The Notebook Review forums were hosted by TechTarget, who shut down them down on January 31, 2022. This static read-only archive was pulled by NBR forum users between January 20 and January 31, 2022, in an effort to make sure that the valuable technical information that had been posted on the forums is preserved. For current discussions, many NBR forum users moved over to NotebookTalk.net after the shutdown.
Problems? See this thread at archive.org.
 Next page →

    Any new models on the horizon? (VAIO summer refresh)

    Discussion in 'VAIO / Sony' started by salt992, May 16, 2009.

  1. salt992

    salt992 Notebook Guru

    Reputations:
    11
    Messages:
    53
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    Hi

    I have been waiting for the Vaio Z to be refreshed with a new and improved graphics card, i was hoping by the summer as other pc makers are doing this. Do you think Sony will use the new ATI 4000 series or the new nvidia series? Will it get refreshed by the summer?

    Thanks
     
    salt992, May 16, 2009
    #1
  2. Brawn

    Brawn The Awesome

    Reputations:
    145
    Messages:
    1,215
    Likes Received:
    4
    Trophy Points:
    56
    i personally don't think they'd change the graphics card because it already has the best gpu for its size (i know the lg p310 has an awesome gpu, but it's missing a bunch of components inside.. like an optical drive (which would take up a quarter of the laptop), so i guess it can handle the heat better)

    but it'll definitely get refreshed sometime this summer
     
    Brawn, May 16, 2009
    #2
  3. SPEEDwithJJ

    SPEEDwithJJ NBR Super Idiot

    Reputations:
    865
    Messages:
    3,499
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    106
    Yeah, there's gonna be a summer refresh. Most likely changes are just minor CPU speed bumps.
     
    SPEEDwithJJ, May 16, 2009
    #3
  4. heavenly_wild

    heavenly_wild Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    27
    Messages:
    714
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    Any chance of the new processor being in the refresh?
     
    heavenly_wild, May 16, 2009
    #4
  5. InspecterJones

    InspecterJones Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    1
    Messages:
    221
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    Z690 FOR SALE!!! :D :D :D
     
    InspecterJones, May 16, 2009
    #5
  6. Jayayess1190

    Jayayess1190 Waiting on Intel Cannonlake

    Reputations:
    4,009
    Messages:
    6,712
    Likes Received:
    54
    Trophy Points:
    216
    The only processor changes would be something like a P9700 or T9900. By March of next year a new Z with Arrandale (32nm dual core Nehalem) will be out.
     
    Jayayess1190, May 16, 2009
    #6
  7. heavenly_wild

    heavenly_wild Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    27
    Messages:
    714
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    I read news that Intel plans to release the new processor code-named "Westmere" in Q4 of this year. Would Sony Vaios skip this processor, Jayayess1190?
     
    heavenly_wild, May 17, 2009
    #7
  8. exetlaios

    exetlaios Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    34
    Messages:
    470
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    exetlaios, May 17, 2009
    #8
  9. heavenly_wild

    heavenly_wild Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    27
    Messages:
    714
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    heavenly_wild, May 17, 2009
    #9
  10. Miyabi

    Miyabi Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    33
    Messages:
    356
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    cool, im waiting for it too. especially for z.
    currently saving to replace my current vaio c :)
     
    Miyabi, May 17, 2009
    #10
  11. heavenly_wild

    heavenly_wild Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    27
    Messages:
    714
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    Far out all this technology... I need to win the lottery to keep upXD
     
    heavenly_wild, May 17, 2009
    #11
  12. Jayayess1190

    Jayayess1190 Waiting on Intel Cannonlake

    Reputations:
    4,009
    Messages:
    6,712
    Likes Received:
    54
    Trophy Points:
    216
    Intel prcoessor schedule:

    Fall 2009: 3 Quad Cores (codenamed Clarksfield) are released on the Calpella platform (replaces Centrino 2). These are based of Nehalem and will be 45nm and be expensive.

    Q1 2010 (by March): Mainstream 32nm Arrandale is launched for notebooks, on the Calpella platform (Based off Westmere, the shrink of Nehalem from 45nm to 32nm). This is when new Z, SR, TT, ect will be launched.

    Arrandale has different versions, but all will have an Intel gpu connected to it, meaning that if the notebook does not run off the Intel gpu, it will have switchable graphics with ATI or Nvidia. TDP will be 18w for low end (like a TT replacement), then 25/35w for mainstream. The TDP is for the processor and gpu combined, not just the cpu like current Core 2 Duo's.

    Q2 2010: Quad Cores are shrunk to 32nm Westmere.

    Here are some helpful links:

    Link 1

    Link 2

    Link 3
     
    Jayayess1190, May 17, 2009
    #12
  13. Phil

    Phil Retired

    Reputations:
    4,415
    Messages:
    17,036
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    455
    Phil, May 17, 2009
    #13
  14. armadilo

    armadilo Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    77
    Messages:
    390
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    armadilo, May 17, 2009
    #14
  15. BoredBillJ

    BoredBillJ Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    19
    Messages:
    46
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    I've never owned a Sony laptop, but my next purchase will either be a Z or FW. I like the Z for its portability, but the FW for more memory (for running virtual machines).

    I'm unfamiliar with the life cycle of Sony's products. Is it likely that any new models may be out this year? I'm not really in a hurry to purchase anything.

    Thanks...
     
    BoredBillJ, May 17, 2009
    #15
  16. Phil

    Phil Retired

    Reputations:
    4,415
    Messages:
    17,036
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    455
    Sony refreshes models quite often. This summer the Z will get new CPU options, FW will get new CPU and GPU options (HD4650).

    There may also be some new hard drive / SSD options.
     
    Phil, May 17, 2009
    #16
  17. aviray

    aviray Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    15
    Messages:
    125
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    Was checking FW on US and German Sony sites yesterday and only very few available, the configurable even less " these features are currently not available, contact sonystyle" to me obvious indication that those are outgoing. Will wait few weeks, rather sure that there will be upgrades.
     
    aviray, May 17, 2009
    #17
  18. Derrida

    Derrida Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    251
    Messages:
    833
    Likes Received:
    3
    Trophy Points:
    31
    Derrida, May 17, 2009
    #18
  19. uncensored410

    uncensored410 Notebook Guru

    Reputations:
    9
    Messages:
    63
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    I'd like a TT with blu-ray
     
    uncensored410, May 17, 2009
    #19
  20. Jayayess1190

    Jayayess1190 Waiting on Intel Cannonlake

    Reputations:
    4,009
    Messages:
    6,712
    Likes Received:
    54
    Trophy Points:
    216
    So get one, its been available on the TT for a while.
     
    Jayayess1190, May 17, 2009
    #20
  21. laserbullet

    laserbullet Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    86
    Messages:
    608
    Likes Received:
    77
    Trophy Points:
    41
    Samsung has 256GB 1.8" slim (the kind used in TTz and Zs) solid state drives listed on its product page. It's possible that Sony might offer a 2x256GB array with them, like the 2x128GB option they offer now. It would, of course, be really expensive, but it's neat that the possibility exists. :D
     
    laserbullet, May 17, 2009
    #21
  22. Matta

    Matta Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    10
    Messages:
    222
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30

    So, no new GPUs for Z ?

    I'm thinking about buying Z but wanted to hold until new models come out. But if there's no new GPU inisde (GeForce G 105M or 110M, etc) I might go for existent model because processor speed is not that important cause they are all Penryns.
     
    Matta, May 18, 2009
    #22
  23. Phil

    Phil Retired

    Reputations:
    4,415
    Messages:
    17,036
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    455
    No. Italian websites were showing the refreshed models. Just new CPUs.
     
    Phil, May 18, 2009
    #23
  24. jiyong

    jiyong Notebook Guru

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    69
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    16
    But there is of course the question of VT.

    When 7 launches, or when they start something like W7 ready campaign, VT is almost unavoidable.

    A VAIO Z should come with W7 with XP integrated. AFAIK, you need to have VT enabled for that.
     
    jiyong, May 18, 2009
    #24
  25. Aule

    Aule Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    4
    Messages:
    109
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    hmm... Sony Style Europe lists Radeon 4000 as an option for FW... hmm... 4650 sounds nice ;-) Although I'm waiting for SZ with 4570!
     
    Aule, May 18, 2009
    #25
  26. Jayayess1190

    Jayayess1190 Waiting on Intel Cannonlake

    Reputations:
    4,009
    Messages:
    6,712
    Likes Received:
    54
    Trophy Points:
    216
    Won't happen since the Z uses Nvidia. The SR is more likely to get an ATI 4000 series (already has in Japan).
     
    Jayayess1190, May 18, 2009
    #26
  27. Aule

    Aule Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    4
    Messages:
    109
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    Yes, yes... I've meant SR ;-) (they call it S in Japan and the model name is SZ39something... confusing!). Hope it'll show up this side of the world soon.
     
    Aule, May 18, 2009
    #27
  28. Aule

    Aule Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    4
    Messages:
    109
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    Just a quick info: SR with Radeon 4570 seems to be up for preorder in Switzerland (where I live now), but only with slow CPU atm. I'll be waiting for more config options (I want the 2.6Ghz with 6MB cache instead of 2Ghz with 3MB + I'd welcome 7200rpm HDD as is available in Japan...).

    Also, I've checked Sony Style Europe website few times yesterday and you could see 'weird' things late at night - suddenly a bunch of monitors had new options, including Vaio FW (I hope I get the symbol right; the 16" anyway) having some better Radeon from 4000 series, etc. Oddly enough, most of it disappeared. So they might be rolling some new stuff soon.
     
    Aule, May 19, 2009
    #28
  29. Matta

    Matta Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    10
    Messages:
    222
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    I don't know if anyone already posted about it, but on Sony Germany pages you can see couple of SR's with 4650 graphic card and 512MB DDR3 memory ! :D

    By name:

    VGN-SR41M/P
    VGN-SR41M/S
    VGN-SR41M/W

    Only difference is the color of the casing.

    What's disappointing is processor, only T6400 @ 2GHz. I know heat must be lowered from processor side to be able to allow it on graphic card side but T6400 is way too low.
     
    Matta, May 21, 2009
    #29
  30. Phil

    Phil Retired

    Reputations:
    4,415
    Messages:
    17,036
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    455
    Strange, the highest SR model has a 3570, while the three lower models have 4650.

    Could be an error. That's one powerful card for a 13". 4570 would be more likely.

    Actually, according to their TDP rating, the T6400 produces more heat than a P8600.
     
    Phil, May 21, 2009
    #30
  31. Aule

    Aule Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    4
    Messages:
    109
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    Wish that were true, but that's just a mistake. Sony Style pages aren't the most reliable! Check out the FW and it's mysterious Radeon HD 4000; as far as I know there's no card like that (FW has 4650).

    That said, if SR had HD 4650, I'd buy one IMMEDIATELY
     
    Aule, May 21, 2009
    #31
  32. Phil

    Phil Retired

    Reputations:
    4,415
    Messages:
    17,036
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    455
    Phil, May 21, 2009
    #32
  33. Aule

    Aule Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    4
    Messages:
    109
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    Sad thing though... there's no black colour option! Noooooooooo! I guess titanium gray will have to do...
     
    Aule, May 21, 2009
    #33
  34. Rachel

    Rachel Busy Bee

    Reputations:
    1,369
    Messages:
    4,245
    Likes Received:
    5
    Trophy Points:
    106
    I see that there is no 1.6 processor option for the TT models being introduced for the EU models and that is disappointing to see. It is very hard at least for me to seriously consider buying that when I know that it can be bought with a 1.6 in the US. Also i'm disappointed that the EU will not get a greater choice of colour options.

    Sony need to also add back the 7,200rpm option for the Sony Z.
     
    Rachel, May 21, 2009
    #34
  35. Aule

    Aule Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    4
    Messages:
    109
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    How long is USA lagging behind Europe? The price difference is HUGE and my friend is coming from US in about 1.5 months; plus there's an education discount there; that would save me about 700-800 usd!
     
    Aule, May 21, 2009
    #35
  36. Phil

    Phil Retired

    Reputations:
    4,415
    Messages:
    17,036
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    455
    From what I remember not much for Sony. max. 2 to 4 weeks.
     
    Phil, May 21, 2009
    #36
  37. Aule

    Aule Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    4
    Messages:
    109
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    Sweet. Should be just in time and hopefully it will also be available in the black colour.

    Does anyone know if the warranty is international? My take is that it should be; any decent warranty is, but you can't be sure. I've emailed Sony, but only reply I've got was gibberish...
     
    Aule, May 21, 2009
    #37
  38. Matta

    Matta Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    10
    Messages:
    222
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    Of course it is, because all "P" processors have lower TDP than "T" processors. That's perfectly normal. But lower TDP doesn't mean that P8600 is cooler than T6400. It is higher clocked therefore it outputs more heat.

    But they've chosen T6400 (2GHz, 2MB cache) instead of P8600 (2.4GHz, 3MB cache) for some reason clearly. Either to lower price, to lower heat or to make more difference between SR an Z. Or all that. :)
     
    Matta, May 21, 2009
    #38
  39. Phil

    Phil Retired

    Reputations:
    4,415
    Messages:
    17,036
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    455
    As far as I know it does mean that. As you may know, the TDP is the amount of heat a cooling system needs to be able to dissipate. Higher TDP means the CPU creates more heat under load and needs a stronger cooling system.

    Probably price.

    Sony won't be installing a CPU with a higher TDP to create less heat ;)
     
    Phil, May 21, 2009
    #39
  40. arth1

    arth1 a҉r҉t҉h

    Reputations:
    418
    Messages:
    1,910
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    55
    The T6400 is hotter, slower and cheaper.

    But also, the FSB speed is different -- 800 MHz versus 1066 MHz.
    As the Z uses 1066 MHz DDR3, it makes sense to use the faster FSB CPU.
     
    arth1, May 21, 2009
    #40
  41. ductrung3993

    ductrung3993 Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    145
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    i'm so damn want a g110m for this new z :(
     
    ductrung3993, May 23, 2009
    #41
  42. zendar

    zendar Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    143
    Messages:
    174
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    30
    .......eh?
     
    zendar, May 23, 2009
    #42
  43. kreidel

    kreidel Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    121
    Messages:
    445
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    I know right!

    I hope in my lifetime I get to see a high end graphics card jammed into a 13 laptop.

    I was thinking I might pickup the Asus F6VE but if the SR refresh is getting the same 4570 card I will just buy the Sony. How much longer till the new card is avaible in the US?
     
    kreidel, May 23, 2009
    #43
  44. mobytoby

    mobytoby Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    76
    Messages:
    334
    Likes Received:
    2
    Trophy Points:
    31
    The new HK VGN-Z4 models support 8GB ram and a P9700!
     
    mobytoby, May 23, 2009
    #44
  45. InspecterJones

    InspecterJones Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    1
    Messages:
    221
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    If you're gonna get a current model and can wait, I still would. You could probly get a good deal on a curernt Z once the new ones come out.
     
    InspecterJones, May 23, 2009
    #45
  46. ductrung3993

    ductrung3993 Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    145
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    I meant that I want a new Nvidia Geforce g 110m for the US Vaio Z 690cto refresh in this summer. It's the 9300's successor and it's about 30% more powerful :D
     
    ductrung3993, May 24, 2009
    #46
  47. Derrida

    Derrida Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    251
    Messages:
    833
    Likes Received:
    3
    Trophy Points:
    31
    Apparently, Sony is planning on soon releasing Vaio models which are expressly designed for work with Windows7, including automatic free upgrade to Win7 coupons with purchase (since one never knows just when Microsoft will actually have it ready). I don't have the exact release date of the models, however.
     
    Derrida, May 24, 2009
    #47
  48. Jayayess1190

    Jayayess1190 Waiting on Intel Cannonlake

    Reputations:
    4,009
    Messages:
    6,712
    Likes Received:
    54
    Trophy Points:
    216
    Isn't every computer company doing that?
     
    Jayayess1190, May 24, 2009
    #48
  49. salt992

    salt992 Notebook Guru

    Reputations:
    11
    Messages:
    53
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    Apart from the new graphics, what would you all like to see in the next Vaio Z, I hope Sony reduces the cost.
     
    salt992, May 24, 2009
    #49
  50. hendra

    hendra Notebook Virtuoso

    Reputations:
    157
    Messages:
    2,020
    Likes Received:
    6
    Trophy Points:
    56
    New FW 4xx Series will come with Radeon HD4650 but they still stick to ECO Screen if I want 1600x900 resolution.

    http://babelfish.yahoo.com/translat...-hd4650-5515.html&lp=it_en&btnTrUrl=Translate

    http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs...d=21205&langId=102&LBomId=8198552921665890573

    Very disappointing but expected. Sony never listen to their customers. I don't like ECO screen. I much prefer HiColor but if I want that I will be stuck with 1920x1080. I much prefer 1600x900 for 16.4" screen. I don't like lowering the DPI to get around the problem. It just doesn't look right. I don't like lowering the screen resolution to something other than the native resolution. It looks worse.

    I guess I am going to stick with my FW190. It is perfect in every way except the video card. FW4xx would be perfect in every way, except the screen. I wish I can get the best of the two notebooks.
     
    hendra, May 24, 2009
    #50
 Next page →