Quality
All VAIO devices are strictly quality-tested so our users can have a smooth and safe laptop experience anytime anywhere. Through simulations of every possible scenario when using the device, dozens of stringent inspections are carried out to ensure the quality of our products.
Pursuit of a durable laptop
Everyday use causes normal wear and tear of the rubber feet and the bottom surface of a laptop. During the test, a 3kg weight is placed onto the VAIO laptop and rubbed against the laptop surface. No excessive abrasion is spotted.
Withstands the impact of falling – the quest for durability
Laptops are subject to huge impacts when dropped from a work surface. Proper protection to the motherboard and the screen can minimize the risk of losing important data. Testing shows that VAIO laptops can still boot normally after extreme impact.
All ports and vents are dust-proof
Dust is the main cause of the drop in laptop performance. Poor ventilation due to dust accumulating around ports and openings may cause the device to overheat. To ensure that dust will not affect the operation of VAIO laptops, we use our self-developed device to test our product where it is placed in a dust-filled environment. The simulation shows that VAIO laptop can operate normally under such circumstances. We have also made changes to the design of the parts of which dust easily accumulates, maximizing the device’s dust-proof ability.
* The Z series laptop used in the video is sold exclusively in Japan. However, test results can be applied to all VAIO models.
Ensures radiation level is safe
All electronic devices emit electromagnetic radiation that may have a certain impact on the human body and other electronic devices. While each country has its own specific radiation emission limit, we design and manufacture VAIO laptops in accordance with the regulations of the countries of sale. We measure our laptops’ radiation level of in a specially designed room where special materials are used to absorb the radiation emitted. We also test the strength of the signal received by the built-in wireless card antenna inside the VAIO laptop. The laptop is affixed on a test bench that rotates in all directions to assess the signal reception while fully considering the influence of the surrounding environment.
Protected from static electricity.
Static electricity can cause serious harm to laptops. In the static electricity testing, an electrostatic generator is used to emit static electricity to an operating VAIO laptop in order to determine whether it will cause any damages or malfunctions. Static electricity is ubiquitous, especially in winter and drier seasons when people often experience static electricity shocks. Therefore, we have improved the laptop design to tackle such a problem. During the electrostatic discharge test, we simulate different scenarios where the user uses a VAIO laptop while statically charged, including touching the screen, the laptop surface, the keyboard and the gap between the buttons. We also inspect the laptop components that are sensitive to static electricity, such as the chips on the mainboard and the USB ports, for further improvement, enhancing the stability of VAIO laptops.
Durable screen after extreme compression
Mishandling of the screen may happen anywhere, anytime, and many people grab the screen directly when carrying the laptop. The screen is a vital part of the VAIO laptop and once it is damaged, the device may not work properly. As a result, two kinds of pressure test are carried out to help improve the design of the screen: one is to use a hydraulic press to apply force to directly onto the screen, while the other is to apply force at a point in different positions of the screen.
* The Z series laptop used in the video is sold exclusively in Japan. However, test results can be applied to all VAIO models.
Durable after severe vibrations
Laptops experience all kinds of vibrations and drops during transportation, especially for frequent commuters. In the vibration test, VAIO laptop is affixed on a test bench and undergoes severe vibration over a period of time. The testing simulates various vibration scenarios such as in a subway/car, when idling, and when packing. Dents and damages found on different components are analyzed for further design improvements, increasing the shock resistance of VAIO laptops.
Survives large impacts
Both shocks and drops will have huge impacts on laptops. In the impact test, we analyze the damages to the motherboard, hard disk and other components caused by direct impact. Potential issues are identified and reported to the development team for further analysis and improvement. Our goal is to ensure that all components are strong and durable.
Durable hinge that withstands repeated opening and closing
Opening and closing the lid are evitable every time when using a laptop and demand high standards of the hinge between the screen and the body. We test the hinge’s durability by repeatedly open and close the lid for the number of times that equals years of the opening and closing action, so a strong and durable hinge can be selected. Additionally, wires connected to the screen are hidden inside the hinge. Therefore, the laptop is on during the test as to verify whether the wires will break due to repeated opening and closing.
※ Quality tests are carried out in specific environments based on VAIO’s regulations. The product’s quality tests do not guarantee that it is free from any damage or malfunction, nor do they guarantee the safety of the data in the SSD.
Other than general tests, a series of tests are carried out to target specifically for S11 and S13.
To achieve the upmost quality for VAIO S11 and S13, we simulated different extreme scenarios and inspected it repeatedly to improve the weaknesses of the body.
Survives compression and torsion
Laptops may be subject to compressions and torsions from our bodies or surrounding objects in cases such as emergency braking. These scenarios may cause damage to the screen, the motherboard and other components inside the laptop. In the torsion testing, the laptop is affixed on three of the four corners. The testing machine then applies pressure on the remaining corner until it is noticeably bent. The laptop is then connected to power and checked to see if it can still function. We ensure that our laptop can survive extreme compression and torsion.
Durable screen after extreme pressure
Mishandling of the screen may happen anywhere, anytime, and many people grab the screen directly when carrying the laptop. The screen is a vital part of the VAIO laptop and once it is damaged, the device may not work properly. As a result, two kinds of pressure test are carried out to help improve the design of the screen: one is to use a hydraulic press to apply force to directly onto the screen, while the other is to apply force at a point in different positions of the screen.
The S11 and S13 are equipped with anti-spill keyboards. These laptops were tested to be able to continue normal operation for a period sufficient to complete data storage, even after 150ml of water was spilled on the keyboard.
* In the event of a water spillage, users should wipe away the water, before bringing the laptop to a VAIO service center for inspection or repair.
* The anti-spill feature is only available on the keyboard and is not applicable on water damage to other parts of the laptop.
VAIO laptops remain sturdy even after receiving repeated impacts on the corners. One could make the corners of a laptop hit the desk by placing it on a surface single-handedly. During corner impact tests, all four corners of a VAIO laptop was simulated to have received impacts by placing it onto a desk surface from a height of 5cm for 5,000 times. Although the impact is relatively small each time, the damage can still be significant given the sheer number of impacts. VAIO laptops remains study and durable under repeated and prolonged corner impacts.
The unexpected happens. VAIO engineers simulated the following impact tests to make each notebook computer being able to withstand life’s mishaps:
●Dropping to the floor when carried under a 170cm-tall person’s arm, which is about from a height of 90cm
●Dropping from the height of a desk to the floor
●Impacts from everyday use
The risk of your important data being damaged or lost can be reduced if the components and screen of a notebook computer can be protected during an impact.
During impact tests, the VAIO notebook computers are dropped on all six sides, at preset angles from 90cm. A notebook computer can be deformed and parts could be sent flying if its casing is not sturd enough to withstand the impact from a drop. After each drop test, we carefully examine all parts of the notebook computer to improve our design for maximum protection of user’s data.
VAIO laptops are robust and built to last, even under pressure and vibration. Imagine yourself carrying a laptop inside a crowded train compartment during peak hours, the screen, keyboard and the body unit of the laptop could be under serious pressure like a hard squeezed sandwich. During pressurized vibration tests, a VAIO laptop was tested for functionalities when a 150kgf* pressure was applied to it. Although boasting an ultra thin casing, VAIO laptops were tested to be sturdy under extreme conditions.
* kgf is a gravitational metric unit of force, equalling to the magnitude of the force exerted on one kilogram of mass under standard gravity.
The pen bend test is carried out to simulate an alien object, such a pen, is caught between a notebook computer’s screen and keyboard when closed. A user’s data could be better protected if the notebook computer’s mother boards and other hardware are not damaged under this scenario.
Other than general tests, a series of tests are carried out to target specifically for SX12 / SX14.
To achieve the upmost quality for VAIO SX12 / SX14, we simulated different extreme scenarios and inspected it repeatedly to improve the weaknesses of the body.
Survives compression and torsion
Laptops may be subject to compressions and torsions from our bodies or surrounding objects in cases such as emergency braking. These scenarios may cause damage to the screen, the motherboard and other components inside the laptop. In the torsion testing, the laptop is affixed on three of the four corners. The testing machine then applies pressure on the remaining corner until it is noticeably bent. The laptop is then connected to power and checked to see if it can still function. We ensure that our laptop can survive extreme compression and torsion.
The SX12 / SX14 are equipped with anti-spill keyboards. These laptops were tested to be able to continue normal operation for a period sufficient to complete data storage, even after 150ml of water was spilled on the keyboard.
* In the event of a water spillage, users should wipe away the water, before bringing the laptop to a VAIO service center for inspection or repair.
* The anti-spill feature is only available on the keyboard and is not applicable on water damage to other parts of the laptop.
VAIO laptops remain sturdy even after receiving repeated impacts on the corners. One could make the corners of a laptop hit the desk by placing it on a surface single-handedly. During corner impact tests, all four corners of a VAIO laptop was simulated to have received impacts by placing it onto a desk surface from a height of 5cm for 5,000 times. Although the impact is relatively small each time, the damage can still be significant given the sheer number of impacts. VAIO laptops remains study and durable under repeated and prolonged corner impacts.
The unexpected happens. VAIO engineers simulated the following impact tests to make each notebook computer being able to withstand life’s mishaps:
●Dropping to the floor when carried under a 170cm-tall person’s arm, which is about from a height of 90cm
●Dropping from the height of a desk to the floor
●Impacts from everyday use
The risk of your important data being damaged or lost can be reduced if the components and screen of a notebook computer can be protected during an impact.
During impact tests, the VAIO notebook computers are dropped on all six sides, at preset angles from 90cm. A notebook computer can be deformed and parts could be sent flying if its casing is not sturd enough to withstand the impact from a drop. After each drop test, we carefully examine all parts of the notebook computer to improve our design for maximum protection of user’s data.
VAIO laptops are robust and built to last, even under pressure and vibration. Imagine yourself carrying a laptop inside a crowded train compartment during peak hours, the screen, keyboard and the body unit of the laptop could be under serious pressure like a hard squeezed sandwich. During pressurized vibration tests, a VAIO laptop was tested for functionalities when a 150kgf* pressure was applied to it. Although boasting an ultra thin casing, VAIO laptops were tested to be sturdy under extreme conditions.
* kgf is a gravitational metric unit of force, equalling to the magnitude of the force exerted on one kilogram of mass under standard gravity.
The pen bend test is carried out to simulate an alien object, such a pen, is caught between a notebook computer’s screen and keyboard when closed. A user’s data could be better protected if the notebook computer’s mother boards and other hardware are not damaged under this scenario.
Pursuit of an indestructible LCD screen
The LCD screen is one of the most vulnerable parts of a laptop, and is also a part that VAIO tests thoroughly and strives to improve. The test machine applies force onto various parts of the screen, simulating scenarios such as pulling the edge of the screen, pressing the chassis with elbows, and being squished in a bag. These tests ensures the chassis can protect the delicate LCD screen.
Ensure a durable ultra-narrow bezel
Featuring a screen with an ultra-narrow bezel, the VAIO SX12 / SX14 is seemingly delicate compared to ordinary PCs. To examine the strength of the thin bezel, VAIO conducts two tests, including applying pressure on the bezel and opening the screen over 180 degrees – an angle that is beyond the limit of the hinge. The tests aim to ensure the LCD panel can survive any impact and compression.
※ Quality tests are carried out in specific environments based on VAIO’s regulations. The product’s quality tests do not guarantee that it is free from any damage or malfunction, nor do they guarantee the safety of the data in the SSD.
In addition to the regular tests that all VAIO models go through, VAIO A12 PCs undergo model-specific durability tests to ensure their quality. The endurance and robustness of this business laptop are guaranteed by a suite of tests that simulate everyday-use conditions that may be dangerous and damaging to the device.
Thin and lightweight tablet is robust as a laptop
The 7.4mm ultra-thin tablet serves as a display and is normally seen as a fragile part that cannot withstand pressure like an ordinary clamshell laptop. To test the endurance of the device, three of the four corners are affixed and the testing machine applies pressure on the remaining corner. The rigorous torture test makes sure the device can survive sudden and extreme compression during transportation and travel.
Durable hinge that survives repeated opening and closing
Opening and closing the lid are evitable every time when using a laptop, and it demands high standards of the hinge that connects the LCD display and the keyboard base. VAIO tests the hinge’s durability by repeatedly opening and closing the lid for the number of times that equals years of the open-and-closed cycles, ensuring the hinge is sturdy and enduring.
Withstand compression when the lid is closed with a pen caught in between
The pen bend test simulates the scenario when a pen is caught between the screen and keyboard when the user is trying to close the lid. In the test, a plastic cylindrical stick (10mm in diameter) is placed between the laptop’s screen and keyboard while the lid is forced closed. Two tests are carried out on the two sides of the device to anticipate all possible damages. Durability of the display, chassis and other hardware is enhanced based on the test results to prevent accidental damages to the device during usage.
Reliable Stabilizer Flap that provides secure support for the screen
Made of processed magnesium alloy that provides extraordinary strength, the Stabilizer Flap that supports the screen is only 1mm thick. The pressure test is designed to examine the robustness of the Flip and ensures that the Flip does not break or deform under pressure.
A screen that doesn’t crack, break, or detach from the hinge when opened beyond limit.
As a component that secures the detachable tablet, the hinge plays a crucial part in the device’s functionality. The test is carried out in laptop mode while the screen is open to 180 degrees – an angle that is beyond the limit of the hinge, making sure the display does not crack, break, or fall out from the hinge.
Durable and scratch-resistant tempered glass
AGC's DragontrailTM Pro tempered glass protects the detachable display in tablet mode. The tempered glass remains scratch-free when the surface is rigorously scratched with a chisel during the test.
The keyboard keeps liquid away even when spilled on by a drink
Liquid is the nemesis of electronic products, and PCs are no exception. Thanks to the slanting angle, keyboard structure as well as the hinge design, the device effectively keeps water away and prevents liquid from seeping through cracks. In the spill test, 150cc of water is poured over the keyboard with the device turned on. The laptop is able to function normally for a period sufficient to complete data storage.
※In the event of a splash, visit the nearest VAIO designated repair center immediately for inspection or repair.
※The anti-spill feature is limited to splashes on the surface of the keyboard and is not applicable to water damage due to water seeping through air vents and ports.
Smooth docking experience that everyone can feel
Everyone has different habits detaching the display from the keyboard base. Technicians at VAIO, therefore, test the device by detaching the screen from various angles and with different strengths, making sure a smooth and pleasant docking experience for every user.
※ Quality tests are carried out in specific environments based on VAIO’s regulations. The product’s quality tests do not guarantee that it is free from any damage or malfunction, nor do they guarantee the safety of the data in the SSD.
* General quality control testing is applicable to VAIO S11, VAIO S13, VAIO A12 and VAIO SX12 / SX14 only.