Need some advice - fast on going from SZ3 to Z

So I currently have an SZ3 from about 2 years ago now and it's been honestly great with no major problems. I even have Vista dualbooting with XP without issue and since SP1 it's been perfectly fine.

I am this weekend, however, able to get 15% off the VGN-Z540EBB from Sony and if I trade in my SZ3, I'd expect to get about $500 for that in trade-in value.

So essentially I could get the $2000 VGN-Z540EBB for about $1200 with all said and done.

I know it's a great deal but I'm hesitating because I'm not sure if it's worth the hassle and $1200 is still a decent amount of money.

The main advantages the Z540EBB has over my current SZ would be:
- Z540EBB has 2.4ghz CPU with 3MB cache. I have 2.0ghz CPU with 4MB cache. So improvement there.
- Z540 has 320GB HD vs my 120GB
- Faster memory and bus. I'm still on 667mhz for CPU and 533mhz for RAM!
- LED screen and higher res. I'm still at 1280x800 and non-LED.
- Carbon fiber body which I don't have.

Anyway the point is, I know there are many advantages on paper but in reality, if I use my laptop mainly for surfing/email/music etc. am I really going to notice a huge difference with the Z?

Is it worth doing this now or waiting another year with my SZ for the next generation?

 

Nevermind...just calculated trade-in value online now and it's down to $280. Was $500 a few months ago. Oh well.

Maybe I'll just wait for the SZ330 to die and then get something?

 

ya, it sounds like you still have a very good laptop on your hands. i'd say keep it for another year, see what refreshes come out, and buy then.

 

For your uses, I don't think you'd notice a performance difference in the Z. It does have a better screen, more battery life, switchable graphics without rebooting, HDMI out, etc. But I don't think its worth paying $1200 extra for when your SZ is still working just fine for you.

If I were in your position, I'd keep using the SZ.

 

Too late....

I can only agree with Rahul, you won't really notice a difference.

Its games that let laptops or computers age.

For your needs you could possibly even use a laptop which is even older...

Another thing:
If you read through the Sony forum, there are a few glitches in the Z.
Double typing... sticky keys is wht I've seen today...

 

There's no double typing on the Z. The keyboard is non-flex spectacular. Only one owner complained of each of the problem separately (ala 1 in 100?) so I dont think it can be generalized that all Zs face the 'glitches'

And I agree, keep the SZ and wait for the Z with premium carbon fiber which looks so much better in richer black than the bland cover right now

 

No - one complained about both issues, and I think PhilFlow remembered seeing th same issue somewhere else.

Anyway - lets not argue about it.

Some people will always be unhappy.

 

You can keep your SZ for 2 more years.. then you can decide to upgrade again. By that time i'm sure Sony will have something better for you.

 

I benchmarked a few cpus and what I noticed is that a two year old processor is still very close to the latest processor Super PI within 10% of T9500. The memory bus and cpu speed has not significantly improved since Yonah but Intel has done a great job at marketing to us super users and enthusiasts. T5500, T7600, T8300, T9500, X9000. Sony has done the same with the SZ100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700 etc. Many of the lower models have been configured to out perform the latest models. The biggest improvement that warrants attention is GPU and connectivity. Maybe screen resolution as well. All of this is just my opinion but this is just friendly chat right? Keep the SZ until the wheels fall off or some deal presents itself. My guess is the hinges will wear before anything else goes wrong with it.

 

surfing/email/music? wow your that picky arent you? if thats all your doing with your laptop that thing you have there could last you for another 10 years