From SZ to TZ

Currently I am using the SZ 260PC. Although it has served me well I believe it is time for an upgrade. I am torn between another SZ and the TZ.
I really don't play games so the graphic card is not a big issue. Majority of the time it is used for email, office(excel, word and one note) and some movies.
I do listen to the few radio shows as well.

My biggest concern is the keyboard; how cramped is the keys compared to the SZ? The screen size is perfect since I am a fan of 11-13".

I plan on making a trip sometime in the next week to test it out at a Sony store but would like any feed back from anyone who has had the SZ and TZ or moved from the SZ.

 

It's got a 16x9 aspect ratio screen (unlike the SZ), so that's another plus for the TZ in my opinion. Its aspect ratio is the same as most widescreen HDTVs. In fact the TZ is quite unlike most notebook computers in that regard.

I don't think the keyboard is cramped personally. It depends on your fingers I guess. Some people say they find the keyboard cramped, others are completely fine with it. Depends on the thickness of your fingers. Reportedly, the TZ's keyboard is 90% the size of a standard full-size keyboard.

Returned my SZ660 a few weeks after I got it from Amazon and paid the $400 extra for a TZ150. Much more mobile computer in my opinion due to the smaller total footprint. If you don't care about gaming, you should certainly consider going TZ instead of SZ.

 

Thanks Die, I am really liking the TZ the more I see it.
I will be testing the keyboard later tomorrow and that will be the deciding factor.
I have "average" size finger so I should be ok.

 

I've never used the keyboard of an SZ before, but I personally made a transition from my Sony Vaio VGN-N250E to my new Vaio TZ150N/B. Check out my thread for pictures on the Vaio TZ: http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=239513

The keyboard of the TZ is great. I really, really love how all of the keys are spaced apart from each other, because it makes typing much easier. The keys are also a bit raised, so there's a nice tactile feel to them. You don't need to exert any extra force on the keys to get them working. It's hard to describe, but it seems like I barely have to touch the keys when typing on the TZ. I use very light, gentle taps on the keys, so my typing performance is actually more efficient on the TZ.

Typing is comfortable for me. Actually, compared to my VGN-N250E, the keyboard of the TZ is even more comfortable. I can type at my normal speed on the TZ.

 

What would worry me with the TZ is that the pixels are much smaller (141 pixels per inch) compared with the SZ's 113 pixels per inch (20,000 vs 13000 pixels per square inch). You will get a lot more on the screen, but it will be substantially smaller. One drawback is that the possible eyestrain won't show during a quick look but will be something you notice after hours and days. However, if you can happily read 7 or 8 point print in a document then you should be OK.

John

 

Your results may vary. It's very individual. I have problems with both keyboard and eyestrain on my TZ.

Your luck with the keyboard doesn't depend so much on the size of your fingers (mine are quite small and delicate) as on the style of your typing. For an extremely fast touch typist like myself the TZ keyboard is not ideal. If you type more deliberately, then you should be o.k.

What's sad about the keyboard is that the disadvantage is not determined by the size. The Sony TX keyboard, which is the same size, is much better for fast touch typing.

It's all worth it for me because the ultra-mobility of the TZ, it's incredible battery life, and astonishingly good performance, are even more important, for my subjective needs. The TZ is the perfect computer for working on airplanes.

You should try it out yourself before you make any decision.

 

Great point. Some text (most, actually) will be quite small. You should really play with it for a while -- not just glance at it -- and make sure the text size is okay for you before deciding.

 

Good suggestions, I am so tempted to just get it but I will take some time and really look a the pro's and con's.

So far, I am impressed with the keyboard, I only had a few minutes to play but I am liking it better than the SZ.
Now the screen, We have 4 laptops ranging from 13 to 17 and my favorite is the the SZ, it is a good size and it works well with everything I do.

However I do spend 6+ hours a day using spread sheets and with a small point print my eyes may be strained within few hours.

I need to fight the urge of instant gratification and take my time with this one.

BTW Gazelle, your not helping me posting all those beautiful pictures.

 

What about it do you like better?

Keep in mind that the TZ has not only a smaller screen (11.1" vs 13.3") but a larger resolution as well (1366x768 vs 1280x800). That makes the text/graphics smaller still.

Ouch. Personally, I'd need an external monitor for type of work... but everyone's different.

 

The text sizes on the Vaio TZ look smaller, but they are also extremely sharp, due to the high pixel density on the TZ screen. Also, the TZ screen is extremely bright. I think this compensates for the size of the screen. I use my Vaio TZ over 6 hours a day, and I don't get any eyestrain.

And there's always the magnify button. Just simply press Fn + F10, and all of the text will be magnified. It's a quick transition, too.

Interesting. It seems like some individuals feel like the TZ keyboard hinders their typing. I find that very interesting because for me, the TZ keyboard actually improves my typing. I can easily type 120 words per minute on the TZ.

Getting a Vaio TZ is instant gratification, but it is also long-lasting gratification, too. Over time, you will begin to appreciate your TZ even more.

 

Hi Duckfart,
I was in the dilemma SZ or TZ few months ago. After playing with both at a shop I decided to purchase the TZ. In my opinion the SZ has a big footprint and the keyboard looks cheap.
On the other hand, the screen of the TZ is amazing, never seen nothing like this! Never had issues of eyestrain or problems with typing. In the contrary, the keyboard of the TZ is absolutely beautiful and easy to type. The only thing that bothers me is that is not blacklit. Personally, if you don't play games go for the TZ.

 

What I do like about the TZ keyboard(the short time I played with it)is it feels sturdy. My SZ had the keyboard replaced just recently under warranty and I was happy with it but after pounding on the TZ it feels crappy.
Back lit keyboard would be nice but not necessary.

I have a 22" screen at home/work but never use it but if my eyes do get tired I can always switch.

Right now I am leaning to wards the TZ from Portable one, they have a nice price for the TZ250 along with fresh start and FedEx shipping and case for free.

I am going to really spend sometime at the store this week and try to get more time on it.

As stupid as it sounds this note book also has an awesome leather cover at theSony store which looks amazing.(VGP CVT1/T).

 

Dam it, Sony Style just lowered the price for the TZ2000 another $100.
They are luring me in.

 

i feel your pain main. the tz2000 (spec'd to be equivalent to a tz270) is pricing out for me at $1620. ($1350 if i go with the u7600 proc and 100GB harddrive...equivalent to tz250)

SOOOOOOO tempted. but then again, i'm also conflicted about whether to wait for montevina or not.

 

$1350? Where are you getting these prices?

 

sorry. failed to mention my work discount is currently at 28% off on the TZ CTO models (only 20% on pre-configured models though...go figure).

but yeah...it's a pretty sweet discount!!

 

Consider that you will have to wait at least untill October for the small form factor Montevina to be part of ultra-portable laptops. If you need the TZ right now, take it! You have a good deal there.

 

After reading the TZ owners thread it seems I should void the TZ without the SSD drives.
But I was configuring the CTO with the following specs:
U7700
2 gb of ram
120 gb HDD
Vista Business with fresh start.
Buy the Samsung 1.8" 100 gb HDD with 5400 rpm for extra $200.

This would keep me under $3k and should be OK for what I need.

 

i was kind of thinking the same thing. however, i kept seeing threads with people that have the non-SSD models and they seems perfectly happy with it. my guess is they removed all the crapware, have 2gb ram and possibly downgraded to XP.

edit: i think Gazelle said in a different thread that he has a tz150 and photoshop cs3 opens in about 8 seconds. that seems plenty fast enough to me. although, i don't know if he put in a 5400 rpm HDD.

 

Maybe this will clarify your thoughts:
A review of the TZ31:

http://www.trustedreviews.com/noteb...ny-VAIO-VGN-TZ31MN-Ultra-Portable-Notebook/p1

 

I have a 100 GB hard drive on my Vaio TZ150, and no solid state drive. I'm extremely happy with my purchase.

Having a limit of 32 or 64 GB on my laptop is just not good. I may be able to cope with the small space, but I don't want to have to change the way I use my laptop just to experience the perk of having a solid state drive.

My TZ is still extremely quiet. It's dead silent, like what many people with solid state drives boast about. I upgraded my RAM to 2 GB (it costs like $30 at newegg.com). I'm using Vista Business because I think downgrading to XP will not be good for me in the long run. And in spite of that, my TZ is very zippy and quick. Maybe I cannot open up Microsoft Word in two seconds, like how people with SSD's can do. Okay, so I HAVE to wait four or five seconds total to open up Microsoft Word with my hard disc drive. Yes, those extra seconds are really going to impact my life.

Joking aside, no matter what kind of drive you get, the Vaio TZ will still be a great machine.

Note: Later down the road, if you ever have a burning desire to get a solid state drive in your TZ, you can: http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=162085 .

 

Sure is. I didn't know they gave corporate discounts. Got a URL?

 

there's no specific URL. at the company i used to work for, I signed up for a a sonystyle account, and I gave a corporate discount code. i don't actually have the code anymore though and it doesn't list it in my account. sorry.

 

Gazelle...how easy is it to install the RAM? and do you have a link to the newegg ram?

anyone know if the tz150 and the CTO models use the same RAM type? will installing the RAM void your warranty?

edit: nevermind...looks like there's a free upgrade to 2gb ram right now.

 

Gotcha, thanks.

 

For future reference, check this thread out: http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=231770

Installing the RAM is ridiculously easy. I have absolutely no experience with laptops and I'm not a gadget type of guy, either, and I could do it. There's a giant screw on the bottom of the TZ, as seen in the pictures within that thread. Unscrew, pop out the original RAM (it's like separating legos), and pop in the new RAM. It does not void the warranty. However, if you ever want to return your TZ or send it in for repairs, you must put in the original RAM again.

The 2 GB RAM at newegg can be found here: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820208323

 

Ok, the model at the store I played with had U7600 1.20gb, 2gig ram and 100 gb HDD.
Even with the bloatware it was fast enough for the office 2007 and Adobe PDF files. Running IE was just as fast as my SZ so thats not an issue. I figure I can reinstall Vista and get rid of the bloat and I should be fine.

I looked at some vendors on line and I can't seem to find anyone who can beat Sony's price right now. Only negitive is it's on back order .

VGN-TZ2000 Configure-to-Order
VGN-TZ2000
Customization Details
None
None
None
Fresh Start™ (removal of specific VAIO® applications, trial software and games)
120 GB PATA Hard Disk Drive [4200 rpm] [Regular price $150]
2 GB DDR-SDRAM (DDR2, 2 GBx1) [Regular price $150]
Black
Microsoft® Windows Vista® Business with Service Pack 1
Intel® Core 2™ Duo Processor U7700 (1.33GHz)
Standard Capacity Lithium-ion Battery (BPL11)
Trusted Platform Module / Biometric Fingerprint Sensor
Integrated Wireless Wide Area Network
Wireless LAN (802.11a/b/g/n) with integrated Bluetooth® technology
LCD 11.1" WXGA (XBRITE-HiColor™)
Internal DVD±R DL / DVD±RW / DVD-RAM Drive
No Engraving
Free shipping.
$2,024.98

 

if you don't mind a 1.2 ghz proc and 100gb hdd, it's available right now.

i played with the same config you did at the store (1.2, 2g ram, 100 hdd) and timed it side by side with an SSD model. the hdd model took 7s to open word. the ssd took 3s. not worth the premium in my book for ssd.