xps m1330 vs vaio sz6

here is the comparison between xps m1330 and sz6, I configured m1330 to meet the base of sz6:

1- m1330:
My Components
SYSTEM COLOR Crimson Red edit
PROCESSOR Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor T7500 (2.2GHz/800Mhz FSB, 4MB Cache) edit
OPERATING SYSTEM Genuine Windows® Vista Business Edition edit
LCD AND CAMERA Slim and Light LED Display with VGA Webcam edit
MEMORY 2GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz edit
HARD DRIVE Size: 160GB SATA Hard Drive (5400RPM) edit
OPTICAL DRIVE CD/DVD burner (DVD+/-RW Drive) edit
VIDEO CARD 128MB NVIDIA® GeForce™ 8400M GS edit
SOUND OPTIONS Integrated Sound Blaster Audigy HD Software Edition edit
FINGERPRINT SCANNER Biometric Fingerprint Reader edit
My Accessories
BATTERY OPTIONS 56Whr Lithium Ion Battery (6 cell) edit
WIRELESS CARDS Intel Next-Gen Wireless-N Mini-card edit
BLUETOOTH OPTIONS Built-in Bluetooth capability (2.0 EDR) edit

$2,283

2- sz650n/c:
General
Computer Type: Notebook
Type of Use: Ultra Portable
Action Buttons: S1, S2 (programmable), Wireless On/Off,
stamina/speed hybrid graphics switch
Security: Trusted Platform Module (TPM), TCG Ver.1.2 compliant
Biometric Fingerprint Sensor
Hardware
Pointing Device: Electro-Static touch pad
Keyboard: QWERTY (86 keys with 3mm stroke and 19.05mm pitch)
Camera: Built-in Camera and Microphone
Processor
Type: Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor T7500
Speed: 2.2GHz
Front Side Bus Speed: 800MHz
L2 Cache: 4MB
Technology: Intel® Centrino® Duo Processor Technology
Memory
Type: DDR2
Installed: 2GB (1GBx2) PC2-5300
Maximum: 4GB
Speed: 677MHz
Hybrid Hard Disk Drive
Capacity: 160GB
Technology: H-HDD with Windows ReadyDrive™ for Windows
Vista®
On Board RAM: 256MB
Speed: 5400rpm
Interface: Serial ATA
Impact Protection: G-Sensor™ Shock Protection - Hard Disk Drive
Protection
Optical Drive #1
DVD+R DL Write: 4x max.
DVD+R Write: 8x max.
DVD+RW Write: 8x max.
DVD-R Write: 8x max.
DVD-RW Write: 6x max.
CD-R Write: 24x max.
CD-RW Write: 16x max.
DVD±RW: Yes (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/DVD-RAM)
CD Read: 24x max.
DVD Read: 8x max.
DVD-RAM Write: 5x max.
DVD-R DL Write: 4x max.
DVD-RAM Read: 5x max.
Expansion Slots
Multimedia Card Reader: Memory Stick DUO™ with MagicGate®
functionality
ExpressCard™ /34 Slot: 5-in-1 Memory Card Adaptor (VGP-MCA20)
supporting Memory Stick®, Memory Stick PRO™ , Secure Digital,
xD-Picture Card, and MultiMediaCard (MMC)
PCMCIA (Type II/Type I card slot with CardBus support)
Audio
Sound System: Sony® Sound Reality™ - Audio Enhancer
Display
Screen or Display Technology: WXGA razor thin LCD panel
Screen Size: 13.3”
Resolution: 1280x800
XBRITE™ LCD Technology: Yes
White LED back light for better quality and clarity
1
15
2
4
11
Graphics
Processor: NVIDIA® GeForce® 8400M GS and Mobile Intel®
Graphics Media Accelerator X3100
Video RAM: 831MB Total Available Graphics Memory (NVIDIA®
GeForce® 8400 GS) and 358MB Total Available Graphics (Mobile
Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator X3100)
Technology: Hybrid Graphics System
Chipset: Mobile Intel® GM965 Express Chipset
Interface: VGA out w/ Smart Display Sensor
Inputs and Outputs
Ethernet Port: 1
Headphone Jack: 1
i.LINK® Interface: 1 (4-pin IEEE 1394) interface
Memory Stick® Media Slot: 1
Modem Jack: 1
Microphone Input: 1
Port Replicator Connector(s): 1 (Bottom)
USB Port(s): 2 (2.0 compliant)
VGA Output(s): 1
DC-In: 1
Express Card™ Slot: 1
Networking/Modem
Ethernet Protocol: Fast Ethernet (RJ-45)
Ethernet Speed: 10Base-T/100Base-TX/1000Base-T
Modem Type: Integrated V.92/V.90 Modem (RJ-11)
Wireless LAN: Intel® PRO/Wireless 4965AGN Network Connection
(802.11a/b/g/n)
Bluetooth® Technology: Integrated Bluetooth® Technology
Power
Battery Type: Standard Capacity Lithium-ion Battery
Estimated Battery Life: 3 to 6 hours (Standard Battery)
Power Requirements: 105W+10%
Software
Operating System: Windows Vista™ Business
Internet Services: AOL® 90-Day Risk Free Trial - For new users only
Supplied Software: Microsoft® Works 8.5
60-Day Trial version of Microsoft® Office 2007
Sony® Original Software: Click to DVD® - DVD Creation
* Please access VAIO® Help and Support from your PC for a
complete list of software applications and trials.
Security and Anti-Virus Software: Norton® Internet Security™
2007 60-Day Trial with spyware protection

$2049

 

The keyboards on the SZ are really really shatty clackity clackity clack . Sony has mediocre service compared with Dell and finding their drivers is going to be a PITA. The SZ doesn't have HDMI however it does have docking capabilities.

I would choose the M1330 over the SZ.

 

Sony's 8400GS is only 64mb.. that alone will make me choose the m1330 over SZ6...

 

I agree the sony doesn't really compare (although a dock would be nice) and they seriously hike their prices up here in the UK so they are almost never an option for me.

 

I think I like the fact the Dell isn't loaded down with a crapware.

 

The Sony does look pretty good in that light, however it's not uncommon for people to have ordered the M1330 with a decent discount either, negating some of the price difference.

 

I am really torn as to which I should buy. Following are pros and cons of each listed in order of importance to me:

M1330 Pros:

• Better keyboard (I'm assuming based on NBR's review)
• Cheaper accessories
• Media Direct
• HDMI
• 128MB DDR3 on GPU
• Dedicated Media Buttons (would have been more useful on front like M1210)
• 8-in-1 built-in card reader
• Less bloatware
• Better support
• Slot-loading DVD (more of a gimmick than added value)
• Supports Intel Turbo Memory

Cons:

• No port replicator

SZ650N/C Pros:

• Pre-configured (no wait time for it to be custom built)
• Port Replicator
• Hybrid Graphics System
• Gigabit ethernet
• Hybrid Hard Drive

Cons:

• The keyboard
• 64MB RAM on GPU
• Windows Vista Business (would rather have Home Premium or Ultimate)
• 5-in-1 ExpressCard memory card reader (should be built-in; Sony, nobody likes your Memory Stick format )

I'm leaning towards the M1330 (hence I haven't cancelled my order), but the Pro's of the SZ6 are very attractive.

 

Ok let's address the Dell cons and Sony Pros.

First off, I really wanted the port replicator myself. However, I thought about it and I'm going to use a bluetooth keyboard and mouse (so no port replicator helps with that). That means I'll just have to plug in a USB hub and the monitor. If I get a monitor with a bunch of USB ports, then all I have to do is plug it in with a usb cable and an hdmi cable.

Sony Pros:
Hybrid graphics system - probably won't save THAT much battery life (maybe 20 minutes?)
Hybrid HD - Buy a hybrid HD and put it in the Dell.
Gigabit Internet - Buy an expresscard if you really will use this
Preconfigured - This is the real advantage of the Sony...

 

I last tried an SZ4 about 2 weeks ago. The keyboard REALLY is that bad. My god. Then again, I'm coming from a thinkpad and before that true mechanical switches and buckle-springs.

Also, don't forget Sony's peripheral prices are astronomical. Want an extra charger? $100. Extra battery? $300 if you don't include with your initial order (and we all know it's bad to buy batteries before you need them).

In The SZ6's corner, it's got a dock (only useful if it provides DVI/HDMI...does it?), the outdoor-viewable screen looks fantastic and really widens the possibilities...and while the hybrid graphics system seems a bit cumbersome, it's probably extremely useful in a pinch (since I always sleep rather than power-off, I would just use the Nvidia setting all the time unless I was going on a long plane trip). I wish they could hot-swap the display rather than force you to reboot.

 

The port replicator is a huge benefit for me. I already have my setup ready at home: 19 inch monitor with DVI and Logitech Z-10 speakers. So, with the M1330, I would have to purchase a HDMI-to-DVI cable and then plug that, an ethernet cable, power adapter, and a USB cable for the speakers each time I wanted to use it at my desk. I can just imagine unplugging 4 items each time I want to take the M1330 with me, only to come home to find two of the cords have fallen behind my desk.

With the SZ6, I would use the port replicator which provides DVI out, gigabit ethernet, DC in, and 3 additional USB 2.0 ports. So all I would have to do is plug the SZ6 into the dock, and I'd be good to go. And no lost cables behind the desk.

 

Go with the XPS M1330, I did.

 

Let me preface by saying that I just ordered an M1330 online for $1815 with nearly identical specs to those that you listed up front (academic discount + 12 months same as cash). The only difference is that I got 1GB of ram instead of 2 - it's much more economical to buy ram afterwards and install it yourself. That price includes the 3 year warranty and accidental damage stuff. Since no warranty terms were listed in the original post, I'll assume they are comparable.

Anyway, I played around with a Sony SZ a few weeks ago while trying to decide if I wanted a 13.3 or 14.1" screen. I didn't find the keyboard all that offensive, and the screen looked pretty nice on it. What turned me off to it though was the amount of flex in the unit - it just felt cheap, plastic-y, and lightweight in a bad way to me. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to put my hands on the Dell yet, so I can't say from experience how it compares, but from what I've read they are pretty sturdy.

 

The lid on the SZ premiums does flex more due to being constructed out of carbon fiber and it being thinner than any other laptop lid. But carbon fiber is very durable and LED screens are able to flex quite substantially without causing damage to the screen. So it really shouldn't be too much of a concern.

 

Slightly off topic... (TZ... not SZ)
http://reviews.cnet.com/laptops/sony-vaio-tz150n-b/4505-3121_7-32518039.html?ar=o

... m1330 still outperforms in most of their tests except for the battery drain test.

 

i think hybrid hard drive equals StrikeZone on dell

 

Hybrid != StrikeZone

(does not equal)

... They aren't even related!!!

 

Hybrid hard drive is a tacked on NAND module.

 

ya right cuz sony offers shock and bumps protection as dell, i thought that sony hhd is difference than traditionl hhd which integrates flash memory

 

Does the XPS come with a TPM module you can use for Vista Bitlocker? I couldn't find any references to it.

 

No - that is one of the things I wish it had (and many or all the SZ6 Sony's have)
My M1330 has a UPEK biometric coprocessor which does store fingerprints (or at least the hashes) and I think may do hardware encryption too - so some of the functionality of the TPM module - but Windows Vista Ultimate does not detect it as a TPM nodule and Bitlocker is not enabled.
It also does not using the fingerprint scanner to handle the BIOS and hard disk login - though I am hope that gets added later with a BIOS update or something.