I'm going crazy! Help me with my laptop decision.

Okay so I've been posting here for a couple of days and researching for weeks and I can't decide what kind of laptop to get! Price is not an issue, I just finished working crazy 40-60 hour weeks for a whole year at $10/hour plus tips. (I went out in a bang btw ^ ^) I got a lot of money saved up and I just but an iMac.

So here's my problem. I'm about to start college as a freshmen and I can't decide what kind of laptop to get. I'll also be bring my iMac along.

I'm debating on the Macbook Pro (15 inch), Sony Z series, and Sony SZ series.

Here's my dilemma. I don't know what I'll be using my laptop for in college so if any college students are around, input would be great! I really want the Sony Z because it's so light and portable but screen just looks so small. Especially because it's an inch smaller (vertically) than the SZ, which is a great laptop.

I really want the Z series, but it just seems too small and I don't know if it's useful for a college environment.

Please give me some advice, my head is about to explode. I haven't been able to think about anything ever since I quit my job.. All this free time blows. Thanks again.

 

If you're used to the MBP, the Z's screen will seem kinda small to you. How much do you care about that?

 

go for the SR...... i know its not on your list but it def kills the SZ and Mac

 

Well I only care about the screen size if it affects my college work. If I can make do with a 13.1 inch screen than I'll be fine. I just don't know what college students use their laptops for, especially for a person like me, who has a desktop.

Also, I stated on another thread, I prefer the SZ look over the SR. I know, stupid reason, but I've saved up enough money to be able to buy a computer I like for the first time in my life.

 

I personally feel that all 3 are good for your college uses. For the 3 laptops you mentioned, it comes down to size, weight, graphics (MBP have a better graphics card), & screen size/resolution.

You'll have to think hard about it yourself because you'll be the one using it so if possible, I'll suggest that you go to a store that have got these laptops on display & try them out.

I see that you're going to bring your newly purchased iMac along to be used in your dorm (I suppose). If that is the case, I'll suggest that you maybe hold off buying a laptop because having a laptop during college freshman year is definitely not a must (I've been through college myself so I know, although this is based only on my experience). You can then keep that money you set aside for the laptop & continue adding to it, then buy a laptop when the Quad-core CPUs come out next year. I am sure you'll be glad to go that route.

Good luck.

 

I had a 13.3 inch Fujitsu through college, like the SR, and it was the perfect size.

The Z is a bit too small to write long papers.

Also, in college no one (95%) really brings their laptops to class to take notes. The most carrying you'll probably do is to and from the library.

 

Sigh.. I might take Speed's advice and set it aside it for another year and thanks for that input NY, I'll take that into consideration.

I just thought the Z would be a good aside because I have 1 desk, and it'll be occupied by the iMac.

 

From what I've seen in college:

1. Do not buy a Macbook Pro. You already have an iMac for more powerful functions and there are so many Macbook and Macbook Pro's on campus that yours might get taken (or you take someone else's) by accident.

2. Any notebook that is 15.4" or higher is too big. I've seen engineering students with 15.4" laptops and it looks unweildy, both when they take it out and when they set it on a desk that is half it's size and type on it. It's just far too big. Some people are even worse and they have 17" dell laptops with them playing WoW during lectures on their lap because you can't even keep it balanced on a desk.

3. If it's only for notetaking, don't blow your hard earned cash on something like this. Get a netbook like the acer aspire one or the msi wind and get a large capacity battery if needed. The battery life, weight, size, and low price will beat all the options you listed above. Save your money to pay for classes, the thing you are going to college for.

4. Don't use a PDA or smartphone to take notes. Just don't...

5. Like others have said, since you have an iMac, wait a few weeks before deciding on getting a laptop. Things like history classes that don't just read verbatim from a textbook will require it, but most other classes will not.

 

But you also stated you have not seen the black one. Wait untill you see it.

I also say choose between Z and SR.

MBP needs an update. Just like SZ needed one.

 

What does the SR have that the SZ does not have for you?

 

MBP alone is ok but it's too heavy to have it with text books, notebooks, etc.

Since you have the desktop, mobility is more important in your case. I would say Z is a better choice.

 

So your saying the Z's screen isn't too small? btw thanks for the continuing input guys!

 

Go with the Z. The battery life, weight and small desk footprint are ideal for college life. Plus you get the added benefit of movies-on-the-go to pass the time in-between classes. With a little luck the notebook may even last all four years.

I envy you. I had to use the computer labs when I was in college.

 

sorry that happend to you iisdev

I'm just so worried about the Z's size. It's an inch shorter than the SZ or the SR and that really worries me.

btw, I'll make sure I check out the "black" SR too. (whenever they're available at the sony store, they only have silver right now.)

 

I have seen and felt the black SR and I was really impressed. I will most likely get the Z but after seeing the SR I'm rethinking spending the extra $$$. The SR doesn't look cheap at all in black.

 

Here are the things that you may want to consider.

• I carry my SZ in my backpack and it feels like nothing, especially if you don't use the battery and only the power supply. I have a postal scale and real weight of SZ without the battery and the power supply is 3.12 pounds and 4.18 pounds with the power supply but without the battery.
  
  I don't have Z but according to the spec, it is lighter and its real weight is probably 2.5 pounds without the battery and the power supply and 3.5 pounds with the power supply but without the battery.

• SZ has 13.3" screen, 16/10 ratio, 1280x800. Z has 13.1" screen, 16/9 ratio, 1366x768. If you do the math, SZ screen exact dimension is 11.28x7.05" while Z's is 11.42x6.42". SZ screen width is 0.14" shorter and its screen height is 0.63" longer. SZ screen has 113.5 PPI (pixels per inch) while Z's has 119.6 PPI. So, SZ screen is slightly more comfortable to read since it is less dense.

If you don't mind carrying 4.18 pounds in your backpack, buy the SZ. The screen is slightly bigger and more comfortable to read.
If you want to reduce the total weight to middle 3 pounds, buy the Z. It is newer, runs cooler and probably has longer battery life.

Either way, you can't go wrong. Both SZ and Z are terrific for ultra portable notebook. The MBP is definitely not an ultra portable notebook.

 

aww all your responses are soo good!

Some of you want the Z, SR, and the SZ. Sigh.. I probably will go SZ or SR in black if I get to see it in person, but the Z is still hanging in the back of my mind. It's so pretty.. I guess I should just wait to see the Z and the SR in black when it's available at my sony store.

I guess a good is question is, what do you use your laptop for in college?

 

I think you mixed up the SR with Z in your post.

Weight of SR is 1.85kg. SZ is 1.79kg. They have the same screensize.

Benefits of SR vs. SZ730 ($1300 vs. $1400)
-Faster CPU (2.24Ghz vs 2.1Ghz)
-Higher FSB (1066Mhz vs. 800Mhz.)
-Lower TDP (25w vs. 35w)
-Bigger HDD with higher data density and thus faster.
-Faster memory (800mhz vs. 667Mhz).
-Faster GPU: HD3470 (at cost of battery life) or X4500 with similar battery life to SZ.
-Better 1080p HD playback.
-Higher color accuracy display.
-Good keyboard without noise.

Benefits of SZ over SR:
-Switchable graphics
-Carbon fibre chassis.
-Availability of dockingstation.

The SZ is still a nice laptop, but the alternative SR that is cheaper and technically superior.

For that budget I'd pick the SR with X4500. Or I'd pay >$400 more and get a Z.

 

Whatever you get, make sure it's pretty sturdy, and get a good case to protect it in.

These are the most important factors for a laptop in college in my opinion:
1. Battery life -- avoiding having to take an AC Charger all the time is a major plus
2. Build quality -- is it rugged or can it break easily?
3. Size -- footprint, weight
4. Specs -- dead last unless you need them (depends on your major and if you want to game or do any extra things with it)

I also had the SZ, and it had *slightly* worse build quality in my opinion than the TZ, which I now have and use for college.

I'd definitely go to a store like Best Buy (or equivalent store) and try examining the computers there for build quality. I've seen a lot of people on campus here use Macbooks (the 13" version) and they seem to be doing fine with them. I'd personally go with the 13" Macbook or the Z (though it seems somewhat overpriced). 16:9 widescreen (which I think the Z has) is absolutely gorgeous, and I cringe going back to 4:3 and even finding it hard to accept using a 16:10.

The Macbook looks like a good choice though because I think it's sturdier than most of the VAIO notebooks I've used. And chances are, your college's computer/book store probably has a good deal going for a Macbook if it's like my school. Though, I've never come close to breaking a VAIO computer, I just don't trust the carbon in the premium Sony lids. The CR probably is safer IMO. And won't put a major hurt in your wallet.

Oh, and to answer the question about what you use your laptop for in college. It's just for convenience for me (I managed my first 2 years in college without using a laptop so it's not in my opinion "essential"). You can bring it to class and take notes with it though I don't do that with mine. I think it really depends on what you're majoring in.

Being a computer science student, it *is* useful to have a computer in your backpack ready to fire up at a moment's notice, especially if I am meeting up with fellow group members and needing to work on a project in the library instead of having to find the nearest computer lab. Plus, irrespective of your major, if you have a long break time between classes (which is inevitable at my school due to the impossibility of having a perfect schedule), and need to kill some time surfing the web using the school's wifi, it's good for that.

I don't think people "need" a laptop in college though, and I sometimes don't even bring mine with me when I am going to classes, depending on the mood. Computers *are* needed, but you can easily do without a laptop. Sometimes, I'd use my laptop to go on Youtube during breaks instead of studying notes like I did prior to getting a laptop, so it can also be a double edged sword. I wouldn't get too worried about picking the right laptop for college. Pick one and don't look back.

 

Phil Flow thanks for the reply. You put forward many good points there.

Some of the points raised were subjective though.

I also wasn't aware that there was a problem with HD playback with the 8400GS card.

 

there isn't really. the 3470 is a bit faster/more powerful than a 8400 GT, supports DivX 10.1 and a good number of encoding options.

8400 GS is slower, less powerful, and supports DivX10.

 

I thought it is the other way around. I saw 8400GT of FZ got 5.9 and 5.8 with Windows Experience Index while 3470 of FW only got 4.9 and 4.6. Both laptops have the same RAM and roughly the same CPU clock speed.

8400GT also has 128bit VRAM while 3470 only has 64bit.

 

Fair enough. Display and keyboard are subjective, but I'm expecting most reviewers to agree. Let's see what they say.

Both HD3470 and X4500 come with hardware 1080p acceleration.

As far as I know 8400M GS does not have hardware 1080p acceleration. Not a huge problem but it will cause higher CPU utilization.

 

Hardware acceleration = choppy fps

Check AnandTech's article on Intel's Centrino 2 Platform

 

you mean bus? yea issue with 3470 is its bus size. but 3DMark and Performance marks are higher for 3470.

 

I read that article. I dont' believe X4500 was ready at that time.

 

As it's been already mentioned, while the "footprint" of the Z is much smaller than the SZ (which is good), the LCD itself is only 0.63 inches shorter (vertically). It's also 0.14 inches wider than the SZ/SR, but that's probably not enough to notice. Another way to put it is the Z has the height of a 12.1" screen, and the width of a 13.5" screen.

But there's really no way to know for sure if the Z's screen size is too small until you see it in person, but if the numbers are correct it shouldn't be too drastic a change. I guess the problem is this: the standard 16:10 13.3" displays on the SZ/SR/MacBook/etc. seemed like such a perfect size for everything, I think we're all a little uneasy about Sony's new choice to use 16:9 13.1" in their "premium" ultraportable laptop. We just don't know how well it will work until we try it.

I think in some ways, it will be better, and for the most part we'll just have to think differently about how to arrange windows and tools to best take advantage of the wide screen. For example, I'll probably use Windows' "Tile Horizontally" feature much more often to arrange windows side by side, which would be really nice. For example for me I can be writing a paper on the left with OpenOffice, while researching some info on the right in Firefox.

 

Interesting. Is that true?

I'm actually sorry they changed it on the Z.

 

The Z's screen is wider in aspect ratio, which means that you won't have any black-bars when watching a widescreen movie.

 

The black bars will be smaller, but they'll still be there with movies. Check the FW thread in the news section for details

 

The black bars will be smaller, but they'll still be there with movies. Check the FW thread in the news section for details.

 

Wait, ATI's HD34xx has better gaming performance than 8400GT? Is there a direct comparison anywhere?

 

http://www.notebookcheck.net/Mobile-Graphics-Cards-Benchmark-List.844.0.html

 

The cool thing about college is that there is usually a computer lab somewhere. If you already have a desktop . . . you could consider investing in some portable storage instead. That way you can just carry your papers and stuff around with you. Laptops are great because you can take them / work on them anywhere, but this doesn't mean that you will. I can't concentrate when traffic and people are all around me after all (I'm too paranoid).

As far as applications are concerned, I highly doubt you need any more power than necessary for word-processing / web browsing. So if you MUST blow a chunk of your hard earned-money on a laptop, look for longer battery life, maybe a larger hard-drive and plenty of RAM (so your HDD isn't running all day trying to keep up with your clicking). But don't get sucked into Hig-def displays, graphics cards, and 11.1 inch screens with resolutions that require a 20 something to wear bifocals. Don't feel like you need a sick processor either. Any old dual-core should be plenty. Save the upgrade cash for the desktop . . . you'll get more bang for your buck usually.

 

I don't understand that chart. The Ati is on pos 70, but the 8400gt on pos 63. Ati has almost 2000 3dmark06, but 8400gt only has 1000 3dmark06(which is also lower than 8400gs). Which one is better then ?

 

It's probably not reliable since there was only one result submitted for 8400GT.

 

Wow I'm gone for 1 day and it's already at 4 pages! Thanks for everyone's input! Die's and Mgh a1's input were very helpful for my college laptop decision. Looking at Anxioz picture, it seems like the Z is .9 inches shorter vertically rather than the .63 ac500 said. Unless I'm missing something, which I probably am.

 

Basically, I personally would just go for a newer model laptop if I'm buying a NEW laptop simply because the older model & the newer model when configured "similarly" will cost about the same price. In short, it just makes sense to buy the latest model (technology) if you're buying the laptop NEW.

Note: The above is only my opinion & others may or may not agree.

 

Although I have my laptop when I'm in college, I rarely bring it to the campus. I find myself using the computers in my school's computer labs quite often. That's why I say that it really is not neccessary to have one in college.

By the way, one thing to take note is that part of your college tuition fees go to a section called "Computing/Computing Labs services" (or something like that), so basically you're paying for the use of computers in school. Since that is the case, might as well make good use of them.

 

Yes, the footprint of the Z (its height) is shorter mainly (not counting the difference in LCD size) because of the way the LCD hinge is different. Notice that the SZ's LCD lid can be turned all the way (a 180 degree) but not the Z's LCD Lid, it cannot be turn a full 180 degree (similar to TZ).

 

I have been happily using a SZ for two years now. It is portable yet powerful enough to handle even my most furious note taking. At first, I was concerned that the screen would be too small to use as a desktop replacement, but it was not long before my concerns were put to rest. The screen is crisp and comfortable on the eyes even after an all-nighter. As a caveat, you may find your SZ battery suddenly die on you one day without warning. It is not a gradual loss in battery life; it will simply happen and then you will need to replace the battery.

However, instead of purchasing a new battery, I am waiting for the Z series to come out. I saw it at the SF Metreon and was very impressed. The shape of the Z is not drastically different from the SZ, however, it is lighter than the SZ. The new screen is absolutely phenomenal. The images and colors on the higher end model of the Z series is unmatched by any notebook that I have seen. The text is rather small of course, so I personally may go for the lower resolution screen. But the screen itself may be worth the difference in price you will be paying for the Z and a similarly equipped SZ. Battery life is also improved on the Z. What's not to like about the new Z?

I think Macs are great, but the current macbook is slightly outdated. If you are seriously considering a mac, I would suggest you wait until the new macbooks come out, whenever that is. Anyway, hope some of this was helpful.

 

So is the lower-res Z, which is what I will be opting for because its cheaper and I dont need blu ray, any different to the higher-res Z besides resolution and bluray/SSD options? As in color saturation?

 

As a college student, I'll give some input on that aspect. I also have a desktop, and it is my primary computer. I survived fine without a laptop, though now (further into school) I am finding it'd be *very* helpful anymore. I go to a smaller school relative to many, and the lab can fill up fast ... in some classrooms without computers I find it super useful to be able to type notes and be able to research things on the spot, etc. And w/ my major, there are programs I want to be able to have on hand to use in class, that I would otherwise have to use at home on my desktop. I've also grown to like studying at a coffee shop or something, just for a change in scenery. So much easier with a laptop. (I also want it for non-school stuff, travel, doing websites ... it'd be so nice to have it with me on the go.)

For me, portability is huge. I started with a 15.4" about 7lbs, and it was awful! I really never used it. :/ It seems like it is still light, the weight/size, but it feels like more when you have to lug it around every day ... added to books ... maybe an external drive ... the power cord ... in a nice laptop bag for protection ... it felt huge, weight and just overall dimensions. I am absolutely sticking under 5lbs, more like 4 was my goal ... I admit the weight difference for the Z is really a draw to me.

That said - make sure you want a laptop. You have the cash right now, and laptops seem like a great thing to have, but stop and think about it - a $2k paper weight would *really* suck. If you're in no rush, maybe start school and decide a semester in or so.

 

It's invaluable to have a small laptop in college class. If you're doing anything that requires pen and paper, get a small wacom tablet. You'll never go back to ink again.

 

This is why I'm still somewhat torn about about what size laptop to get to replace my current 12" lappy. On one hand I want a larger screen, on the other hand I hate to give up the nice, small footprint and form factor. So while I know the FW is really the better way to go (for me), I can't help but wonder if the sharp/crisp screen of the Z or SR will suffice.

Too bad these things weren't cheaper. It would be great to buy one of each, then keep the one that fits best!

 

Wow, gotta say thanks again for all the input.

One question, if I get the Sony SR will I be able to install a fresh copy of Vista Ultimate on there? (I have a separate DVD and CD key) I know the Sony SZ has a great clean install tutorial and all the drivers are supported for Ultimate but what about the SR? Do the drivers support Vista Ultimate and is there a clean install tutorial?

 

The lower-res screen was not on display at Sony Style, but I believe the screens are supposed to be identical in terms of color saturation. Besides the two differences you have already mentioned, the Hybrid Graphics System on the lower-res model has 128MB dedicated video RAM whereas the higher-res model has 256MB dedicated video RAM.