Powerful yet stylish, small and light yet big on performance, affordable yet versatile, the Sony VAIO VPCZ122GX is one of our top 10 laptops. We have to admit, we were quite surprised by how well this laptop performed in all our tests, not to mention mesmerized by its stylish and elegant design and size. We’ve noticed that every VAIO notebook has something unique and interesting. Perhaps the innovative design features, color composition and textures. Or maybe the high-quality hardware components that the guys at Sony are using to build each and every laptop.

We really can’t understand how the guys at Sony managed to pack so much power into such a small case. The Sony VAIO VPCZ122GX measures just 12.4 by 1.3 by 8.3 inches and weighs less than 3.1 pounds. It does, however, feature an Intel Core i5 520M central processing unit, running on a 2.4GHz Front Side Bus (FSB), which can go as high as 2.93GHz by using its Turbo Boost technology. . It uses a 3MB L3 cache. This processor managed to rank in the top 10 in all of our tests. This laptop comes with 4 GB (2 x 2 GB memory cards) DDR 3 1066 MHz FSB of Random Access Memory (RAM), enough for even the most resource-hungry applications. Power users will be happy to know that they can double this amount to reach the maximum capacity of 8 GB.

Sony VAIO VPCZ122GX has an Nvidia GeForce GT 330 M video card using the innovative Intel HD graphics engine, with 1 GB of dedicated VRAM, capable of generating bright and clear images with a maximum resolution of 1600 x 900 pixels. The 13.1-inch LED-backlit display offers top-quality graphics. We were delighted to find a 128GB Serial ATA (SATA) Solid State Drive (SSD) (two 64GB drives) inside this VAIO. We would have preferred a 256GB SSD, but this is good enough.

Apart from these, the Sony VAIO VPCZ122GX comes packed with useful features and additions such as integrated “MOTION EYE” webcam with integrated microphone and face tracking support, integrated stereo A2DP Bluetooth (with 2.1 and EDR support), Memory Stick slot PRO with agile MagicGate technology, electrostatic touchpad (multi-finger capable), support for Intel Centrino Advanced N 6200 Wi Fi, and biometric fingerprint sensor that provides an extra layer of security to your system. The Intel High-Definition (HD) sound system is a real treat for music lovers!

When you buy a Sony VAIO VPCZ122GX, you also receive a free software package consisting of: a genuine copy of the Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate operating system (wow!), Adobe’s Creative Bundle for designers, Sony VAIO’s Proprietary Care (support utilities and system maintenance), Norton Internet Security 2010 antivirus with firewall (with only 30-day free trial), and Microsoft Office 2010 (Beginner Edition) for your office needs. You’ll also receive the standard one-year warranty, international service, and free 24/7 technical support by phone.