Official VAIO Z Core 2 Duo Series Owners Thread

yah but how can you order it?

 

I would want premium design on premium carbon though...I can't have anything...so now that's difficult decision...gothic arabesque or premium carbon?

Anyway...it's possible to choose premium carbon for any conf, and the 256 GB SSD are surely expensive...the cheapest conf (with everything low, low resolution as well), just with 256 GB SSD cost cca 3 440 USD...the SSDs are 1 410 USD more expensive than 320GB 7200 rpm HDD...

edit: The premium carbon cost as well as other premium designs...that means cca 50$...

 

To my knowledge, SonyStyle Japan won't ship outside Japan and with the included 3-year warranty, it must be sent to Japan for repairs. That's why many foreigners order from third party importers, like Dynamism.com, Conics.net or PriceJapan.com and also send their notebook to them and they send it to Sony Japan for repair.

 

Well, it's not available in the US yet. (not sure where you are from), It's obviously a Sony website for the Japanese market. Maybe, someone here in this forum who does read Japanese can help navigate you to order one. I expect this refresh on the Z to hit US during the holidays season (Thanksgiving - Christmas).

What a difference that Z makes with a different lid.

(edit) rahul answered it for you. read his post above mine.

 

Ah darn! I have a couple of days left to return my Z but contrary to what a couple users on this thread may do, I'm going to pass on the Premium Carbon lid and stick with the Black Carbon lid. No doubt the Premium Carbon lid looks nice but it's not enough to convince me to return my Z.

Everything we know on this Premium Carbon is still speculation for the US release. We may or may not have the same configuration options that Japan has for the premium lid models. It's quite possible it'll be available for the next refresh, or not. I'm not sure how long it took for the SZ series to receive their premium carbon finish. If it was released on the first refresh of the SZ then it's likely that the Z will follow the same way.

Most importantly, I'm happy with my current Z and I need it now. I can't afford to wait for the refresh, that is even if they release the premium lid at that time.

For those who didn't purchase the Z yet, the Premium lid is certainly a nice feature to wait for if you can. For those who already purchased it, well it's really up to you what you want to do, but IMO it's not worth the wait for me. I don't need a premium lid finish. Black carbon looks nice enough for me.

 

that's what it comes down to... i couldn't imagine going through all that hassle for a different lid.

and is it really necessary to have every bell and every whistle?

 

I'm confident it will make it to the US; based on the SZ alone. I'm not sure about the other design lids though. I think if I were in your position and you need a computer, the lid is not worth waiting for. And besides, if I recollect, it did take a while for the SZ premium carbon to be introduced as a refresh from the original magnesium case so it would be unnerving to simply wait.

Your right, but for some of us who don't have a Z yet, it's still worth the wait. I'm just hoping it will arrive after Thanksgiving.

Also, there was some discussion on customized Z cases, not sure if these are sold in the US, but check these 2 out. They are both made by Sony. How does adhesive on the latter case stick to the Z's lid. Overtime, won't that wear out?

 

The ideal Z is here but at what price?

2x128 GB SSD
4 GB RAM
Blu-ray drive
Premium Carbon
2.53 ghZ CPU
1600x900
This configuration is around $5K...Not for me!

 

I guess I wasn't clear in my previous post as what I'm referring to is just models for the US market.

I doubt Sony will released the "Premium Carbon Lid" for the entry-level Z in the US market. It will most likely ONLY be on their top-end pre-configured model a Zx91 that will replace the current Z591U/B for the US market & so we're definitely looking at around $3,500USD, unless you import it from Japan.

 

The premium carbon finish is guaranteed to only be on the highest and most expensive versions outside Japan. Its been that way for past models like the TZ, SZ and G. Whereas in Japan, you can choose it as a little $40 or something extra, no matter what components you get with the computer.

 

You may be right, however, I feel there will be a 3rd. premium model (X) later on - much later on. Like the SZ for example, you had Magnesium > Carbon > Premium Carbon X. The Z will be with us for at least the next 3 years. They need to market something even better 2 years from now, let's say. My hunch is Sony will offer the current Z Carbon, the premium carbon, followed by ????????/ X. Three choices like they did with the SZ.

To even offer this premium carbon in Japan so soon is surprising. People just recently received their orders within this last month, and all of a sudden their is something new.

Here's a photo of 3 types of carbon used on the SZ. So I think, you will definitely see this premium lid to hit US markets as a refresh followed by another lid design later, perhaps 1-1/2 years from now. I can settle for this one, it's so innovative.


Here's a photo depicting screen space on 3 different resolutions.

 

About the premium carbon design, I think it will only be available for the Zxx1 as it would be one major attractive to buy the most expensive pre-cnfigured model... And as we saw with the lid designs, not all the options in japan will be an option for us

 

Better photo of that premium carbon on the TT:

http://techlime.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/9-23-08-sony_vaio_tt_8.jpg

Looks like some are bailing out on the Z and opting for the Vaio TT. Check out this thread.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=301243&page=39

 

Hi, I have a question about the Vaio Z "mouse" pad. The pad looks like it has bumpy texture in photos. Does it really have a different texture from the rest of the notebook? What does it feel like?

I personally don't like the feel of most Vaio "mouse" pads. For example, on my TZ, the pad feels like the rest of the notebook. On some of my older notebooks, the pads had a rubbery texture, which felt great and more precise.

Anyways, what does the Vaio Z pad feel like?

 

Hi, I have a question about the Vaio Z "mouse" pad. The pad looks like it has bumpy texture in photos. Does it really have a different texture from the rest of the notebook? What does it feel like?

I personally don't like the feel of most Vaio "mouse" pads. For example, on my TZ, the pad feels like the rest of the notebook. On some of my older notebooks, the pads had a rubbery texture, which felt great and more precise.

Anyways, what does the Vaio Z pad feel like?

 

When I was shopping for my Z I gave a look to see what there might be on eBay. There is a guy there selling the VGN-Z17GN/B. I dont know how that equates to the current US models or whats in it but I googled VGN-Z17GN/B and came up with links that led me to the understanding that the VGN-Z17GN/B is not a US model so I emailed the seller who replied that he was gettig them strait out of Japan. This may not be your premium top but my thoughts are that if the guy is really selling Zs procured from Japen on eBay, perhaps someone can contact him and inquire as to his access to the units you desire with the premium tops?

PS. Does anyone know why the tag on the bottom of my
Z530N/B says Model PGC-6X1L?

 

Sony has different naming codes for all their laptops. My SZs are the same. The bottom of my SZ381P/X doesn't say SZ381P/X & the bottom of my SZ791N/X doesn't say SZ791X/N but some "Model Pxx-xxxx."

 

There are adhesive velcro pads that you stick to the bottom of the notebook. The top half clings on with these pads of gummy material, like a resealable adhesive. It if gets really dusty or something it stops clinging, but if it gets cleaned with alcohol or something it should cling again. I can't remember, but there may be a set of replacement gummy patches.

OK, that is seriously my all-time dream configuration. Maybe I can afford it -bluray and -SSD...

It has little dots printed on the surface, it's still a smooth (not textured) surface, but it has just the right resistance for a good feel. I don't know about the rubbery ones (seems rare), but I definitely don't like when they are too smooth. Also, it's a Synaptics pad, so should be top quality (lot's of problems with the SZ's Alps pad). If you're really particular about it, make sure you go have a look at one in a store before ordering.

 

From my knowledge, VGN-Z17GN/B are the model numbers of the mass sales Z for asian markets such as singapore. Supposed to be assembled in Japan, same as what you buy direct from a Sony Style store in these markets.

 

The touch pad on the Z is an Alps pad, not a Synaptics pad (at least mine is). I haven't had any problem with it, works and feels top-of-the-line, just lacks some features the Synaptics drivers have.

 

I believe the pad in Z is Alps as well...SR got Synaptics though...

edit: -Tj- was quicker... ,)

 

Oh snap! So the SR has the Synaptics pad...

My Bad

 

Deleted 123

 

you can now order the premium carbon fiber from conics.net

i guess ill return my incoming Z after all

 

http://conics.net/catalog/product_i...d=308&osCsid=5927a4fae8a719392ce3e9dc246fc5a5

so glad i wont have to dish out over 3k

 

What config are you thinking Stronger?
Any SSD or blu-ray? I can't believe that the premium carbon is only $50.

 

nah..
im getting the 2.53GHz Proc, english stuff and webcam and etc.. and just gonna upgrade HD + memory here

 

Yeah same here...I mean the 2x128 SSD must be super fast but I will afford it in a couple of years..if the prices go down! What difference there is in speed from 200 GB 7200 rpm to 250 GB 7200 rpm?

 

no idea, i have a 320gb 7200rpm Seagate Momentus here, and according to tom's hardware, its better compared to WD and Hitachi

 

Does the Vaio Z's screen get keyboard smudges when the lid is closed, similar to the TZ's smudge problems?

 

The Duraview coating is supposed to get rid of that problem. I haven't noticed it on mine, but then I'm paranoid so I've been using a protective layer when packing it away somewhere it might receive pressure on the screen.

 

i have noticed that smudging problem in the Z, but it hasnt scratched the screen.. havent noticed that on the SR though, however, i dont travel with the SR as often when i did with the Z

 

Is Conics in Japan? And P1 is in the USA? Are you ordering the premium carbon on your Z from Conics? If so, can you let us know or take some photos and give a brief review on that carbon premium lid to see if it does look as good as it does in this particular photo? Thanks! I wasn't that impress on the premium carbon on the SZ. In fact, I thought the non-premium carbon looked better. But, in this particular photograph, it looks awesome.

Also, I noticed on the TT the striations on the premium carbon lid go horizontally, and on the Z go vertically.

This was exactly what I was trying to convey on a previous post a few pages back. I think the premium carbon will be offered not just in the high-end configurations. I really think that in about a year or so, Sony will introduce a higher-end lid casing for their "model no#/X" model.

Check the price on this configuration from Conics without Blu-Ray.
Product(s) Qty. Total

Sony Vaio Type Z, SSD RAID Option [3 yr warranty] Sony Vaio Type Z, SSD RAID Option [3 yr warranty]
- 1st Battery Sony 2.5 - 5 hr (MAX) Standard
- Colour Premium Carbon
- CPU Core 2 Duo T9600 (2.8GHz)
- Hard Drive 2x 64GB SSD (RAID 0)
- JP Felica Card Reader Not Required
- Keyboard Standard (JP international)
- LCD WXGA (1600x900) 256MB VRAM
- Memory 2x 2GB (4GB total) 3GB under 32bit Vista
- Optical drive DVD multi-burner
- Security None required
- Warranty 3 year warranty
- Web Camera None Required
- Windows Version English Vista Home Premium
- WWAN (HSDPA) Not required
$4,131.21USD

 

yes, conics is in japan.. and i have to buy a laptop now, so i really cant wait for the next year's Z.. plus, not everything that is available in japan will be available in the US, an example for this are the lid designs that weren't available in the us.. this makes me believe that it will take some time for the premium carbon to come to the US, and if it does, it wont be available for CTO models.. not in the short term

 

Guys, quick Q, can you see the SD Card Reader as a drive in Windows Explorer and Disk Management?

I've reinstalled and can't seem to see it.

 

Might need a card in it.

 

That Premium Carbon lid you're talking about is the "highest-end" lid casing. There will not be a higher-end lid casing. Of course, you can get this lid on entry-level configurations, but this option will only be available in Japan. This Premium Carbon lid will most likely only be found on the highest end pre-configured model in the coming refreshes for the US market, just like the SZ & TZ.

 

yeah, i cant decide whether to pay an extra 400 bucks for the lid design.. i dont think the normal Z looks that bad.. but the aluminium palm rest looks better with the premium carbon fiber

 

How about you try out a Vaio Z skin?

http://cgi.ebay.com/SONY-VAIO-Z-Series-Laptop-Cover-Skin-Mahogany-Wood_W0QQitemZ370088517482QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item370088517482&_trkparms=72%3A570|39%3A1|66%3A2|65%3A12|240%3A1318&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

http://cgi.ebay.com/SONY-VAIO-Z-Series-Laptop-Cover-Skin-Brown-Leather_W0QQitemZ110291282895QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item110291282895&_trkparms=72%3A570|39%3A1|66%3A2|65%3A12|240%3A1318&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

http://cgi.ebay.com/SONY-VAIO-Z-Series-Laptop-Cover-Skin-Walnut-Wood_W0QQitemZ370088517497QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item370088517497&_trkparms=72%3A570|39%3A1|66%3A2|65%3A12|240%3A1318&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

 

ugh.. not a fan =\
well.. i guess ill wait till someone post some better pics of the lid =\

 

If the premium lid does come to the US you probably will be able to get Sony to swap your lid out for you for a paid job. I was going to buy a premium lid for my SZ from the US but it turned out to be cheaper for me to just get Sony in the UK to supply the lid and fit it for me.
The will charge me £189 plus VAT (so it comes to £203) and the lid in the US was £140 from the Sony spares part website without any shipping charges. Sony wanted £123 plus VAT to fit the lid if i bought my own so like i said it was cheaper to do it through them direct.
They said that they will give me the lid that i want as i am paying i could have done the fitting myself but my laptop is under warranty to 2011 so i wanted the Sony invoice if i decide to sell my laptop also i didn't want to take a risk doing the job myself.

My laptop is with them now. I will sell my black carbon fibre lid as that is in perfect condition so i can make some of the money back.

I always wanted the premium lid as i liked the colour and weave pattern so i have no regrets in going for it.

 

Guys...can you give me a bit of advice on ordering a Z direct from the distrib in Japan? What are the pros and cons (being that I am in the US)?

 

rachuk - who/where do you contact to get Sony to do work like this in the UK? Is there a service centre that carries out mods/upgrades like this?

Cheers,

S

 

I had the same when I put XP on. It appears when you insert a card.

S

 

stevod as my laptop is in warranty i called the 0870 number for warranty repairs that is on the vaio-link website and i explained to them that i wanted a paid job and they had no problem dealing with this for me and they arranged a call back for me.
http://support.vaio.sony.co.uk/contacts/contacts.asp?site=voe_en_GB_cons&tp=vaio&cc=en_GB&cm=phone
I also emailed Sony vaio link through their website here i selected the product repair enquiry.

https://www.sonystyle.co.uk/SonySty...t.sonystyle.co.uk/Default.aspx?language=gb_en
as well and they gave me some of the info i was looking for as well.
There is no service centre that you can visit you have to send your laptop away to them to get any work done. They charge flat fees for jobs and it goes in three price brackets from pretty basic jobs to pretty demanding jobs. My job is classed as a level 1 job.

 

Apologies for the slightly off-topic post.

This is interesting but very good news. I previously had wanted to swap my regular black carbon lid on my SZ370P for the premium carbon lid. Contacted Sony USA for the change and am willing to pay a premium for that but they wouldn't budge saying that they can only swap parts for the exact same part numbers listed for the specific product.

Sad to say, I ended up selling my SZ370P at a huge loss & purchased the SZ381P that comes with the premium carbon design lid.

 

so do you think that Sony US will now change the lids?
cause from what i understood from your story is that they won't, and thats a bad thing, unless that was a while ago

 

I'm not sure about whether there are any changes from Sony right now because that happened to me towards the end of 2006 when I still had the SZ370P. To be sure, I'll suggest that you call them to find out.

However, if the Z refreshes in the US has got at least a model that has the premium carbon design lids, I'm sure you'll still be able to buy that lid from their spare parts dept, but you'll have to do the swap yourself.

 

I agree about the other lids not making it to US markets i.e. arabesque, but I am so confident that the premium lid will make it to the US. Does Conics charge taxes for your Z purchase and S/H?

I checked that link and the premium carbon was under $50.


Here's a Z with Bluray and SSD for only 533,000 yen. What's that in US dollars?

- 1st Battery Sony 2.5 - 5 hr (MAX) Standard
- Colour Premium Carbon
- CPU Core 2 Duo T9600 (2.8GHz)
- Hard Drive 2x 128GB SSD [RAID 0]
- JP Felica Card Reader Not Required
- Keyboard US English
- LCD WXGA (1600x900) 256MB VRAM
- Memory 2x 2GB (4GB total) 3GB under 32bit Vista
- Optical drive Blu-Ray Multi-Burner
- Security None required
- Warranty 3 year warranty
- Web Camera None Required
- Windows Version English Vista Home Premium
- WWAN (HSDPA) Not required

edit: $5093.74 USDollars

 

the config i was planning on getting was for 2750 dollars + 80 shipping
but if it is possible to change the lid, i guess ill just wait..
what annoys me is having to pay extra to get the fingerprint scanner, english keyboard and webcam..
like, come on.. these should already be included in the price...