Difference between SZ110 and SZ160?

Can someone tell me what the real differences are? Seems like the SZ110 is more available than the SZ160.

According to the best buy website the SZ110 has "black carbon" - I assume this is the same thing?

 

Okay everyone, here's the deal...

I've spent a little more than a week with my SZ110. I posted a brief review previously, so I won't rehash that topic. I will, however, tell you about what I saw this morning at the local Fry's, where I was able to compare the SZ110 and the SZ160 SIDE BY SIDE. I wish I would have had my camera with me, because I would have taken a BILLION pictures, but oh well...

The thing that everyone here is wondering about is the screen quality. While the LCD on the SZ110 is not bad, especially when compared with notebooks of other brands, this is, in the end, still a Sony notebook, so we all hold it to Sony's high standards for LCD displays. Having said that, the LCD on the 160 is definitely better. Mind you, it's not a HUGE difference, but it is noticeable. The whites are whiter on the SZ160's display, and when placed side by side, the SZ110's whites look a bit on the dirty side (again, IN COMPARISON). Let me emphasize that if you took the SZ110 and compared it to ANY OTHER notebook in the store (except, of course, the xBrite Sony's) it would be equal and in many cases superior in color, clarity, and brightness. It's just not as good as the SZ160's display.

The keyboards are EXACTLY the same. Same feel, consistency, feedback, flex, etc. Whether you like them or not is up to you, but they are EXACTLY the same.

The outside lid of the LCD screens are considerably different. As everyone here already knows, the SZ160's lid is thinner, and made of carbon fiber. What you may not know is the following:

• The SZ160's lid bends and flexes LESS than that of the SZ110, despite being thinner
• The lid on the SZ160 is prone to scratches. It is a smooth finish, and the store display model had a ton of scratches already, despite being less than a week old. My SZ110 has a "texturized" lid, and will probably never scratch.

Everything else is the same. That being the case, I'm not sure at this point which one I want. While the SZ160's screen is superior, I'm not sure that warrants a $600 difference, as I got my SZ110 for $1900. Aesthetically, I like the look of my SZ110 better - the contrast of the silver with the black keyboard is quite appealing. Also, the "VAIO" logo on the SZ160 is black, and is barely noticeable against the carbon fiber background of the lid. On my SZ110, it's chrome - really stands out, and much cooler IMHO. Choices, choices...

Javier

 

I've seen them both, used them both. I agree that the premium display is better, but that's kind of like saying 3 sports card are better than 2. It's not like having 2 sucks that bad. I really don't think the premium price for the premium model is worth it, unless you've got money to burn or desperately want the 3 sports car version for whatever reason. The non-p models are a much better buy.

 

OK, does anyone know where my 120P falls compared with the 110 and 160?

 

120P is exactly the same as 110B, but with Windows XP Professional.

Javier

 

Right on, thanks Javier...

 

Javier -

Very well stated. I agree with your assessment about screen quaility. I didn't know the thinner screen (160) flexed less than the thicker 120. I know mine seems very strong - the carbon fiber is really sturdy. In contrast to the TX conbon fiber I would sz the SZ is much more rigid.

 

Hi

Was looking about information regarding the SZ160, SZ140 and SZ120 and found this thread...

The SZ160 is out of stock currently in most places I've been to.
Though CompUSA is carrying the SZ140.

When I asked the sales person what were the differences between the SZ160 and SZ140 he said: SZ160 slightly lighter, 256MB of Video memory and bluetooth.

Not having bluetooth on the 140 is a no-no for me, but I see that you could buy some with bluetooth,, just not available at most stores around here (Dallas). That the SZ160 can scratches easily is an important information.

Does the SZ120 have a fingerprint reader? A bit weird that there's no mention of the SZ120 on Sony web site

What are the other differences between 120,140 and 160 ?

Thanks in advance for the answers.
JY

 

-jyavenard-

I picked up a 120 from Circuit City. It does have a fingerprint scanner and, though I thought I wouldn't want it at all, it's just about the coolest little addition that gives this laptop a little extra character all its own. Not a selling point for me as a grad student, but it definitely turns some heads when I use it around friends.

-All-

I agree with the above statement about the regular "carbon black" but not carbon fiber lid. The 120's lid hasn't scratched at all since I got mine a little over a week ago. Just to be sure and keep it in top condition, I went out last night and picked up that neoprene Sony sleeve for their 13.3" notebooks. It fits like a glove and would probably do well to protect even the glossy carbon fiber lids in backpacks and in carrying cases. I think they're around $25+S/H online and I paid $35 at CompUSA.

 

The SZ160's carbon fiber screen cover is NOT glossy. It is a smooth matte finish that does a pretty good job of hiding fingerprints. So I'm not sure exactly how much more prone to scratches it is compared to the magnesium version...

 

does the SZ120P/B comes with bluetooth?

at the store right now and it has a bluetooth LED at the top, comes with bluetooth utility etc..
However it doesn't appear i nthe Hardware list and if I try to enable bluetooth it just gives me an error that bluetooth isn't available.

Why would they put so much bluetooth software if it didn't have it !
has anybody used bluetooth with this laptop ?
Thanks
JY

 

I have asked this before, check http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=45872

 

Did you buy it and used bluetooth before?

I get conflicted answers. People say that there's bluetooth (though they do not confirm that it works, just that they saw the logo)
and the sales people telling me that it doesn't

 

I have an SZ120P/B, yes it has Bluetooth, and yes it works - tested pairing with my phone.