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

From what I read in this thread the new Sony Vaio Z will stay at 3.3 pounds, with a slightly better CPU and video card, also an HDMI port and other small improvements. The weight is down from the 4lbs of my SZ780, also the form factor is a little smaller.

 

Z series is just amazing, A truly SZ successor. Good job SONY.

 

Completely EMPTY useless praise... for what is a smaller widescreen 13.1" notebook

 

'Stay"???
The SR is the real successor to the sz at 13.3" and it is NOT going to 3.3 lbs.. it's going UP to 4.2 lbs from 4/4.1. .

The new 'z' series is a 13.1" wide (Smaller) screen with less weight and screen area.
Even with the same screen Diag, (13.3" instead of the reduced 13.1) a wide has Less square area of screen.

Thus it's reduced size and weight.

And no answers on the Disappointling LACK or significantly better HDs/HHDs/SSD!
Stunningly disappointing really. A Sony Airbook with no Solid State drive option!

I'll be buying a well outfitted sz780 when they Announce this FAUX/'improvement' next week... and prices come down on these 'old' ones.

 

Ok, not "stay", replace that with "be" please.
Anyway, it's a nice new laptop in the Vaio lineup, that's all. 13.3 or 13.1 is the same thing for me, I would rather have a 14.0 laptop but at the size/weight of the current SZ (they should just use a larger screen with smaller plastic edges), but that's probably not doable.

For now the Z looks good to me with just a few minor drawback (don't like that keyboard at all). But I see you are really against it. If you know something better let me know. I searched for last 4 days about 20 hours a day for a better laptop (for myself) and I only ended up with a few options in the 13-14" laptops under 4LBS:
-Benq x31 (soon available and great/best videocard at this sizebut weak CPU)
-LG p300 (available, great videocard, but no docking and no security/fingerprint)
-asus u3sg (can't find it for sale yet-myself, probably no docking station)
-asus lambo vx3(no docking, everything else, screen a little too small at 12.1)

All of the above are great laptops, with some shortcomings. As I see it only the Z will meet my needs: hdmi, strong cpu, decent strong video card, mic&camera, docking station, fingerprint reader&hdd encryption/password. I can take a laptop with a weaker CPU but I really need the mic, the docking station and HDMI all under 4-5LBS.

Let me know if you can find something else, please

 

I was just thinking the same thing. It would very cool if everyone on this thread profiled where they're from. Everytime I read a post, I look to see where that person is from. Its awesome.

Anyway, I just got a hold of a TZ330 E/B, a friend of mine loaned me hers, to see if I will like it based on my decision on the Z.

I hate to say this, but I am not impressed by it at all. Maybe, its because its too small and second the layout of the battery is clunky. Hard to explain, but the rear of the TZ is very similar to that of the portable travel Panasonic Dvd Player I use to own. And its difficult to type on. After appox. 1 hour use, my fingers are soar. I had to turn it off and use my SZ.

Does anyone know if the battery on the Z resembles the TZ? And will the keys be the same size as the TZ or slightly larger because its 13.1?

I had to tell my friend who was planning on purchasing my SZ, that I needed until the end of August before I decide to let it go, because I reading through this thread that it should be out for sale in August.

I want to actually try out the Z during the trial period. If the Z impresses me, I will keep it and sell my SZ. And if it dissapoints me, I will return it, and welcome my SZ with open arms.

In less than a week, we will all be graduating from this thread. Someone may want to start a new thread as to the ownership and experience of these new models. I know that I will be at the stores to make that purchase as soon as the Z is out to share my experience and review of that one particular model ( Z).

 

I highly doubt it'd be close to the TZ, given the fact that the TZ had a ULV processor with very low bus-speed (not FSB), a smaller screen (smaller screen = less power), and also I'm assuming a weaker integrated gfx chip

 

If you look at the specsheets of the Z series, you will see that they mention exactly which SZ model it replaces.

It would make sense to say that the SR is a new model, or the succesor or the cheaper magnesium SZ models. Sr is not the successor of premium SZ models because it's cheaper, it's heavier, doesn't have hybrid graphics and does not offer carbon fibre.

We don't know yet what CTO options will be offered. It's not unlikely faster HDDs and SSDs will be offered, at least in the US.

I can understand you really liked the SZ keyboard, but if you look at the many reviews of the SZ you will see that a lot of people complain about it's keyboard. In my opinion its looks old fashioned and makes too much noise. The keyboard of the TZ gets a lot of positive feedback. So I guess Sony just listened to most of it's customers.
Try typing for a while on the TZ. Or read this review here:

http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=3780

Just knowing you from your posts I would think you'd be much happier with the best GPU you can find. Just my thoughts.

 

I thought no-one had noticed...

 

True.Been there done that.

As much as I prefer SZ over TZ (performance over mobility), I have to agree even nicer SZ keypad is way below TZ's. Not only feedback/tackle, but also quality itself. Don't get me wrong SZ is really HQ finish notebook, but comparing to TZ, its keypad looks quite flimsy (and cheap), although more eye-candy . TZ buttons have less "bending" than SZ.

What I can tell you FZ and SZ had identical keypads (in size), I believe SR and Z will have same keypad as well (maybe same as FW). If you check FW keypad it's not any bigger than SR, you have more space at the bottom (palm rest) and on the sides (finger rest), due to FW size.

But as I said before, change from FZ to SZ was "real deal" for me, so knowing me I will probably go for Z. My only concern is such high res on small screen (SZ's 13.3" 1200x800 was quite comfortable to me, I'm not sure for 13.1" 1600x900, just affraid it will be too small - eye fatigue?)

BR
Miki

 

Well you do know about the 1366*768 option right?

But if you take the 1600x900, there's plenty of options in Vista to change the size of everything, you can set your browser to zoom by default as wel. So it will be excatly the same as 1366*768, just sharper.

 

TZ screen is kind of too small (but very sharp as you said). But my concern is what kind of resolution will be available other than native. You know, some laptops show sharp image only in native resolution, if you change that, it's kind of blurry. Just hope this will not be an issue with Z

EDIT: or you're saying that those 2 extra inches with Z will make TZ and Z have same object sizes?

 

Ditto.

 

Yes you definetely want to run in native resolution, on any laptop.

I'm saying thath the cheaper Z model has 1366*768 native resolution.

And I'm saying that, with the right settings, the more expensive models can look exactly the same while running in 1600*900 resolution. So to say it is "too small" is actually not a valid statement, in my opinion.

 

Sorry, I was thinking about Z11VN (1600x900)

Let me get this straight: on TZ screen (side by side with SZ) everything look smaller, we all agree on this.

Now, I have never seen 13.1" with 1600x900 resolution in action, so what I'm trying to say is: on Z (comparing now with SZ) everything will also look smaller due to sceen resolution (1600x900 vs 1280x800) and a bit smaller screen size (13.1" vs 13.3") but, will it be still bigger than TZ? That's my question.

And I'm talking only about native resolution, without any further adjustments. 'Cause working with TZ (at least for me) is not so comfortable as everthing IS "too small/ zu klein", talking about Office applications, Internet, in a word - businesswise. Hope you understand what I'm trying to say.

EDIT: just to add comparison FZ vs SZ screen - as they have same resolution 1280x800, naturally everything look smaller on SZ, but for me this was comfortable enough (got used to it), so I haven't had any issues (like "too small", eye fatigue...). But anything smaller then SZ might be an issue for me personally.

Cheers,
Miki

 

No I don't agree While running in native resolution, you can change the DPI so that it looks the same as on an SZ. While keeping the native resolution.

 

According to my dodgy quick maths (maths has never been my strong point )...

The 13.1" Z screen with 1600x900 will have roughly 140 pixels per inch.

The 11.1" TZ screen with 1300x768 will have roughly 136 pixels per inch.

So basically they are both very dense but the Z is very slightly (2.9%) more dense - even smaller looking.

I'm not sure such a small difference will matter too much. But certainly if the TZ pixel pitch is too small for you, then you will not like the high res model of the Z either...

 

That's what I'm talking about - pixel pitch (that's the right word)

 

Not all apps scale nicely, though. In an ideal world, you could change the DPI and everything would still look perfect but it doesn't quite work like that especially with some of the poorly designed non-MS application interfaces.

 

I was talking about "as it is", same settings both on TZ and SZ, I have had them on my desk, and TZ's pitch pixel is smaller comparing to SZ.

InfyMcGirk, can you please tell me what is the pixel pitch for SZ (13.3", 1280x800)

 

That's my another point, as I know from past experience (even with desktop monitors) native resolution is the best (clear, sharp) all others are blurry or as you indicated "application dependant", to put it that way. That's why I'm ONLY interested in native resolution without any adjustments.

 

HI,

I just got an update from Sony in UK, all Z series models with have standard
3 year warranty instead of 1 year (return to base warranty) and all BZ and SW with have 2 year warranty.

these models will be officially announced next week.

 

Again, my maths notwithstanding... I reckon it's 113 ppi. So still smallish in historical terms but quite a bit bigger than the TZ or 'high res Z'.

 

That's what I was affrad of Final judgement will be based (as always) when I see Z in action (some real images, applications running etc.), but as you have indicated in one of your previous posts Z will have even smaller pixel pitch than TZ.

Thanks mate

Miki

 

Update in the form of what, phonecall?

Did you get any further info?

Proof?

etc

 

Still no word on whether blu ray will be an option for SR or Z? I guess its not too long now...

 

1600x900 will be tiny small on a 13.1, hard to work with for a busines laptop (reading and writing tons of emails, docs .. text!). From my experience a too small text will get my eyes tired really quick. I had a 1280x800 on a 10" .. it was killing me ..

Even the current 13.3"-1280x800 is at the limit of decent text size(at the default fonts/dpi - changind this can be messy sometimes), especially when I keep the SZ on the docking station with a full size keyboard between me and the laptop - therefor increasing the distance from my eyes to the screen.

I hope I can choose all the top components on the Z but with the smaller display resolution.

 

Well i am not using Vista SP1 (I use XP), but I've read that the scaling is so good now, that it does not matter.

I don't know if this is actually true though.

 

It is easy to change the size of all the fonts.

 

It will be awesome! I cant wait for that baby to show!

Remember the TZ screen? That is 11" and 1366 ... which is 124 per inch.

13.1 and 1600 is 124 per inch.

THE SAME!

And we all know how AWESOME the TZ screens are and comfortable to work on.

 

For many, the TZ's screen seems a bit uncomfortable. I personally think it's OK for travelling use where the high pixel density is a fair price to pay for the extreme portability, but I'd prefer bigger pixels on my desktop machines that I frequently use all day...

 

There is so many options with the Z model, i think i'm going to struggle to decide. I would want the higher res screen, but as i'm only used to typing on an SZ i won't know until i make the jump whether the screen is going to be uncomfortable. Another factor is that i don't want to wait until they have the new laptops in store before i buy one (i'm too impatient, and i currently have no laptop).

I really can't decide:

Do i blow a substantial amount on the top Z and risk not enjoying the resolution..

Do i blow a smaller but still substantial amount on a lesser spec'd Z and then wish that i bought the better one (like i did with my SZ)

Or do i stick to what i know and go with a reduced price SZ off of a third party retailer?


I just don't know....

.....I know i'm going to have to wait until the official release to decide but the suspense is killing me....

 

I'm in the same boat as you ringmasta...take a walk outside, maybe play some hoops, catch a movie or something and before you know it will be July 15

sigh*

 

You can always return the notebook and get money back!

Just go for the Z high res and after a few days return it, if its not working out for you.

Aim for webshop retailers, they usually are the cheapest.

 

In my opinion, if you insist on using Vista with the default settings, 1600*900 will be a bit too small. But it really isn't a problem cause you can size it the way you want it.

If you're already running Vista you can play around with the DPI, size settings and font settings, so you know what I'm talking about. For example, I'm running my browser always zoomed at 120%.

 

Only 4 days to go: as soon as the weekends through i'll be pretty much there. However to be honest i'm dreading the period between press release and shipping, i don't think any amount of hoops or cinema attendance will while away that time.

Easier said than done. I hate trying to ship products back. I'm only happy returning something when i've physically been to the shop. Past experiences of returning internet bought goods have put me off for life.

So really whichever lappie i go with; unless i really hate it; i'm stuck with.

Sounds good; perhaps i'll proceed with the top of the line beast then.

 

Interesting. I dont know what country you from, but law here is pretty strict and all internest shops accept returned products without any trouble.

Anyhow, good luck with your new laptop and I hope of a nice and deep review soon

 

Im from the UK, its not so much the stores acceptance as the hassle to organise returning it.

I'll be writing a review alright. Never wrote one for the SZ so this one will be overdue.

 

Well the way I'm gooding to decide it, if I buy a Z, I want the best screen, highest contrast, brightness and vibrance. In my opinion the TZ has a better screen than SZ. If only the 1600*900 rivals the screenquality of TZ, I'd go for that one.

So I'll need to see them myself or some reviews before I order.

 

Just out of curiosity, what browser are you using and how are you forcing it to always zoom 120%? This would be great on one of my laptops which has a high resolution screen. Thanks.

 

Opera 9.51. > Preferences > Webpages (I recently left FF3. Opera is much faster and has a better adblock imo.)

 

I loved opera because they have emails integrated, but there were some issues with it so I sacked it.

Is tha fixed now? I just hate having IE + TB, would love an "all in one" sollution

 

No real issues I've noticed so far. I do all my email in Gmail.

 

DPI settings will also affect an external display connected to the laptop. It's a general Windows option. That kinda sucks in my case. Why spend thousands for a huge high quality external monitor if I will zoom everything on it .. you know what I mean

 

Do you know of a similar setting in firefox 3?

 

Actually, I did change the DPI setting of the TZ to "Large"/ native resolution and the TZ still does not compare to the SZ. I actually have both models. The TZ is a loaner. Now, I've only had it for less than 24hrs, so I need to play with it a little more, but I can assure you it does not compare to the SZ. The SZ for me is very comfortable. So after reading your discussion on "Resolutions" can you tell me that perhaps I should reconsider the Z based on its resolution in comparison to the Z?

 

I know what you mean. In my case I want letters big and readable, I want images and movies in the highest resolution.

I believe there is a lot more you can do than just changing the DPI to large. Unfortunately I am not familiar with Vista, so can't say how.

Sorry no. But I would guess it would be available in settings/appearance or advanced setting. If not it should be available as a plugin. Please let me know if you find it. FF has one advantage over Opera, scaled up website with images look better.

 

LOL, that's all I got to say...

 

I'd reconsider that. The Samsung M6 has very slow access times and among the highest power consumption.
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/500gb-notebook-hdd,1960-5.html

 

Try TOOLS > OPTIONS > CONTENT > ADVANCED > MINIMUM FONT SIZE (you may need to play around with those three font sizes)