As the world beckons for a new batch of touch-friendly Windows 8 devices, there were some questions raised on Sony’s new line-up for Windows 8; specifically, where is the next VAIO Z Series laptop?

It appears, unfortunately, Sony’s flagship laptop that pushed innovation will be retired. The last Z Series laptop,launched in mid-2011, featured something that has not been replicated since: a Power Media Dock that incorporates a Blu-ray player as well as a dedicated graphics card – connected by a unique cable that incorporates a USB 3.0 (one of the first laptops with this interface) as well as Intel’s Light Peak connector (also known as Thunderbolt in Apple devices). The Z series was also one of the first laptops to sport dual solid state drive configurations. All of these came at a price, however: the last edition of the Z series costs a cool RM8999.

However, Sony has announced that production for the Z series has stopped, and there are “very limited units” left. With more and more Ultrabooks and future touch-friendly tablet/laptop convertibles sporting similar specs as the Z Series, it isn’t hard to justify Sony’s decision.

(Source: The Verge)