end models sometimes come with Windows 7 Ultimate.
In mid-2005, all models stopped shipping with a Recovery CD, which was replaced by a hidden partition on the hard drive, accessible at boot via the BIOS or also within Windows via a utility. Pressing [F10] (at the VAIO logo) during boot-up will cause the notebook to boot from the recovery partition; where the user has the choice of either running hardware diagnostics (without affecting the installed system), or restoring (re-imaging) the hard drive to factory condition (of course, this option will destroy all user installed applications and all data). On first running the system out of the box, VAIO users are prompted to create a set of recovery DVDs, which will be required in case of hard disk failure and replacement with a new drive (normally these would not be required if the system is restored from the hidden partition).
Also included as part of the out-of-box experience, are prompts to register at Club VAIO, an online community for VAIO owners and enthusiasts, which also provides automatic driver updates and technical support via email, along with exclusive desktop wallpapers and promotional offers. On recent models, you are also prompted to register your trial versions of Microsoft Office and the installed antivirus software (Norton Anti-Virus on older models, and McAfee Antivirus on newer ones) upon initial boot.
VAIO computers come with components from companies such as Intel processors, Seagate Technology, Hitachi, Fujitsu or Toshiba hard drives, Infineon RAM, Atheros and Intel wireless chipsets, Sony (usually made by Hitachi) or Matsushita optical drives, Intel, NVIDIA or ATI graphics processors and Sony speakers. Recent laptops are being shipped with Qimonda RAM, HP speakers with Realtek High Definition Audio Systems, and optional Dolby Sound Room technology. It has been confirmed that a touch-screen VAIO is planned to be launched as well as support for PlayStation Network.
[edit] Technology
Some Sony VAIO models come with Sony's proprietary XBRITE (also known as ClearBright in Japan and Asia-Pacific region) displays. The first model to introduce this feature is the VAIO TR series. It is also the first consumer product to utilize such technology. It is a combination of smooth screen, anti-reflection (AR) coating and high-efficiency lens sheet. Sony claims that the smooth finish provides a sharper screen display, the AR coating prevents external light from scattering when it hits the screen, and the high-efficiency lens sheet provides 1.5 times the brightness improvement over traditional LCD designs, while also extending battery life due to less usage of the LCD backlight. The technology was pioneered by Sony engineer Masaaki Nakagawa, who is in charge of the VAIO TR development.[1]
The TX series introduced in September 2005 was the first notebook to implement an LED back-lit screen, which provides lower power consumption and greater color reproduction. This technology has been widely adopted by many other notebook manufacturers now. It was also the first to use a 16:9 aspect ratio screen with 1366x768 resolution.
The SZ series was the first to use switchable graphics – the motherboard containing an Intel GMCH (Graphics Memory Controller Hub) featuring its own in-built graphics controller (complete memory hub controller and graphics accelerator on the one die) and a separate NVIDIA graphics accelerator chipset directly interfaced with the GMCH. The GMCH could be used for less power consumption and greater battery life whereas the NVIDIA chipset would be used when greater graphics processing power was needed. A switch is used to toggle between the graphics but required the user to preselect the option before the motherboard could initialize. The Z series has recently replaced the SZ series but does not require a restart of the system to change graphic modes on Windows Vista, it can be done on the fly. This feature has subsequently been used by other manufacturers, including Apple, Asus and Alienware.
The high-end AR Series VAIOs were the first to incorporate a Blu-ray Disc burner. This series was designed to be the epitome of high-definition products including a 1080p capable WUXGA (1920 × 1200 pixels) screen, HDMI output and the aforementioned Blu-ray burner. The AR series also includes an illuminated logo below the screen. Blu-ray/HDMI capable models have been the subject of intense promotion since mid-2007, selling with a variety of bundled Blu-ray Discs. The AR series was replaced by the AW series. The AW series incorporates all of these features in a 18.4" 16/9 display.
Another recent addition to the VAIO series is the TZ model. This new design features a 64GB Solid State Drive (SSD) for rapid boot-ups, quicker application launches and greater durability. If selected, a 250GB Hard Drive may also be included in place of the built-in CD/DVD drive to provide room for additional storage. For security this model includes biometric fingerprint sensor and Trusted Platform Module. The TZ offers a Built-in highly miniaturized MOTION EYE camera built into the LCD panel for video conferencing. Additional features include the XBRITE LCD, integrated Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN) technology and Bluetooth technology.
A selection of media centres were added to the VAIO range in 2006. These monitorless units (identified by a product code prefixed by VGX rather than VGN) are designed to be part of a home entertainment system, which typically take input from a TV tuner card, and output video via HDMI or composite video connection to an ideally high-definition television. This range so far includes the XL and TP lines. The VGX-TP line is rather visually unique, featuring a circular, 'biscuit-tin' style design with most features obscured behind panels, rather than the traditional set-top box design.
The VAIO line also features a series of desktop computers, which incorporate motherboard and widescreen LCD monitor into a single unit (in a manner similar to the more recent models of Apple's iMac series). These are identified by VGC in the product code.
[edit] Bundled software
Sony has been criticized for loading its VAIO laptops with bloatware, or ineffective and unrequested software that supposedly allows the user to immediately use the laptop for multimedia purposes. Dell had been accused of the same practice, but after strong customer feedback agreed to offer "limited" pre-installed software on its machines.[2] Sony now offers a "Fresh start" option in some regions with some of their business models. With this option, the computer is shipped only with a basic install of Windows and very little of the trial software is installed. The default webcam software in VAIO notebooks is ArcSoft WebCam Companion. It offers a set of special effects called Magic-i visual effects, through which users can enhance the images and videos taken through the webcam. It also features the face detection feature. Certain other Sony proprietary software such as Click to Disc Editor, VAIO Music Box, VAIO Movie Story, VAIO Media Plus are also included in the recent models. Those shipped with ATI Radeon Video cards feature the Catalyst Control Centre, which enables the user to adjust the various video features such as brightness, contrast, resolution etc., and also enables connecting with an external display.
[edit] Current models
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This section is outdated. Please update this section to reflect recent events or newly available information. Please see the talk page for more information. (January 2010) |
[edit] Personal notebooks
All personal notebook models come with Windows 7 Home Premium installed. Unlike the business range, XP downgrade options are not available on all models.
- EC Series – 17.3" middle-end multimedia range, configurable with Core i7 and 1 TB Hard Drive. Replaced the AR series CW.
- F Series – New Edition was released at CES 2011. The latest model includes 3d and Core i7 Sandy Bridge. 16.4" consumer entertainment range. There are options for a Blu-ray disc reader or burner, and an option for a Full HD widescreen. There are two versions currently being sold. The 1st Generation i7 without 3d and 2nd Generation with 3d. The notebook is the second largest in Sony's current range, the first being the VAIO EC series.
- CB Series – A 15.5" entry level laptop for home users. Successor of the NW and NS Series. Includes an HDMI port and a 16:9 display. The higher-end models include a Blu-ray Disc reader. New Colored Light version Replaced the Sony Vaio NW series.
- CA Series- A 14" notebook that is customizable compared to the pre-built CB series. Successor to the NA series. Can be customized with up to a Core i5 2540M, 8 GB of DDR3 SDRAM, a Blu-ray burner, AMD graphics and 750 GB hard drive.
- SB Series-A 13.3" notebook that replaced the Z series and the SA series. Contains the latest i5 or i7 Sandy Bridge processor.
- Y Series- A 11.6" AMD Fusion laptop, replaced the Sony Vaio X.
[edit] Past Laptops
- X Series - An 11.1 " ultraportable that uses the Intel Atom Z550 and has 2 GB of DDR2 SDRAM @ 533 MHz. Not only is this the first computer launched in the United States that uses the 2 GHz Atom Z550, but it is also one of the most expensive computers to use an Intel Atom processor, competing with Sony's own VAIO P Series.
- P Series – An 8" ultraportable range that uses a Intel Atom CPU Z520-Z550 dependant on model, and has 2 GB of DDR2 SDRAM @ 533 MHz and a 1600x768(UWXGA)
- W Series – A 10.1" sub-notebook (netbook), aimed at a young audience. Available in White, Brown and Pink using a Intel Atom Processor N450, 1GB DDR2 RAM, 160 GB HDD, Windows XP Home or Windows 7 Home Basic
[edit] Business notebooks (VAIO Professional)
Business notebook models usually come with Windows 7 Professional installed (some higher models feature Windows 7 Ultimate. All business models have an XP downgrade option and full driver support).
- TT Series[3] – Ultra portable 11.1" professional notebook. Successor of the TZ Series. The smallest notebook computer to accommodate a Blu-ray Disc drive at 11 inches.
- Z Series[4] – 13.1" Ultra portable, featuring a 1600 x 900 display an optional 1920 x 1080 (Full High Definition) resolution upgrade and integrated WWAN.[5] (Replaces the high-end models of the SZ Series.)
- SR Series[6] – 13.3" ultraportable, for home and business use. (Replaces the low-end models of the SZ Series.)
- BZ Series[7] – Robust business notebooks with Trusted Platform Module and biometric fingerprint security technology. (Replaces the BX Series.)
- G Series - 11.1" ultra portable notebook employing Trusted Platform Module technology and biometric fingerprint security features. Weighed only 1.1 kg and was made from CFRP and had an ultra thin LED backlit screen. This notebook brought many technologies that are now on mainstream notebooks to the consumer.
From the second quarter of 2008, all higher end models (AW, FW, Z, SR, TT and BZ) have incorporated a cylindrical spine, with no ports on the back of the computer. Generally, the AC adapter port is located on one end of the cylindrical spine, and the power button on the other.
[edit] Customizable notebooks (configure-to-order)
As of early 2009, Sony offer a customization option on higher-end machines through Sony's high-street and online retail store, SonyStyle,com. Customization options include operating system (64-bit rather than 32-bit versions of Windows), RAM, graphics hardware, and in some models, casing. Configure-to-order machines can be distinguished by the fact their 8-digit product code starts with 54 rather than 27 or 28.
[edit] All-in-one desktops
- L Series[8]
- LV Series – Full 24" HD LCD display with resolution of 1920x1200 and 16:10 aspect ratio. Blu-ray reader/recorder able to record TV shows on Blu-ray
- LT Series – 22" display with a 2.5 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 4GB of RAM, a 1TB hard drive, and a built-in Blu-ray burner
- LN Series – 20.1” X-black LCD display with resolution of 1680x1050 and 16:10 aspect ratio. Blu-ray reader but not recorder
- LM Series – 19" display, TV tuner, built-in 1.3 mega pixel cameras with face-tracking software, 2.1-channel speaker system and sub-woofers. Features an Intel Core2 Duo Processor T7250 (2.00 GHz), 2GB DDR2 SDRAM, 250GB HDD, Windows Vista Home Premium, and NVIDIA graphics
- L Series - 24" touch screen displaying 1080p resolution. Intel Core 2 Quad, 6GB RAM, Blu-ray burner, HDMI port, dual TV tuners, 1TB hard drive, 1GB Nvidia graphics and Windows 7 Home Premium.
- JS Series – 20.1" integrated lifestyle desktop available in a variety of colors. The chassis design closely resembles that of the Sony Bravia KDL-19M4000 19" LCD HDTV.
- RT – 25" All-in-one desktop aimed at HD editing..
[edit] Problems
[edit] Heat problems
On September 4, 2008, Sony announced a worldwide voluntary product inspection and rework program for TZ-series notebook computers manufactured since June 2007. All model numbers beginning with VGN-TZ1 and VGN-TZ2 were eligible, along with some VGN-TZ3 notebooks. The issue involves "a limited number of units" which could potentially "generate heat around the DC jack inlet and frame of LCD screen, which creates the potential of deformation of the plastic casing".[9] In the United States, the service offered is generally on-site, whilst in the rest of the world the service typically involves collection of the notebook by a courier, often DHL, for servicing in a Sony repair center. ChannelWeb reports 100,000 have been recalled.
[edit] VGN-CS Series Cooling Fan failure
On 9 October 2007, Sony announced:
| “ | It has transpired that some VGN-CS series and VGN-BZ series VAIO notebook computers exhibit some uncharacteristic fan noise | ” |
On affected VAIO notebook computers, the cooling fan will start to make an unusual noise. For affected models highlighted in this notice, Sony will offer a free repair service for two years starting from the purchase date.[10]
[edit] Concerns regarding Hardware Virtualization
In the past, nearly all Sony VAIO computers have had hardware virtualization technology (VT) disabled at the factory,[11] the exception being the new BZ range, which uses an Aptio BIOS by American Megatrends, rather than the customized Phoenix BIOS common on older models. However, on November 3, 2009, Sony released the following information on the Vaio-Link.com website:
A number BIOS updates have been released which provide the option to enable VT in the BIOS. If a VT-enabling bios has been published for your VAIO model, you can find it in the Updates section.
The released BIOS updates were provided for most of the VAIO range, and as expected, it will only list the "Enable VT" option in the BIOS if the CPU supports it.
[edit] Lack of Recovery Discs
Sony has designed and produced several models which present the impossibility of creating recovery discs without purchasing an external drive. As Sony does not supply the original recovery discs, a recovery partition is provided which can be accessed by pressing F10. However if the storage media fails, then the partition would be lost. This can present unprecedented issues. e.g. If a customer purchases an American unit and is residing in Australia, the customer cannot obtain recovery discs from Sony unless they are physically on American terra firma. Neither Sony Australia or the customer can order recovery discs for units which are purchased in America. Sony Electronics of America only ships parts and accessories to customers with a U.S. credit card billing and shipping address
[edit] VGN Series. Turn on Hardware Switch for WLAN
For the Sony VGN-AR700 series (AKA PCG8112L), accidentally turning off this toggle switch will disable the "WLAN" (AKA WiFi or Wireless). It is located on the lower right side, on the front-facing edge of the keyboard base, to the right of the SD card slot. Despite many user comments on the Internet asking how to turn on this hardware switch, Sony.Com does not seem to have answered this question.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ VAIO TR Notebook Developers' Interview
- ^ Dell XPS Sans Bloatware[dead link]
- ^ VAIO-link: TZ series[dead link]
- ^ VAIO-link: Z series
- ^ VAIO Z Series PC | Sony | SonyStyle USA
- ^ VAIO-link: SR series[dead link]
- ^ VAIO-link: BZ series[dead link]
- ^ VAIO-link: L series
- ^ VAIO of Europe voluntary inspection and rework program
- ^ "Notice of warranty extension for VAIO Notebook Computer - VGN-CS series and VGN-BZ series". Sony. 9 October 2009. http://www.sony-asia.com/support/announcement/340243/product/vgn-cs16g. Retrieved 2009-11-12.
- ^ "KB C381809". Sony VAIO. p. 1. http://www.kb.sony.com/selfservice/viewContent.do?externalId=C381809. Retrieved 2010-05-26.
[edit] External links
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Vaio |
- Sony VAIO Europe
- Support, specifications, drivers and updates for Sony VAIO Europe
- Sony VAIO United States
- Sony VAIO Japan
- Sony VAIO India
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