Sony finally brings VAIO TZ ultraportable Stateside
updated 12:50 am EDT, Wed July 18, 2007
Sony VAIO TZ in US
Sony early Wednesday ended the wait for an American version of the 11-inch VAIO TZ. Like the Japanese and European systems, the US edition is Sony's smallest complete notebook yet and uses an LED-backlit screen to both slim down the casing to under one inch and to provide a bright image despite the small size. The TZ has also pioneered a new keyboard similar to that for the MacBook which provides steadier typing and reduces the vulnerability to spills. Carbon fiber construction also sheds weight and reduces the system to as little as 2.65 pounds.
In contrast to foreign releases, the American system will be available in only two distinct models, Sony says. The starter TZ170 is powered by a 1.06GHz ultra-low voltage Core 2 Duo that lasts for up to 7.5 hours on battery and comes with a 100GB hard disk, DVD-RW drive, 802.11n wireless, and a built-in modem for Sprint's 3.5G-class EVDO Revision A network. The high-end TZ190 sacrifices absolute storage for speed: in addition to a faster 1.2GHz Core 2 Duo, a 32GB flash drive speeds load times and shockproofs storage against sudden drops.
Both systems are equipped with 2GB of RAM and ship in black, carbon, dark red, or gold. Either will be available in August with prices fixed at $2,200 for the TZ170 and $3,200 for the TZ190.
