New Sony Vaio Z speculation/news thread

Since Jan 6th 2011 (CES)

 

shesh, just rounding up. Fine, 5.75 months ago :\

 

sony usa is back online and there is no Z in sight. The only change I see is the reintroduction of the sony education store.

 

I'm almost certainly going to get one of these, but there are definitely a few things to think about.

• Mediocre battery life means carrying the sheet battery on long trips. At that point, it's a 4-pound laptop.
• No compatibility with ViDock or with ThunderBolt means that the only graphics option is the media dock, likely for the life of the product.

So the new Z is good, but not quite the grand-slam home run I was hoping for.

 

I agree about design part, but honestly without Vdock it looks more like X series replacement. If it wouldn't have full fledged i7 but rather ULV i7, than it would really be true X replacement.

My main concern is lack of USB ports on both sides (for reasons I've mentioned earlier, due to my usage pattern). I guess I'll have to get used to it...

Cheers,
Miki

 

Well taking the pmd out of the description is like taking the wheels off a car

Im curious but a lot of people have been complaining about only 2 usb ports. Do alot of people use 3 or more devices at the same time? I will probably a usb mouse receiver in the 2.0 port all the time and then use the 3.0 port for whatever i need like ext hdd, phone, thumb drive, etc.

 

well if you have mouse, USB headset (as you don't have mic-in on new Z), you're pretty much desperate for additional USB.

I have various gadgets attached on a daily basis (flash drivers, external HDD, phones), so 3 would be really nice.

As I have only 2 USB ports with VGN-Z, I'm using headset with regular jacks, in order to free USB. Again, they are on different sides of laptop, not interfering with my mouse (and forearm) comfort-zone. I attach all stuff on my left side, including headset.

with Vdock, you do get additional ports, but then you have one additional gadget on your desk (looking kick-a$$ btw).

The only reason why I didn't opt for VPC-Z is this plastic, easy to wear-out palmrest.

with new Z, I really like those rubberized screws at bottom, however they should have come smarter with those rubber feet below screen design. It spoils almost perfect design.

Someone said they've done everything to reduce the weight down to 1.2 kg, but more likely they didn't reduced it, but simply split part of it into additional unit. Not a real weight "reduction" if you ask me.

Cheers,
Miki

 

Well do you use a headset on the go? If you use it at your desk your fine, cuz with the pmd you have access the 3 2.0 ports and 1 3.0 port

 

I have a bluetooth mouse that works great on my Z. The only time I ever use my USB port is for a flash drive. Backups are dumped to my desktop via the network. People who want 4-6 USB ports on a laptop are the same as those hating on ODD-less notebooks, before that those who hated on fdd-less notebooks, so on and on. You want the latest and greatest you need to keep up

 

Hi. Does anyone know if any store in the US has a brand new Z13 in stock? It would be a great help. Thanks.

 

^ may i ask which bluetooth mouse you use with Z? because more certainly there has been issue with using bluetooth mouse in the past and didn't delivery good experience.

 

What bluetooth mouse do you use? I was going to get the razer orochi but it has sleep/lag issues. I thought i decided on the logitech anywhere MX, but now im curious

I stated earlier that I know the Philadelphia store has z13 in stock and rehobeth beach store has z11. If those aren't in your area, check outlet stores near your area, not the normal sonystyle stores.

 

No, not on the go, you're right about that. However, I use it at work/home, so I guess I'll have to carry PMD back and forth

Cheers,
Miki

 

I need only 3, so do I fall into that group? But I definitely don't need DVD inside my laptop. The only time I use it, when installing OS, but now I do it via USB so no actual need for me.

Cheers,
Miki

 

does anyone know if its possible to connect the new media dock to the Z11-Z12-Z13 versions of the Vaio Z ?

Sony Europe unveils its new ultra-mobile with the redesigned Vaio Z Akihabara News

They are saying that it connects via LightPeak (optic cable) but what does connector is that? anything the previous Zs might have?

thanks

 

Haha. I bet that when the VAIO Z3 (or whatever it is called) series comes out, you'll be doing the same routine again. Sell your VAIO Z2 for the VAIO Z3?

 

I use the razer orochi, don't listen to the sleep/lag complaints, I have neither. Of course, I didn't buy when they first came out, there has since been a firmware update or 2 so maybe that's why I don't notice it?

I am a big fan of the logitech anywhere MX, got one for my wife. Just not very good for gaming because of the scroll wheel.

 

I have the Razer Orochi mouse too. It is a very nice-looking & comfortable to use mouse. IMHO, it is definitely worth the money.

 

Or you could buy a 2nd pmd if your budget allows?

uh.....yea definitely NOT

great minds think alike

You are using the orochi on BT right? And if you say there aren't any issues after the firmware updates, ill take your word for it.

What is wrong with the anywhre mx scroll wheel?

 

Do you experience any of the lag/sleep issues? also, what firmware are you guys both on? I know the sleep/lag issues existed on 1.03

 

Definitely not possible, just based on the cables in use for the new media dock.

The cable attached to the media dock seems to be fixed to it & the other end of this cable is a proprietary power port & USB "combo" port, so this side of the connector will not be able to attach to any part of the VAIO VPC-Z1x series.

 

we're going OT, but Logitech has a function they call hyper scroll. Frictionless scrolling, just snap at the wheel and it keeps spinning and spinning and spinning and well you get the idea it's a cool feature for large spreadsheets or millions of lines of code but the problem is that it's activated by pushing down on the scroll button. Makes pushing the button a bit awkward and also, gives you hyper scrolling when you don't want it (gaming).

I would gladly take a huge loss btw on my Z11 if anyone is intersted! I have Z2 fever.


I'm on fw: 1.06

 

We're trying to find the perfect travel mouse for the z21...not that OT

and OK it looks like ill get the orochi. Cool factor is much bigger than the anywhere mx THANKS!

 

I'm going to have to do that before I decide to buy. There's a lot I like about the new Z and some of the concerns about design trade-offs that have been expressed here (mid-power GPU) don't bother me. On the other hand, there are some aspects of the design that make me think twice.

If I set my requirements as being a sub-4lb notebook that allows me to pick up a couple of blu-ray discs and watch them in full HD at an airport/in a plane (with high quality IEMs for sound -- I don't care about the built-in speakers) the new Z does not make the cut, the old Z did. It's not necessarily a "deal-breaker" but it does give me pause.

As far as I can tell, there is no notebook currently on the market that would meet my requirements. I'll definitely check out the new Z even though any models available at local retailers won't have the 1080p display.

The question becomes, when I see it, whether the machine is so great/cool/amazing/etc. that I'll give up a basic function (on-the-fly movie player) to get it. Integrated LTE support is definitely a plus in its favor as is a 512GB SSD option.

The bigger question is whether I should wait to see if a machine (not a subsequent generation chip) that is better able to meet my requirements comes on the market in the next month or two.

 

I can tell alot of people should invest in a z13 w/ i7 + 1080p screen + blu-ray + Dual ssd raid while they still have a chance.

this next Z wont be for everyone.

 

Just ordered mine from Sony UK

Laptop VPC-Z21C - Configurable
Your configuration:
• Intel® CoreTM i7-2620M 2.70GHz
• Genuine Windows® 7 Professional
• English (QWERTY)
• Premium Carbon
• 256 GB SATA Gen3 Flash SSD
• 8 GB 1333MHz DDR3-SDRAM
• No Power Media Dock
• 33.2 cm LCD, 1920x1080, webcam
• Wireless WAN
• Security features
• Longe-Life Battery
• Backlight keyboard
• Office 2010 Starter
• No protection
• No Adobe® Creation
• No Adobe® Lightroom 3
• No Imagination Studio Suite 2

 

It's weird. The old Z had DVI of course, which would have been a better choice. I've even looked at the SA and its 'conventional' dock, but that now has HDMI instead of DVI too, so no luck there either.

The jump from a 24" to 27" panel is pretty big in itself, but if you just look at the increase in the working area in apps, i.e. less the menus and toolbars and so on, the increase is an even greater proportion. I think I'm going to find it difficult not to go down that route, but I'm also going to make sure I've held a Z before I decide for certain.

Still can't work out why it's been throttled to 1920 when the GPU can do more but never mind.

S

S

 

I humbly think that watching a blu-ray movie on the upcoming VAIO Z notebook may not turn out to be that big of a problem as long as you're able to rip them onto the SSD before your trip.

True to a certain extent.

One will however need to take a "calculated" gamble when buying a VAIO Z13 notebook about 1.5-2 months ago in order to get those kind of config. Looking back, I manage to take the gamble just in time (around early-mid May) to still be able to snag a new, sealed in box pre-config model, VPCZ13KGX/X with Intel Core i7-640M CPU, a 1080p (Full HD) screen, 256GB SSD, Blu-ray burner, built-in WWAN, etc. I remembered stock went off shockingly fast from all the online retailers back in May. I've been tracking them for a while & at the beginning of May, there were around 80 available (if those inventory status are correct). Then one day, it just went down to 55. A few days later, it suddenly dropped to 15, & within one day, every retailer were out of stock of them.

However, with the huge prices still being charged for those VAIO Z13 notebooks at the time of my purchase, I hate to but will honestly have to admit that spending those amounts of money for obsolete tech is just plain silly. Even though I'm a little bit glad that I managed to get a VAIO Z13 notebook, I do regret for being a bit rash to make that purchase. I mean those money would have been better spent on new tech such as this upcoming VAIO Z series, despite a tiny few "limitations" that it has.

 

I thought the cover over the memory slot was an inlet vent.

 

be careful when looking at display laptops. alot of them are effed up by everyone using them, and they still have those ugly stickers on them

and to answer your bigger question : NO

lucky dog, that's pretty much what I want except 900p and WITH pmd. I wish Sony USA would hurry the hell up.

 

I've got to say, that's a pretty awesome "first post" on notebookreview.com.

I look forward to your hands-on review.

 

I'm thinking about ordering mine tomorrow from Sony DE (highest specs) but I really want to know whether the new Z will output to 2560x1600 monitors (either through the dock or directly)?

beaups, any hints?

 

Sure. est delivery date end July. Opted out for external graphics since I have a custom desktop for heavy lifting..but this config seems like a beast. Will be replacing my 11"MBA running Win7Pro.

 

Congrats on your order.

Since we've now had an order for this new VAIO Z2 series notebook, owners might want to post in the new thread that I just created in the owner's section of the NBR Sony forums:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/son...-vpc-z2-vaio-z-2011-series-owners-thread.html

 

See this is my thinking as well. This is why I've been waiting years for a proper VAIO that ditches the ODD. Apart from the obvious business requirement (VERY occasionally) for reading DVDs / CDs, optical media is practically dead. I've spent the last few years slowly but surely converting my DVD collection to digital format for the NAS (h264 MKV if anyone is interested) with this future in mind. Now, if I want to bring a few movies with me on the plane or for the hotel later I copy them straight from the NAS over the wireless network and away I go. Stick them on a 32GB USB stick if necessary. My trusty old SZ has been maxing its CPU for years ripping DVDs; I can't remember the last time I actually burned a DVD or CD.

As things slowly but surely move to the cloud (I hate that term but you know what I mean) we can expect laptop storage issues to be a thing of the past. If I can access my entire music collection from the cloud, then that's 40GB space freed up on my laptop. If I can stream my movies over the net from my NAS, that's 100s of GBs freed. All of your "bulky" data stored centrally (either at home or over the cloud) and accessible from practically anywhere.

Having said that the poor old SZ is getting worn out from all the DVD ripping. I'm not sure it could handle Bluray ripping ;-)

 

True. But there is the time factor. How long does it take to rip a couple of discs into FHD (let's assume I have the 100 gig or so of free space)? Sure, it's possible, but it becomes a pain. I'm hesitant to buy an ultra-expensive laptop and have a basic function become a pain that has to worked around and requires advance planning. That's not what I want from a $4k computer.

Absolutely true about the need to take care in evaluating in-store displays. As for your NO, is that regard to worth waiting to see what comes on the market or that nothing that meets my specs will come on the market anytime soon?

It's a bit disappointing that even if I'm willing to pay the big buck$ for a new notebook and even though I'm not being a picky fanatic about weight or bezel, the Z still doesn't fit a basic spec, functioning as a portable blu-ray player on an FHD display. Not an inherent deal-killer, but still disappointing. It seems as if too many compromises were made in order to allow an eGPU I don't care about.

 

According to that one report posted a few pages back - its 6-7 hours with the sheet battery. We'll see soon enough......The Z2 IMO is the new X2.

MicroCenter - Z135's and Z133's only.

Wow, I see a sigh of regret. I hope I don't follow your path or will I (lol)? Fortunately, I still have until mid-July to make a final decision on the Z13. As someone pointed out, the Z13 would be perfect if not for the plastic palmrest, but since there has been no complaints on the Silver color wearing off, I'm cool with that. I do use the ODD, so its practical for me to have it as an all-in-one. I think the Z13 is a keeper as I will wait for the Z3. That's just 1.6 years away.

 

The press release stated max resolution over hdmi is 1920x1080 and over vga is 1920x1200

Have you thought about just downloading your movies from online? If you feel guilty, you can always buy the bluray too

And i doubt there will be a computer that will fit ALL of your needs, although something might come at that fits them closer than the Z, but then again, maybe not.

 

Can I ask what program you use for dvd digital conversion to NAS.

 

I'll definitely be keeping my VAIO Z13 (for now, at least) but you need to understand my little buyer's remorse here. To be honest, I got a "good enough" deal (I'm not going to go into details on that though) or I most likely wouldn't have bought it, but considering that the lowest price for my pre-config model (VPCZ13KGX/X) at the time of my purchase from an authorized Sony reseller is $3049, I honestly doubt no one thinks this is money being foolishly spent on obsolete tech.

 

You're generalizing, and you're wrong. I want a CD-less notebook, but I do want multiple USB ports (and a FireWire and non-USB befuddled serial port too, thank you).
One quirk with the new Z is that by plugging in the external unit, you block two USB ports. That may be what some people don't like, because it means they can't keep the external unit out of the way with just a cable to it, but have to use it for plugging in USB devices too.

 

Since when does it block the 2.0 port on the main unit as well?

 

Vaio Z2 is not for everyone.

I would personally recommend that anyone looking for all-in-one solution to go ahead and purchase z13 w/ all the goodies like 1080p screen, dual raid ssd, blu-ray, i7, 3USB Ports, dual hybrid graphics option

 

Not only that & it may just be me, but having almost all the connectors located (except the covered USB port at the top) at the back of the external dock is kinda "inconvenient", especially if one has to take the extra step to find his/her way in plugging in a USB device & so on. Anyone still remember moving around big desktop towers so as to be able to plug in stuff into the computer? Of course, I'm exaggerating quite a bit.

However, this upcoming VAIO Z notebook is still a very refreshing concept IMHO.

Unfortunately, at this point in time, actually being able to find one with those config can be quite a problem.

 

Looks like there is plenty of room for the 2.0 port to me...

Sony VAIO Z hands-on - Engadget Galleries

 

Yep, on a second closer look, that free USB port on the main unit should be able to accept a USB cable without any problem. That's excellent news.

 

arth1 also wants a boom mic on his special notebook, so I'd just ignore his comments as he just seems to be trolling us by being ridiculously over critical of every single Sony design decision Or maybe we could all pitch in to somehow frankenstein a Sony LCD onto his Panasonic laptop of choice so he could stop trolling the Z threads here at NBR

 

It definitely doesn't look any worse than the situation on my MBP where if there is a thumb drive in one of the USB ports, the other port is 100% useless.

 

arth1 reminds me of that Simpson episode where Homer blasts the car company for not having common sense in making the perfect car, so they ask him to design it for them because he has so many great ideas. They end up with: