The D-Sub connector on this looks almost otherworldly. I appreciate it's there for older projectors and such. Really nice machine, I'd love to play with that.
The big question: what's the DAC like? I could only squeeze 1280x1024 75Hz out of my MicroServer, but I'd hope something more modern can manage QHD (2560x1440) or even WQXGA (2560x1600).
Lol, the first part of the title says "VAIO’s 2-Pound 12.5-Inch Laptop Weds Miniature Dimensions & Vast Connectivity". As such this connectivity is amazing. I have not seen another laptop achieve the thin and light form factor and small bezels with half the i/o ports. This machine basically has no room left for ports.
What? The pink Blades come only in one configuration, and the White version also only comes with limited options, and that's because I only really paid attention to the Blades recently, there's probably more.
Interesting machines, really like the 13" model. My worry is the platinum price tag usually woven into the carbon-fiber body. So, any information on pricing? Also, a three year warranty or similar would be nice (had a VAIO laptop die on me 15 months after purchase, 3 months out of warranty). lastly, why are laptop webcams (this one: 720p) often so lousy compared to even the selfie-cam on modern entry-level smartphones? Sucks when I have to videoconference with clients.
My Japanese might be pretty damned rusty but I can read "heddosetto" and "heddofon" in that picture just fine. They just don't show a cable connected to it for some reason.
Also, it says right there in the spec table: "1 × TRRS 3.5-mm jack for headset".
VAIO is a separate business entity. Sony owns a minority 25% share in the company but it is primarily owned and operated by Japan Industrial Partners. These are not Sony laptops.
Honestly this would be more than reasonable starting at $1000 but my only non-Sony VAIO device had a bloated battery within the warranty period and their NA customer support is BS.
Read: They did everything in their power to stall a return until the warranty expired. Disgusting people, literally disgusting people, and questionable design and build quality.
For me, that could be a dealbreaker. I liked how good Apple was with their laptop warranties (relatively speaking) even when it was mainly used with Windows 10 due to work. I’ll wait until a company has established 2 years of very good warranty-handling before trusting the brand to be my main laptop.
I usually don't rely on warranties. I buy my devices whatever way cheap I could buy them in, but this one time I had a valid warranty (the device was ~40% off in the Microsoft Store and it's the discount that mattered, it just happened to be an official route of distribution) they made sure it was not put to use.
Personally, I'd rather see HDMI-VGA dongle included. I cannot remember the last time I had to use VGA - even projectors I run across these days will have hdmi, and more and more of our customers opt for large TV with hdmi and wireless connectivity.
With that said, I am reasonably good with not losing adapters and dongles, and this one would be safely stashed in laptop bag and wouldn't see much of the daylight, if at all. Not that anything is wrong with having extra port - but I feel it hurts laptop's aesthetics a bit.
That aside, looks like darling little machine. How's VAIO's build quality and reliability in post-Sony era?
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26 Comments
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hansmuff - Friday, July 12, 2019 - link
The D-Sub connector on this looks almost otherworldly. I appreciate it's there for older projectors and such. Really nice machine, I'd love to play with that.GreenReaper - Friday, July 12, 2019 - link
The big question: what's the DAC like? I could only squeeze 1280x1024 75Hz out of my MicroServer, but I'd hope something more modern can manage QHD (2560x1440) or even WQXGA (2560x1600).sandtitz - Friday, July 12, 2019 - link
The VAIO specs page says VGA up to 1920x1200.raywin - Friday, July 12, 2019 - link
I can't believe I will be getting a Sony and not a Mac in 2019Solidstate89 - Friday, July 12, 2019 - link
It ain't a Sony either.raywin - Friday, July 12, 2019 - link
pray for hackintoshwillis936 - Friday, July 12, 2019 - link
Marrying features and enclosure color: the innovation that 2019 needed.PeachNCream - Friday, July 12, 2019 - link
Not sure if I'd call the connectivity vast, but for the system size, it's certainly a good change of pace.raywin - Friday, July 12, 2019 - link
optional LTE Is awesomeSkeptical123 - Friday, July 12, 2019 - link
Lol, the first part of the title says "VAIO’s 2-Pound 12.5-Inch Laptop Weds Miniature Dimensions & Vast Connectivity". As such this connectivity is amazing. I have not seen another laptop achieve the thin and light form factor and small bezels with half the i/o ports. This machine basically has no room left for ports.wilsonkf - Friday, July 12, 2019 - link
Performance is tied to color. This is very Japanese. No other brands do this.s.yu - Saturday, July 13, 2019 - link
What? The pink Blades come only in one configuration, and the White version also only comes with limited options, and that's because I only really paid attention to the Blades recently, there's probably more.eastcoast_pete - Friday, July 12, 2019 - link
Interesting machines, really like the 13" model. My worry is the platinum price tag usually woven into the carbon-fiber body. So, any information on pricing? Also, a three year warranty or similar would be nice (had a VAIO laptop die on me 15 months after purchase, 3 months out of warranty). lastly, why are laptop webcams (this one: 720p) often so lousy compared to even the selfie-cam on modern entry-level smartphones? Sucks when I have to videoconference with clients.eastcoast_pete - Friday, July 12, 2019 - link
I had rounded up to 13"; I know it's 12.5", but that's great for travel.s.yu - Saturday, July 13, 2019 - link
Anandtech cites much lower than Notebookcheck which said this starts at ~$2000 IIRC, maybe cheaper tiers aren't sold outside of Japan.Quantumz0d - Friday, July 12, 2019 - link
And guess what Sony Mobile lost the 3.5mm jack despite their Signature series Hi-Fi audio.Old_Fogie_Late_Bloomer - Friday, July 12, 2019 - link
My Japanese might be pretty damned rusty but I can read "heddosetto" and "heddofon" in that picture just fine. They just don't show a cable connected to it for some reason.Also, it says right there in the spec table: "1 × TRRS 3.5-mm jack for headset".
s.yu - Saturday, July 13, 2019 - link
Sony *Mobile*. Read the English first.oRAirwolf - Saturday, July 13, 2019 - link
VAIO is a separate business entity. Sony owns a minority 25% share in the company but it is primarily owned and operated by Japan Industrial Partners. These are not Sony laptops.s.yu - Saturday, July 13, 2019 - link
Honestly this would be more than reasonable starting at $1000 but my only non-Sony VAIO device had a bloated battery within the warranty period and their NA customer support is BS.s.yu - Saturday, July 13, 2019 - link
Read: They did everything in their power to stall a return until the warranty expired.Disgusting people, literally disgusting people, and questionable design and build quality.
mdrejhon - Sunday, July 14, 2019 - link
For me, that could be a dealbreaker. I liked how good Apple was with their laptop warranties (relatively speaking) even when it was mainly used with Windows 10 due to work. I’ll wait until a company has established 2 years of very good warranty-handling before trusting the brand to be my main laptop.s.yu - Sunday, July 21, 2019 - link
I usually don't rely on warranties. I buy my devices whatever way cheap I could buy them in, but this one time I had a valid warranty (the device was ~40% off in the Microsoft Store and it's the discount that mattered, it just happened to be an official route of distribution) they made sure it was not put to use.yetanotherhuman - Monday, July 15, 2019 - link
I love it. I want one.nikon133 - Monday, July 15, 2019 - link
Personally, I'd rather see HDMI-VGA dongle included. I cannot remember the last time I had to use VGA - even projectors I run across these days will have hdmi, and more and more of our customers opt for large TV with hdmi and wireless connectivity.With that said, I am reasonably good with not losing adapters and dongles, and this one would be safely stashed in laptop bag and wouldn't see much of the daylight, if at all. Not that anything is wrong with having extra port - but I feel it hurts laptop's aesthetics a bit.
That aside, looks like darling little machine. How's VAIO's build quality and reliability in post-Sony era?
yetanotherhuman - Tuesday, July 16, 2019 - link
I disagree, I love having the VGA out, gives me the fuzzies, even if I never use it. Dongles, ugh.