Best SSD for "drop in" on TZ

Here is what I really would be interested in:
Finding a decent deal on a 64GB 1.8" SSD with the proper configuration for "dropping in" a TZ that currently has HDD. Would there be any other issues other than finding someone qualified to do so. There are bona-fide laptop repair stores where I live, so they should take responsibility for doing a swap.

I have seen SONY HDD swap instructions on the web. Where are the most accurate instructions for TZ HDD replacement?

I don't think SONY could void the warranty if the original drive was put back in if needed, or could they? I had planned on a 3 year warranty, so I guess that I have 364 days to buy it??? (no reason to buy warranty if it is already voided, right??)

I really think I want a TZ, but there are several questions, that make it an issue:

1.) Cost. If you get the top of the line with SSD and HDD and 3 year warranty (like a $3,000 notebook should have) and tax you are at $4,000 from sonystyle. Yes, I realize that tax can be saved if you order from P1 or other internet vendor, but the return privileges are best through SONY.

2.) Buying without the SSD and waiting for a "drop in" SSD (as per above.)
Are there any other "gotchas" with dropping in a 1.8" SSD?

3.) If I go "top of the line" do I really want SSD+HDD and lose my DVD?
(wow, that really rhymed well!)

Any other ideas, other than waiting for the new fall SONY designs. That could leave us 6 months from a TZ refresh, correct?

Andrew

 

I've heard that the new TZs will appear in September and it will be a substantial upgrade. If that's worth it to you and you can hold off, it may behoove you to do so.

I am also planning on putting in an SSD when the prices are right. There will be no "catches" for it.

SSD+HD or SSD+DVD is completely up to you. Definitely a preference thing.

 

I personally would go for the SSD-HDD combo as I never use the DVD drive on mine, but then again that is just me. I would just rip my DVDs and store them on the HDD to have them all in one location and more convenience.

What I like about that is that I can always replace the 2.5" HDD with a larger, faster one down the road as well as the SSD. But I do not know of any faster DVD drives compatible with the TZ, nor are there any Blu-Ray drives available for it currently. I could upgrade it to a 500gb HDD for example and store everything I ever needed, especially all of my DVD collection.

I know the highest end TZ in North America (TZ298N/XC) which has a 64gb SSD and 250gb HDD in place of the DVD drive does come with an external DVD drive.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Do you absolutely need it now? I'm betting in the fall, the TZ will be replaced by an entirely new model, not a refresh. I think they will redesign all their models for Montevina/Centrino 2 and the slimmer, thinner designs it can potentially bring.

I can guarantee for one thing, the already gorgeous screen in the TZ will be improved upon in Sony's next model, as they keep doing. The battery life should also improve because of Montevina as well as the performance, but it probably won't be dramatic coming from the TZ.

 

Have you heard about a refresh of the current model or an entire new model for the TZ's?