17" AR or an FZ w/Docking and 20-22" Monitor?

I am sort of debating between an AR or an FZ to replace my VGN-FS-550. After a test drive of a Dell 1720 - I sent it back. I found out the hard way that it is very difficult to replace a Sony display. So, looking at the AR which I like a lot but it is still a big boy. I really want more screen real estate but also need mobility. I don't travel a lot, but when I do I need my PC with me - and I like to work in different areas of the house if needed. So, the FZ is a power house in a nice package but I still need more screen.

Anyone have experience with the Sony docks? I guess if I go FZ, it will be docked about 80% of the time - any concerns over heat in this set up?

 

i say get an AR over a FZ. or even better... try something like the toshiba qosmio... or if you want a true desktop replacement (a bit extreme at that) a HD "dragon" HDX should suit you.

 

I don't think there is a dock available for an FZ. It has no docking connector. (At least my FZ190 doesn't.)

Gary

 

Both the current AR and FZs do not have a Sony dedicated docking solution. You'd have to get one from someone like Belkin or Targus and the like. If you do go this route I'd recommend an express card universal dock.

 

A third party dock like these is unable to pass through the video from the graphics card in the laptop. They all have their own built in graphics cards which have very little "horsepower". If you use one of these you'd give up the power of the graphics card in the laptop.

Gary

 

Thanks - I did not fully check into that (docking connection) because I assumed they did. But I could always just hook up the monitor direct and then do the kb and mouse with a usb hub. 2 "clicks" and I would be off.

Gary - overall, are you happy with the FZ (I am sure you have covered this elsewhere, I just have not had time to read all of the Sony threads yet!).

 

I am VERY happy with it. I have ZERO issues with noise or heat as some others report. The wireless connection is flawless. I use a wired connection at the office and wireless at home. I never shut down, only hibernate and upon waking it reconnects every time. The display is AMAZING (hi color version). My wife and I watch hi def TV on it a bit. When "Jericho" and "Boston Legal" overlapped a few weeks I would find a torrent for "Boston Legal" and we would watch it in hi def on the FZ. (Now my WIFE wants a hi def TV!)

I have little nit picky things I don't like. The power cable interferes with the DVD drive door. The touchpad "back gesture" jumps you to the top of the previous page in Internet Explorer instead of the original position on the previous page. Just little stuff. I do place a microfiber cloth over the keyboard when I close the lid. I am paranoid as my previous Sony laptop got marks on the screen from the keytops when it traveled in my bag. And the rubber feet separating the screen from the base when the lid is closed seem a bit thin. So to be safe I have the microfiber cloth. (Automotive department at Target, $5 for two of them! A very CHEAP investment! And the grey color matches the FZ.)

Gary

 

Thanks Gary - I am trying to read all of the FZ posts over the next day or two. I am going to CTO either the AR or FZ4000 and Sony has 12-months no interest to boot. I am really leaning towards the FZ with a monitor and keyboard for the hardcore work I need to do on the desktop, but I love the size, look and feel of the FZ for eveything else. Other than the kb adn a slow processor (by today's standards), this old VGN I have has been a great computer - never had a problem with it.

And I will certainly follow your clean install directions - I hate all the crap Sony puts on their computers.

 

Gary or someone - I was reading the original review on the FZ owner's thread and the reviewer complained abou typing on the and the front edges digging into his wrist. I have played with one at Fry's - but could you measure the distance between the keyboard to the edge for me (the space your palms rest on as you type)? My VGN is 3-3/4" and it fits me perfectly. Thanks!

 

BTW - Sony has a new USB Docking Station that works with the FZ.

Looks like it will be ready for prime time in June:

"The following features are planned to be supported by June 2008: Windows Vista Aero Mode, Mirror Mode on external display, DVD playback on external display."

 

Three and one eighth inches. The reviewer just had bad posture. I spend my entire day in front of this puppy and the keyboard is very comfortable.

Gary

 

I am VERY skeptical until I see this in use. This only has a USB connection to the FZ. I am not sure how they plan to pass through video via a USB connection. I think this will be just like all other USB implemented docking stations. It will have it's OWN video card in the dock and be unable to use the Nvidia display adapter in our FZ's.

Gary

 

Gary - thanks for both replys. I apologize for asking so much, but I am trying to be more diligent this time - I have already sent one computer back!

Actually, I agree on the comment about the original reviewer. When I move my palms back to compensate for this difference in size, it still feels the same to me.

Also agree on the dock - I'll wait to see it in the "flesh".

But I still gotta decide on which lappy to get!

 

If LCD is the only thing you want to "dock", I think you will just want to use DVI or HDMI port. Also, I don't think it is a good idea to use high-power laptops with lid closed. Maybe you can just use USB hub for other peripherals, and connect external LCD via DVI port.


My roommate (who does photo editing on PC) has 17inch MBP, and it looks pretty nice (very samll for 17inch). However, 1920*1200 LCD on AR is much better than 17inch MBP LCD. Of course, no notebook LCD is going to compare IPS panels by likes of EIZO or NEC, though.

 

Thanks - I would be worried a little about a laptop sitting with the lid closed for extended times - my kb gets warm now with extended use and I am running an old, slow PM 1.6 processor. Given the dock situation, I would probably sit it off to the side of the desk and then just DVI out to the monitor and use a hub for the kb and mouse. I still love that AR though....gonna have to go back to Fry's tomorrow to look again.

EDIT - I also love the looks of the MBP - it was one of the reasons I took note of the FZ line, similar lines to the Macs. However, I did not think the display on the 17" was as nice as either the AR or FZ. Now, I might not have been their hi-res version, but it was dull. Oh, and that $2700+ price tag was pretty dull too......

 

i personally dont find carrying the ar to be much more difficult than carrying the fz.
i would go ar personally.

 

Well, I am about 90% sure I am going with the FZ and an HP w2207 monitor (only $250 at Tiger Direct!). I have an HP 22" in the house now - my wife's desktop X-Mas present - and hooked my old VGN up to it tonight. Wow! Why get a big AR when I can have a 22" and mobility when I need it? Need to wait and make sure the Dell gets back and gets credited first, then a CTO FZ will be on tap.

 

Have you had an AR? I am swaying again mainly because I like everything together. A 20-22" display is nice but it takes up a lot of desk space. And I really like the black better than silver. Crap, I go back and forth......

It is a shame Sony has not built a 17" with in the FZ style - now that would be sweet.

 

Well I've been having exactly the same dilemma. I was totally sold on the AR, until I saw the size of it in person. It's huge.
So I've pretty much decided on getting an FZ + 22" monitor. When I'm travelling I'm never doing anything which needs a display larger than 15" anyway. Pity about the 1280x800 rez but I can live with that (hopefully).

Was also seriously considering the MBP but just too expensive.

 

One thing I started to consider - I am at the same desk using my laptop about 90% of the time. The monitor/keyboard seemed to make the most sense until I thought about spending $1500 on a fairly full featured FZ (no Blu-Ray for me) that would sit off to the side and essentially be a "desktop". I didn't really want to do that - it seemed like a waste! I am back on the AR boat - all in one - even spent some more time looking at both yesterday and I like the palm/hand room the AR "deck" allows. I even like the fact there is no numeric key pad. I will also say that if HP has a coupon for $500 off on the 9700t (this weekend), I will look at that again too b/c I have a feeling that no matter what I get, I'll be getting something new in a year.

 

Gary - one other question if you do not mind, how is the kb holding up? That is one thing I don't like about my old FS-550, the kb has worn out somewhat. Still pretty responsive, but the thin plastic keys themselves are worn. The FZ's kb looks and feels great at the store - but after, what, almost a year (?), how is it wearing for you (or others if anyone is reading this with an FZ)?

 

I've had mine since June. I make my living with this puppy, so I use it 10-12 hours a day every day. No issues with the KB whatsoever.

Gary

 

Thanks! You have been helpful....