Choice between Sony SZ4 MN/B or the Green C series

Hi all,

I'm after a new laptop. You can see my FAQ filled in here: http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=118758

Basically, I'm after something as portable as possible (will carry it in my backpack along with other stuff) that I can write on, so keyboard size and quality is very important.

The main difference between the two sony models in the topic for me would be the weight and size - 2.3kg for the C series compared to 1.7kg for the SZ4.

Can anyone give some personal experience with either of these two models, for portability, typing, and general use and experiences? I'm also conscious that the SZ4 is marketed towards 'professionals', which generally means 'boring' to me - does it look good? I like the colour of the C series, it's a lot more interesting to me

Thanks,

Jon

 

I never owned a C series, but I did own an SZ460. I think there is a pretty significant difference in the portability; aside from the weight, the C series is noticeably thicker.

Having said that, the C series seems to be fine, and is still relatively portable, but just not in the same way the SZ is.

If you do consider the SZ, I'd strongly consider spending a bit more to get one of the premium models, with the LED-backlit screen and carbon fiber lid. I personally found the LED-backlit screen to be superior to the non-premium SZ screens (as well as the C series screens), which seemed noticeably dimmer and less crisp to me by comparison.

As far as keyboard size, the C and SZ series are very similar; it took me a while to get used to the keyboard, but once I did I found it to be just fine, and actually very good for typing on. But initial impressions can be difficult, because it does feel kind of awkward when you first use it.

I think you would probably be fine either way; if the color of the C series appeals to you, I think it is still a fairly portable laptop, just thicker and heavier than the SZ.

 

Does the SZ series have the LED back-lighting? The SONY website only mentions LED lighting with the TX model. I checked both the SZ-440 and the SZ-480 and neither mention LED back lighting.

Edit: The SZ model only mentions XBRITE technology and most Sony laptops have that, including the C series.

http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INT...-A&catname=cpu_VAIONotebookComputers_SZSeries
SZ-480
LCD
13.3” WXGA (1280x800) with XBRITE™ technology

http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INT...ductSKU=VGNTXN29N%2fL&TabName=specs&var2=
TX series

Display
Screen or Display Technology: WXGA LCD
Screen Size: 11.1" Razor-Thin Panel
LED backlight for brilliant colors and clarity
Resolution: 1366x768
XBRITE™ LCD Technology: Yes

I do not think the SZ series has LED backlighting.

 

Thanks for the reply. I had a look at the C series today and it really is too bulky for my needs.
If I got an SZ, it would be the SZ4MN/B ( http://www.dixons.co.uk/product.php?sku=019885&camp_id=pricerunner for just over £1.1k - unless anyone knows of anywhere cheaper) as I can't afford anything more, plus I don't need any extra power. The aesthetics between the models are the same, right? Backlighting etc.

Finally, I am sure I saw a pearl white version of this - or am I dellusional?

Thanks again

 

In my opinion, Dixons doesn't really have a wide selection for you to choose from and the prices are a bit expensive. If there aren't cheaper stores available, I recommend buying a refurbished US import from Clearance Club in the US, which ships internationally and has decent customer satisfaction reviews ( Reseller Rating and Epinion). I don't know the exact duty and tax but after calculating everything it may be a cheaper alternative than buying domestically. And I agree with Zadillo that choosing a Premium SZ model with an LED backlit screen is the way to go. Here are some older Premium generations to consider if you don't mind using Windows XP and a Core Duo processor:

Pictures show a non-premium model, but ignore that. Also you may need to buy a separate power adapter to fit your outlet.
SZ150 - one 512MB RAM module
SZ160 - 1GB total RAM, two 512MB modules
SZ260 - second generation SZ with 20GB more hard disk space compared to the SZ160

 

Hiya,
I can't see the LED tech mentioned on the older SZs you linked, Bogard? Isn't the LED technology new and only on the premium SZ4s?

If that's the case, they're out of my price range - I can only afford the basic SZ4, or one of the older SZ generations.

Am I missing something about the LED stuff?

 

The LED screen is not mentioned at all on their website for the SZ, but it is mentioned for the TX.

 

Ok, I'm confused now. Looking at Sony's official Vaio website at http://vaio.sony.co.uk/view/ShowProductCategory.action?site=voe_en_GB_cons&category=VAIO+Notebooks and looking at the SZ series, it first says the series as a whole has LED tech. Then when you look at the three models under SZ they have listed, the lowest priced VGN-SZ4MN/B does not have the LED mentioned in its spec sheet whereas the other two do.

The VGN-SZ4MN/B also says it is "Lightweight magnesium alloy chassis weighing only 1.85kg" at the top, but then in the detailed specs below says it is 1.69kg - implying it's the lighter carbon fibre construction the other two models list.

Does anyone know what's going on here? If I buy the VGN-SZ4MN/B, am I getting the LED tech and a machine that weighs 1.69kg, or are those two features for the more expensive SZ4s?
As those features are more important to me than raw processing power, is there an earlier SZ model that is the lighter weight with the LED tech?

Sorry if this is confusing, but I am confused myself! It's not helped by the fact that on Sony's website they have an identical picture for each of the SZ4 models!

Thanks

 

If there is any mention of magnesium alloy in its specifications, it is NOT a Premium model and does not have a LED backlit screen. All Premium SZs, no matter which generation, have carbon fibre lids and LED backlit screens.

 

Ah, the British site has a different selection then the American site. I was wrong.

 

Hi,
no, the SZ4MN/B has NO LED Backlight. It is also slightly heavier (1,91 kgs, vs 1,70 kgs). It has no Carbon Lid, and is black with aluminium handrest. The Lid ist not smooth like in the premiums. You can look for cheaper SZ2XWP or SZ3XWP, these both have carbon, and LED Backlight. The weight difference is barely noticeable, but the difference in brightness is huge. The M series are always entry level.