Sony VAIO VGN-Z21MN/B review

The real clincher, though, is the battery life. In Speed mode the VGN-Z21MN/B survives 6hrs 45mins of light usage, but flick the switch to Stamina, and thanks to the lesser power demands of the Intel integrated graphics, it soars to an astounding 9hrs 32mins. Under intense conditions it isn't quite as impressive, ranging from an hour and a half to 1hr 45mins, but given the high-performance components inside, and their accompanying high-power draw, that comes as little surprise.

Have it your way

As one of the lowliest models in the range, there are some things missing from the VGN-Z21MN/B's specification - there's no fingerprint reader and no embedded 3G for starters. But, although in our original VGN-Z11WN/B review we moaned about UK and European customers missing out on the comprehensive customisation options that were available via the Japanese Sony Style website, it seems Sony Europe have been listening. The new Sony by You service allows UK and European customers to build their ideal Z-series laptop.

Taking the VGN-Z21MN/B's specification as the baseline, we added a Blu-Ray drive, embedded 3G, a 1,600 x 900 resolution screen and a fingerprint reader and we ended up with a supercharged ultraportable for a hefty £1,867 exc VAT. And if that's too much for your bank manager (or IT department) to bear, then dropping the Blu-Ray drive and losing the 4th gigabyte of memory brings the total to an altogether more reasonable £1488 exc VAT.

Whether you opt for the vanilla VGN-Z21MN/B model, or customise a model to overdraft destroying levels, the Z-series is simply the best all-round ultraportable in existence. Those looking for a portable with a stronger business focus and slightly more rugged build may be tempted away by Lenovo's superb ThinkPad X200, but one thing's for sure, with high performance, class-leading stamina and great looks - the Z-series is one laptop that has it all.

Author: Sasha Muller