Digital Trends

Sony VAIO PCG-Z1AP1 May 11th, 2003 | by Ian Bell

Introduction

Sony attempts to mesh form, function and features into their new VAIO PCG-Z1AP1, a Centrino based laptop. Typically there is a trade off that we are faced with when purchasing a new notebook computer. Do we go for the large and bulkier system so we can have all of the power and features we desire, or do we go for the smaller and more streamlined laptop which is typically underpowered; all in the name of a more stylish and compact system. Sony proves that you can have both in the new VAIO PCG-Z1AP1 series notebook. What they have produced with the PCG-Z1AP1 could be possibly the best Centrino based notebook computer currently on the market.

Intel's new Centrino processor and associated chipset promise better battery life, better CPU performance and integrated 802.11b WiFi wireless networking. The first thing we noticed about our Centrino based PCG-Z1AP1 notebook is the lack of heat that it puts off. Because there is less heat put out of the Centrino CPU than any previous Intel x86 based CPU, you can now have decent performance in a more compact design.

Features

The Sony VAIO PCG-Z1AP1 is Sony's first notebook built around Intel's new Centrino CPU and 855 chipset. Those that are fans of the VAIO PCG-505 series will be happy to know that the PCG-Z1AP1 is only slightly thicker that the PCG-505 while offering a larger screen; 14.1” inches over the 505 series 12.1”. The first think you will notice about the PCG-Z1AP1 are those sexy recessed curves carved out of the sides of the system. On the right side you have the 56K modem and power button and on the left side, there is an audio output and microphone input, (2) USB 2.0 ports, a single Fire Wire port and Sony's popular Memory Stick port. The recessed curves offer a higher level of protection to the ports than a design with ports on a flushed system chassis; while giving off a better look. Also located on the sides of the system is Sony's DVD/CD-RW combo drive and a single PCMCIA expansion port with a spring loaded door. Located on the back of the PCG-Z1AP1 is VGA output and an Ethernet port.

While the lack of more expansion ports may upset you, the hardware under the case will put your worries to rest. The PCG-Z1AP1 features an Intel Centrino processor at 1.3 GHz, an  ATI Radeon Mobility 16 MB video adapter, 512 MB DDR SDRAM, a 60 GB hard drive, and of course the integrated 802.11b wireless networking card. The RAM is upgradeable to 1 GB of total system memory between 2 memory slots (provided you take out the included (2) 256 MB modules and replace them with (2) 512 MB modules), and the LCD display is incredibly thin and very bright with a native resolution of 1280x1024 at 60 HZ.

Setup and Use

Setup of the PCG-Z1AP1 is the same as any other Sony desktop or notebook system; simply follow the setup screens provided by the operating system. Our PCG-Z1AP1 came preinstalled with Microsoft's Windows XP Home Edition. If you would prefer Windows XP Pro, there is an upgrade charge of $100. Preloaded on the PCG-Z1AP1 is Sony's VAIO software including Sonic Stage (Sony's own version of a media player) as well as their own VAIO graphical user interface which gives you a categorized menu system for the other preinstalled software. 3^rd Party preinstalled software includes McAfee's security center, WinDVD4 DVD playback software, Adobe Premier 6, Microsoft Works, and Microsoft Money 2003. While we like the idea of having preinstalled software, we would like it to be preinstalled on the basis that it is useful. McAfee's security center is both useful and incredibly annoying. We like having anti-virus software, but the associated pop-up registration and reminders gets old very fast. There are also more trial versions of popular software packages than some of the other systems we have tested. AOL, Quicken 2003, McAfee, and Real Player are just a few of the plethora of trial programs installed. You would be wise to uninstall any software which you will not be using. This will save you time and confusion in the long run.

The PCG-Z1AP1 boots up very quickly and feels brisk and powerful in all but the most strenuous of programs such as advanced 3D games.  In our Mobile Marks test, the PCG-Z1AP1 performed valiantly, scoring a total of 134 points; just a tad lower than our competing 1.5 GHz Centrino and Pentium 4M systems. In our 3DMark 2001 tests, the PCG-Z1AP1 really struggled scoring a weak 1678 in our 32-bit 1024x768 test. This is no doubt due to the 16 MB ATI Radeon Mobility Video adapter. The 16MB graphics adapter is part of the trade-off you get in a system of this compact size. Fortunately for those that do not plan on playing hardcore games, there is a fast 60 GB Hitachi hard drive and an 8x DVD-CDRW Mitsumi drive giving you plenty of multi-media options.

While we liked the screens brightness and sharpness levels, it is very easy to notice that the light is radiating from the bottom of the screen because it is more washed out in that location. We have yet to see a screen that matches the clarity of the Apple Power book and VPR Matrix displays. Overall the screen on the PCG-Z1AP1 is above average and while we may gripe about the washed out look at the bottom of the screen, overall you will be more than happy with it. In our SiSoftware Sandra tests, PCG-Z1AP1 only slightly trailed the Gateway 450XL equipped with a speedier 1.5 GHz CPU but beat out our IBM ThinkPad which uses the Intel Pentium M at 1.4GHz. We found that the PCG-Z1AP1's 1.3 GHz Centrino CPU performed at about the same level as a regular Pentium 4M at 1.8GHz, if not a little faster.