Is the SZ730 a premium SZ (Carbon fiber + WLED) model?

For the SZ series, Sony has used conventionally used a numbering scheme in which SZ x50 and above signify the premium models with carbon fiber and LED backlighting (e.g. 650, 780 etc) while the SZ 740 , 640 etc are the non premium models.

Now I spotted a great online deal on the SZ730 and the specs indicate it does have LED backlighting.
Before I bite the bullet, wanted to confirm with any SZ730 owner if it indeed has a carbon fiber casing and LED backlighting

 

Where did you see it?

The SZ730 EC does not seem to have a LED screen. At least, none of the sites I've checked mention it.
http://www.nextag.com/SONY-SZ730EC-13-3-585526968/prices-html?nxtg=b22e0a1c051c-01284919D3825FDE

Going by the pictures on buy.com I would say it's not a carbon fibre version either. I've owned a carbon fibre SZ680 and it was a lot darker.
http://www.buy.com/retail/Product.a...08783&Type=PE&Category=Comp&Gad=0&dcaid=15894

 

I think the SZ730 is one exception to numbering scheme, since it is a premium model, although on the low end. I asked this question before and you can read the answer here:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=227766

 

The one on the picture at Portableone seems to be a different one than the one at Buy.com

 

Hmm, so going by Ivan's response on the other thread, it indeed is a premium unit with WLED and carbon fiber
The only catch is the OS but if I am willing to spend some time & effort into transferring my retail XP installation from my old laptop onto that, I guess I'll be gold

 

Up to you ofcourse, but I'm pretty sure the SZ730 EC displayed at Nextag does not have LED nor carbon fibre. It would be strange if 20 resellers would miss those 'details'.

but since you haven't linked to where you saw it, I can't really help you.

 

According to the Sony spec sheet for the SZ730 EC, page 2

http://b2b.sony.com/Solutions/b2b/data/repository/original/vol0/63/VGN-SZ730EC_spec_c2357062b42ae9b35a779924cb1757877df978e3.pdf

The VGN-SZ730 E/C does have LED backlight and carbon fibre. (or maybe just 'carbon fibre textured' black )

I always thought that 'E' = Vista Home Premium, and 'C' = Carbon fibre



Of course the resellers want to encourage FUD on their cheapest SZ, so that you purchase a more expensive model!

I'm also interested in the SZ730EC. See here on the Newegg.com page
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834117685
- a combo offer that expires on 15th July... suspiciously as though there will be something else happening on that day...

 

Those specs at Sony are very clear. LED and Carbon fibre.

 

The best price on the 730 I saw was on techonweb.com via nextag
I too found the specs sheet on the sony support site (the product site does not list this model for some reason) which clearly mentions this model has WLED and CF

Abt to bite the bullet today evening
Just want to go down to a B&M store to compare the TZ with this to take a final call

 

Yeah I think you are right, and I was wrong. That makes it a very good deal at $1349!

But what will happen to these prices next week, when the new series are announced, that is the question.

 

Ummm..that's an interesting take...
It may make sense to wait it out till then I guess