Sony VAIO Z21 ultralight shows early in Europe with 3D out
updated 05:00 pm EDT, Sun June 5, 2011
Sony VAIO Z21 revealed in store listings
Four store listings at Italian online shop F2F (one, two, three, four) have slipped out Sony's plans for an upgraded VAIO Z in Europe. All of them will use Sandy Bridge-era Core processors, very fast SSD storage, fingerprint readers, and built-in 3G. The HDMI has been upgraded to put out 3D video, and the webcam has been given a lift to use the low-light Exmor sensor technology from other camera-equipped Sony gear.
The model spread revolves around processors, RAM, and storage. A base system carries a $2,648 equivalent price but with a 2.3GHz Core i5, 4GB of RAM, and a 128GB SSD mated to the Z series' signature 13.1-inch, 1600x900 display. More advanced versions scale up to a 2.7GHz Core i7 and 256GB SSDs for about $3,584.
None of the systems have been made official so far but are likely to be shown soon, if not this week. The US hasn't had the Z for months and might not necessarily get it when updated, although pressure from systems like the MacBook Air may push Sony to bring the lightweight system back. [via NotebookReview and Engadget]
