New Sony Vaio Z speculation/news thread

And....the Z has been released (well, for order reservation, anyway) in Japan.

 

If you sit a MacBook and a VPC-Z in front of me, and ask me to assess the lid of each, I will note (being a mechanical engineer) that the Sony is is much lighter and thinner than the Apple machine due to superior engineering and engineering materials. Designing flexure into a durable design is far more difficult than to simply bulk it up (and make it much heavier) with extra thick metal so it won't move.

An example of this kind of difficult engineering: have you ever noticed how much the wings of a passenger airline flex throughout flight? Hint: a lot.

So to me, I think the Z lid is higher quality. Joe Sixpack consumer walks up to both and goes "errr, the MacBook is rigid and metal, yay! the Sony is plastic and it's flexy, err feels cheap!".

That's all I'm saying.

 

Apparently the cheapest config with the PMD can be configured with an i3 with a 3rd gen 128 GB SSD. Not bad for 180,000 yen.

 

I thought the i5 was the lowest end processor you could buy.

 

Check dimension6's link above, the cheapest model is configured with the i3-2310m processor.

 

I guess we'll have to buy this adapter for 3.5mm headset



Or get used to built-in mic.

Cheers,
Miki

 

so guys, I am owning the very first Z from 3 years ago. what do you think about the hinge? it really looks fragile and how will it will feel when you have it on your lap or stomach? what's your impression on that?

 

YouTube - ‪VAIO Z?????Z21??Quick Boot????‬‏ Nice

As for VGN-Z hinges, they look fragile for sure, even cracks/squeaks from time to time, but I don't have any issue so far (in OCT it will be full 3 years). My only issue was broken keypad, some keys weren't working so I had to replace it, and as with Sony, you cannot replace "just" keypad, but whole top plate. No other issues/failures.

Of course, after few months of usage keys got worn out, no more that sandpaper feel, but new keypad seems more prone to it. However, not something you would expect for 2,640 USD as I paid. Similar story with VPC-Z, that (quite unnecessary) palmrest discolors easily, again not something you would expect for premium price.

Here you can find my issues with Z (photos):
http://forum.notebookreview.com/7088473-post12.html
http://forum.notebookreview.com/7088424-post9.html

My ancient old FZ is still in mint condition, no issue with keypad/palmrest/hinges...

I did enjoy watching all those fancy clips with engineers interviews about VGN/VPC Z, yet they couldn't come up with solution for palmrest/keypad?


I guess I'm still a sucker for Vaio Z, buying it primary for its looks. Know what, I simply adore it But if I wouldn't be so much into it, I would never pay such premium price.

With new Z, hinges look ok, I guess test of time can tell us if improved or not, but SA owners don't complain about it, so I guess it should be the same with new Z. However, I wish Sony used dark sliver/gun metal color of that sliver bar with rubber feet, and dark feet, as those feet will get dirty in no time, dark color would help conceal it (maybe in next refresh?)

Cheers,
Miki

 

CC: I believe you have once again said it just right. New is cool and fun, but the novelty wears off if your wallet is $3,500 lighter and you haven't increased performance or capacity. All I would add is: better have a look at the gold one up close before you make your final decision; it could be very hard to resist

 

Ok, less flex here but display swings as I mentioned before. I'm looking forward to trying this by myself when the new Z hits the retail stores.

 

well, you do get 2nd gen i7, 3rd gen SSD, not (too) much of an improvement I agree, especially for VPC-Z maxed out owners.

Is there any way you can buy some converter, so you can connect XGP via express slot? Will it work with Z? Any idea? Or in other words, is there any way to connect separate XGP other than bundled one?

My main complaint about new Z, is quite mediocre GPU. One would thought, as it's external now, they would have put something quite potent inside. If other manufacturers can put 580m inside laptop body (yet solve heat issues), why not strong external GPU? I believe that's the whole point of having external GPU. 6650m is nothing to write home about really. It feels like, well kind of unused potential, or at least Sony should have given us choice, with their premium pricing I don't see why not.

Cheers,
Miki

 

They might put a better GPU in future refreshes.

 

I know they will, but what does it make current consumers? Cash cows?

I will buy it now as I have VGN-Z and I have waited way to much for next Z and it's really a huge step forward, but from VPC-Z user perspective, I don't see any reason upgrading it now.

Sony VAIO Z laptop video demo:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZuxpcYqRfs

Cheers,
Miki

 

still no new vaio Z in Italy Picture is for new Z but when open page only old Z

 

That makes sense. I have a VGN-Z as well and I think it would be a worthwhile upgrade, while for those with the newer z, it doesn't seem as viable an upgrade. Another tempting thing to do is just to buy a large gaming laptop and leave it at home while continuing to bring use my VGN Z as a work/travel device.

 

For me, VPC-Z has an amazing styling. It's quite difficult to surpass that imo. I guess it's even more challenging for VPC-Z owners.. Ah, sweet troubles

Cheers,
Miki

 

You're right, it seems to me that if you have a newer Z series (last year or so) then you will not be happy getting the Z21 as a replacement because you are losing ODD and discrete graphics in the main unit. The "old" Z is still a cracking portable machine.

But if you are upgrading from a cheaper or older laptop then the bang-for-buck is better as it should be a dramatic increase in power and portability.

If I go for the Z21 myself then I'm upgrading essentially from a Vaio X with 1.86Ghz single core atom processor.. which will make a huge difference to my mobile computing (better CPU, faster SSD, larger and higher res screen, better graphics even without the power dock). It should also replace a lot of the more demanding tasks that I place on my elderly SZ. But I still retain the convenience of having the old SZ for time consuming tasks and as a home server.

With regards to flex; my VAIO X flexes like a bollox and it was a little alarming at first, but it just seems to make it more durable since I have dropped it a lot in the last 18 months and it has still survived!

 

Guys:

SONY Japan announced Z21. Sales will start on July 30.
There is a lengthy alphabetic-like video presentation: All around Z. New VAIO Z Series Z????????| Z????| ????| ????| VAIO????????????| ???

 

Fairly new to Vaio's...just had a Samsung 9 series...returned it, bought a new SA and loved it, but returned it when I saw the Z that's coming out. If it's released on July 30th in Japan, can I order/pre-order it for by date over in the U.S.? I'm leaving for a New York trip in the middle of August and I'd really, really love to have my new Z with me.

 

The SonyStyle store in NYC said they would have the new Z in August, maybe you can just pick one up when you are there. The custom build takes a while. You'd be lucky to order it and have it by mid August. Maybe if you order a pre-configured model you can get it by then.

 

Awesome...the hotel I'm staying at is right down the street, thanks a ton!

 

Check out the new Rolex store while you are there, it is awesome! It is just a block down from the Sony Style store.

The Sony Style store also still has the VPC-Z Signature model, LOADED!

 

So now USA is the only major market without the Z? WHYYYYYY?!?!?!

 

This happens with cell phones too. Where is our Samsung Galaxy S II...

 

lol.. if you think sony usa is slow to update... come over to canada!

not only that, but sony canada loves to put a 200$ premium on top of the usa price. not to mention that i'm pretty certain that on average, canadians make less than americans

screw you sony canada, i'm buying from the usa this year

 

Just in case the Z2 doesnt arrive in USA i time for me, would it be possible to order one from UK and ship it to the US?

 

i 10000% agree on you bro! canada is notorious in pricing their goods...

 

only if you have a friend in uk, they won't ship it to the usa directly

 

Does anyone know if Sony are planning to release a TT version of the new vaio Z? Bit like they did with the original Z. I mean a smaller 11.6 version?

 

the vaio Y, has an low voltage processor like the tt

 

Arth1 is gonna come into this thread now and smack you for comparing the Y and the TT,

 

Come on man, the Vaio Y is not the alternative to the new Vaio Z, no way. The TT looked really classy and expensive, problem being it was too expensive for most people to justify it. So nothing has been announced as off yet.

 

The Z is a beautiful machine. I still cannot believe there aren't more fans. Truly, I think it's head and shoulders above any Mac, Sony should advertise it more.

It has 3D HDMI, does that mean it needs to be hooked up to a screen that can do 3D? Does that have to be a Sony monitor, or any monitor would do?

Maybe the LTE option is holding things up...

 

Just has to be something that supports 3D.

 

Is that possible?

Personally I don't even want WWAN. If i ever need wireless access I can always hotspot my phone. I won't need to pay for another data plan. and since I'll probably upgrade my phone more often than my laptop, it'll be more future proof. In a few years, i'll have a 5g phone instead of a 4g laptop to work with.

 

second that.

As much as I appreciate the benchmark status of Z, and the high grade quality engineering that goes into a product you rely on and use everyday- I think im going to hold on to my Z11.

Reason being, this is kind of a step down for me in terms of mobility and an upgrade when it comes to desktop prowess when docked. All in all I like the idea of having everything inside the laptop.

This maybe be a great time for people upgrading from Macs but.. i dont see me getting this anytime soon.

 

Which would make the delay worthwhile.

 

Maybe they are waiting to Verizon to roll out its tiered data pricing? Verizon speaks up, confirms usage-based data plans are coming July 7th -- Engadget

It doesn't make that much sense though because tiered or not its still the same hardware and you don't sign up for a plan until after you get your laptop.

 

I don't know, I'm trying to think of the differences between countries which have already announced the Z, and US.

 

More hands-on:
YouTube - ‪Sony VAIO Z Series 2011 First Look‬‏
YouTube - ‪Sony Vaio Z21 - Hands On (german)‬‏ (check at 3:11 screen molesting )

Njoy

Miki

 

That screen molesting without problem is something really sexy nerd engineer thing

 

Lol @ 3:11

 

can someone re-direct me to the you tube that Sony was demonstrating the use of multi-monitors and v-dock?

 

hope the screen doesn't bruise quite as easily as past iterations.

 

YouTube - ‪2011 VAIO Z - Power Media Dock Offical CM‬‏

Why do people keep calling the PMD the v-dock? Is that some sort of translation difference? I keep thinking people are talking about vidocks.

 

video docking station or short v-dock, so common.

http://www.itpro.co.uk/634555/sony-vaio-z-review-first-look

http://www.pcauthority.com.au/Galle...ntroducing-the-sony-vaio-z-series-laptop.aspx (mmm, gold one)

 

Same here, I own a VGN-Z and will probably upgrade to the new Z21 when it becomes available here in Norway. My VGN-Z still works well for many tasks (I've replaced the disk with a OCZ Vertex 2 SSD, which helped a lot), but it would be nice to have some more CPU performance, a decent GPU and blu-ray available.

 

thank you!

May I ask for anyone that knows, what brand case is that he is carrying that Z2 in? I need to get that!

 

Right now, CTO in sonystyle italy it's avoided, there are only ready laptop for every series.. probably they'll put Z online soon.