Sony Vaio BZ Business Notebooks: Handsome, Tough and Spill Resistant

The Vaio BZ series business notebook from Sony combines the look of a Vaio and the durability of a ThinkPad to make a glitzier business notebook than we usually see. The BZ isn't Mil-Spec strong like Toughbooks or EliteBooks, but it carries HDD shock protection and a spill resistant keyboard in its magnesium alloy case, which is similar spec-wise to a Lenovo ThinkPad.

The 15.4" lappie is equipped with an Intel Centrino 2 processor, up to 4GB RAM, 320GB HD, DVD+R, card reader, 3 USBs and FireWire in its fairly hefty 6-pound frame. The only thing missing is the crapware, as Sony lets customers pass on the bloat with their FreshStart option. The BZ starts around $1000 and is available now, press release down below.

NEW SONY PROFESSIONAL NOTEBOOK LINE MEANS BUSINESS

VAIO BZ Series PCs Offers Durability, Mobility and Performance
SAN DIEGO, July 15, 2008 ? Sony today announced a new line of professional PCs— the VAIO® BZ Series notebooks. Built for business, these lightweight PCs incorporate the compatibility and productivity features required by IT professionals and business customers.
The BZ notebook boasts a spacious 15.4-inch widescreen display and full-size keyboard while weighing less than six pounds. An optional anti-glare screen featuring Sony’s patented XBRITE-ECO™ LCD technology provides a crystal-clear picture.
The PC is housed in a durable magnesium alloy casing to endure the knocks, bumps and accidents common to frequent travel. It also incorporates G-Sensor™ Shock Protection technology to counteract sudden movements helping to prevent damage and data loss.
A spill-resistant keyboard panel has been added to help protect the internal components of the computer against accidental spills.
The BZ notebook is powered by new Intel® Centrino® 2 technology, the chipset designed for sizzling performance, unbelievable system responsiveness, and energy efficiency.
Select models come with Intel® vPro technology enabling IT managers to fix PC-related problems remotely— without ever leaving their workstation— saving precious time and reducing support-related costs.
The PC also features a stripped-down software load so that the notebook can be imaged faster greatly reducing set up time for the IT professional.
“ Whether running heavy applications back at the office or closing a deal on the road today’s professional need their PC to perform— wherever, whenever,” said Mike Abary, senior vice president of VAIO product marketing at Sony Electronics. “This notebook delivers the robust performance they require.”
With the BZ notebook’s integrated 802.11n LAN technology wirelessly check e-mail and surf the web with greater range and reliability than ever before when connected to a compatible hotspot.
The PC employs a biometric fingerprint sensor, a Trusted Platform Module compliant chip and proprietary hard disk drive password protection software to help protect data from unauthorized access.
It comes pre-installed with Windows Vista® Business operating system. A Windows® XP Pro downgrade is also included for easy integration into existing platforms.
The PC is equipped with plenty of slots, ports and jacks, including a Memory Stick® media/SD card slot, three USB ports, i.LINK® IEEE-1394 port, microphone and headphone jack and a PC Card (type-II) slot making it easy to transfer files from external devices.
Sony offers VAIO Care™ (www.sony.com/vaiocare) a total lifecycle management program that supports a business’s needs throughout the life of the product. Components of the program include extended service and accidental damage protection options, 24/7 customer support and a dedicated phone line for business customers.
The BZ models are Energy Star 4.0 EPEAT Silvercompliant andincorporate ecoconscious features such as a mercury-free LED backlit LCD minimize the risk of mercury seeping into vulnerable eco-systems at the end of its lifecycle.
Sony will also recycle your old PC, donate it for you or allow you to trade it in, for fair market value, towards the purchase of a new PC (www.sony.com/business).
The VAIO Professional BZ Series notebook line will be available, later this month, starting at about $1,000, through value-added resellers and direct market resellers. More information about the BZ Series is available online at www.sony.com/pr/bz.

[Sony Style]



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