How is it possible that Sony makes the SZ3xx lineup much cheaper than the SZ2xx?

I just noticed that you can buy an SZ360P/C:

http://b2b.sony.com/Solutions/product/VGN-SZ360P/C

for only $2400 while a SZ 280P/C cost about $2900

They have very similar specs (the only difference is that the SZ360 has a Core 2 Duo processor), and the more powerful laptop is $500 less. Is there something missing that compensates for the extra $500? Thanks in advance.

 

I think this has something to do with the case materials...... I don't remember exactly, but I thought there was more carbon fiber or something on the SZ280 (compared to the SZ260 or SZ230). Presumably if Sony does make some sort of Sony SZ380, the price would also be similarly higher.

 

Consumer gullibility.

 

I doubt the 360 has the premium carbon. Sony has always had about 3 price points with the now 6 month old SZ line: one in the $2000 range, one around $2500, and one around $3000. (give or take $100 or $200)

 

The Sz360 is the only SZ3XX without:

WAN: Integrated Wireless (WAN) Wide Area Network accessing Cingular Wireless National EDGE Network with SmartWi™ technology, (Wireless WAN and Wireless LAN radio do not transmit simultaneously)

 

*SIGH* This has been covered so many times now. Models x50 and up EXCEPT the x81 (i.e. x50, x60, x70, x80) use carbon fibre (or black carbon). The x81 models use carbon fibre as well, but come with a special finish to them, known as the premium carbon weave finish.

All Models numbered below x50 (i.e. x40, x30, x20, x10) do not use carbon fibre.

The x60 indeed does not have WAN (the x50 to my knowledge does not either).

Why the huge price difference? The 2 differences between them I'd say: the 280 used a processor higher up in the chain than the new 360 does (remembering that the new chips literally came in at the same price as the equivelantly clocked brethren) and the WAN. There is also, no doubt, a bit of price adjustment by Sony as well.

Weshy.