Testing Site: Azumino Headquarters
Quality Tests
We perform thorough quality tests on all models to ensure peace of mind when using a VAIO. We have established strict inspection standards for dozens of varieties of tests that anticipate all kinds of scenarios.
Common Quality Tests for All Models
We perform thorough quality tests on all models to ensure peace of mind for the user. There are dozens of test varieties designed to anticipate all kinds of scenarios. We have established strict inspection standards for each of them.
Furthermore, our laptops that are designed to be portable undergo standard tests as well as special tests with stricter standards. We have achieved a level of sturdiness that can withstand the rigors of mobile business use, thanks to our quality testing, which specifically anticipates hazardous situations and potential damage over time.
Standard Quality Tests for Portable Laptops
Implemented Products
Standard and Special Quality Tests for Portable Laptops
Implemented Products
Quality Tests for Mobile Displays
Implemented Products
Previous Models
Common Quality Tests for All Models
Dust Resistance Test
We pursue safety features that prevent malfunctions even if dust is sucked into the device.
The goal of the dust resistance test is to develop and confirm designs that are resistant to clogging caused by dust. Dust is a major cause of performance loss in portable laptops used in all kinds of environments. When dust gets clogged inside, it lowers the suction power of the fan, causing an increase in internal temperature and disrupting the normal functioning of the device. In order to prevent dust from being sucked in and causing a malfunction of the fan, we use unique testing equipment to examine our products starting from the design phase. The dust used in our tests is also specially designed. We artificially suspend it in an environment where the VAIO is placed, then verify its safe operation after removal. Furthermore, we investigate which areas inside the VAIO are prone to dust accumulation, and strive to create a design that makes it difficult for dust to be sucked in.
Drop Test
We pursue strength and durability to withstand the shock of a fall.
Even just dropping your PC on a desk by accident when carrying it can cause severe shock to its components. If we can protect components such as the circuit boards and hard disk drives from the shock of a fall, we can decrease the risk of losing important data.
The drop test, in which the laptop is dropped directly on its underside is the most severe test and delivers the greatest shock to the computer. At VAIO, we immediately turn the computer on after dropping it to confirm whether it runs correctly, ensuring high quality that can withstand real-world usage.
Radiation Test
We measure the radio waves emitted by the VAIO to ensure safety for both the human body and other devices.
Electronic devices can affect other electronics and the human body if they emit excessive radio waves, so countries have established a threshold value for safe operation. At VAIO, we conduct this test in a room with radar-absorbent material on its walls, a special material that doesn’t reflect radio waves. We confirm that our products meet the threshold value by measuring the precise strength of the waves they emit.
Additionally, we conduct a test to measure the receiving sensitivity of the Wi-Fi antenna housed in the VAIO. The VAIO is placed on a turntable and rotated 360 degrees while its receiving sensitivity is measured from all angles.
Through these tests, we can enhance the sensitivity of wireless devices while minimizing their impact on the environment.
Vibration Test
We conduct vibration tests while the device is operating, not operating, and in packaging to enhance its durability during transport.
The VAIO is subjected to various vibrations, including those experienced while traveling by train and car. When users frequently take their device with them while traveling, it will experience significant vibration throughout the year.
For the vibration test, the VAIO is secured to a test stand and continuously subjected to vibration for fixed durations, up to its limit. In addition to a standard vibration pattern, the device is subjected to a range of vibrations based on data measured from actual trains and trucks. This testing is conducted for each state of the device: operating, non-operating, and in packaging. We enhance the computer’s durability against vibration by investigating marks left by devices bumping into each other, identifying loose screws, and disassembling the device to inspect internal components for damage.
Static Electricity Test
We strive to protect operating VAIO PCs from the impact of static electricity.
Static electricity is the archenemy of computers. In the static electricity test, static electricity generation equipment is used to discharge electricity to the VAIO during operation, checking for malfunctions or damage. Static electricity forms year-round but is particularly prevalent during dry seasons like winter, where it can discharge significant electrical currents that humans perceive as painful. At VAIO, we incorporate various design features as countermeasures to ensure the secure operation of devices, protecting them from the effects of static electricity shocks.
In the static electricity test, parts that users frequently touch—such as the LCD screen, underside of the device, keyboard, and buttons—are subjected to static electricity while the VAIO is in operation. By conducting rigorous tests that apply static electricity exceeding levels encountered in daily life, we can assess its impact on particularly vulnerable components, such as chipsets on the circuit board and terminals like USB ports. These tests further ensure the safe operation of every VAIO.
Impact Test
We strive for a durable product that protects internal components from a severe impact.
Bumping or dropping the VAIO subjects the device to a severe shock.
The significant impact applied during the impact test is intended to directly affect the circuit board and hard disk inside the device, allowing us to determine precisely which components are most prone to damage and how they might break. By analyzing the results, our development team can enhance the durability of internal components.
Opening and Closing Test
We pursue durability for hinges, ensuring they can withstand several years of repeated opening and closing of the LCD screen.
The LCD screen of a laptop is opened and closed with every use. Its hinges must support an incredible number of openings and closings. At VAIO, we ensure the durability of hinges by performing an opening and closing test that simulates the number of uses a device will undergo over several years.
Since the wires that control the display pass through the hinges, we conduct the test while the computer is running to ensure that the opening and closing of the display do not damage or sever these wires.
Abrasion Test
We aim for durability that prevents the underside of the device from deteriorating due to friction.
The purpose of the abrasion test is to protect the feet from wear and tear during daily use, such as taking the device in and out of a bag or sliding it on a desk. The test involves placing a 3-kilogram weight on a VAIO set on a desk mat and dragging the device in all directions to ensure there is no abrasion or damage. We aim to deliver durable feet that will withstand years of use.
LCD Pressure Test
Our goal is to offer an LCD screen that is resistant to breakage, even when pressed forcefully with a bag, hand, or elbow.
Among the VAIO portable laptop tests, we conduct various types of pressure tests. The purpose of the LCD pressure test is to ensure that the display is resistant to breakage, even when its surface is directly subjected to severe pressure. Portable laptops are often used in close quarters, such as in cafes and on train seats, where a stray hand or bag may come in contact with the LCD screen. Many users also grab the device by the screen to carry it, which puts significant pressure on the screen with their fingers. The LCD screen is one of the most important components of the VAIO, as the entire PC can become unusable if it breaks. To address this, the LCD pressure test uses a pressure test machine to apply direct pressure to a single point on the screen. By applying severe pressure at multiple points across the display, we aim to create an LCD screen that doesn’t break easily. This test also applies pressure to the outside surface of the display. By applying pressure to both sides of the screen, we can ensure its durability across a wide variety of situations.
*The video features the VAIO Z, but this test is performed on all models.
Connector Strength Test
We aim for strong connectors.
The purpose of the connector strength test is to confirm durability and ensure that connectors and circuits remain intact when a connected cable or USB device is accidentally hit or pushed while lifting the PC. We use pulling and compression machines to apply pressure to USB devices inserted into the I/O ports. Pressure is applied to each connector from five directions. Not only do we focus on securing the connector to prevent it from being pulled out, but we also design it to disconnect if necessary, with an emphasis on strength to protect both the VAIO and its internal components from damage.
Package Drop and Vibration Tests
We protect the VAIO from shock during shipping by conducting drop and vibration tests while it is packaged.
Computers often experience shock during transport from the factory. By performing drop and vibration tests on the packaged computer, we can ensure that the packaging effectively protects the VAIO during transport and that it arrives in the same condition as when it was packed.
Environmental Test
We strive for safe operation in severe conditions such as tropical heat and frigid cold.
Operation tests are conducted in harsh environments within a chamber (partitioned room) where we can freely control temperature and humidity. We check to see if the device turns on correctly under severe conditions and if it continues to operate without failure for specified lengths of time. The high-temperature test, which assumes use at low longitudes, especially puts strain on the device over a long period of continuous use, as the device’s own heat also comes into play. By running such a thorough test over an extended period of time, we can identify damage and areas of concern that would be undetectable without careful observation, and then provide feedback to our design team. Through such lengthy and involved testing, we strive to create a robust VAIO that can operate safely in environments throughout the world.
Noise Test
We strive to create low-noise devices that can be used without creating detectable noise in quiet places.
Noise pollution that comes from the cooling fan or the spinning optical drive of a PC can be distracting in a quiet place such as a meeting room or hotel room.
The noise test measures the noise pollution emanating from the VAIO by placing it in a room with a microphone where all outside noise can be isolated. The computer is operated at full processing speed with the AC adapter plugged in, the cooling fan running, and the optical drive spinning, allowing us to measure its noise pollution level. This type of test helps us ensure a more comfortable user experience by enhancing the quietness of VAIO PCs.
Malicious Use Test
We strive to achieve durability that prevents damage even if a memory card or connector is inserted the wrong way.
The purpose of the malicious use test is to ensure that your VAIO does not break even if you accidentally insert a memory card or connector incorrectly. We are improving VAIO durability by investigating whether our designs can withstand accidental misuse of hardware by our customers.
Aging and Voltage Test
We strive to achieve electrical durability, ensuring that problems do not arise even during prolonged, continuous use.
The purpose of the aging and voltage test is to verify that the device operates without issues during continuous use over an extended period. In business settings, PCs are often kept powered on from the start of the workday to the end, so it is essential that, in addition to the physical durability of the computer, the electrical circuitry is also robust.
To ensure this, the aging and voltage test involves running a VAIO continuously for an extended period with the AC adapter connected, monitoring for any abnormalities.
Packaging Weight Check Test
We double-check the contents of packages by measuring the total weight of each box.
The box that contains your VAIO also includes other items such as the AC adapter and user manual. In addition to barcode management, we measure the total weight of all included items to verify that the contents are correct before shipping your VAIO, ensuring that nothing is missing or incorrectly placed in the box.
*Quality tests are conducted under specific environmental conditions in accordance with company standards. Product quality tests provide no guarantee against damage or accidents, nor do they guarantee any data on the PC.
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