Sony unveils high-spec Z Series ultraportables

New Vaios combine Core i7 and quad SSD Raid array.

Sony has announced a new line of ultraportables designed for performance as well as portability, based on Intel's latest Core i7 chips and offering built-in Raid storage using up to four Flash solid state drives (SSDs).

Available from the end of March, the new Vaio Z Series is described by Sony as the ultimate travel companion that does not compromise on mobility, looks, connectivity or stamina.

Weighing less than 1.45kg and with a 13.1in screen, the Z Series fits squarely into the thin-and-light category, but also comes with an impressive specification for such a portable system.

Models are based on Intel's new Core i7 processors at up 2.66GHz, combined with up to 8GB of DDR3 memory and either a dual or quad SSD Raid configuration, the latter of which is over six times faster than a conventional hard drive array, according to Sony.

The Z Series also manages to fit in a DVD ±RW drive, and supports a Vaio Everywair 3G mobile broadband adapter as well as 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi.

Graphics are driven by an integrated Nvidia GeForce GT330M graphics chipset with 1GB of its own memory, supporting resolutions up to 1,920 x 1,080 on some models.

Prices for the Vaio Z Series, which ships with Windows 7 Professional 64-bit edition, have yet to be disclosed.