Analysis of New Sony Z (i5) CPU vs. Current Z (C2D) CPU

I wouldn't be surprised if the new gen Z series cost $2999.99 USD for basic configuration. Probably $3599.99 for upgraded config... I mean come on, they just release the Z890 series not too long ago!

But then again, knowing Sony... it'll be 4999.99

 

Core i7 is available as both dual core (Arrandale) and quad core (Clarksfield). Core i7 does not signify quad core, it signifies the top, cream of the crop of the "Core i" branded processors.

 

Okay, got it. Also, the following article from anandtech very succintly points out the differences between desktop and mobile variants of the i3, i5, i7:

Click here

 

It's a pretty sure thing that it consumes more power.
You can't get lower than the 9300M/9200M, whereas the 330GT is a midrange card.

But my point is that it has less features, and probably consumes morew power than a ATI gpu with similar performance.

On the other hand , when not playing you are supposed to used the integrated solution anyways.
Still i'd loved to see Direct X-11 support...

 

So on base core speed there are chips for the older C2D that are as fast or faster "core" clock speeds than the new i5/7. The new i5/7 chips have a new architecture and (key) turbo boost. The above article shows that testing shows that given the same base Clock speed (C2D vs i5/7) the new i5/7 chips are about 20% faster for every day use. My original post said that we should expect 22% faster based on my quick analysis. I was very close (within 2%) to actual "tests" on real hardware so that made me feel like I was not off the mark on how I did my paper analysis.

The new chips (i5/7/etc) do have an integrated GPU that is faster by about 2x or more than the previous 4500MHD so that is good. However all the items summed up, I also predicted the same or slightly less battery life which Anandtech also showed to be true (the same or no better battery life).

 

If it is a 330M, it makes the machine a lot more versatile - a semi-respectable GPU which you'd be plugged in for, and an integrated for when you're unplugged. Makes total sense of a hybrid graphics solution on a truly portable machine.

I'm looking forward to more machines like this.

 

The big question is, if you do not play games, is this an upgrade you "need". The previous gen vaio could do almost any video decoding fine with the 4500MHD. I am just being a devil's advocate, but for business use is there any real benefit?

 

To go even further with this devil's advocacy, if you are willing to go with lesser performance, do you even need a Z ? The S-series (or current SR) and the Y-series will carry the baton for typical business usage, while being a LOT cheaper.

 

The Z is the top of the line. Given there are now 3 sony 13" laptops they may try and make the Z more of a high end niche product as opposed to their mainstream business (S) machine. That might help them justify a high price tag and bigger margins.

IMO Sony should get a lot of positive press from the Z as a flagship, even if they end up selling a whole lot more of the other 13" lines. Sort of shows what Sony can do when price is no object.

This is just me speculating, but I expect more machines like the ASUS UL30vt with switchable graphics, decent power and battery life for under $1000. Back when the original Z came out it had little or no cheaper competition with switchable graphics in a small footprint. So Sony had to raise the bar, even if it means a smaller market share. Sort of inevitable for the top of the line botique machines given mainstream machines will continue to eat away at what had made them unique in terms of filling certain needs.

 

On a personal note, the Z at the moment for me is great. The 9300 is ok (or alot better than the 4500MHD) for video encoding and whatnot. Not the best, but ok.

The battery life is obviously going to be an issue. The current models come with 6-cells as standard, and the new Z will probably do the same. But knowing Sony and their raise-the-bar way of things...

But an i7 with a mid-range GPU....? Granted, a businessman won't use nVidia when out and about. But an i7 CPU? I'd love to see how Sony have revamped their already small mobo to reduce power consumption to a bare minimum...

Better keep an eye out on CES for now......

 

I expect the new Z to be priced quite high, however, I anticipate Sony to offer this New Z with lower specs at a price point in the low $2K.

 

Size, weight, sexy factor (too a much lesser degree but is worth a little), battery life (I get well over 5 hours), screen res (1600x900), enough processing power to run all modern apps well and video well. These are my main buying points.

 

You probably want to add longevity to that!
I'd trade 300g on a Z for more robust material and then it'd be perfect IMHO.
The Z is a bit of an oddball in the marketplace to be honest (I own a Z11VN).

 

It should get comparable battery life using integrated graphics since the graphics are more truly integrated along with the newer Arrendale chips. But using the discrete graphics will probably sap the battery quicker than before, possibly dramatically so.

But the new integrated graphics will be about as powerful as the 9300GS was. But plan on having the unit plugged if you want to jump to "speed" mode.

 

The new integrated graphics are 2x as powerful as the GMA4500 HD and will have about the same performance as the ATI 3450.

http://www.notebookcheck.net/Review-Dell-Studio-1558-Notebook.24496.0.html

Battery life will be hard to tell ... the core i5s change power consumption constantly.

 

Yes, 3dMark06 of 1743 for the new integarated graphics is close to the 9300gs score of 1823.

So as I said above, the new integrated graphics are about as good as the old discrete (9300gs) graphics. And I can say with 100% certainty that the new integrated graphics(stamina mode) will get better battery life than the old discrete graphics (speed mode)