New SZ?

will there be a SZ690 or any new SZ model coming out soon?

I know its hard to predict these things, but with sony they release their new stuff in japan before US so I was wondering if anyone knew about the new SZ's

 

SZ suppose get a refresh with the new 45nm Penryn processor. The CPU is due to release on Jan 7 08

 

My guess is that Sony could update the SZ line around March/April of 2008. Intel is going to come out with new and better processors like every year...but as consumers, most of us cannot keep up with getting new computers every year, so a decision would be made right now to buy a SZ possibly being discounted or wait until sometime next year when the new ones will come out, probably at about the same price as the current SZ line.

 

Is Sony really going to refresh the SZ? It'd be great if the did however I would hope they have something new up their sleeves.

 

I would like to see the SZ 640 series have an LED option .

 

Only thing I can think of that would be added to next refresh of SZ will be HDMI... just like how Dell's XPS 13" series has HDMI. That is besides the incorporation of the Penryn chip

Although it would be great if they added Blu-Ray, I doubt they will... esp since screen resolution would probably still be 1280x800.

 

I wish they add 2 more USB, HDMI, better BlueTooth and improve their vaio software!

 

Like Dustin D said an LED option on the x40 and below would be great. I think one more USB port will do. Also hopefully fix all the LED issues.

 

SZ's been around for almost two years, its time for a whole new S series now. Please fix the keyboard for one thing Sony, some like it, but a lot, including me, don't.

 

On top of that, I'd wish they could fix the fan noises....

 

IMO, this is the biggest design issue, the keyboard feels really cheap. It is the single thing that pushed me away from the SZ (so I got a TX instead).

 

who said you're supposed to update with each new release?
when new processors come out, you, as a manufacturer, want to incorporate that processor into your line asap. Otherwise you risk losing major sales if your competition beats you to the punch by a couple of months. New buyers will want the latest and greatest, always!

 

I agree 100%. I love my SZ but the keyboard is very weak.

 

I think:

January 2008: SZ7 series featuring Penryn

Q2/Q3 2008 with Montevina: SZ refresh with thinner size, new Nvidia 9000 series

Q4 2008 Nehalem : Brand new 13 inch series

 

yup agreed! And Sony are always one of the first to get new hardware into their systems!

I reckon that as soon as it is technically possible to upgrade the CPU and GPU to better versions, Sony will do so!

 

Montevina is the ULV version of the upcoming Penryn. Designed to be integrated in UMPC or possibly TZ only. SZ will not benefit from it since will be clocked lower than new T8xxx or T9xxx Penryn.

However, the second revision of Penryn will be released the same time as Montevina. The TDP will be lowered from 35w to 25w.

You can expect the SZ manufactured later next year has a much better battery life than the same model release earlier next year. Even they have the same CPU spec

 

Montevina is the name of the platform that will replace Santa Rosa. It is the last Core 2 Duo platform before Nehalem.

 

What are the chanches that the next refresh of the TZ will include the Penryn?In that case the battery will benefit significantly?

 

The purpose of Montevina is to capature ultra portable market. Although it also benefit general laptop group, but the mainfocus is to reduce the package area of upcoming Penryn SFF processor, Cantiga GMCH and ICH9M to around 1400mmA2. Which in turn boost battery running time and lower power consumption.

It won't be called a SZ refresh when Sony incorporate Montevina. It will be a completely new model.

 

They would bring out a new model then, with just months until a whole new platform is released?

 

I'd like to see them get their act together with wireless broadband. First it's pokey Cingular EDGE, now it's Sprint chips in them that they can't "give" away for free on the BTO website. What's next, T-Mo with no broadband at all? Maybe a combo LTE/WiMax chip would be nice.

But oh yeah, the keyboard really stinks. Feels like typing on marshmellows floating in oatmeal. Definitely need a fix for that.