Good slim Z case

I'm looking to buy a case for my VPCZ1390X with large capacity batteries. Does anyone think SB case Model number: VGPCKS4/B will be a fit?

 

I think it would because the Z's chassis as a whole is smaller than the SB. Your extended battery should make it roughly the same thickness as an SB with the sheet battery.

But I'm not 100% certain.

 

Dunno, but if you're unsure, look here:

SFBags - WaterField Designs - Laptop Sleeve - TSA Checkpoint Friendly - TSA Good - MacBook Pro - MacBook Air Sleeve - Macbook Air Case - Notebook Sleeve - Computer Sleeve - Laptop Case

I've had mine since I got my Z. Costs a lot less and fits my Z perfectly...both with the large battery and with the regular one. You can't go wrong with Waterfield, really.

 

Get this case:
Amazon.com

I have it and it works great with the extended battery.
It smells great and is high quality. Worth the money IMHO.
PS. Peep my amazon review.

 

mfpreach, One question I have about that leather case is how stiff is it? My biggest concern is getting a bruised LCD or unwanted pressure if I stick my computer in my backpack with a binder. Is there a layer of plastic or some other stiff material sewn into the case between the lining and the outside leather?

 

It is soft leather over a hard shell, you are all good.

 

Thanks mfpreach, I'll look into it. I find my carbon fiber hardcase way too cumbersome to use on an everyday basis.

 

You can also use the Sony case for files or papers if you aren't carrying your computer. I am in law school so I can put cases in it if need be. It looks really eloquent too.
Also, I dropped my computer off a ledge in it about 9' and there was no damage in it whatsoever.

 

I've got the old VGP-CKSZ1 made for the SZ/C series computers. I had the Z in there and it fell off the top of the table in my backpack and luckily nothing bad happened! Don't want to try it again though.

 

mfpreach, I have a few questions about this case since I keep my laptop in my bag (which is almost just big enough to house the laptop with its accessories), which gives some basic protection. I just wonder if I should go with a soft tight sleeve, or a hard case like this, which probably will take over the entire interior of the bag.

I measured my Z13, and compared it to the bag in question. The bag is unusually tall. Is that so you can somehow on the top or the bottom fit extras (like AC, mouse, external HDD, etc)? If I can fit all the extras and the laptop into that case, perfect, if it's only spacious enough to house the laptop by itself, I think I'll just go for a cheap, tight, stretch sleeve.

Looking forward to your input.

 

I don't think I can recommend a soft sleeve because if you're throwing in the extras in there such as an AC adapter and mouse, it may create some unwanted and "point focused" pressure on certain parts of the computer and result in LCD bruising.

The leather case shown by mfpreach will only fit the computer.

If your bag is too small, it may be time to look for a bigger one.

 

Only the laptop by itself, it is a tight perfect fit. I don't know why you say it is unusually tall.
As I said it is a perfect fit.

 

I was just looking at the reported dimensions online vs the measured dimensions of my laptop. Something must be off, because I stopped by a Sony store today and the case is a perfect fit.

I however ended up buying this version (compare with leather), and it is much lighter, slightly slimmer, less fancy, but very protective (again with a pretty hard shell).

 

If you don't mind sharing, how much is the CKZ1 case? It's been discontinued for a while, so I'm surprised your Sony Style had one in stock.

BTW, placed an order for the CKZ2 leather case. It's $104 on BH photo before shipping which is the cheapest I found.

 

Sorry for hijacking the thread a bit but seems that I'm not the one who's worried about screen bruising.

I've once dropped a pile of books (~3kg) on my Z inside one of those DG Lifestyle Store cases (for MBP 13"). I *sure* hope there's nothing big happening, and I haven't noticed anything abnormal of my screen yet. Will a smaller case press against the screen itself?

Also, do you guys all use a microfibre cloth between the screen and keyboard when closed?

 

While I don't really have any response to part 1.

But my response to part 2 is no. On my laptop, the screen doesn't hit the keyboard and it needs a lot of force before it even touches those rubber stoppers on the sides of the keyboard. That's not something I'm worried about.

 

Ok so I'm probably over stressing myself to thinking that the Z's screen is weak and couldn't handle pressure of any kind. Thanks for the relief. Assuming that you sound confident with that you haven't developed any screen marks yet haven't you?

Oh by the way, did any one of you check out the VGP CVZ1? It's a leather pouch for VAIO Z and you can use it as a skin. However in Sonystyle Hong Kong it's out of stock so I guess I have to pick it up somewhere else.

 

I personally don't have any bruising. I think a broken/bruised LCD is my biggest fear since the panel costs $500 just in parts for the FHD!

I've seen the CVZ1 online but it isn't my style. I would not put that in my backpack because the sides are still exposed. It's also not available from the US (never sold here through Sony) so one would have to find it elsewhere as well.

 

Really? I thought it was sold in the US... in any case, i wouldn't use it as it blocks the vents on the bottom of the Z. I do have 2 spots of bruising on my screen... However, i can't see it when the screen is facing me, i only see it when i'm look at it from the sides (which i won't do for too long as the viewing angles are narrow on the Z). Also, i used to to notice that my keyboard would imprint on my screen, it doesn't happen anymore, I think it was just that i used to put my Vaio into my backpack with other stuff (had a case). Now, i have a new backpack with a separate pocket and I don't notice that happens anymore.

if you want a nice case, check out the custom fit case by Mach 3 Composites, it's larger than the laptop, but it was designed for the MBP 13" which is a 13.3" screen and 16:9 w/ wider bezel, but the foam cushions inside is custom made for the Z. (Generic has a review somewhere: found it: http://forum.notebookreview.com/sony/551259-mach-3-composites-z-caron-fiber-case-impressions.html)

 

That's the irony, I bought the ultimate case in the MC3, but I don't really like using it on a day to day basis. It's way too bulky and cumbersome to pull out of my backpack and open it up like a briefcase. It's also quite large and makes my 3 pound notebook into a 4+ pound unit in my bag.

I've got the CKZ2 coming next week, so we'll see how well that works for my school use. I also ordered an L battery which is not compatible with the MC3 case but it's compatible with the CKZ2.

Maybe the CV1 was available in the US but I've never seen it. Mind you, I've only been keeping up with Sony and more specifically the Z after I got mine last October. So it's possible they had it for the 11 or 12, but I'm just not sure.

 

Interesting. I actually bought my M3C case a few weeks ago and am still waiting on it. I've been super OCD with my laptop so I thought the M3C would be good for me because it would give me the peace of mind that no pressure would be put on the screen even if I toss my bag around. I just got a microfibre cloth to put in between the keyboard and screen. But I do understand why you would want to switch to an easier access case that doesn't draw so much attention each time you pull out your laptop. I could foresee the case giving you alot of slack from your classmates lol. I thought about the CKZ2 case at the beginnings, but I need this laptop to last me a good long while. Keep us posted on how you like it.

 

I'll for sure share my comments.

Yes I do get quite a bit of flack for having such a ridiculous laptop case. Some like the CF but most find it ludicrous. I think the leather one will be much more low key and "normal" for my usage. I think it should be sufficient enough since my backpack is always with me and is not thrown around.

And in terms of the MC3, it's a wonderful case and it does its job well. For the highest level of protection, that's the way to go.

 

I definitely agree that the leather one will be much more low key. Maybe once I get my M3C and start getting alot of lip from other people, I might end up switching to another case too Like a saleswoman said to me the other day when I was trying on new backpacks: "The bag looks nice, but you gotta make sure you have the 'attitude' to wear it." So if people know you to be the OCD type, then I'm sure they won't give you tooo much trouble regarding the case lol. If bag weight is a major issue for you though, I would recommend this backpack by Briggs and Riley. It is probably one of the best backpacks I've owned and has plenty of room for the Z (even with the M3C case I am assuming). The base of the bag has a compartment that I use to keep the power cord in. It is by far the lightest bag I've ever owned, and I've had the STM Rogue, Northface Recon, and multitudes of Jansport bags. Anyways, not trying to highjack a thread, but wanted to share in case anyone needed new transport gear

Amazon.com: Briggs & Riley Verb Glide Backpack: Clothing

 

If you really want a nice durable case for your Z if i ware you i would take a look at this case it's a bit expensive but for a Z it deserve the best

 

One word: ridiculous. I'd rather go buy a toughbook (has already a handlebar) than messing my Z's style with this uber ugly metal box.

 

I saw that deal too, but I'm happy with this case. I found it in a Sony store in Istanbul. It was the last one they had, and they were eager to get rid of it. The store manager gave me a 30% discount bringing it down to $100 (Sony is overpriced in Turkey), and financed it on my credit card to 12 months Good deal, $8.25 a month! They really wanted to see that bag gone!

It is weak. I got the CKZ1 case just because I got a bruise on my screen (shipping the unit all the way back to the US for free repairs). I still don't know how I got it, I've got my theories, but whatever it was, it was a minor bump.

True, sides are exposed, but it matters little since the laptop fits snugly, held together from the two sides of the battery bump. So it doesn't wiggle at all in the case, the sides cannot receive impact.

 

A Minor bump?

My Z has got a pile of books dropped on it and being pressed on by a guy who lost his balance. Luckily in both events my Z was snugged in a case (albeit not a very strong one)

I have no bruises on my screen so far. Man I'm planning to keep this laptop for three and a half years and I have no idea if the screen is gonna survive or not.

 

I'm not particularly careful with my laptop and my screen is fine. In fact I dropped it 9' but it was in the leather case.
I did have dead pixel clusters but that was not due to physical damage but a defective panel.

As I said before I am very happy with the leather case.