Official VAIO Z Core 2 Duo Series Owners Thread

Many US resellers will send to Canada. Just contact them.

I know Techonweb and Excalibur send to Europe so I expect them to send to Canada too.

 

Conics Shipping --> Yes
PriceJapan --> Yes


Should I buy a blue ray drive or not? <.<

 

lol.

If you can afford it and have a 1080p TV, go for it. But there may be a reduction on battery life. Honestly, I don't think you can really see the difference on a 13.1 in screen...But it's a different story if you are going to connect it with your TV.

 

What is the website for Excalibur?

 

I probably made mistake with the name. Can't find which one I mean. It was another reseller offering Sony with international warranty.

But it does not really matter since many US resellers accept international orders as long as you pay by bank and upfront.

 

http://www.excaliberpc.com/

 

There are still some improvements:
Backlit keyboard
Higher Performance/Storage (In the near future there will be 256 and SSDs)
Fix mistakes in the design (we will see those in the future I think)
etc...

 

Damn, Excalibur doesn't have the Z yet.

So far these sites either don't have the configuration I want, or will charge me an arm and a leg for shipping/taxes/customs.

 

As far as I know no retailer has the Z yet. If you give it two weeks peobably many will have them on stock.

 

The Z is pricey. Period. If you're expecting to get a Z with decent specs (2.4 Ghz cpu, 3 gb ram, 250 GB HDD) plus a warranty to cover this expensive thing... ANYWHERE and likely anytime in the near feature (even after pricedrops) and taxes... you will pay well over 2,000 dollars for this laptop. Add in blu-ray or Solid state drives..holy cow.. 3,000 dollars.

Like i said...if you think waiting around is going to provide a miracle, don't expect it. the SZ has been expensive since day 1 and still kinda is even though the Z is taking it's spot.

 

I'm PRAYING SonyStyle.ca will offer a Z with 2.53 GHz, 4 GB RAM, 128 GB SSD, and 1600x900 screen.

 

If it's anything like Europe, the SSD won't be an option but the rest will*.

* - well, not options strictly speaking as we don't have CTO here... but those specs are available in the Z11VN/B model here

 

Not sure if I agree with you...

Compared to the SR? Sure, the Z is expensive. In comparison with Macbook Air? It's not so pricey. With 100+ pages of discussion on the Z, I think we've already established the fact that it's not a laptop for every kid on the block...

Is it worth it for people who want better screens and higher build quality, sure it is IMO, if they can afford it. The Z is one of the very few portable laptops that doesn't feel very "plastic-y" to me.

VAIO Z550 ( P8600 2.40GHz 13.1" DURA 3GB 250GB DVD±RW CAM 56K 10/1000 WiFi BT FP WAN BUS/XPP) goes for $2000 on P1. I wouldn't call it "well over 2,000 dollars"...

Do I think waiting around is going to provide a miracl? Not really...
Will the price of Z drop 200-300$ in the coming months? I sure think so, probably within 5 months.

SZ 780 was priced at $2250 when it first came out, the price dropped down to $1900-ish 5 months after.

 

Does anyone know how the stamina/speed switch works? I mean, is it seamless, and can it be used while in games and such, or does it have to be done while no 3d apps are being run?

 

I remember reading that it works the best when you shut down all 3d apps on the desktop.

 

When you flip the switch, a window pops up confirming the change, with some info about it. Clicking Ok will change modes, while flipping the switch back to it's original position will automatically close the window.

I didn't pay too much attention to what the window says, but I doubt it can switch while 3D apps are running. You can definitely switch without rebooting, although you may have to restart 3D modeling apps or games for the switch.

 

How long is the delay when you switch modes?

 

I didn't click the "Ok" button, so I wouldn't know . I was too fascinated with the screen/keyboard/weight/everything else to waste time on the switch .

 

First, Price is all relative to an individual. But generally speaking, The Z is EXPENSIVE when you see so many ads for laptops especially under 1k, but I realize they don't compare anywhere close to the Z. But if you compare the Z to other notebooks like the MBA, then it becomes a matter of whether you want to spend the extra $$$ on the Z, since we all know that MBA lacks so many features.

I do agree with you, the Z is not for everyone due to its high price tag. It's aimed to those techny savy individuals who want the best of the best and to those who want the latest and most high-end notebook out there and are willing to spend on it. And there are those like myself, that see it as perfect portable/travel notebook out there and is probably willing to get by on what $2000-2500 can get them. Sad as it may be, but true (To think that 2500 still can't get everything). I do agree by Christmas time, the price will go down some, not a lot, but some, maybe a few hundred dollars like you claim.

I recall when I first saw my SZ750 at retail stores, it sold for $2299. 4-6 Months later, price came down 2199, 2099, then 1999 and I saw an ad for it on sale for $1649.99, but I never did see it later come down to that price again. Usually, would see it on sale for $1799.99 with a retail price of $1999.99. It's a hit and miss on these ads. I got it for the lowest price of 1649 at a retail store. And I realize I could have done better at online stores like newegg, conics, etc. but I needed an easy and quick fix return policy just in case it wasn't the right notebook for me.

 

I wanted to ask... since the laptop has bluetooth i would be able to connect my bluetooth headphones and listen to music through that right???

EDIT: nvm i checked the sonystyle site and it says it has Bluetooth A2DP which means it will work...

 

Hey im curious to know if the Z series will be released at places like Futureshop or BestBuy. Hmm...Cuz then id rather buy from them as they have 30 day return policies without the stupid %15 off penalty.

 

This would be great for me too. But who knows how long it will be before they get them, if at all.

 

Tomorrow is August 7th!! Let's see if we can preorder tmrw fellow Canadians!

 

Man Im so eager for this laptop to come out here in Canada that I threw up today.

 

Now that's just weird...

 

Oh man, whats gonna happen when you get it?

 

I know crap, I just dont know wat to do with myself. Its either suicide or throwing up all over the kitchen floor.

 

Toronto Guyy, what database did your SonyStyle sales rep (or was it manager) look into to obtain the August 7-8 date? Every SonyStyle store I've called just said "we don't know" and did not look into any database.

 

Funny thing is that everyone also told me the samething except One guy that said 7-8th. Another guy took my number down and said it should have been here by 4th! Then he said he will give me a call the second they do get it in. Now i dunno if he didn't know what he was talkin about or what not, but he sounded fairly confident. Lemme tell you this though, when I emailed Sony head office, they told me the Z will be available by the end of Augest. Theres a veryyyy good chance that by in a few days or at worst mid Augest, it will be on for pre-order. Infact, I can pretty much guarantee that, they want to get there laptops out asap so other Companies don't take their market. Like Toshiba and the other guys are already getting their laptops for order by Mid-Aug. FYI, I sent another email to Sony head office today to see whats going on. Ill keep you and other fellow Canadians posted.


I aM! CaNaDiAn!!!

 

Now excuse me while I go throw up.

 

Oh and sorry yea, it was an employee With a Manager that looked into the their system, they even told me that there's an option of 2.4Ghz and a 1600x900 whatever screen option. I totally forgot to mention that even before. But who knows.

 

Make sure not to throw up to often...
You know, otherwise you might not survive till you get you Z xD

 

Do you mean the 590NFB (1600*900 res, p8600 2.4 Ghz, 3 gb RAM, 320 gb HDD)?

 

I wouldnt have a clue, they barely told me even what I told you. and then he's like it has a new LED technology, not LCD. He said its very very nice. The End.


Make sure u guys read my previous post. ( For Candians, and Canadian only)

 

Philflow Do you recall the subject matter with so much concern on text size on the Z with 1600x900 in that last thread you created? There was heavy discussion on dpi and ppi. And some were concerned if it would be possible for certain internet browser to increase text, well as for Mozilla Firefox users, it's very easy to change the dpi or text size. Just click on "View" and scroll down to "Text Size" and select "Increase ++" So for those interested in 1600x900, I don't think it will mess up web pages nor cut them off. And the size is very comfortable.
Here's a sample:
View attachment 22052

I just realize something, this won't work unless my pc is 1600x900. Can anyone with a TZ that has Firefox as their web browser do a screenshot after increasing text size by one. Thanks. Sorry Guys. Maybe rahulnirmal can do this since he has a TZ.

I'm sure Best Buys will carry the Z. They did have the SZ Premium, but as for that 15% Open Box Penalty, did that change or is that just the policy in Canada. Because last I checked, Best Buys still had the 15% penalty fee if you open the box and it must be returned within 14 days.

 

err, dunno about Canada; but just so you know - Best Buy in the US has a 15% restocking fee and only 14 day returns on laptops (as well as projectors, camcorders, digital cameras, radar detectors, GPS navigation and in-car video systems). Most other things are 30 days no questions however....

 

No thats for U.S only. BestBuy here you can just return the hell out of it with NO CHARGE.

 

hah, tis true; from the BestBuy.ca site:

June 4, 2008:

Dear Valued Customer,

We understand that a bulk email message has recently circulated on the Internet that Best Buy charges a re-stocking fee. This information is incorrect – all our stores in Canada do not have restocking fees. Our policy has been and still is to provide convenient, hassle-free returns for our customers.


EDIT:
er, also from the same BestBuy.ca site:

Exchanging or returning products purchased in-store

If for any reason you are not completely satisfied with your purchases, Best Buy Canada will gladly give you a full refund or exchange. Simply return the product within 30 days (14 days for Computers, Monitors, Printers, Notebook Computers, Camcorders, Digital Cameras, Radar Detectors, Portable DVD Players and Air Conditioners) in its original condition and packaging (including all manuals & accessories) along with the original sales receipts. There will be a nominal charge for missing packaging, accessories or manuals.

So, no fee but still only 14 days for laptop...

 

FireFox's text increase function looks horribly ugly, and messes up the layout of a lot of pages (not completely, but it makes fonts look bad, etc. like in the screenshot you posted).

I'd be more interested in Vista's DPI scaling, which should correctly scale text up without looking ugly or messing up layouts. Although personally I don't think I'll even use it because I like the tiny text on the Z

 

This Swiss website shop is giving the Z laptop series as available for shipping from tomorrow:

https://www.highdefinition.ch/product/IT/Notebook/Sony/Sony_Vaio_Z11mn_C2D_P8400_4GB_200gb_13_1_Vaio_Z11mn_13_1_WXGA_X_Black_LCD_DVD_RW_Core2duo_P8400_2_6_GHz_Nvidia_Geforce_9300/194717.html

No idea how trustable this is.

 

You know what, this thread is making everyone and especially me as u can tell very ancxious, we shoul jusyt end it and pretend like there nothing coming, that way, psycologically we feel theres nnothing there, hence not worrying and hence making the laptop suddenly come and not even know it by suprise. I want to pretend theres no Z existing so Im not waiting on it throu out the night as im diong midnight shifts and all and get bored as hell just thinking about the Z and of course my girlfriend. But shes last.

 

a couple seconds at least, but less than 5. i thought it was supposed to be instant until i actually flicked the switch on an actual unit.

 

LoL, yes it may make the font look bad, but it is legibly readable, but anyway...., Will Vista's DPI scaling work for web pages on the internet or does it only work for certain Microsoft programs? I'm under the impression that Web Browsers have there dedicated DPI Scaling.

Did you magnify it after you pulled it up? Just curious.

 

I had a split second moment of bliss when I saw "Z-Series" on SonyStyle.ca's homepage, only to realize it was followed by "BRAVIA." *sigh*

 

is the Z Series going to be available in Sony stores Thursday or Friday of this week? A kid at the Sony Store told me "he thought so" ... he had no clue about anything unfortunately ...

what about a Dell XPS 1330 as an alternative ... I'm normally a Dell or IBM user but this Sony looks very nice ... I just priced out an XPS 1300 too ... competitive price for sure ...

what drives so many people to Sony over Dell ??

 

I was told by the Sales people at the Sony Store here in Southern California, that the Z will hit their stores the week of Aug. 17-23. He just didn't know which exact day. I'm confident that this is true. Not sure about other retail stores. I hope around the same time.

 

Sony's laptops are generally much higher in quality than Dell. Higher quality build materials, more sturdy design (that doesn't fall apart like the XPS m1330), well engineered quiet and effective cooling systems, superior screens, more power efficient circuitry (better battery life), and better aesthetic design (though this is subjective). Basically Sony laptops are lighter, stronger, faster, last longer, have better battery life, have better screens, touchpads, and keyboards (on recent models, depending on your preference I guess).

Although personally I think Sony's larger laptops (14"+) are only mediocre, really, so I wouldn't buy an FW, for example, unless I was buying it solely for it's aesthetic design (which is stupid IMO). But any Sony laptop under 14" is most likely an excellent, top-of-the-line machine - in fact there's still no real competition for Sony when it comes to ultraportables.

Dell, on the other hand, makes fairly good large laptops (14"+), while their smaller ones I've heard have been somewhat lacking in build quality, heat control, etc., especially the XPS m1330.

 

loll dude, I had the same damn moment, I then threw up, and then sucked it all back up cuz it was Bravia.

 

Honestly I've always loved the VAIO laptops but they are out of my price range. Being a student doesn't help. I am saving up for a laptop so I will one day own a VAIO Z. Although I suspect TorontoGuy will beat me to it, otherwise he would keep throwing up.

and TorontoGuy! I've just been reading the previous posts. You need to calm down and go easy on the Second Cup and Tim Hortons. lol.

 

For me, it's build quality, build quality, and build quality.

The M1330 looks cheap in pictures, and sadly looks cheaper in person (which rarely happens, it's usually the other way around)...

I saw one at Staples. It's like all flashy cheap plastic covered in fingerprints...

What happened to Dell? They weren't like this a couple years ago.

I couldn't agree with you more, except the thing about FW. It looks pretty decent on paper. But I have to say most of the old larger Vaio's are pretty mediocre.