New TZ91 available in Japan!

Nope. The wide warranty protects you against accidental damage, but you have to have it repaired by Sony Japan. All of my Sony laptops as of late from Japan (SZ and G) have the wide warranty and are covered even if I sell them. I just need to send it back to Dynamism and they send it to Sony Japan.

I've used it a few times and it's great. Sony Japan does a good job.

Not sure how Conics works if you have to invoke the warranty.

 

OK, I was only partially correct. The DoCoMo W-CDMA standard is the Europe-backed 3G standard. America's proposed 3G standard is CDMA2000.

So, theoretically, the WWAN modem could be unlocked by some proficient hacker, let's ask the iPhone camp , so it could be at least used in Europe.

If the AT&T standard, or T-Mobile one, is not W-CDMA, which I'm assuming it's not, than the DoCoMo WWAN card would be worthless in the U.S.

Anway, I'm curious to hear more experienced comments from those in the know.

 

Well the g2 has a 12.1" screen which is what I have on my current laptop and the T series has an 11" screen. I'm not sure if that is much of a difference, but since the prices are similar, I figured the 12" screen would be better.

I called Verizon and they told me that I can buy a usb from them which will work with the tz91 or g2. Does that sound correct?

 

Two things: The G2 may be fine, but it is hard to compare to the formfactor of the TZ, with its widescreen and so forth. 12" vs. 11,1" (screen size) is surely only one of the factors to compare, and in my mind it would be difficult - or rather impossible - to say that a 12" machine is better than an 11,1" machine based on that factor alone.

The other thing: About the USB mentioned in the above post: Is that meant to function as the "n" factor? I thought that the whole point of TZ91 and further was that this feature was built-it, so that you didn't need to use the USB for such a thing?

 

I've played with the TZ a bit, own the SZ (13.3" widescreen), and own the G1 (12.1" standard aspect ratio). One isn't necessarily bigger than the other. It's like saying a 26" widescreen is better than a 32" CRT-based TV. It's more about personal preference. All three in my experience are good screens. The standard aspect ratio makes the G's screen appear to be bigger, but in reality, it's probably not and the resolution isn't the same. So mandersen is right - you can't look at a number and make a determination.

As for Verizon (or AT&T for that matter), they usually have three types of modems: USB, PCMCIA, and ExpressCard. Pick whichever one works with your laptop. USB is clearly the most portable there.

I like having my Cingular card because a) I'm not stuck with whatever the laptop vendor decided to stick inside b) if I sell the laptop, my card can work in whatever machine I choose. Some don't want an external card or USB thing, and that's fine. It's more practical, though.

 

All 3G is essentially W-CDMA, but like GSM cel phones, the bands suppored make all the difference.

UMTS/3G in Europe is generally the 2100 band (maybe 900 too, not sure). AT&T in the USA is 850/1900 (mainly 1900). T-Mo I think is going to be either 700/1700 or 1700/2100. It's not even rolled out on T-Mo yet.

That's why most 3G cards sold such as the Sierra (the one I have) support 850/1900/2100 for 3G as well as 850/900/1800/1900 for GSM/EDGE. GSM/EDGE isn't really used in Japan. My Sierra card is unlocked so I can pop in a SIM from Europe and use it there and not have to use my AT&T SIM if I wanted to.

So I would almost put money on the fact that a) The DoCoMo card is locked to their network and b) it most likely doesn't support 850/1900/2100. Anyone who gets it basically bought functionality they can't use - like having Felicia on your imported Japanese laptop.

 

If you really want to perform surgery on your own, here's where you can order some of the internal modems to replace the Japanese one ...
http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/category.aspx?k=hsdpa&_nks=true&c=us&l=en&cs=04

 

Thanks fenderp and madnerson. Which one do you think is better for basic work related stuff (powerpoint, word, excel, internet) and watching dvds. I dont play any video games. It will be my at home computer as well. I will eventually buy a docking station and monitor/etc. I am using a 12" screen now and okay with it (dell 700m inspiron). Do you think the verizon usb or pcmia would work in the g2 or tz91? Is it hard to put the card into the computer? You are right-I dont like the pcmia sticking out. I am also considering the tz190/195

 

First of all, the TZ has a far superior screen to any other computer because the 11-inch form factor is 1366x768, which is true 16:9, and best for DVD viewing and perhaps the most brilliant screen made in the 11-13-inch class. I know my ASUS 12-inch never got close and my Macbook is also way behind in contrast, color saturation, resolution etc.

And USB certainly is not the most portable form factor, ExpressCard is the newest and when in its slot, only one inch or so sticks out for its antenna.

I found a PDF at http://users.du.se/~h01hakyi/DalarnaWeb/MobileBook/WCDMA.pdf:

While TIA and ETSI were still discussing various targets for third generation systems, Japan began to roll out their contributions for third generation technology and develop proof-of-concept prototypes. In the beginning of 1997, the Association for Radio Industry and Business (ARIB), a body responsible for standardization of the Japanese air interface, decided to proceed with the detailed standardization of a wideband CDMA system.

The technology push from Japan accelerated standardization in Europe and the U.S. During 1997, joint parameters for Japanese and European wideband CDMA proposals were agreed. The air interface is commonly referred to as WCDMA. In January 1998, the strong support behind wideband CDMA led to the selection of WCDMA as the UMTS terrestrial air interface scheme for FDD (Frequency Division Duplex) frequency bands in ETSI. In the U.S., third generation CDMA came through a detailed proposal process from vendors interested in the evolution of TIA/EIA-95B. In February 1998, the TIA committee TR45.5 responsible for TIA/EIA-95B standardization adopted a framework that combined the different vendors’ proposals and later
became known as cdma2000.

For TDMA, the focus has been to offer IS-136 and GSM operators a competitive third generation evolution. WCDMA is targeted toward GSM evolution; however, Enhanced Data Rates for Global TDMA Evolution (EDGE) allows the operators to supply IMT-2000 data rates without the spectral allocation requirements of WCDMA. Thus, EDGE will be deployed by those operators who wish to maintain either IS-136 or GSM for voice services and augment these systems with a TDMA-based high rate packet service. TDMA convergence occurred late in 1997 when ETSI approved standardization of the EDGE concept and in February 1998 when TIA committee TR45.3 approved the UWC-136 EDGE-based proposal.

And this at http://www.3g.co.uk/PR/Sept2003/5843.htm:

US : The GSM family of network technologies dominates the wireless market with more than 850 million subscribers, far more than the rival CDMA family of technologies, with only about 150 million subscribers. However, the next generation of the CDMA-family, CDMA2000 1X EV-DO, has caught on much faster than the next iteration in the GSM-family, WCDMA. Technology market research firm ABI closely tracks the developments in these network technologies and estimates that currently there are about 20 live WCDMA and CDMA2000 1X EV-DO networks competing for subscribers.

The 3G revolution began with the launch of the FOMA/WCDMA network by NTT DoCoMo in 2001 with a few additional carriers following since then. In the CDMA camp, SK Telecom was the first operator to launch a CDMA2000 1X EV-DO network in early 2002.

After billions of dollars spent on 3G licensing, most European operators have delayed their plans to launch WCDMA networks until technical and market hurdles are overcome. Unlike the handset interoperability issues with the GSM to WCDMA upgrade, CDMA2000 1X EV-DO handsets are backward compatible, thereby easing the transition to advanced networks. This improves the overall user experience initially as it enables seamless roaming for areas not yet upgraded while mitigating the financial burden on wireless carriers. ABI therefore estimates that the adoption rate will remain higher among CDMA users for EV-DO networks, though over time, WCDMA subscribers will out number those for EV-DO

Enjoy!

 

Now I am leaning toward the tz since it sounds like the screen is better, albeit smaller. Is there much difference between the tz91 and the tz190/195?

 

I disagree ... I don't really love the 1366x768 resolution. I wish Sony had adopted the 1280x800 resolution they did on the SZ. It's arguably one of the main reasons I would never consider the TZ. The SZ XBRITE screen is better IMHO, but the G screen is not shabby at all - just different. If you don't do a lot of widescreen stuff, it's not so important. I only miss it occasionally for some spreadsheets.

Actually, it is. All notebooks have USB slots. Not all of 'em have ExpressCard. The G is PCMCIA. So if you want to ensure compatibility, USB is it. Now, if you KNOW your laptop is going to have an ExpressCard, get an ExpressCard.

 

YOu have more (and arguably better) configuration options such as having a 64GB SSD + 200GB drive (but no DVD). Plenty of threads here on 'em, or go look at the popular importers. But ... you don't get a US warranty, etc.

 

Ironically, the TZ is a bit cheaper than the G. Go figure. For what I want, it's a $200 difference.

 

Sorry guys, but I'm not suh an expert so i didn't catch a lot about your 3G discussion. All in all there are some possibilities that someone unlock the japanese WWAN?
I wouldn't ask if the modem was included in the price but is not. Specially when importers (pricejapan) ask for adittional cost to put the WWAN inside the TZ.

 

I would say about as much chance as you have of having someone change your BMW into a Mercedes. We're not talking the USA and Europe where it's just a matter of frequencies and simple unlocks in most cases.

If you need to use some sort of cellular data in the USA, just get a USB/PCMCIA/ExpressCard (whatever is appropriate for your needs and computer) here and be done with it. A lot less pain and anguish. For the price of what you'll most likely be paying for the WWAN you can't use, you can go to somewhere here and something you can use.

 

Thank you for clearing this up for me. It's a major disadvantage having to send it back to Japan.

 

Not really. If you buy it from a reputable dealer, they handle it. It's no different than sending it to wherever you would otherwise. Quite frankly, Sony Japan does a kick ass job on repairs. Look at the amount of threads on here where people complain about Sony UK, USA, etc. Sony Japan generally turns your repairs around in under 2 weeks not including shipping either way from your middle man to you, so you get it back in a month or less. I remember when I had to have my U70 fixed it was about 3 weeks from the day I sent it to the day I got it back.

Now, if you had to try to send it back yourself, well, that's a whole other matter. In that case, I'd agree with you - get your local version of the TZ.

The wide warranty is essential if you want more things covered -basically, if you do something stupid, they'll pretty much fix it, where if you didn't get it, chances are you may be charged. That's really the point of the wide warranty.

 

About the wide warranty...
Let's suppose that you break your TZ (and is not repairable) under wide warranty and the model that you took is no more available (like now the TZ with the 32 GB SSD is not on sale anymore on the site),what will happen?

 

Theoretically you are covered with your wide warranty and they should give you a new laptop. It's not your problem, it's theirs giving you one. Basically they usually give you the corresponding new model.

 

Well I wish I could see the g2 for myself. WHy dont they sell the g series in america? I am so confused. I dont know which one to get and I need to order it soon. Is there anything in one over the other that stands out? g2, tz195, tz91?

 

I've never had my laptop go up in a fire (which I think is actually covered), but I would assume what Fade To Black says is correct. Have whoever you are buying it from double check, though. To be honest, the reason I get it is the things that do go - like screen and motherboard - usually go after the normal warranty period and those are the expensive repairs. Much more expensive than the $150 it'll cost to get the wide warranty. It also pays if you are the type of person to actually keep a notebook for a few years.

The G - like Panasonic's R series - just isn't what most US notebook buyers are looking for. The TZ seems to be about as small as people want. If you ever go to Japan you'll see why. It's very much a commuter culture (esp. in Tokyo), so having small, light laptops like the UX, TZ, R, Fujitsu P series, etc. are very welcome. The G is Sony's answer to Panasonic's R or W series, and IMHO the best built Sony laptop I've seen to date. Much better than my SZ which isn't shabby.

The G is more for business travelers who may watch the occasional movie, not care about widescreen, want something reasonably powerful but very light, etc. THat's the G. The TZ is definitely sexier, widescreen, you can have the SSD + HDD, SSD + DVD, HDD only ... much more options.

So again, it boils down to what you need/want in a notebook. Price-wise, they're close, and the TZ is a tad cheaper, but as sexy as it is, I'd probably buy the G again. It's - to me anyway - the perfect tradeoff in size vs. power out of all of the ultraportables/lightweight laptops I've owned to date. Usually there's one issue or another - they keyboard is too small, etc.

If you live in Chicago you can call Dynamism and they'll meet you somewhere so you can see it but outside of that, you just need to make the best decision based on the info you have.

 

Thanks fender, you are a great help.

It sounds like the tz is the best choice for me, although I like the spill proof keyboard on the g2. I dont know if I am going overboard by spending so much on this computer, but I need something I can take to and from work (although I have a desktop at work), to and from coffee shops (I am in my subspecialty training as a doc. and studying for the boards as well as writing papers), traveling with and also something I can sneak into other subspecialty conferences that I am required to be at but dont really contribute to (and thus I need small computer that I can use to work on papers, powerpoint, etc. I see other docs. using tz as well). I am constantly having to write papers and prepare presentations. My dell inspiron at 4+ lbs is a pain to take through security on planes. One of the docs at work has had the tx for 2 yrs. and loves it. He uses it as his main computer, hooking it up to a docking station at home. The only other computer I was considering was the xps 1330 dell but again it is too heavy, but cheaper!

To save money, is there much difference between the 32 gb ssd and the 64 gb ssd?

 

If you don't mind plunking down another 5-600 bucks for an extra 32 GB, but then again, not only you have twice the SSD space, but you also get a slightly faster read/write speed.

 

IF you can find 64G outside Japan! From my experience with a 32G SSD I will upgrade to 64G as soon as they're available in the US -- 32 is TOO SMALL! And I understand the 64G SSD being used have a higher data rate than the 32G in my TZ so there should definitely be an improvement in speed.

 

"It sounds like the tz is the best choice for me, although I like the spill proof keyboard on the g2."

I believe the TZ keyboard IS spill proof -- it's different design from the TX design and seems to have a much tighter key to keyboard faceplate than the typical notebook.

 

That is terrific! I had not read that anywhere, so when Best Buy told me that, I was skeptical.
Bruce, do you like your tz190? Is it too slow?

 

As Burce said, the keyboard on the TZ series is tighter and, because of the way it is designed, would not allow nearly as much spilled liquid to penetrate the computer as on a standard laptop. However, this is more a side benefit than an actual spill-proof feature -- I don't think the TZ has the "official" spill-proof technology of the G series (which takes what is spilled and directs to an exit point).

Edit: typo

 

YES.... I LOVE IT! And if you read some of the other threads on the TZ here I think you'll find virtually all TZ owners love their machines -- many of us gave up larger notebooks for this (I switched from a ThinkPad T60p). Is it too slow? No -- not for my usage. The ULV cpu is slower by spec and the display adapter is built into the motherboard rather than being separate like the Nvidia and others, so the specs say it's slower. But I have to say, I sit here observing my TZ comparing it to my SZ (purchased as an evaluation unit) and there's not much perceptible difference. Even getting used to the 90% keyboard was not as hard as I'd expected.

 

THat's good to hear bruce! Well it looks like I will get the tz195 or 190. You guys are terrific. I dont know if I could figured out which one was the best choice on my own.

One more question...I back everything up on my laptop to a jumpdrive and to a hard drive at work. In fact, I may not even have the latest version of my work on my laptop at all. I wonder if I should get the 190 to save money, and add more memory later if I need it? Would it be hard to do? Could I do it myself, and if not, who would? Is the memory the only dif. between the 190 and 195? Also, does anyone know if Verizon can add a card to it? THanks so much.

jenny

 

The difference between the two is the TZ195 has a 48gb SSD vs 32gb in the 190 and a premium carbon color on the lid vs black on the 190. The 191 is the same as the 190 but also has the premium carbon finish.

 

Do you think the extra $$$ is worth the memory? Or would it be better to add it later?

 

Having a 32GB SSD in my G, I would love to have the 64 and it's arguably the main reason I'd love to upgrade. The rest of the computer I'm fine with. 32GB works, but is a tad limiting. So if you can afford 64GB SSD, get it.

If you're talking 2GB of memory, buy that not from Sony. It's cheaper elsewhere.

 

No -- not really -- supply vs demand right now. Should be able to add one later (see other parts of this forum for threads discussing how to upgrade a TZ HDD) but this little jewel is so tightly designed it looks to be a bit more difficult to open and upgrade than the SZ models.

 

Whoops! I realize I was thinking upgrading the SDD in my last msg. I understand replacing the 1G memory with a 2G card is not so hard on the TZ and agree Sony prices are very high.

 

It's not just Sony - try and find a 64GB SSD in any form, let alone one under four figures. Best to bite the bullet up front and get it with the notebook.

 

When I told the computer guy here at work that I wanted a sony vaio, he wasnt so thrilled. He said I should get a dell or the toshiba r500. But when he looked up the specs on the tz195, he was impressed. He was suprised that the ssd has come out already in such a small computer. He actually recommends that I get it now. Unfortunately, work doesnt pay for it.

 

Tech people are often skeptical of Vaio notebooks which are, after all, made by a company that is primarily in the consumer electronics business. I used to think that way myself and then I got seduced by Sony's sleek design and use of high-quality materials a few years back. Since then, I have been a repeat buyer.

You don't get the cutting edge components available in a Dell, and Vaio laptops are more fragile than their Dell or Toshiba counterparts but their design is top of the line. Sony is also particularly adept at designing ultraportables, a category long neglected by Dell.

Sorry for rambling...

Benjamin

 

tz91 coming soon................. I will get back to you guys as soon as I get it + bench it

 

DHL pickup Oct 24th Tokyo, in Destination Country Oct 25th, out for delivery tomorrow ;-) 64gbssd here we come

 

In Trigger, who did you buy it from?

 

See his post above.

 

Great man,

Soon you gonna have the best ultraportable in the market!

Let us know if the 64 GB SSD is quicker than the 32 GB and especially if the WWAN is working!!
Waiting for you to know if i order with the WWAN built-in

 

what cutting edge components does dell have that sony's dont?
other than maybe quad core prcoessors they all have the same thing
and i havent seen any hybrid hdd in any dells yet

 

The Japanese WWAN will NOT work in the rest of the world. It would need to be replaced with a card from a vendor you use in the country you are in. They sell mini-PCI cards on OEM sites that if you are savvy enough, can swap things out.

 

Seems much more easy to take an Express Card HSDPA. Less problems and you will not pay for some device ( WWAN buit-in) that most probably is not going to work.
For doing such things as Fender suggested you should be quite an expert jack, and as it seems in your pm, you are not Cheers.

 

ok guys, received it today - need to clean install vista

 

You should order it with the WWAN card built-in, because that slot can be occupied by a Sprint mini PCI card. Instructions on how to do this are available on the EVDO forums, which I looked at.

The only question is, who wants to be the Notebookreview after-market installer? Anyone want this cool job? If so, PM me and we'll start a business together!

 

I have now fully installed windows

I need your help huys, if anybody jhasd had experience before

I have inserted the Simcard in, however I do not think that the driver for the WWAN card is installed.

Does anyone know how I can go about doing this?

 

Hello

Is that simcard you inserted is from sprint.

 

no its european (I live in France/UK)

It is an orange sim card

The most important thing at the moment is to identify the WWAN card, and find + install the relevant drivers

I see no way of finding this information without asking Sony Japan directly

Does anyone live in Japan? or maybe speak Japanese in order to try and find it on the sony Japan website