Any Good Info On Upcoming Models or Refresh?

As the title reads, I'm hoping to find some information on any new models Sony plans to release prior to Christmas. Out of their current lineup, only the F series offers the features I'd like and puts them into an aesthetically pleasing package. Sony has been known for a long time to offer sleek products, but I've been really disappointed in their latest offerings. Both the E and C series laptops are FUGLY. The Y series seems nice, as well as the Z, but the Y series doesn't have the features I need and the Z series is overpriced... even for Sony. So, that brings me back to the F series. Decent gaming? Check. Eye appeal? Check. BluRay burner? Check. I'm close to ordering one, but was wondering if they've refreshed this series or if they plan to introduce a replacement before Christmas. I could definitely wait until then for my purchase, but I don't want to wait much longer.

 

The F2 just got a minor update a month ago, the F23 (upgraded CPU, more hard drive options), so there won't be another before Christmas.

I'll agree that I'm not as partial to the Z2's styling as the Z1 (on the other hand, I really like the 2011 S machines), but regardless, who cares if you don't like how they styled the Z if you're buying an F anyway? You're buying one laptop, not a manufacturer's whole lineup, so as long as they offer one machine that's exactly what you want, that gets the job done, right?

I'm curious as to why you were debating between the F and the Z. Very, very different machines. Seems to me that the Vaio SE (the 15.5" 1080p version of the Vaio S) is the machine that most people would cross-shop with an F. The F has the edge on the multimedia front (quad-core CPU, slightly better GPU, slightly better screen, better speakers), but the S is a loooooot more portable (less than an inch thick, 4.4 lbs instead of ~7 lbs).

 

I think you may have just misunderstood my post. I've never been interested in purchasing a Z, I was just stating that, to me, it is aesthetically pleasing while also capable of being spec'd rather nicely. The F series is really the only model that Sony is making right now that is packaged to my liking and is capable of doing what I need for the right price. I'm a casual gamer, so the GPU is somewhat important to me. The 540m is no powerhouse, but it'll get the job done. Since the F series has already had its refresh, it looks like I will probably go that route.

 

Yeah, the 540M does a perfectly fine job. Bad Company 2 is buttery smooth at medium detail and 1366x768. It might be able to go higher in terms of detail, but I swear anything above medium is a waste in a firefight anyway...are you really going to say "hey, I can see individual eyelashes on that guy who just ducked out from cover and shot an RPG right at me GAAAAAAAHH!!!"

Also, Starcraft 2 runs perfectly at 1080p, medium detail. Once again, haven't tried high detail so it may or may not run smoothly on high, but medium is buttery smooth.

 

I actually bought one of the L series desktops with the 540m a couple of months ago and it was completely acceptable for my needs. Unfortunately, it had a loose solder joint at the power jack and when I sent it in for a repair, they issued a refund instead. Shortly after, they discontinued that particular model and one of the refreshed 3D models replaced it. The price went up by $500+, so I started looking into laptops as an alternative. That brings me to where I am now, lol.

 

Did you know that the 2D Vaio L desktop is back? The L2290X starts at $899, and the L2390X starts at $949.

VAIO Laptops Desktops Computers PCs | Sony Store USA

 

That's pretty cool. I hadn't noticed that until now. Unfortunately for me, my purchase will be made through my Newegg Preferred account, so I'm limited to what they are stocking. Right now, they only have i3 and i5 desktops. I definitely want an i7.

 

Awesome screen though on the L. Played around with one for a while.

 

Next refresh for most (all mfrs) is early-mid January.

 

Well, the i7-2670QM on my Vaio F23 is bloody fast, and the screen is great. I can't endorse the model enough, at least for someone who doesn't mind a "bulky" laptop and is okay with a midrange GPU instead of a high-end GPU. Watch my video review in my sig, and let me know if you have any questions about the F23.

 

That was a great review and I do have a couple of questions.

1. How is the durability of the finish now that you've owned it for a little while?

2. Having all of the bells and whistles, do you notice the battery life fading rather quickly?

PS - You're right about that thing being bulky. Next to your MacBook Pro, it looks like a monster, lol.

 

I've had the laptop for nine days and posted that review a couple days ago, so not a lot has changed. I will say that within a day or so, a couple small scratches appeared after I put a pile of papers on top of it, some of which must have had staples, I guess. They aren't visible unless my nose is within twelve inches of the case, but they're already there. If you carry it around a lot, and I do, I think small scuffs in the matte finish are inevitable. It doesn't bother me at all, but if it bothers you, the grey might be a smarter choice.

Not at all. I get three or more hours on battery with 1/3 screen brightness (not minimum brightness), wifi enabled, and Windows 7 in "balanced" power settings. Just a bit over one hour while gaming on battery.

Don't think of it as bulky compared to a MacBook Pro; think of it as ultraportable compared to a Vaio L

 

Does that mean there will be a new Z23 in Januaury?
TIA!

 

That seems early. Isn't Ivy Bridge only shipping sometime in Q1 2012?

 

^^yes
^yes. Mid jan refresh and in April some I/b platforms will be released in addition. First big refresh with I/b will be early/mid June. Many mfrs will not release any I/b products until then.

 

^
Do you know what will be updated in the Z23 that isn't in the Z22?
I am considering replacing my Z217 with a Z228 or I will wait till the next refresh to get a Z23X.

 

Out of curiosity (and of course if you can say), Beaups, do you know how many new series will be introduced?

 

Haha, nice one.

 

Just the usual CPU bump and a few different config options.

 

But the CPU was already updated in the Z22 (from i7-2620M to i7-2640M). Is there some new CPU coming out by then?

 

^i5's have bump coming. i7's don't at this point. Could change.

 

Thanks beaups!
Perhaps glossy premium carbon will make a return...

If I understood you correctly...the Z3 will be out in June...right?

 

Oh, ok, I thought the i5s were updated along with the i7s. Thanks!

 

^They normally are, this next refresh is a bit odd.

 

any idea on PMD update, eg more powerful gpu?

 

I guess the June update will be shipping with windows 8?

 

^nope. that would be the holiday update.

 

so christmas 2012? unless holiday as in Easter?

 

^^Summer update?

 

^october '12.