"Normal" is a compliment! The next-generation standard machine "VAIO F14/16" is equipped with a Z-class keyboard, full of commitment

　A next-generation standard that eliminates the problem of "VAIO is good, but there is no model that I can recommend to anyone..."!

　VAIO Corporation has officially announced the new lineup of new models "VAIO F14 (for corporations: VAIO Pro BK)" and "VAIO F16 (for corporations: VAIO Pro BM)". The price starts from $955. The order start date / release date / fastest delivery date is scheduled for June 2023.

　VAIO is popular for its solid corporate models. It is a brand for people who seek high added value, but in other words, it can be said that it is still a PC for some people. He wants to deliver this value to more customers.

　But cheap or bad products are not VAIO's role. This new product takes on the challenge of solving such a problem. " I think some people will say, 'It's just an ordinary PC,' but that's a compliment. We built the 'best ordinary' PC with passion. "

　In the past, PCs were selected based on spec sheets, but now they are being selected based on factors such as "comfort, design, just rightness, cost performance, and Taipa (time-effectiveness)." Furthermore, there is also a new concept of “essential consumption (buying essential things)”.

Based on this background, the theme of this product was to " create a new standard, create a beloved standard　" while the standard of Windows PC was not fully established . It is said that VAIO is a brand that is not only about specs but also about value.

　In creating a beloved standard, we have to respond to changing lifestyles (large screens, web conferencing, etc.), review the 'normal' of PCs (cutting out old terminals and built-in optical drives, feel secure with 100% domestic inspection, etc.) We elaborated the plan from the three points of "values ​​to protect" and "passing on the values ​​cultivated by VAIO". A product that is not bound by the historical inertia of A4 notebooks.

　The first thing that catches your eye is its design. The body colors for individuals are satin gold, navy blue, and warm white. Dark metal gray for corporate use. All colors are so beautiful that you can't believe it's a standard model.

　Models with poor screen quality can no longer be the standard. Equipped with a slightly larger screen in a compact housing. The VAIO F14 is a 14.0-inch screen with a larger screen area than the 13.3-inch wide. The VAIO F16 has a vertically long 16.0-inch widescreen LCD (WUXGA 1920 x 1200) with a ratio of 16:10. Succeeded in increasing the size in the vertical direction while keeping the width almost unchanged compared to the existing 15.6-inch model. The amount of information displayed is increasing. VAIO F16 on the left, VAIO S15 on the right. You can see that the screen has been enlarged by truncating the top and bottom bezels. The difference in hue is not the image quality correction but the difference in the color temperature of the panel. As expected, the dynamic range of the S15 is wider.

　Compact design for portability. The weight is 1.34 kg for VAIO F14 and 1.65 kg for VAIO F16. It is similar in size and lightweight, and it is about the same weight as an overseas mobile notebook PC that is not fiercely competitive. For example, "VAIO SX series if you want more portability and lighter weight".　Although it is a standard model, it inherits the 180-degree opening and closing of the screen, which is a feature of recent VAIO. Perfect for face-to-face situations such as meeting rooms and coffee shops. It is also possible to rotate the content with a shortcut key.

　As with previous products, this product also uses parts from other Japanese manufacturers in various places. The cooling fan is made by Nidec, and the battery is made by TDK Corporation.

　The keyboard is inherited from the flagship VAIO Z. I use the VAIO Z on a regular basis, and the UV curable coating, anti-fingerprint, anti-fouling treatment, laser engraving that is hard to erase, as well as the feel of the keys and keystrokes, are just about the same and wonderful.

　The bezel around the screen is made of the same material as the bottom. The palm rest is made of a single plate of aluminum alloy. The fine hairline creates beauty and enhances the texture. Fingerprints are a little conspicuous on the surface, but it is said that the surface treatment that is resistant to scratches can maintain its shine even after long-term use. The tilt-up hinge is still alive, and it is easy to type with a moderate inclination.

　The top plate has a smooth and subdued gloss, but the fingerprints are not so noticeable and give a good impression.　Environmentally friendly design is an issue that naturally needs to be addressed, and while this has been done up until now, in this work, about 50% of the product appearance is left unpainted in order to reduce the painting process, which has a high environmental impact. It is said that recycled materials were used for the entire bottom. Using recycled materials might make it look cheap, but the texture of the bottom is matte, with a touch that reminds me of embossing for a moment, and it's very good with no fingerprints. I personally liked it a lot.　It is wonderful that the colors are unified even though they are made of different materials.

　In addition, we changed the packaging material to paper envelopes as part of environmental consideration. We are reducing the number of bundled items, such as by digitizing manuals. Warranties and manuals can be viewed from the VAIO Owner Site by registering the product with a VAIO ID. It is also possible to select a paper manual.

　PC beginners are also assumed. The electronic version of the manual can be viewed from the QR code written in the included guide. And with the new function "VAIO User Guide Utility", the initial setup is easier to understand and more detailed. You can set the screen DPI and charging-related functions. The user guide is opened on the left side, and when each setting item is opened, the setting window is placed on the right side, making it very easy to understand.　I was very impressed with the explanation that NUMLOCK and CAPSLOCK can be displayed as enabled/disabled from the icon in the system tray, and that you can switch from here or display them directly on the taskbar. .

　Furthermore, after three weeks of use, it seems that new suggestions such as changing the wallpaper will be made. Certainly, the wallpaper that matches each color has already been set at the first startup, but it's strange to suddenly recommend changing the wallpaper from the first startup. Points to follow after starting to use these are suggested later. It is well kneaded down to the smallest details.

　The original round wireless mouse is included as an accessory. Matches each body color. When it comes to accessories from other companies, it's a mysterious cheap mouse that you don't know where you picked it up from, so it's a little nice point.　60g and lightweight. Multiple terminals can be used because there are 2 systems with Bluetooth and 3 systems with the addition of a USB dongle. we also carry out the so-called “Azumino Finish”, which ships only the final confirmation one by one at the head office factory.

　VAIO F14 clears the severe test. Common quality tests such as normal drop, radiation, vibration, and friction tests, plus 76 cm 6-sided drop test, 150 kgf pressurized vibration test, body twist test, pen pinch test, transport vibration test, keyboard for mobile devices It has also cleared severe tests such as water tests.

　Equipped with 13th generation Intel Core processor (i7-1355U/i5-1334U/i3-1315U). It supports future software updates for a long time, and can be used comfortably.　There is also a peep prevention filter for VAIO F14.

　Equipped with a new function "battery saving setting" to make video conference calls as long as possible. By restricting CPU performance with a unique method, prioritizing quietness for CPU and fan operation, limiting brightness, and keeping the Windows battery saving function always on, the actual driving time in a Teams video conference is about 10%.

　The in-camera was designed with particular attention. It is said that the camera is tilted about 5 degrees so that the face can be seen in the center as much as possible when the screen is tilted at an angle that is easy to see. The in-camera is HD with a pixel pitch of 1.4 μm. Image quality processing has also been enhanced, and noise reduction processing in the time axis direction is performed with TNR installed, achieving both low noise and crisp and clear image quality. It takes beautiful pictures even in a slightly dark environment.

　The camera part is also thinner. We have succeeded in making it bezelless. The frame is thinner than the VAIO S15 and VAIO Z, so let's put some effort into it. envy.

　It also has a physical privacy shutter. It's easy to see if it's valid or invalid. At the same time, the antenna module is also thinned while ensuring communication performance, contributing to a narrow frame.

　In addition to beamforming technology, AI noise canceling is also introduced. Like picking up only the voice of the person in front of the PC screen while removing the noise. It also eliminates the keystroke sound of the keyboard. Although the human voice is slightly processed, it is a passing mark. Excellent results compared to other companies. There is also a function that eliminates noise from the other party's voice and makes it easier to hear the voice.　Compatible with Windows Hello. It supports face authentication and power button integrated fingerprint authentication.

　A large-diameter stereo speaker is mounted on the front of the main unit. VAIO's original optimized Dolby Audio not only makes it easier to hear the audio during video conferencing, but also enables high-quality playback of videos and music.

　Microphone mute can be switched with Fn + Tab. You can also check whether the microphone is valid or invalid from the indicator on the screen.

　The inside is simply connected to each base. Not only is it easy to assemble, but it also contributes to quality and maintainability. Side cooling. Cooling efficiency is improved by clearly separating intake and exhaust. It is said that the performance can be maintained for a long time because the fins flow dust on the slope.

　In particular, the VAIO F16 has elaborate fixed parts around the battery. This is a design ingenuity to support the heavy battery even when it is dropped. In addition to power delivery, the USB Type-C terminal also supports video output using DP Alt Mode. The LAN connector is also newly designed because the bottom is flat. It also has an earphone jack and a microSD card slot

　What is VAIO's idea of ​​a "standard"? There are many affordable products in the world that often feel that they are cutting corners, but the VAIO F14/16 never cut corners and searched for a divisible that would not be a disadvantage, and considered the balance between value and cost. . We spend money on the parts that cost money, such as the silent keyboard and aluminum palm rest.

　Especially noticeable is the design and color that does not look cheap at all. If you look at each model, each aspect is not uniform and luxurious with different materials, but if you look at the four models, the gunmetal and navy blue, white and satin gold are standardized to keep costs down. Rather than just using cheap materials, we are squeezing our wisdom.　With that in mind, you can't miss the sticker on the bottom that lists the model number and serial number. It doesn't look good, and it gets dirty as you use it. This one has a more luxurious feel.

　However, the cost is lower than seals. By not using paper stickers, it is environmentally friendly and has a luxurious feel, making it a god specification of "all good".

　Good ideas and ideas down to the smallest details. Costs are spent on areas where costs should be spent, and craftsmanship is also used to reduce costs. At first glance, it looks like an "ordinary PC", but in reality, it is a product full of VAIO-like commitments.

　The VAIO FL15 was certainly cheap, but I thought it was a little different from the model I recommend because I use it everyday. It's heavy and I think it was for home use to buy for a child.

　I think our readers mainly use high-end smartphones, but when it comes to recommending to people that they're using them, they're at least mid-range or mid-high. If the lineup is in the middle range or above, the goodness and technology cultivated by each company in the high-end model are coming down, and it is affordable. A class where you can feel the wonder of addition and subtraction. When it comes to cheap prices in the $142 range, I don't really feel like recommending it to people because of the "roughness" that can be seen everywhere. It is even more so if the other party is a general person or a beginner.

　Speaking of models that have been aimed at the middle of such a smartphone, I think it is easy to understand the positioning of the VAIO F14/16.

　The technology and quality that we have cultivated with the VAIO Z up until now are also clearly felt, and the color and design make it easier to recommend to people than the Z. No matter how good the Z is, it's not a price you can recommend to others.　I would like to expect further progress of VAIO with an enhanced lineup.