Is it possible to get a PREMIUM 2GHz Duo SZ now?

I saw that a couple of people had ordered the SZ90 from japan. I'd like to get any premium(I want the longer battery life) sz unit with a 2GHz (or more) processor. I think there is a little bit of confusion (there is definitely for me) on what my options are. I'd prefer not to order the sz90 from japan if there are other options.

I see that with the sz140 you can get it with different processors. I don't know if there is even a premium sz 140 - I see a SZ140P/C listed on sony's website but they are notorious for typos. I'm guessing the SZ140P/C is not a premium as they list the premium models starting with the sz150. I definetly want the longest battery power for the sz I order.

Thanks

 

Is it possible to get a PREMIUM 2GHz Duo SZ now?

In short, no. Not yet, anyway... There is no 'Premium' SZ140 - the Premiums are the 150, 160, 170, and 180. The only one of these that has been released is the 160, and it's out of stock EVERYWHERE. So either wait, or order from Japan...

Javier

 

I have my premium SZ with the 2.16GHz processor, but I got mine from Japan. In the USA you are SOL on this for at least the present time - the 180 is only supposed to have the T2500, which is 2GHz. No one knows when the 180 is going to ship.

My Japanese SZ comes with a 3 year warranty and Dynamism handles any warranty stuff. They deal with Japan.

 

Thanks - I wish they would just say when the 180 will ship so I can make an informed decsion about getting it or getting the 90.

I have just 3 questions I'd really like to know the answer to about your 90 if you don't mind. I realize you will do a full review soon.

How is the screen on your unit - did you get a chance to compare it with the standard sz unit?

How is you battery life during active use?

Any problems with the space bar?

Thanks!

 

1. Didn't compare it - only what I saw in stores. But I did compare it to my Sharp MW-70J, and it's clearly better. The screen reminds me more of my Sony XBRITE monitor I have for my desktop than a normal laptop screen. It's really, really good.

2. See my comments in one of the battery threads - I ordered mine with the extended battery only and it's been good. I am flying cross country in a few weeks - that'll be more the real test, but the numbers once whatever algorithm is used settles down seems to be accurate.

3. If I type at the extreme left, it doesn't space unless I press hard, but I'm talking outer, outer left. BUt I never type there, so I'd say it's a virtual non-issue since 90 - 95% is A-OK.

 

Thanks - good to know all of that!

 

You actually paid 3100 for this notebook? Now are their prices in Us dollars?

 

Yes, their prices are in US dollars. Their standard one does not come with the extended battery. I've done a lot of business with them over the years and they did a special order for me, so you'd have to inquire to get my config if that's what you really wanted.

The SZ180 I saw somewhere was going to list at $2899, so I paid an extra $200 to get exactly what I wanted with some stuff you can't get in the US like a silver English keyboard and the T2600 processor, and nothing I didn't want (like bluetooth, etc.). Seems pretty fair to me. You can barely find the SZ160 in the US, and no clear release date on the SZ180.

Also keep in mind that ALL of the SZs in Japan come with a 3 year warranty. US is only 1 I think - anything else is an additional cost.

I had mine in two weeks. So that extra couple of hundred dollars really isn't much, if any, more than the US when it comes down to it.

 

yeha its only one year in the us. But you can get the silver keyboard option at sonystyle.com


The price is looking to be more than a couple hundred more. I dont think any notebook is worth over $3000. But its good to see your enjoying it.

 

The SZ140 is NOT a premium. And that is the only way you can get a silver keyboard in the USA.

The SZ160 comes with a black, and all premiums to date announced in the USA are not customizable.

I personally think Dynamism's price is pretty fair (now, granted I didn't get their $3199 config) with what you're getting, but that's just me. I've owned a lot of notebooks over the years and in the 4 or 5 days of using the SZ, I haven't been as pleased with the performance/weight/size/functionality/features of a notebook. Sure, it's the honeymoon period but this thing has really impressed me.

I also priced it on Sony Style Japan's site and Dynamism isn't making a lot, if any, markup.

So let's price out a US premium - based on the SZ160 since it's the only one you can find here (if you can). $2499 for the base (T2400, XP Pro, 1GB RAM, 100GB HD), add $250 if you want 2GB of RAM, $200 (or so) for a 7200rpm drive to install yourself - you're already at nearly $3k, not including taxes. Then if you want an extended warranty, add a few hundred. So it is pretty equivalent unless the config out of the box is good for you, then all you need to worry about is the warranty which is optional; mine was standard.

So it really isn't much different. I totally see where you are coming from that your ceiling is $3k for any laptop, but some say even the US prices are inflated, too. As a road warrior, I need a lot of power in a lightweight case. The SZ is that so far and even the ASUS stuff coming out IMHO isn't as fully featured, but will definitely at a better price point.

 

Yeah, i totally understand where your coming from. I try to get the best bang for buck. For one me pay sony for 2gb of ram. Not a chance. I wish you could get a customizable premium here in the states. I would get as stripped as possible. I think i may just pick up a 120 from best buy and try that out for 14 days. If i like it ill step up to a premium.


Thanks for the input.

 

Well, I saved money because I didn't even want to pay Sony's ripoff price for RAM in Japan, either I bought mine from newegg. And it can now also be had cheaper. I got mine as stripped as possible (again, I didn't get Dynamism's config) for the same exact reason.

If the screen isn't as important, the SZ110 or SZ120 are basically the same with a different screen and processor, so you should be able to deck that out for under 3K. The non-premiums are in decent supply. If you already have your own OS disks, the 110 may be a better deal since you're paying more on the 120 to get XP Pro.