New Vaio 2008 model listing with indication prices - FW - Z - SR - BZ

Here's an overview of all the models coming out this august. Since all information was scattered around I thought it would be useful to keep track of it here. Prices in euros translate approx. 1:1 in US$. That means that a Sony notebook that costs 1800 euros in Europe generally costs 1800-1900 dollars in the US. Official announcement will be the 15th of Juli.

Sony VAIO VGN-SR Series
A notebook with 13,3" LED backlit 1280*800 screen, options: ATI Mobility Radeon HD3470 GPU with 128 MB VRAM. (Will be available in different color schemes)


European models:
VGN-SR11M / P8400 3GB 250GB 13.3¨ VHP 1200€ (Intel graphics)
VGN-SR19XN / P8400 3GB 160GB 13.3¨ WVB 1350€ (Intel graphics)
VGN-SR19VN / P8400 4GB 200GB 13.3¨ WVB 1500€ (200GB 7200rpm, HD3470)
US models:
VAIO SR129EB P8400 2.26G 2GB 250GB DVDRW 13.3-WXGA BT CAM BLK $1,374
VGN-SR140ES
VGN-SR150FN
VGN-SR175N
VGN-SR190

Sony VAIO VGN-BZ Series
A 15,4" business notebook


European models:
VGN-BZ11MN C2D/P8400 2.26G 160GB 2GB 15.4" DVD+-RW VB VGNBZ11MN.NL3 986€
VGN-BZ11XN C2D/P8400-2.26G 200GB 3GB 15.4" DVD+-RW VB VGNBZ11XN.NL3 1152€
VGN-BZ11VN / P8600 4GB 200GB 15.4¨1270.65€
US models:
naming unknown yet, it seems like it will not be released in US.
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Sony VAIO VGN-FW Series
The Vaio FW is a 16,4" multimedia notebook with Bluray option, replacing the FZ. GPU option: Intel GMA 4700MHD, ATI HD3470 with 256mb, ATI HD3650 with 256 MB. Resolutions: 1600*900. HDMI output. Height 10.3 inches, Width 15.1 inches, Depth 1.5 inches, Weight 6.4 lbs. (Will be available in different colors. BTO configs in the US)


European models:
VGN-FW11E 16,4Zoll P8400 2,26GHz 250GB 3GB ATI Radeon HD3470 256MBDL DVD+-RW/RAM silber VistaHP 1050 EUR
VGN-FW11L 16,4Zoll P8400 2,26GHz 250GB 2GB ATI Radeon HD3470 256MB BD-ROM/DVD+-RW/+-R/DL/RAM silber VistaHP 1.100 EUR
VGN-FW11M 16,4Zoll P8400 2,26GHz 250GB 4GB ATI Radeon HD3470 256MB BD-ROM/DVD+-RW/+-R/DL/RAM silber VistaHP 1250 EUR
VGN-FW11J 16,4Zoll P8400 2,26GHz 250GB 4GB ATI Radeon HD3650 256MB BD-Rom/DVD+-RW/+-R DL/RAM silber VistaHP 1.400 EUR
VGN-FW11S 16,4Zoll P8400 2,26GHz 300GB 4GB BT ATI HD3470 256MB BD-R/-RE/-ROM/DVD+-/RW/+-R/DL/RAM silber VistaHP 1.500 EUR
VGN-FW11ZU 16,4Zoll P9400 2,53GHz 300GB 4GB ATI HD3650 256MB BD-R/-RE/-ROM/DVD+-/RW/+-R/DL/RAM silber VistaU 1.700 EUR
US models:
VGN FW139EH P8400 2.26G 3GB 250GB DVDRW 16.4-XBRT WVHP GREY $1,135.97
VGN FW139NW P8400 2.26G 3GB 250GB DVDRW 16.4-XBRT WVB SP1 WHITE $1,184.97
VGN-FW145E/W (2.26GHz PC Intel Core 2 Duo P8400, 3GB, RAM, 320GB)
VGN-FW140E/H (2.26GHz PC Intel Core 2 Duo P8400, 3GB RAM, 250GB)
VGN-FW150E/W (2.26GHz PC Intel Core 2 Duo P8400, 4GB RAM, 250GB )
VGN-FW160E/H (2.26GHz PC Intel Core 2 Duo P8400 , 4GB RAM, 250GB Blu-Ray Disc)
VGN-FW190E
VGN-FW190N
VGN-FW198U/H 2.53GHz P9400, 4GB, 320GB, Blu-Ray, $2,149.99

Sony Vaio VGN-Z series
An 'ultra portable' notebook with 13,1" LED screen in 16:9 aspect (1366x768 and 1600*900), Nvidia GPU with HDMI. From the pictures it can be seen it has a similar look as the current TZ series.


European models:
VGN-Z11MN / P8400 4GB 200GB 13.1" WVB 1766.39€
VGN-Z11VN
VGN-Z11WN / P8600 4GB 250GB 13.1" WVB 2276.71€
US models:
VGN-Z520N/B
VGN-Z530N/B
VGN-Z550N/B
VGN-Z570N/B
VGN-Z575FN
VGN-Z591U/B

Sony Vaio VGN-TZ, CR, AR series
Update expected fall/winter.

Official announcements event 15th of Juli http://club.vaio.sony.co.uk/clubvaio/gb/en/vaio10/

Thanks to everyone who contributed to this list. If you have any updated information please post here and I will update this message.

Notes:
-the prices and specs seem to vary from website to website so take these as an indication.
-this post will be updated whenever new information is found.

Pictures from manuals, the first two on the left are SR, then two FW, last one on the right and one on the bottom is Z series. Manuals can be found on page 6 of this thread.

 

Thanks for this. Do you think this means that any TZ series update/replacement will be post-September?

I'm currently agonizing over whether to get a current model TZ or wait for a (?Montevina) new version later in the year...

 

As far as TZ, if...there will be a replacement than it will happen in fall, but again it could be a mere CPU and other specs update.

 

Yes, the regular Montevina processors and chipsets are launching in July, whereas the SFF (small form factor) Montevina processors and chipsets are not launching until September.

So the Montevina ultraportables will have to wait until Fall.

 

The SR is the most interesting to me. I think the SR is the more conventional notebook, whereas the Z is really technologically advanced, and thus likely really expensive. Hopefully, the SR is as good as the old S series was back in the day. Speaking of which, I really want an S460.

Disappointing: they all look the same. I at least would think the Z would look different and edgier and such.

 

Well we have only seen outline drawings, we have not seen the real styling. Nixon kind of confirmed that the SR would have a more 'trendy' design. I would not be surprised if it looks a lot like a smaller version of the CR, complete with different color versions. One that's listed in Holland at the moment is in silver. The Z will be have similar styling as TZ.

As for prices, the prices listed in the startpost are pretty accurate i believe, in euros and US$.

 

Maybe I'm just playing to my own impatience... but I'm coming around to the idea of getting a current-generation TZ, I think.

I really want a new laptop within a month or so of my birthday (beginning July) and definitely before I go on holiday in September.

I will be disappointed if I buy a laptop July 1st and the Montevina version comes out July 15th... but it seems more likely we'll be waiting until much later in the year for these to be available widely (I would want a model with UK keyboard, HSDPA WWAN, etc).

All this technology moves at such a pace that eventually you have to just take the plunge and watch as your shiny new toy gets made obsolete all too quickly... I'm well aware of that.

The plus side is that from what people have said, the current TZ models perfectly fit my requirements - I would see a performance jump from my current Pentium-M equipped Samsung X10 - and I think the only benefit I'd really gain from Montevina would be longer battery life...

So, is anyone going to talk me out of it? Am I being pragmatic or an impatient fool?

 

I'll try talking you out of it

If you wait for the Z series (VGN-Z11MN) you will get:
- 13,3" screen which is far more comfortable than a 11,1"
- a much much faster latest generation processor, instead of the ULV in TZ
- a much much faster harddrive, because you can fit in the latest generation 2,5" drives like the Hitachi 7K320.
- similar battery life

A TZ with vista can be slow, a Z series with Vista will be flying.

 

clean install of Vista on my TZ is anything but slow, even with the 4200rpm drive. but yes the Z is worth waiting for, even just for comparisons sake.

an ultraportable like the TZ at 1.2Kg, has my business anyday

 

Is the 15.4" BZ European only, or are there US models, as well?

 

US too. Just have not seen the actual naming. If anyone knows the names I will add them.

 

BZ is a 15,4" business notebook, not a consumer notebook.

 

Yep. thanks.

Does anyone have links to the outline pictures of the new models?

 

Any word on the resolution options on the 16.4" FW?

 

Information on the exact dimensions of the FW is enormously appreciated as well!

 

If you need it, buy it now. The TZ is a great machine and if you take it with the SSD it will not feel slow in any aspect. Of course you can't compaere with the performance of SZ and the upcoming Z but really once you buy an ultraportable you can't go back. The TZ's screen is the best I have ever seen and the 11'1 after a while you get used to it. The SZ to me appear really big with a huge footprint...Hopefully the Z series will be smaller? And in battery life I really doubt that the Z or SR series will get any close to the TZ's battery.
Furthermore, now there are going to be big discounts at the actual TZ models.

 

Have you checked the manual?
http://www.docs.sony.com/reflib/docget.asp?manualid=1016203&DL=,600,560,10,10,Manuals

 

I did as I thought the same thing, but I did not see any specs, ie, dimensions.

Darn it, was hoping they would change the location of the USB ports - I would love at least one on the backside or at least toward the back. I hate those up front.

 

My guess is 1366x768 on lower end models and 1920x1080 on higher end models, like the similar 16.4" Acer 6920 series.

 

Congrats PhilFlow, you sorta made it to front page news:

Engadget via Laptoping via NBR.

 

So, at least we will have some choice?!?

 

LoL yeah I just noticed that too, thanks for the news though!

 

Yep i was thinking the same thing, it will be similar to Acer.

Lol that's very cool. Thanks for letting us know. I did not do it alone though, so I would say we made it to Engadget.

 

This is the (illusion) picture from the manuel...
Sorry, crappy photoshop skill
Erm... can admin enlarge the picture? I dun have my personal photbucket or something alike...

BTW: It's the Sony FW 16.4"

 

lunateck thanks for those pics. How do I make thumbnails in the startpost like you did?

 

Instead of Quick Reply, Press Advance, there you'll find the tab of attachment.

Here's the SR 13.3"

Working on the Z series now.. Looks alike SR but wider..

 

Sony Z super wide 13"

 

I just ordered a sony sz premium. I don't need a new laptop till mid august. should i wait to get one of these new ones?

 

If you can wait until then, why not? The Z series that replaces the SZ should be around the same pricepoints as the SZ and the SZs will drop in price. The Z will have over the SZ better performance, better battery life and HDMI out for starters.

I wonder who leaked the manuals onto Sony support? He is in so much trouble.

 

Phil, I made better ones... I hope we'll see the real machine soon!

If the FW have a 9600M GT, I'm going for it... yummy!

 

If -moreover- the FW will have a better battery life, get less hot, and be hardly any larger than an FZ, then I guess I can't give myself any excuse not to buy it either!

 

I assure you, it'll be wider than the FZ... I'm not really buying for power but at least a 9600M for my LAN party... others I will do it on my desky..

 

Better battery life and less heat are very likely, since Montevina draws considerably less power. I believe it's 25W vs. 35W for P CPU vs. T CPU.

For an indication of the size you could have a look at the Acers with 16,4" but then a bit thinner I reckon.

 

I really love this thread! Big Thanks Phil!

 

Arh.. reread the manual, seems like the FW will not have Nvidia. ATI will be in there but I wonder which...

 

you sure the fw is 16.4 inches? how come this one says 15.4?
VGN-FW11L / P8400 2GB 250GB 15.4¨ VHP 1042.17€

the fz, fs and fe were all 15.4inches.. i dont think sony makes 16.4inches.. because they always have a 17inches.. i may be wrong

 

Not 100% sure. There is quite a lot of resellers listing the FW series as 16,4". Since this is a trend in the notebookmarket to move to 16:9 screens I'm assuming they are right.

Here's one for example: http://www.hd.nl/p/SONY/VGNFW11S.NL3

But who knows the L version might be an exception. I'm assuming it's 16,4".

The picture in the manual also seems like a 16:9 screen, indicating a 16,4" screen:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=19997&d=1214252429
_______________________________________

Just found the GPU for FW-M series: ATI HD3470 with 256mb.
source: http://laptops.bestekoopaanbieding.nl/product/Sony-VGNFW11M.html

 

Isn't the 9600M the equivalent of the 8700GT? Then I hope Sony offers an SLI option for the GPU!

 

If it's an ATI GPU, then it definitely should be the ATi Mobile Viper Radeon 3870HD 512MB DDR3 XTREME !
I would prefer nVidia and Intel though. Sony usually sticks to them. Unless they'll be offering the AMD Puma platform...

Also, the FW series...
1.will have 16.4 inch screens
2. will improve on heat management and battery life (Montevina platform)

I also hope that Sony will implement a back-light keyboard, although this is unlikely.

 

16.4" is a really weird screen size. I thought the 16" screens in the Aspire 6920 and other 16:9 screens measured 15.6" in diagonal, but I guess not.

And wow, an AMD based Sony. Thats not happened in easily 5-6 years or more now. I doubt it though.

 

men i need a new notebook bad.. my fs has really served me well.. i was about to buy a customized fz from sonystyle.com but i just decided to do a research on when a predecessor will arrive.. does anyone know around when this will be on sale? does late summer refer to like august/september?

 

I don't recall Sony ever having used AMD processors. The only time I remember them not using Intel processors was in later versions of the C1 Picturebook series which used Transmeta Crusoe processors.

I think Sony will want to have it out by August, especially with the huge laptop sales that occur then when many college students buy new laptops for instance.

 

i think i will like the SR, pretty reasonably priced...13.3 and it has the ati 3470 card, which i believe is better or as good as the nvidia 8400gs, rite?

 

It's slightly better than the 8400GS. The HD3250 128MB is more comparable to the 8400GS.

 

Darn only a ATI HD3470 in the SR. Guess they switched to it because of ATI smaller 55nm process meaning a smaller chip and less heat (Nvidia GeForce 9300M G being 80nm) Any news on what the Z series GPU will be? (Intel?)

Also i think the links to the sony spec docs are dead.

 

The Z series are the more expensive models compared to the SR series. Therefore, they should offer a better GPU. ATI HD3650? nVidia 9500GS?

 

thanks for the info guys...btw, anyone managed to save a copy of the SR's user guide? they took it off the net already.

 

http://www.myplc.com/sony/ Nope, they did release a few models based on the Athlon XP processor in the early 2000's.

I'd expect the Z to have the same GPU as the SR. Yes, its a higher end notebook, but its also smaller, thinner, and lighter, which makes an upper-midrange graphics card near impossible to fit (unless you are LG, who somehow managed to squeeze an 8600M into a 3.5lb 13.3" frame and still keep a 3.5 hour battery life and decent temps - makes my Asus feel like crap). I'd expect it to have the same HD 3470, but with a hybrid, switchable graphics solution with GMA X4500, similar to what the SZ has now. Hopefully, this time it will be hot-swappable, instead of requiring a restart to switch, but we shall see.

 

From the manual it says Z series uses Nividia GPU and SR uses ATI GPU. But there is no specific GPU model. Z series still has the stamina/speed mode.

 

I am sorry but the links don't work