Sony VAIO Z12 review
Rivalling the slimmest, lightest laptops on the market for sheer portability is no revelation in itself, but the Z12 speeds ahead when it comes to performance. Our basic model came with a mere 2.4GHz Core i5-520M processor, 4GB of memory and twin 64GB SSDs in a RAID0 array. Needless to say, it flew through our benchmarks with an overall score of 1.57.
And thanks to the switchable graphics, there’s even a modicum of gaming ability for when the occasion demands it. The Nvidia GeForce GT330M manages an almost playable average of 24fps in our Medium-detail Crysis test.
And for when battery life is more important than all-out power, changing to the Intel HD graphics embedded on the processor is as simple as flicking a switch. It’s not quite as elegant a solution as Nvidia’s Optimus – as employed by Alienware’s M11x R2 – but being able to swap between maximum power and maximum efficiency in an instant is probably a better solution for the professionals this laptop seeks to attract.
Indeed, stick with Intel’s HD graphics, and Sony’s Z12 displays uncanny reserves of stamina for such a powerful laptop. Our light-use test is, admittedly, a best-case scenario, with the system sat completely idle, screen set at 50% brightness and Windows’ power scheme set to Power Saver, but the Sony’s 9hrs 2mins is still impressive. Our intensive-use test shows quite how much brute power lies in reserve, however. With the CPU working flat-out and Nvidia’s GT330M enabled, the Z12 died after just 1hr 19mins.
Those unfamiliar with Sony’s luxurious ultraportable may be surprised to hear that this but, at £1,432, the Z12 is the cheapest of the three models in the range. That’s expensive enough for most, but the priciest in the range effortlessly soars over the £2,000 mark by combining a Core i7-620M processor with four 64GB SSDs in RAID, 8GB of memory, a 1080p display and an upgraded carbon fibre lid. If you’ve got nearer £4,000 to burn, Sony’s website allows you to configure models with optional extras such as 512GB SSD arrays – an extra £1,140 over the standard 128GB model – or a Blu-ray writer for another £550.
All things considered, though, there’s precious little missing from this lowliest model, except perhaps an optical drive – but as always it’s a configurable option. The whole gamut of wireless networking is supported with 3G, Bluetooth and dual-band 802.11n, and security is at the forefront thanks to a fingerprint reader and a TPM 1.2 chip.
Needless to say, precious few will be able to afford the price of admission, but Sony’s VAIO Z12 is probably the finest ultraportable in existence. Justifying such an extravagant price would be difficult for most laptops but, frankly, not for the Z12: it’s ergonomically perfect, physically gorgeous and blessed with the kind of performance that would make
Price when reviewed: £1,432 (£1,683 inc VAT)
