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

Cool. That's entirely possible if Intel got their act together sooner rather than later. After all HP & Sony, et.al. just have to crank out out the Centrino 2 motherboards and pop them into waiting laptops. And it's also possible that the first batch will be SR and FW series with discrete graphics (no need for problematic Intel graphics chp) so those could already be stacked up on pallets as we speak.

 

Well, it should be pretty decent. Powerwise, X4500 will handle basic games at almost the pace of the previous generation Go7300/7400 that was in the Napa based Sony SZ. It supports DX10 (finally...X3100 should have supported DX10 as well, but thats another conversation entirely), HDCP, and all the other good stuff.

Regarding the new pics of the FW and SR: is it just me or does the new FW look like the successor to the HP dv6000? It really does, I think they lost the design language completely when they scaled up to 16". The SR looks like what I expected it to though, like an updated Sony SZ, which...it is.

Speaking of which, is anyone else getting the feeling that the SR and Z are both split off from the SZ? Like, the SR is replacing the SZ regular, whereas the Z is replacing the carbonfibre SZ Premium models?

 

It's amusing to watch HP-Dell-Sony chase each other. Dell just announced Studio line and abandoned XPS silver keyboards for black. At the same time, HP announces dv4/5/7 going from black to silver keyboards. And now Sony FW is going for XPS/Mac Air silver all over but wisely keeping keyboard black.

I concur that FW styling is a bummer but I'll bet it's 1600x900 display delivers killer Blu-ray playback. Anybody hear if they plan an LED-backlit option for the FW?

 

Its not that I dislike the FW styling, just that it doesn't really fit with the rest of the lineup, you know? It looks like its trying to be something else. Something about the design language doesn't commute well to a 16" frame, makes it look like a laptop from a different company.

 

I trust nixon, he said the beginning of august.

They sell little boxes that can output VGA signal to any TV. I believe it's called PC zapper.

 

Good point! I also have such feeling. Also, correct me if I'm wrong, but new SR will not have speed/stamina switch, but dedicated GPU?

One thing I don't understand, is why Sony made "difference" in screen size 13.3" vs 13.1" (this is kind of no difference if you ask me). I would understand if Z would be 12.1", so this would be Sony's comeback to 12.1 league, as they were pretty strong is this league some time ago, but then they went for 13.3" (SZ) and 11.1" (TZ).

Cheers,
Miki

 

I guess they'll be killing off the 13.3" when 16:9 screen comes into the mainstream. Or they are just experimenting with it. The surviver will be continued.

 

The difference is not in the 0.2", the difference is in the resolution and aspect ratio.

Effectively there may not even be any difference in the screen size.

Based on the pictures we've seen so far I would say SR is carbon fibre all the way and replaces the premium SZ line. The fact that they offer 7200rpm disks in the SR models is another sign.

 

13.3" is already widescreen format, that's why I said I don't understand Sony's attempt to introduce another screen size. As you said Z could also be 13.3" with different resolution. I can go with this. But then again, what is the point of introducing 2 models with same screen size. If SR is true successor of SZ (and I really hope for this) with all this carbon fibre, WWAN bla bla.. you know TOP spec., then why the hell they didn't put HDMI inside. Seems to me like consumers will have tough choice: maybe SR will be with better graphics but lack of HDMI, BlueRay, stamina/speed button....

Until we see final spec., it's kind of confusing.

BR
Miki

 

A cheaper 13,3" with 16:10 aspect, and a more expensive 13,1" with 16:9 aspect and Bluray option. That's what they call differentiation.

It makes sense to make your Bluray products with a 16:9 aspect. And not everyone is waiting for Bluray in a laptop, so Sony gives a cheaper option for that. Nice going if you ask me.

 

i am not sure being about the being sr is the successor of the sz. the sz was a business laptop, the sr seems to be a consumer model. it also looks more bulky and heavier then the sz line. also pricingwise it seems more consumer.

we have to wait for the dimension and weight and details specs to find out.

 

SR will have Blu-ray....it's in the manual. Why HDMI was left out is a mystery but I can live with that. I am anxiously waiting to see what the aspect ratio is though. I would have no problem if it stayed 16:10.

 

Looks like Circuit City has removed images from thir website. Not final design photos?

 

My words man, my words...

 

The Z series we still have no clue what the Nvidia chip will be? Looks Nvidia have done it again by confusing us with all their new naming conventions for the 9 series.

We have (Thin and Light) 9100M G, 9200M GS, 9300M G, 9300M GS but they switched the perfromance specs of them around so it seem like the 9300M G is faster!??

Could either be a 9300M G/GS for the Z series which i guessing will be around the same performance as ATI HD3470. Not bad for a ultra portable thou. The SZ 8400M GS was a real beast for overclocking. I probably say the 9300M G as its touted on Nvidias website as a chip for blu-ray playback (9300M GS doesn`t seem to support Blu-Ray BD Live Support?)

Guess will have to wait and see, nice to see they dropped the SZ keyboard and more for the TZ type for the new series.

http://www.nvidia.com/object/geforce_m_series.html

 

Not that, its that they weren't supposed to be there, they were leaked by accident, good for us, bad for them.

 

Yup. I bet someone at Circuit City is feeling the heat this morning.

 

I wonder when we'll see pictures of the Z series? I assume it will come out after the SR and FW?

 

Any care to share those Circuit City pictures? I didn't see them.

 

Here you go http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=266677

 

Really? I'm not too sure of that. For starters, its pretty thick, and it doesn't have the Hybrid graphics system. They wouldn't do a thick flagship laptop, this is Sony we are talking about. Its like Apple, but more...Japanese, I want to say. Like, cutting edge and really pretty at the same time. Besides, if the SR replaces the SZ Prem, what would replace the SZ regular?

For the record, the old 13.3" C had 7200RPM disks as an option too, and it really was not high end in the slightest. Looking back though, I kinda do like the chunky styling that it had.

 

Well it's all just speculation. We don't even know if any of the new models will be the replacement of SZ. It does not really matter either.

On the subject of SR being thicker than SZ: I do agree the front of the laptop looks thicker than SZ. But overall it does not look thicker. Oh well, we'll find out soon enough.

 

Why do you presume it was by accident? I don't think Sony is being hurt in the slightest by all the pre-announcement buzz. I would think they are loving it. This kind of intentional "leak" is oh-so-common these days (digital SLR cameras being a prime example). HP jumped in early in June and Dell just announced the Studio line so Sony was looking late to the party. I almost took delivery on a Dell with BD burner because I didn't know when Sony was going to refresh SZ and give us Blu-ray. I realize Sony isn't basing decisions on my shopping habits but I'll bet all this clandestine fun has been carefully orchestrated by some marketing mavens at Sony to counter HP & Dell.

 

Interesting article (translation from Italian):

http://translate.google.com/transla...notebookitalia.it/sony-vaio-fw-sr-z-2635.html

Short version (highlights):

Sony VAIO FW is facing digital entertainment and has an LCD panel in 16:9 format from 16.4 " the diagonal. emphasise a vocation of this portable multimedia, we find a series of 8 buttons function in a programmable and the rest dedicated to the management capacity of audio-video (volume control, play and pause, media center etc. ...) and a reader or Blu-Ray Disc, a perfect complement to the digital output HDMI.

The series Sony VAIO SR is an evolution of consumer ultraportatili producer Japanese who have collected some success, especially among the women. (what kind of bulls!!t is this, so now SR is chicks notebook)

Sony VAIO Z, which reflects the legacy of the series VAIO SZ. Fra le due, ci sono moltissime analogie, segno che Sony ha voluto dare un forte segnale di continuità con il passato: anche la serie Z dispone di due pulsanti programmabili S1 e S2 e del tradizionale switch che permette di passare dalla modalità Stamina a quella Speed, anche se, a differenza dei Sony VAIO SZ, la nuova piattaforma Centrino 2 consentirà di passare dal chip integrato Intel GMA X4500 HD ad una scheda video dedicata in modo dinamico, senza dover riavviare il computer. Of the two, there are many similarities, a sign that Sony wanted to give a strong signal of continuity with the past: the Z series has two programmable buttons S1 and S2 and the traditional switch that allows you to switch from mode to Speed Stamina Although, unlike the Sony VAIO SZ, the new Centrino platform will allow u to move from chip integrated Intel GMA X4500 HD to a dedicated video card in a dynamic way, without having to reboot the computer. (finally!)

Cheers,
Miki

 

Oh, boy. Looks like I'm gonna need a Z now. Wonder if it's gonna come with a big "Z" slashed across the lid (sort of like Mac apple).

 

This Spanish site say FW is 15.4"

http://www.eniac.com.es/wac/detalle.php?codigo=1568361

 

Or like Zorro . I have a feeling that SR will actually be replacement for CR series (so I guess without carbon fibre, as if you check price, well estimated one, it's by far cheaper than existing SZ series). On the other side new Z series is more in price range of current SZ (2,000+ EUR for top model).

 

Well it makes sense how they came to that conclusion. All they have is the information here on these forums. We have speculated that the SR will be a consumer notebook with trendy design and many colors. So they concluded that it must be for women. lol.

In reality all I know sofar is that there is a dark grey version and a silver version. All the extensions that we thought are different colors now seem to be different BTO codes.

I don't believe many women are interested in a LED backlit screen, dedicated graphics and a 7200rpm HDD. But i could be wrong, I'll ask my mom

 

Estimated prices for Europe (source Notebook.at, Austrian forum):

Update:

VAIO VGN-BZ11MN / P8400 2GB 160GB 15.4¨ 976.28€
VAIO VGN-BZ11XN / P8400 3GB 200GB 15.4" 1074.40€
VAIO VGN-BZ11VN / P8600 4GB 200GB 15.4¨1270.65€

VAIO VGN-FW11L / P8400 2GB 250GB 15.4¨ VHP 1042.17€
VAIO VGN-FW11E / P8400 3GB 250GB 15.4¨ VHP 1042.17€
VAIO VGN-FW11M / P8400 4GB 250GB 15.4¨ VHP 1184.94€
VAIO VGN-FW11S / P8400 4GB 300GB 15.4¨ VHP 1422.87€
VAIO VGN-FW11ZU / T9400 4GB 300GB WVU 1708.40€

VAIO VGN-SR11M / P8400 3GB 250GB 13.3¨ VHP 1232.53€
VAIO VGN-SR19XN / P8400 3GB 160GB 13.3¨ WVB 1232.53€
VAIO VGN-SR19VN / P8400 4GB 200GB 13.3¨ WVB 1422.87€

VAIO VGN-Z11MN / P8400 4GB 200GB WVB 1766.39€
VAIO VGN-Z11WN / P8600 4GB 250GB WVB 2276.71€


see, Z estimated price is very close to SZ current price

Cheers,
Miki

 

thumbs us!!. I'll ask mine too, so we can post inquiry results

 

LOL. As long as it's pink.

 

Price for Z, FW, SR

http://www.acuista.com/?query=fh_ed...and%3dsony%2fprice_null%3d0&fh_refview=lister

http://www.acuista.com/?query=fh_ed...and%3dsony%2fprice_null%3d0&fh_refview=lister

http://www.acuista.com/?query=fh_ed...and%3dsony%2fprice_null%3d0&fh_refview=lister

 

The Z series it wasn't supposed to be 13''1?
Here is says 13''3:
http://www.acuista.com/?query=fh_ed...and%3dsony%2fprice_null%3d0&fh_refview=lister
Can't wait to official release, every site says different things. Other say that the FW is 15''4 others 16''4...
Some pics of the Z please!

 

Our best source of SR information labels the SR as a "Krachtige zakelijke notebook" which means a "powerful business notebook"
http://www.raf.nl/webshop/product_info.php?products_id=10608
(PS. the picture they've used is from AR)

A couple of spanish sites are labelling the FW as 15,4", and Z as 13,3". I'm pretty sure they are wrong. Circuit City was pretty generous with information I've used it to update the startpost.

 

Am I wrong but doesn't Sony channel their business configurations to online retailers like Newegg & Amazon and sell consumer versions at Sonystyle and B&Ms like Best Buy? That would explain why these online listings are all Vista Business and DVD (no Blu-ray).

 

You are right TetonWolf. The business channel also has access to the preset consumer versions as well that you'll see at Best Buy and Circuit City, but typically the qty they get is much much less than the retail storefronts. You'll also see from time to time exclusive models being created for a B&M storefront. I.E. Sometimes Costco get's their own CR or NR or whatever current flavor of VAIO is hot at the time.

 

sonystyle has its own business site. generally its just a lot of different preset versions of the series.

 

Not sure if this has been mentioned but all the new models will have a Blu-ray burner option (clearly indicated in the user manuals). Wow!! Please keep the price reasonable Sony.

 

You're kidding, right? This is Sony we are talking about. Thats like asking Steve Jobs to divulge all of the details of every new Apple product currently in development - not gonna happen.

 

Prices for SR seem pretty reasonable to me sofar. 13'3" LED/P8400/3GB/250GB for 1200$.

 

Based on their past lineups, their option costs will torpedo the original base price into the oblivion.

I do agree that the SR is shaping up to be quite a decent deal, at the moment.

 

That's why I said "Please".

Anway, maybe Sony will surprise given that they have been the primary purveyors of Blu-ray technology. And Panasonic's recent Blu-ray-on-a-chip solution should make it a lot cheaper to squeeze them in small notebooks. If Sony really wants to expand the market, they might offer readers for +$200 and burners for +$400 and put at least the readers in pre-configured models. Their notebooks sales were near last place in '07 so I would think someone at Sony must be ticked that even Fujitsu beat them (BTW, speaking of the devil, Sony would do well to stop putting all those slow Fujitsu drives in their laptops...even the SZ!!).

 

Hopefully also the Montevina TZ will have the blu-ray option like these new models!

 

Any word on what the screen resolutions and graphics cards will be on the FW and SR series?

 

I think sony is realizing their way is wrong. They have infact changed gears in the mp3 market, with prices being the same if not cheaper than some competitors. Of course this depends where you are, but in Canada and US, the prices are dead on to the apples and creatives. And of course no drm on any of the devices, open, drag and drop etc. So perhaps sony will do the same with their laptops, pricing them more in line with the rest of the world. But somehow I have a feeling they will not.

 

Yes it's all mentioned in the first post of this thread.

 

ascariss, I hope they dont lover the prices too much. Their laptops are one of the best - talking about business SZ anr TZ serie - and if they lower prices, it might mean to cut some costs on the quality side. We dont want that!

What would be nice, if sony would put some models on the market that would be cheap like the rest of the market.

BUT! This would mean doing the same error as Toshiba, HP, IBM, Dell...who have put a very cheap models out, whith which people have a lot of problems, and people are losing trust in that marks, because "almost everybody" have problems with them.

 

Does anyone think sony will release the premium model for the Z with the release of the rest, or do the premium models typically come out a few months later?

 

cutting price and cutting quality do not always go hand in hand. Sony can make the quality the same and lower costs of the products, they did it with the NWZ-A81x series and the 61x series as well for mp3 players. The 81x has all metal body, and amazing build quality and of course best sound in the business. Yet an 8 gig flash player cost 199 US, which is amazing price for a sony, this was the price from the start.

If sony prices the FW at too high of a price, I'll probably get another brand with better value.

 

Thanks for updating the information.
I checked the manual pictures again.
Do you think the FW series will have a premium sound system with a subwoofer? The Acer Aspire 8920 Gemstone Blue has it. Shouldn't the FW series have it too?
The Acer also offers an nVidia 9600GT. Could we expect something better from the FW series besides an ATI HD3470/integrated GPU? (Considering the fact that Sony is the more expensive and premium brand here )