VAIO Z1 series: The Blend of Performance and Beauty What's essential in a notebook? For a main computer, it’s specifications and capabilities equal to those of a desktop. In addition, weight, portability, and battery life are of particular importance. Beauty is also a significant element, and a mobile PC should have an attractive design. Now, a machine featuring all of these elements is being added to the VAIO Notebook lineup. The VAIO Z1 is the ultimate mobile personal computer. In the following interview, I spoke with developers from the VAIO Z1 design team and asked them to introduce the secrets behind the creation of the VAIO Z1. A Mobile Machine Incorporating a 14.1” SXGA+ LCD Kenji Fujita, project leader for the VAIO Z1 design team first explained the requirements for the new model. "We assumed that the VAIO Z1 had to offer the same performance as a primary-use computer. Then we searched for ways to make that performance portable. The important factors included not only weight and battery life, but also originality and uniqueness. In other words, we concentrated on design and detail,” said Fujita. The 14.1" SXGA+ (1400 x 1050 pixel) LCD panel directly shows off the development concept of the VAIO Z1. Most other notebooks feature a 12.1" screen. "Why does the VAIO Z1 offer SXGA+?" I asked. Fujita replied, "As the PC market expands, the need for mobile equipment is becoming more diversified. Broadband communications and high-definition digital cameras are becoming more popular and the amount of information that can be received is increasing. The VAIO Z1 incorporates SXGA+, enabling approximately 1.8 times the display information of an XGA screen. The SXGA+ feature fulfills consumer demand for higher resolution." The screen size required for SXGA+ resolution created a problem for the designers. Usually, an LCD over 15" employs SXGA+ resolution, but it is too big and heavy for mobile use. The developers looked at the possibility of using 12.1" and 13.3" displays, but after considering dot pitch and OS-standard character size, they decided on 14.1". The 14.1" SXGA+ LCD offers approximately 124dpi, the same as the VAIO SR Notebook's 10.4" XGA. Although the dpi value is smaller in the VAIO C1, the developers decided that 14.1" would be the most appropriate for the VAIO Z1's role as a primary-use machine. Full Performance in a Primary-Use Mobile Personal Computer Strengthening basic performance beyond the LCD is important if the VAIO Z1 is to be used as the primary PC. That’s why developers are incorporating the Intel Centrino™ Mobile Technology. Centrino consists of a newly developed Pentium-M processor, an i855 chip set family and PRO/Wireless (IEEE802.11b wireless LAN) functionality. The Pentium-M processor's performance has been greatly enhanced over previous models. The 1.3GHz Pentium-M in the VAIO Z1 mobile PC has a performance level equal to a 2GHz ultra-class Pentium4-M. Its energy-saving technology enables a battery life of up to 7 hours while incorporating a standard voltage CPU rather than a LV (low voltage) or ULV (ultra low voltage) CPU. Improved heat dissipation and hardware management are also essential to maintaining high performance in the thin body of the VAIO Z1, so a number of new components had to be included. In addition to its advanced processor, the VAIO Z also includes a thin 9.5mm CD-RW/DVD-ROM all-in-one drive, a hard disk drive with a large 60GB capacity, and memory expandable up to 1024MB or 768MB, depending on model configuration. It also has i.LINK compatibility. Expandability and easy operation are vital for a primary-use mobile PC. In terms of expandability, the VAIO Z1 is equipped with two USB2.0 ports, while the optional port replicator incorporates three. This offers consumers the convenience of using five ports at the same time. The outer display also comes with a VGA type D-sub, 15-pin output as standard equipment in the main body. The port replicator features two additional VGA and DVI-D outputs since the picture quality in high-res SXGA+ differs greatly between VGA and DVI-D. As for ease of operation, developers focused on the keyboard's feel. Fujita said, "Because the keyboard is the part that users touch the most, we don't think a soft touch is good. A more rigid touch is better." In order to achieve this rigidity, developers considered making the metal plate at the back of the keyboard thicker. After the mechanical design team changed materials and thickness, they finally decided on an aluminum metal plate 0.8mm thick. Most notebooks feature metal plates only 0.3 to 0.4mm thick in their pursuit of thinner, lighter designs. Unique Sideline Design Expresses Consistent Feeling Tetsu Kataoka is one of the VAIO Z1 designers and said, "I tried to create a simple body with a consistent design. By not decorating each part, I was able to express the VAIO Z1 concept in total balance. Our goal wasn't just developing a tool but creating an emotional attachment. We wanted to design something people would want to use every day." Fujita focused mainly on the VAIO Z1 design without compromising mobility or performanceWhen he shared the basic specifications of the VAIO Z1, such as concept, guidelines and size with Kataoka, he entrusted him with the design phase of the project. Kataoka's previous design experience includes the Handycam, Walkman and CLIÉ. This valuable experience resulted in the unique design of the VAIO Z1.Kataoka considered the entire body as one face rather than a separate main body and LCD panel. For example, the body profile extends along the upper side of the main body from the palm rest before curving downward at the keyboard. It then curves upward toward the back, where it connects to the line of the open LCD panel. This profile creates the image of a single, curved line. In addition to the curving profile, the VAIO Z1 features a two-tone color scheme: the outer panel and palm rest are silver, while the LCD panel, keyboard and both sides of the keyboard are black. These black side panels are indented slightly, producing a feel that this part is surrounded completely by silver. Design with Simplicity The profiles mentioned above create a band 1cm wide from the sides of the keyboard to the outer edges. The VAIO Z1 developers call them wings, and they represent Kataoka's other unique characteristic – simplicity. Kataoka said, "Connectors and buttons for outer connection terminals are located in the spaces above the wings as much as possible. Due to the arrangement of the internal parts, the connectors were placed differently in previous notebooks. With the VAIO Z1, we centered the connectors to achieve a simple design that doesn't make them stand out. These parts are also indented from the outer edges, allowing us to minimize the number of connector protection covers needed. The USB2.0, i.LINK terminals and Memory Stick slot are located on the left wing while battery and wireless LAN indicators are on the right wing. This design enhances usability because USB and i.LINK cables don't interfere with operation. Fujita said, "We printed icons of connectors and indicators on the wings. Though they aren't visible from the user's perspective, the icons show the connectors' location without having to look from the side. When the cover is closed, you can still see the wireless LAN indicator lights." The other part of Kataoka's design simplicity is the touch pad. Because he wanted it to be less noticeable, he equipped the VAIO Z1 with an electrostatic pad at the back of the palm rest, slightly indented. Kataoka explained, "Notebook touch pads tend to be over-decorated, as though they were a highlight of the design. As long as we can show the concept in the entire body, it does not need to be emphasized." Other examples of Kataoka's pursuit of simplicity are obvious in the small number of covers and the thin AC adaptor matched with the main body. Though the life of the included battery is enough for daily use, the thin AC adaptor is an important element for mobile use. It offers the convenience of using VAIO Notebooks outdoors or on business trips because its slim and portable body can be stored easily.

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