VAIO

Sony began producing personal computers in 1980, primarily for the Japanese market. In the early 1990s, the company curtailed production in this direction and returned only in 1996 under the VAIO brand.

VAIO laptops first appeared in Russia in 1996 and were unofficially brought mainly from Germany. Official deliveries to the Russian Federation began nine years later - in 2005 , although by that time VAIO brand products had become quite widespread. A significant role in this was played by the fact that within 2-5 years before the start of official deliveries of VAIO to the Russian Federation, the aforementioned laptops were everywhere used (and are used) in the State Duma of the Russian Federation and, accordingly, covers with a large logo regularly appeared in the media. Some experts consider this fact one of the largest product placement in history.

In October 2009, the first Sony VAIO L-series touch-screen PC was released.

February 4, 2014 Sony announced the discontinuation of Vaio personal computers due to their unprofitability, and the Japanese company Japan Industrial Partners (JIP) acquired the rights to Vaio ^[1] . On July 1, 2014, JIP released the first laptops under the VAIO brand - Fit and Pro.

On March 22, VAIO introduced VAIO Phone A to compete with its former owner, Sony, which holds 12% of Japan’s domestic market.

VAIO computers are assembled from third-party components, such as:

• Processors: Intel , AMD
• Hard drives: Seagate Technology , Hitachi , Samsung , Fujitsu or Toshiba
• Wireless Adapters: Infineon RAM , Atheros, and Intel
• Optical drives: Sony (usually made by Hitachi ) or Matsushita
• Graphics: Intel , NVIDIA or ATI
• Other: speakers; Sony batteries. Recent models began to come with Qimonda RAM, HP speakers , and Realtek High Definition Audio sound chips (sometimes with Dolby Sound Room technology).

Some VAIO computers come with XBRITE branded displays (also known as ClearBright in Japan and Southeast Asia ). The first models that used such screens were VAIO TR series laptops. It is also the first consumer model to use this technology. The essence of this technology is the combination of a glossy screen, anti-reflection coating (AR - Anti reflection) and high-quality optical glass. The company's engineers claim that thanks to the gloss, the image on the screen becomes sharper, the AR coating prevents glare from extraneous light sources, and thanks to the glass it is possible to achieve a 1.5 times brighter image than in conventional solutions, which allows to increase battery life due to less intensive use of the screen backlight. This technology was invented by a Sony engineer named Masaaki Nakagawa, who is responsible for creating the Sony Vaio TR-series.

In September 2005, Sony introduced the VAIO TX-series, the first laptop equipped with an 11 "screen with LED backlight. This solution provides much lower power consumption and better color reproduction. Later, this technology was widely spread and began to be implemented by other laptop manufacturers. Also it was the first model using a 16: 9 aspect ratio with a resolution of 1366x768.

In 2007, the TX-series was replaced by a new line of supercompact laptops - VAIO TZ. Some models of the new series were equipped with 64GB SSDs ( Solid State Drive ), accelerating the loading of the OS and the launch of programs several times. It was also optionally possible to order an additional 250GB hard drive instead of the built-in CD / DVD drive. Also, the TZ-series models were equipped with biometric fingerprint scanners based on the Trusted Platform Module . A miniature MOTION EYE webcam for video conferencing was built into a thin cover above the screen. A distinctive feature of Vaio TZ laptops was a long battery life from a standard battery - up to 7 hours, which was greatly facilitated by the use of the aforementioned XBRITE display, which also uses LED backlighting. Communication was provided by means of Bluetooth , Wi-fi , as well as the optionally built-in Wireless Wide Area Network ( WWAN ) modem.

In 2008, by tradition, Sony changed the TZ-series to TT. The new line of other mentioned functions was equipped with DDR3 memory, semi-matte screens (the same XBRITE LED screens as in the TZ series, but with a special matte anti-reflective coating), Blu-ray drives and HDMI outputs, which made the TT series an excellent portable multimedia center. Of course, there was no question of comfortable watching Blu-Ray movies on an 11 "screen, but by connecting the laptop with an HDMI cable to a large TV, you could watch movies in FullHD ( 1080p ) resolution without any problems.
In 2009, the production of the TT series was discontinued, and a series of 11-inch ultraportable laptops replenished with the X series, nicknamed the " Macbook Air killer" and positioned by Sony as the thinnest laptop in the world. The weight of this device in a carbon case with a standard battery is 680 grams.

In 2006, Sony announced the VAIO SZ-series, a business laptop that first used a graphics switching circuit. A small switch (Stamina \ Speed) above the keyboard made it possible to turn on the use of either the integrated video adapter on the Intel motherboard or the discrete (separate) NVIDIA video card. Also in Stamina-mode, the laptop worked at a lower processor frequency. This was done in order to increase the battery life in case you do not need a large power of a discrete graphics card and processor. At the same time, a computer reboot was required to switch between modes. The heir to this VAIO Z series, running on Windows Vista, has ceased to require a reboot to change modes, allowing you to do this operation on the fly. Later, other laptop manufacturers, including Apple , Asus, and Alienware, began to use this feature. In the spring of 2010, the VAIO Z line was significantly updated - the hybrid dynamic graphics subsystem was able to automatically switch between video adapters on the fly, depending on the task being performed and the operating mode.

The VAIO AR high-end laptops were the first laptops with a built-in Blu-ray burner. This series was designed as the embodiment of all existing high-tech solutions, including a 1080p ( FullHD ) -compatible WUXGA- screen with a resolution of 1920 × 1200 pixels, HDMI- output and the aforementioned Blu-ray drive. Since mid-2007, Sony has held a large-scale advertising campaign centered on AR-series notebooks equipped with Blu-Ray and HDMI and sold with various Blu-ray discs. Later, the AR-series was replaced by the Vaio AW series, which includes all the advantages of the AR-series, but with an 18.4 "screen and an aspect ratio of 16: 9.

In 2006, home media centers were launched on the market under the VAIO brand. These non-monitor devices with the VGX index (for VGN laptops) have been developed specifically for home multimedia systems. Usually equipped with a TV tuner , HDMI-out and composite connectors for connecting TVs. Examples of such devices are multimedia centers of the VAIO XL and TP series. The TP-series was especially distinguished - it is easy to recognize by its stylish, "round" design of the case.

The line of devices under the VAIO brand also includes several series of desktop computers ( desktops ) in which the hardware "stuffing" is combined in one case with a widescreen monitor (by the same principle as the Apple iMac ). These computers are indicated by the VGC index.

Personal Notebooks

All VAIO personal laptops are sold pre-installed with Windows (until October 2009 Vista Home Premium, after - Windows 7, now - Windows 8.1). With the exception of business versions, downgrade to the previous version of Windows is not provided.

• AW-series - 18.4 ", high-end multimedia notebook, 1080p screen with optional SSD- drives. Replacement of AR-series.
• F-series - 16.4 ", multimedia laptop. Options - Blu-ray reader / writer, widescreen full HD matte screen. The second largest VAIO laptop after the AW-series.
• NW-series - 15.5 ", an entry-level laptop for home users. Heir of the NS-series. Equipped with HDMI- output and a 16: 9 display. Top models are equipped with a Blu-Ray drive for reading discs.
• CS-series - 14.1 ", a mid-range notebook and an original fashionable design, has more options and hardware options than cheaper series like NW. Replacement of the CR-series.
• CW-series - 14.1 ", laptop, successor to the CS-series.
• S-Series - 13.3 ", lightweight and powerful business-class notebook with Intel® processor, NVIDIA® graphics card and WiMax support.
• X-series - 11.6 ", ultra-portable notebook in a carbon-fiber case, powered by an Intel Atom Z550 processor with 2 GB DDR2 SDRAM @ 533 MHz and weighing 680 grams. The first computer in the US to launch with a 2 GHz Atom processor, along with The Sony VAIO P- series is one of the most expensive Intel Atom-based devices, and in October 2009 it is the thinnest laptop in the world. ^[2]
• P-series - 8 ", ultra-portable computer (according to repeated statements by Sony, emphasizing its positioning as" not a netbook "). Powered by Intel Atom CPU Z520-Z550 and 2 GB DDR2 SDRAM @ 533 MHz memory.
• W-series - 10.1 ", a netbook aimed at young people. Powered by an Intel® Atom ™ N280 processor, 1 GB DDR2 RAM, 160 GB HDD, Windows XP Home. Sony's first netbook.

Business Notebooks (VAIO Professional)

VAIO business laptops usually ship with Windows 8.1 Pro (the most expensive models are sometimes bundled with Windows 8.1 Enterprise). Previously, all business models have the ability to downgrade to Windows XP and full driver support, but at the moment there is no sense in this, since this operating system is outdated and is no longer supported by Microsoft.

• The TT-series is an ultra-portable 11.1 "laptop. The successor to the TZ-series. The smallest laptop equipped with a Blu-ray drive and an HDMI port.
• Z-series - 13.1 ", ultra-portable laptop equipped with a WXGA ++ screen with a resolution of 1366 x 768, 1600 x 900 or 1920 x 1080 and an integrated WWAN modem. Replaced the high-end models VAIO SZ.
• SR-series - 13.3 ", ultra-portable laptop for home and business. Replaced the low-end models VAIO SZ.
• The BZ Series is a powerful business notebook with a Trusted Platform Module and a biometric fingerprint scanner. Replaced the BX series.
• G-series - 11.1 ", ultra-portable laptop with Trusted Platform Module and biometric fingerprint scanner. It weighs about 1.1 kg, is made of CFRP ( Carbon fiber-reinforced polymer ) and equipped with an ultra-thin display with LED backlight (like Vaio TX, TZ, TT).

Since the second quarter of 2008, all high-end models (AW, FW, Z, SR, TT, and BZ) have been based on a cylindrical “spindle,” a kind of case detail with missing ports on the back of the laptop. A connector for the power supply is located on the left end of the spindle, and on the right end is the power button, illuminated by a bright LED.

Selected configuration (configure-to-order)

In early 2009, Sony invited customers online and the main offline store to buy some high-end personalized laptops. At the time of purchase, you can pick up an OS (both 32- and 64-bit Windows), RAM, a video card, and in some models the case. Configure-to-order laptops differ from the usual 15-digit serial number. For these laptops, it starts with the numbers 54 instead of 28 for ordinary ones. Unfortunately, in Russia this option is not currently available (January 2012).

All-in-one Desktop Computers

L-series:

• LV-series - 24 " HD LCD- screen with a resolution of 1920 × 1200 ( 1080p ) and an aspect ratio of 16:10. Blu-ray- drive is able to record TV broadcasts on Blu-Ray-discs.
• LT-series - 22 "screen, 2.5 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 4GB memory, 1TB HDD and built-in Blu-ray recording drive.
• LN-series - 20.1 " X-black LCD screen with a resolution of 1680 × 1050 and an aspect ratio of 16:10. Blu-ray drive without recording.
• LM-series - 19 "screen, TV tuner, 2.1-channel speakers and subwoofer. Intel Core2 Duo T7250 processor (2.00 GHz), 2 GB DDR2 memory, 250 GB HDD, Windows Vista Home Premium, NVIDIA graphics card.
• L-series - 24 "screen with a touchscreen and a resolution of 1080p. Intel Core 2 Quad processor, 6GB RAM, Blu-ray burner, HDMI output, dual TV tuner, 1TB HDD, 1GB Nvidia video card and Windows 7 Home Premium OS.
• JS-series - 20.1 ", a multi-colored home personal computer. The design is very similar to the Sony Bravia KDL-19M4000 19" LCD HDTV.
• RT - 25 ", an All-in-one home computer focused on HD video editing.

Almost all VAIO laptops have the VT ( intel virtualization technology) hardware feature turned off, with the exception of the new BZ series, which uses the American Megatrends Aptio BIOS instead of the trimmed Phoenix BIOS on older models. This feature can be enabled on your laptop if the motherboard and processor support this technology. To do this, you need to download the latest BIOS on the VAIO Notebook Support site. After installing the updated version in BIOSe, the option to enable hardware virtualization will appear.

Users often criticize VAIO for using so-called “ bloatware ” in their computers or a large number of unused, unnecessary software that allows users to use all the multimedia features right after purchase. DELL was also seen in similar practices, but after a large number of complaints and complaints from customers, it agreed to limit the number of preinstalled software on laptops sold.

Currently, VAIO in some regions supplies part of its products under the Fresh start program only with a basic installed operating system and a small set of trial versions of popular programs like MS Office.

VAIO laptops use the pre-installed ArcSoft WebCam Companion program to work with the built-in camera, which allows users to apply various effects to photos and videos and has a face recognition function. Most of the newer models also come with Click to Disc Editor, VAIO Music Box, VAIO Movie Story, VAIO Media Plus.

Driver Issues

After replacing the preinstalled Windows Vista OS with Windows XP, there are problems with various drivers. In particular, the function keys of the keyboard stop working. The problem has not yet been resolved. Reinstalling the drivers does not lead to a positive result.

It is known that for each laptop of the VAIO series there is a strict sequence of installing drivers on a "clean" Windows. The installation procedure can be found on the forums on the Internet. As a result, the command keys in conjunction with " Fn " begin to work.

Other issues

After replacing the preinstalled Windows 7 operating systems, problems arise when trying to restore the proprietary preinstalled software due to the fact that this software is protected by copyright, as well as the problems of restoring various branded drivers. 100% normal operation of the function keys of the keyboard is disrupted due to the lack of proprietary vaio utilities + libraries in the installation package of any third-party Windows 7. The problem is solved by installing the appropriate utilities and libraries from Russian-language technical support, for some laptop series these utilities and libraries are not available.

In branded Windows 7 operating systems, three-component OEM OFFLINE activation was implemented, this is implemented for large manufacturers of personal PCs, such as: ASUS, ACER, DELL, HP, LENOVO, SONY. The essence of branded activation: the presence of SLIC in the BIOS tables (for Windows 7 - version SLIC 2.1), a Sony digital certificate and a Sony OEM SLP key in the system.

• Sony Computer Development History: From Electronic Calculators to the Modern Z Notebook Series