How do these 2 Sony models compare? (customized SR-series and customized Z-series)

I am looking at these two computer models (specs below) and wondering how they compare and which you would recommend. I know one of the major distinctions is the HDD vs SSD. I don't think having a SSD is that important to me; I don't mind having a regular HDD. Please note that I have also opted for a regular CD/DVD drive vs. Blu-Ray drive in both models - Blu-Ray is not important to me and I don't really think I would make use of a Blu-Ray drive. I'm wondering how else these two models with the specs listed below compare and which you would recommend.

My main uses are internet, email, and MS Office programs (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, OneNote, Outlook), as well as YouTube (maybe this counts as internet?), listening to music, watching movies (usually .avi files), the occasional Paint Shop Pro use. Pretty average usage, I think. The ability to perform these tasks with ease and portability are important to me. With these uses, would the SR-590 be more than enough for my needs, or are there some big advantages of the Z-series that I should know of? There is obviously quite a big price difference between the two.


SR-590 with my configurations:

-Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor P8800 (2.66GHz)
-Microsoft Windows® 7 Home Premium
-Titanium Gray
-4 GB DDR2-SDRAM (DDR2-800, 2GBx2)
-500 GB SATA Hard Disk Drive [5400 rpm]
-DVD +/- R DL / DVD +/- RW / DVD-RAM Drive
-Mobile Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD
-~4 lbs.
-$1319.99


Z1190 with my configurations:

-Intel® Core™ i7-620M processor (2.66GHz) with Turbo Boost up to 3.33GH
-Microsoft Windows® 7 Home Premium 64-bit
-Premium Carbon-Fibre (I don't like the silver colour)
-4GB (2GBx2) DDR3-SDRAM-1066
-256GB (256GBx1) Solid State Drive with RAID technology
-DVD +/- R DL / DVD +/- RW / DVD-RAM Drive
-13.1" widescreen with XBRITE-DuraView™ LCD technology (1600x900) featuring NVIDIA® GeForce® Graphics with 1GB VRAM
-~3.4 lbs.
$2483.99

Thank you in advance!

 

Without reading the post... the Z

Ok now seriously, in terms of processing and graphical power, I'd say that your usage is well covered by the SR. IMO, the only point that can make your life easier would be screen resolution: 1280x800 doesn't give you that much space to comfortably work with several documents or do image editing.
Regarding HDD... if given the option, at least I'd choose 7200 RPM.

(also, maybe this thread is in the wrong forum... don't quote me but isn't there a "what laptop should I buy" section? ^^)

 

SR - should be fine for your case.
Z - Mobility + Performance.
You already answered your question by posting the specs.

 

@ beyondthesmile

I think you should also include on your list a " last Gen " Z like a Z890. There are plenty of them on Sony Style USA as either brand new clearance or refurbished models. I know many people will say the new Z11xxxx blows away a Z890. The thing is, a " last gen " Z is still one of the most powerful ultra-portables on the market in such a compact size. And if you seriously ARE considering the SR, then I would investigate a bit further. Btw, I do own a Z and an SR and my feeling is the Z820 is my travelling/power notebook and while the SR looks really nice and it is good enough for web browsing/video watching/email/facebook stuff while sitting on the couch, but do overall prefer the Z, especially if I need to get stuff done. Also, if you get the SR, get one with the ATI Radeon 4570 graphics card instead of the Intel integrated graphics. And there are some SR's for sale in the Sony Style clearance section as well.

 

Thanks for your reply! There is a "what laptop should I buy" section. I wasn't sure if this thread would be more appropriate in that section or here since I was asking specifically about Sony computers. I will have to look into the screen resolution thing a bit more; I didn't realize the two computers had different screen resolutions.

Thank you. Do you think a Z-series would be worth the extra cost with my uses?

Thanks for your response. I'm actually in Canada but I just checked the SonyStyle Canada website and the Z890 is still on there. A Z890 with P8700 2.53ghz processor, 4GB RAM, 500GB 7200rpm HDD and regular CD/DVD drive would be $2235.00. Do you think it is worth the extra $900 over the SR for my uses? TIA

 

@ beyondthesmile

Both VAIO's will be sufficient for what you want to use it for. If portability is important, I would get the Z890. While the SR590 is not a heavy 13.3 inch notebook, it still is a pound heavier than the Z890 and is noticeable after carrying it for a few hours, like say while waiting in airport security lines and travelling to destinations. If the SR590 will be a stay at home notebook and is for desk and couch use, I think you would be happy with it.

The price difference is justified because of the weight difference of a pound, the better screen resolution of the Z, the Z most likely having Win 7 Pro instead of Home, and the 320GB 7200 RPM hard drive versus the SR's 5400 RPM speed. You can get the 320GB 7200 RPM hard drive but you listed the one with the 5400.

As a side note, I know you were originally were and still might be considering a new Z1190xxx, but for the money, a Z890 with the RAM upgraded to 8GB with the other specs listed is a fast notebook. If you can find one with the Blu-ray optical drive ( which I've got ), to me it's the perfect ultra-portable and even without the Blu-ray, I still think you would be very happy for a long time.

 

Thanks for your input. Portability is very important to me. I want to be able to take my computer to work with ease. This may be a dumb question, but all the Z-series laptops from SonyStyle Canada have the 1600x900 resolution. My current laptop has 1280x800 resolution. If I find the 1600x900 resolution hard on my eyes, can I just adjust the resolution to one closer to my current one, or will that skew the display? (I will not be using an external monitor.)

Thanks so much

 

Actually, I just looked at the Canadian SonyStyle website and there is a heavily discounted Z690 in the clearance section that you might want to have a look at:

http://www.sonystyle.ca/commerce/se...productId=1007620&navigationPath=32009n100349

Brief specs:
- C2D P8700 2.88 GHz
- 4 GB RAM
- 250 GB HDD
- 13.1" 1366x768
- NVIDIA® GeForce® 9300M GS with 256 GB VRAM
- premium carbon fibre
- price: $1,299 after discount

From what you written before it should definitely suit your needs and for a decent price you get a very good ultraportable

 

Thank you! This looks perfect for me - I like that it has the 1366x768 resolution. A quick question, if you don't mind. Will the fact that it comes with 32-bit Windows be an issue? My current laptop has 64-bit Windows Vista but I'm not sure I even take advantage of a 64-bit system from what I've read of it. Thanks again for your help

 

The link shows all those Z's are out of stock. As for Vista 32 bit, it is limited to 4GB of RAM so no use of 8GB. I would definitely move to Win 7 Professional 64bit for sure. You can adjust DPI settings to make the 1600 x 900 easier on the eyes, but IMO once you start using native 1600 x 900 you get used to it and is quite nice.

 

Strange. I was just able to add that model to cart and I can proceed till it asks me for address and credit card info, so to me it looks like they still have them in stock. I agree with the Windows 7 comment though. I used both Vista and W7 and the latter is definitely better and more user friendly. If the OP doesn't plan on expanding RAM he can stick with the 32-bit version, but it doesn't hurt to go with 64-bit.

 

Thank you very much ehosey and Nivel - I really appreciate your help!

 

I read that there used to be problems with the wireless cards used on the older Z's, the 5100. Is this still the case or have the issues been fixed?

 

Oh man, I wasn't quick enough. All 3 Z690s are Out of Stock on the SonyStyle Canada site.

 

I have the Intel 5100 with no issues. What particular problems are you asking about ?

 

If you search the forum for "5100" you will see a slew of threads complaining about various issues related to it. So much so that some users have opted to replace it with something else.

 

Umm...actually you were the one who was asking if there were still problems about it. I stated I have the 5100, and in fact I have it in all 3 of my VAIO's and don't experience problems using it in any of them. Depending on which EVDO Router I use, 802.11n or 802.11g work just fine so I really have not had the need to search about it. Perhaps you might conduct a search if you are wondering if problems with the Intel 5100 still persist. But thank you for your suggestion that I do a search. I was asking you if you were wondering about a particular issue and was going to attempt to provide any useful information, being that this is a forum with helpful information along with many helpful people. And yes, I have heard people were having some issues. So, good luck in your search. And one more thing since were at it, perhaps this question is best asked and answered in a different thread as the original poster is wondering about the SR and Z series notebooks and which one to buy.

 

Two of them became available again, so you might want to check them out

EDIT: All 3 are available now so good luck