Amazon Premium or Costco Non-Premium?

I am trying to decide between the VGN-SZ360P/C from Amazon for $1999 or the VGN-SZ370PB from Costco for $2199.

The advantage of Costco is that I get the 6 month return policy and the newer 370 model.

The advantage of Amazon is that I get the Premium casing and pay $200 less for essentially the same machine.

Another difference seems to be the Amazon machine has XBRITE and Costco has XBRITE-ECO. Not sure how much of a downgrade this is.

Any suggestions?

Thanks,
-Jon

Amazon Link:
http://www.amazon.com/Sony-VGN-SZ36...ref=pd_bbs_2/103-2391937-5919001?ie=UTF8&s=pc

Costco Link:
http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11190810&whse=BC&Ne=4000000&N=4017752&Mo=3&pos=5&No=1&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&cat=28283&Ns=P_Price|1||P_SignDesc1&Sp=C&ec=&topnav=

 

Don't forget there's no tax at amazon (depends where you are, none in CA), which is about $200 at 8.25% for this laptop.

As far as I know SZ360 does not have the Cingualr EDGE modem but the SZ370 does. Also, I think both 360 and 370 are premium models so they use the same x-brite LCD. However, it seems like the 370 at costco is SZ370p/b, which is different than SonyStyle's SZ370p/c. I don't know if that last letter makes any difference.

Feel free to correct me if I am wrong.

 

I'd prefer the regular XBRITE over the XBRITE-ECO since regular is brighter. I'd go with Amazon, but you're right that the return policy is kind of a big deal if you're not sure about whether this machine will work for you. Amazon has a 15% restocking fee now.

 

I would prefer XBRITE over XBRITE-eco as well. I haven't heard many good things about trying to return a notebook to Amazon, though. And 15% restocking fee really makes it painful to do so--on top of the fact that it's a pain in the first place.

I don't know if I'd let that stop me from purchasing the system with the configuration that I prefer though. How much is it directly from SonyStyle?

 

I called Sony and the rep told me he thinks the difference between the P/B and P/C is the P/B is black in color.

 

I see that on the sony website, the 2 customizable options are the SZ340 and the SZ390. What exactly are the differences between these models, and the ones offered by Amazon and Costco (SZ360 and SZ37)?

 

Well the SZ340 is not premium. If I have everything right, non-premium means same processing power as the premiums, just they weigh .4 lb's heavier, have a thicker LCD screen, and the screen isn't as bright. Also, I beleive all premium's are made of carbon fiber.

I'm actually considering ordering Costco's SZ370 today, and possibly take advantage of their 6 month return policy when I get back home from school.

 

Jon360, I also see you mention that with the Amazon model you get the Premium Casing...Doesn't the Costo model have the same casing?

 

I believe Costco is non-premium since it has the X-Brite-ECO display? It does not really say what the casing is made of.

 

There's no way in hell the 370 is non-premium, if it is, then Costco is getting an early return.. What is all this screen ECO talk? Non premiums with the slightly crappier screen and thicker LCD panel are selling for under two grand. 350's, 360's, 370's are all premium. This costco model is slightly different since it's the P/B, which I beleive is exactly the same except black in color (black, or dark grayish).

I just ordered this deal from Costco with expedited shipping, so I'll see when it comes in. That 6 month no hassle return policy is great. They'll refund shipping also.

 

I think the Costco 370 is non-premium unless the description with the ECO screen is incorrect?

 

I've been following this thread as I may be interested in buying a Sony SZ. It looks like Costco changed the computer's name from VGN-SZ370PB(PRO) to VGN-SZ370PC(PRO). Apparently this is a Premium edition SZ with the carbon fiber and the LED screen. Just an FYI for those interested...

Here's a product page link: http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11190810&whse=BC&Ne=4000000&N=4001604&Mo=43&No=2&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&cat=4797&Ns=P_Price|1||P_SignDesc1&Sp=C&topnav=

 

slightly crappier? get your **** straight. the regular screen is not crappy. i'd rather have the non premium than the carbon fiber crap that twists and flexes

 

Ahh, that helps explain a lot! But they still didn't fix the X-Brite-ECO description!

 

To clarify,

The SZ370 has black Carbon Fiber Casing
The SZ381 has Premium Black Carbon Casing

There is a difference between the two. I was just in a Sony Style Store. The 381 is thinner, and a slightly different casing color. It also feels a bit more durable.

I think the 360 and 370 have the same casing though (Amazon and Costco)

 

Costco recently added a different model VGN-SZ320PB for $1699.

Found here: http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11190824&whse=BC&Ne=4000000&N=4001604&Mo=54&No=6&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&cat=4797&Ns=P_Price|1||P_SignDesc1&Sp=C&topnav=