Durability of 'Premium' SZ Carbon Lid

I was at SonyStyle at the Beverly Center yesterday salivating over the SZ lineup. (I had my heart set on the new CR-series but the lack of dedicated memory is a complete deal-breaker for me.)

I saw two models with the 'premium' lid:

VGN-SZ491 N/X
$1999 (reg $2499)
Core Duo 2.16 (Yonah)

VGN-SZ691 N/X
$2699 (not on sale)
Core 2 Duo 2.4 (Santa Rosa)

The 691 was not physically on display and they would not put one out. The SZ491 from what I gathered is the previous "high-end" notebook for the SZ lineup in the US, which is comparable to the SZ2 Limited Edition in the UK, I think.

Anyhow, the lid on the SZ491 was absolutely beautiful but I did notice several hairline scratches all over it, presumable from store-display use/abuse.

To those who have the 491 - How's the lid holding up? To those who have the 691 - Are there any aesthetic differences between the new 'premium' lid and the old one?

Thanks in advance,

Matt

 

I have the SZ650 Premium. The finish seems to me pretty durable however I have managed (somehow) to put a tiny tiny chip in it (.5mm) after owning it for only 2 weeks and underneath it is white, so I would imagine if you do manage to scratch/mark it badly enough it will show up as its a black finish (black/white).

 

I don't think that's the Premium Carbon lid the TS is referring to.

I think the Premium Carbon lid is only on SZ691N

"Premium Carbon-Fiber Casing
The VAIO® SZ691N Premium Notebook features a luxurious dark brown carbon-fiber casing with a special gel surface coating to showcase the gorgeous crossing patterns of the individual fibers. The rich texture it creates suggests sophistication and a dignified elegance, all while providing superior durability. Given the handcrafted nature of this premium carbon-fiber casing, it is only available in limited quantity."

 

Phil is right. Matt if referring to the N/X models. The N/Bs are magnesium and N/Cs are carbon fiber. There was a review on the 600 series that suggested the extra weight in the SZ6 is to strengthen the lid.

On the old SZ4, if you push on the back, you will get the right effect on the your screen. I am not gonna try that on my SZ6 but Matt can knock himself out on the display model.

 

how does the sz4 have yonah? when the sz3 series had meroms? i think its a misprint.

 

my sz483nc is merom-4m. fwiw.

 

Yes, Merom, not Yonah. Also the $1999 sale price must have worked because they're sold out and since it's discontinued that's it.

The SZ6 Premium CF is still not on display but I got my gf's Sony employee discount pricing back from the store and it's a whopping 8.2% off full retail - which doesn't even cover the CA tax. Too rich for my blood but it sure is pretty.

-M

 

From my experience, Sony notebooks have the lowest retail margin of all notebooks. I don't recall ever seeing one over 10%. I've been out of that game for over a year now, but I doubt their pricing policy has changed.