Need advice:Sony S-series or SZ-series?

I have two options available to me:

SZ 160P for $2499 plus tax = $2873.85 CAD.

S-Series for $2299 plus tax = $2643.85 - $200 mail in rebate = $2443.65


For a difference of : $430.20

Is this premium price for the SZ series worth it?

My mian concern is that the nividia6400 graphics card and the Pentium M processor in the S-series will not be close to the performance of the nividia 7200 and core duo processor in the SZ series.

Also are the built in webcam and biometric reader worth the extra price?

thank you

 

sz for sure
it's way better than the s

 

It depends on your needs really.

The performance of the core duo processors will only be noticeably better on applications optimized for dual core and if you do a lot of multitasking. The Geforce 7400 (I take it that's the one you mean) is of course a step forward giving you almost 1000 higher points in 3Dmark and better HD-video support. So if you do a lot of gaming the sz should be your choice. Not that the 6400 won't run most games (NFS Most Wanted and Doom 3 run fine on highest resolutions)
If you're very picky about the display I would also go for the SZ as it has a more even lit display. On the other hand the keyboard of the SZ has drawn a lot of criticism whilst I think the keyboard on the S Series is very good.

If you have the possibility I would go into a shop and look at both devices.

 

I have asked this same question for the FS series or the FE series...and after responses I recommend strongly you go for the SZ.

Btw I was in the same situation as you (in terms of price)...but i decided on the FE or the SZ

 

I would go with the SZ as well... (An envying S series user)
A webcam would be 50 bucks, so the difference is $380.

For one more processor, I think $380 is justifyable (is this word correct )

 

Go with the SZ... you'll get a buyer's remorse when you choose the S.

Core duo is the hottest thing as of today.

 

Thanks for all the replies. I think alot of good points have been raised:

- the webcam and processor are worth at least the amount of the difference.
-the sz will have better performance

im actually going in to look at both as soon as sony store near n toronto gets the sz in stock, then I will be able to compare them at least side by side.

 

i didnt realise ther was only this relatively small differnce between the S and SZ. The SZ will last you longer in the sense that it is a dual processor these are coming out like hot cakes in machines these days which means software companies will try to start take advantage of this.

Like someone said in these forums previously getting the SZ will actually increase with performance rather than decrease for this exact reason.

to justify the $430 gap:
* More powerful system due to 2 processors
* More powerful graphics card
* Camera (even though it isnt great but good enough for playing around- so i have heard)
* Biometric sensor ( i havent played around with the SZ still waiting for mine to arrive but i have seen it on Thinkpads its is quite useful)

Also it is lighter im quite sure and it is meant to have a longer battery life

good luck in your decision

 

This SZ is a really, really nice machine. It is expensive. After the lappy, docking station, extra power chord, PCMCIA SoundBlaster card, Logitech BT mouse and memory upgrade, I'm in the hole about $3,300.00 but it is worth it. For once, I have a machine that is on the cutting edge that is loaded. And the screen on this thing grows on me more every day. It is fantastic.
I use this about 12-15 hours a day, home and work. The big test will be whether I can go a long time without any problems. I travel a lot but treat my lappys gently. I hope that's good enough to ensure 3 years of trouble free operation.

If you have the $$ (what else are tax refunds for?) the SZ 160 just rocks.

 

yeah i think i will be kicking myself if i dont get it!!

the only problem with the SZ160 here in canada is that it starts at $2999.99 and then we have 15% sales and general taxes added on to that. So just for the computer and nothing else included your looking at around 3450$$.

 

If you look around you can find a 5% off coupon for SonyStyle.ca. Not much, but something.

 

hmm do you have link for it i cant seem to find anything

 

http://www.redflagdeals.com/deals/main.php/weblog/C130/

It works, I ordered my SZ160 with it and it just shipped out on Friday (hope to get it Monday!)...

 

My personal philosophy is to always buy the best and fastest computer your budget can afford. It will last you longer ultimately.

Go for the SZ (for anyone who's still doubting)...

mike
www.mwang.org

 

im in canada aswell and well premium is a total rip off, but the non-premium edition looks great to, so I went for that