Factory installed Vista SZ, when?

I need to buy a notebook soon and the SZ is first on my wish list. However, I've been holding on purchase for a factory equipped Vista. When will the factory installed Vista be available?

 

Probably in February, after Vista is officially released on Jan 30. There is a post on engadget regarding the updates on the SZ.

 

I think the switchover will be fairly quick, except for pre-configured models that may remain in stock at retail outlets. I'd say that in a month or so after Vista's release, the majority of VAIOs will have it factory-installed.

I'd actually prefer to get an XP system right now though. That way you have a stable OS to use with a free upgrade to Vista to put in your pocket. I'd use XP, get my Vista disc, and then wait for SP1 to be released before installing it. Vista is still buggy and lacking in driver support, so I'd want to wait that period out before switching over.

 

How come? Do you get a free upgrade to Vista when you buy an XP system now?

 

As long as you buy a system that's covered under the Vista Upgrade Program, yes. Some resellers will make you pay shipping and handling costs, but otherwise it's a free copy of Vista (the version of XP determines the version of Vista you get).

 

Can you confirm whether this option is available on the SZ or TX series currently on sale? I am asking this since I'll be in the US at the end of January for one week and I am planning to upgrade my type S.

 

Do you know how the upgrade is intended to be distributed? ie. will you get a clean system disk with Vista + drivers ? I guess not...

 

This information is all easily found online or even by searching the forums.

SZ and TX qualify, and the discs are to be distributed by mail.

Qualifying Sony models:
http://www.learningcenter.sony.us/assets/itpd/promos/vaio_vista/expressUpgrade.html

Sony's participation:
http://www.learningcenter.sony.us/assets/itpd/promos/vaio_vista/index.html

Details at microsoft.com:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/getready/expressupgrade.mspx

 

Yes I looked online, on the Sony site, on the windows site and read some threads on here

It says "You’ll get a DVD kit to upgrade your operating system, applications, utilities and drivers for the software that was pre-loaded on your VAIO computer."

But some people talk about it possibly being a lengthy process to upgrade, as though it will be different to installing a 'fresh' version of vista.

So I'm trying to find out whether you simply get a version of Vista that you could do a reformat with and forget about XP (which would be great), or if you first have to install XP and then the upgrade every time you want to reformat your system.

 

My thinking is that it's free, so even if it is a dual-installation (which I don't think it would be), it's still free.

Kind of like a $200+ bonus when you buy a new notebook.

 

I don't think either. Most probably it would have the option to save/backup former OS or keep some software running in the new OS, other than that, just a clean install of Vista.

 

Will it be worth a wait? I see a lot of folks having trouble installing Vista compatible hot key functions. I'm also afraid that Sony might come out with a completely redesigned SZ by the summer.

 

If I were buying now, I'd get my Vista disc and then hang onto it until at least SP1 or maybe even until Vista has matured a little more.

 

Actually it been available since last month for business end. But for consumer end, it'll be available in Feb after it's official release from MS. Here is the link if u r interested
http://b2b.sony.com/Solutions/product/VGN-SZ450N/C
and for upgrade, yes it's only available for US consumer only from what I been told. Good luck and enjoy it, it's really a great laptop =)

 

if i buy a factory reconditioned vaio sz from clearanceclub.com, would i still be elligible for the vista upgrade?

 

You'd need to check with clearanceclub about that. It's possible that they are not participating in the program.