New Z model with Intel Core i5 CPU

Will there be a noticeable difference between the performance of the i5 versus the i7 CPUs? Of course, I assume the i7 will be faster, but is it speed I'll see? My most demanding work is probably working with large panoramas in Photoshop.

I'm debating between the Vaio Z and F series. They're obviously different machines, with completely different form factors (13.1" v. 16.4"). I'm just thinking that the Z's greater portability, better battery life (due in part to switchable graphics), and presumably better (though smaller) screen will be more advantageous than the faster quad processor available in the F notebooks. Am I off base? I realize that the F's larger screen is better, in that respect, but I figure I can connect the Z to a larger screen when I'm in the office or at home.

 

This has been posted about in the Z11 series thread.
One thing to keep in mind that this release is for EU models. It doesn't mean that the North American models are exactly going to be the same.
They might be the same but until specs are posted we just don't know.

 

VAIO VPCZ11Z9E

Intel® Core i7-620M 2.66GHz with Intel® Turbo Boost Technology (max. 3.33 GHz)

VAIO VPCZ11X9E

Intel® Core i7-520M 2.4GHz with Intel® Turbo Boost Technology (max. 2.93 GHz)

 

it was a typo on their part... there is no i7-520m, only an i5-520m

 

Absolutely! ha

No problem. The G is not for everyone. The keyboard does leave marks. I install the privacy screen, so it gets on there and I just wipe it off.

I'm still on the fence for getting the new G or the Panasonic S8. The difference to me right now is about $1500 via an importer. I've ruled the TT out even though it's got enough disk space. Don't want to deal with the screen; expensive mistake if I hate it (that was my first Z - the Z590UAB!). I know that despite slightly lower screen quality (not resolution ...), the G or S8 will work and with no 1366x768 option, the new Z is out unfortunately. Kinda sucks.

Pros of the S8:
* Better processor (P8800 2.66) than the G or TT
* Widescreen 1280x800
* Probably better build in terms of toughness - everyone has told me that (including the importer who sees both kinds)
* Z (old gen) specs in basically a TT size/weight body (2.9 lbs)
* Battery life galore (up to 16 hours)
* HDMI out
* 3 USB ports

Cons of the S8:
* Hard drive room out of the box (don't want a slow 5400rpm 500gb; only SSD option is 160GB which is probably an Intel; don't know if its the G2 with TRIM)
* Japanese keyboard (which I've used, would rather not adjust)
* DDR2 (same as the R600, though)
* $4500 US

Pros of the G:
* Less expensive
* Decent keyboard with US style
* Lighter than even the S8 (2.5lbs)
* Decent quality screen (but not Z or TT sharp)
* I know what I'm getting
* RAID SSDs
* DDR3

Cons of the G:
* "Slower" processor (the SU9600 1.6 GHz; although the R600 runs my VMs just fine with a 1.4)
* Non-widescreen 1024x768
* Still not a lot of HDD room, but more than the S8 and probably faster (S8 probably using older SATA controller vs. Sony's RAID)
* 2 USB ports, and both poorly placed if you need to power something

 

I know precisely what your concern is, since I am in the same predicament too.

The Quad-core (with 8 threads) of the F-series would be FAR more suitable for image editing and merging tasks, than say the dual-core CPUs of the Z-series. Things like image editing or video editing are specific tasks that can truly benefit from the Quad-core/8 threads. In addition to that, the higher-end Quad-core (820) has 8MB of cache memory and the lower-end Quad-core has 6MB of cache, both significantly more than the 4MB of the dual-core i7 (620M) that comes in the Z-series.

In addition to that, the F-series Quad-cores are optimized to take advantage of faster DDR3-1333 RAM (which is what is equipped in the F-series), unlike the Dual-core i7-620M that can only utilize the slower DDR3-1066 (which the Z-series seemingly was confirmed would be coming with).

However, I know why they decided to not introduce the Quad-cores into a small chassis like the Z-series and that is clearly due to heat issues (that can be FAR better dissipated in a large chassis like the F-series) and also battery life issues (the quad-cores will suck up power, which will detract from the purpose of the Z-series, which are designed to go for longer periods on battery, than a desktop replacement unit like the F-series).

But the Z-series is also not a slouch and the other advantages like the small size and lightness will HUGELY impact the portability of the unit, when compared to the larger/heavier F-series.

Finally it comes down to the question: How important is portability when compared to sheer processing horsepower ? If you absolutely need the processing horsepower, the Z-series simply cannot replace the F-series. And at the same time, if portability is absolutely paramount, then the Z-series is king - especially since it is a well rounded product by itself.

I have an F-series (I just love it !) but still debating about returning it for a maxed out Z-series - but not fully convinced about the wisdom of the move.

 

Rachel, you are saying this are specs of EU models?

If yes...are there any prices already leaked, because 1000$ seems a lot too low for such a beast

 

Typo ! The second one is the i5-520M (2.4GHz with 2.93 GHz Turbo and 3MB Cache)

The first one is right (i7-620M with 2.66GHz to 3.33GHz Turbo and 4MB Cache)

 

I'm pretty depressed by my F experience. I'm in the process of returning my F11. It's just been so buggy for me. Sometimes it bogs down and won't video...sometimes it will. The BIOS was reset, unnecessary programs removed and this morning again, it slowed to a crawl. I really wanted to like this machine but I just can't justify putting any more time into a machine that's only 6 days old. In addition the fan noise can get very loud and now I've learned that they've throttled down the i7. I'm wondering if the i7 is worth the hassles and whether I should just get a great deal on an FW or current generation Z. Your thoughts?

 

They probably did an error with the pricing. I haven't seen any pricing yet for the UK models anyway.
http://www.sony.co.uk/product/vnp-z-series/vpcz11z9e-b
http://www.sony.co.uk/product/vnp-z-series/vpcz11x9e-b

 

Prices have been stated to start at 1800 dollar in a video from CES.

 

Huh... in netherland there are prices around 1500 without tax for X9E model, which is freaking cheap for such a beast.

So Z9E should be around 2500 without VAT which is still quite OK price.

Do we have any pictures or videos how the backlit keyboard lookds like?

 

Will the I7 have switchable graphics? The specs seem to suggest it will. When I look at the specs, I must say that the choice between the x9E and the z9e will depend entirely on the price difference. If the z9e is a thousand dollars more (US) i'll probably go x9e. The x9e looks fine to me.

 

I sure it will, it would be stupid otherwise, unless they will be offering a cheap model for low market, but i doubt.

 

To be quite frank, I don't have any of the issues that you have been facing with your F-series. You seem to have drawn the short straw, with the specific unit you got. Mine performs exactly as I expect it to - FAST ! I put an image processing batch-job on, which used to take several hours with my current HP/Compaq 8710W, and the F-series (with 820QM i7 and 8GB RAM) just Turboed through it in minutes !

I agree that when running on battery, the i7 in the F-series seemingly is designed to throttle down (with no user option provided to allow it to go all-out, when on battery). But I am okay with this, since when I am doing serious work (processor intensive stuff like Image editing etc), I will anyway be plugged in and would only be doing light tasks (like wireless internet surfing etc) when operating on battery.

The FW should be available pretty cheaply and so would deals be available for the current Z. However, that depends on what you want to do with the machine. I personally would prefer to go with the newer generation machines/processors, having seen first-hand what these can do. I will either keep my current F, or replace it with a new F-series with the SSD (mine currently has a 500GB 7200rpm HDD), or get a maxed out new-Z-series (might keep the SSD at around 128GB to reduce the overall cost, but otherwise max it out from the perspective of RAM and processors).

 

Thanks for the heads up. Hadn't noticed it was available for pre-order already. After checking I found you can actually even get it for as low as 1450 euro without taxes (or 1725 euro including taxes).

 

Well this X9E model suppose to come end of January, so i guess it is really close

 

So the new Z will be out in a week then?

 

roweraay thanks for the feedback. Clearly I got a lemon. It's going back. But now like you I'm wondering if I should just step up for a Z. This notebook will replace a stolen AW and yes they are at opposite sides of the spectrum in terms of size but they shared one thing in common...they were/are beautifully built, aesthetically pleasing machines.

 

I don't like that is now lack of firewire as I use firewire mini on my TT all the time, but its not a deal breaker.

 

Agree, that an AW to a Z is like going from the North pole to the South pole.

But the Z is no slouch either from a specifications and horsepower standpoint, and the design should be a lot slicker than any other Vaio product being sold (the F-series will seem like a bumbling country cousin in comparison, purely from a design standpoint ).

And as long as we are aware that with a Full-HD 1920x1080 resolution on a 13.1" screen will mean that everything (letters, pictures, images etc) becomes that much more smaller/tinier to make it fit. But what appears on the screen will be simply brilliant - especially when watching a movie etc !

 

I believe $1899, which I would round up to the next whole number.

 

I wonder if a CTO version will become available..?

 

1920x1080... wow...
I already have to scale up text in chrome with my 1600x900 Z...I always have to dock it with my 24 inch screen for extended reading.
I am jealous of you guys who can read text that small without squinting (I'm still in college).

Sony sure knows how to make shockingly good displays.

 

@roweraay

To me it seams like work with photos on such small screen can be much bigger problem then difference in speed between i7 on the Z and i7 on the F.

 

True, but when at one's home-base, you can use an external screen hooked up to the laptop via HDMI (maybe a 65" plasma screen ) and otherwise when travelling, be carrying around a very light laptop.

 

Yeah, but the "gesture" based pad of the Z-series (and F-series) will come in handy, where you can zoom-in, zoom-out the screen as needed.

 

I have a very quick (but probably a very early ) question (to answer as well):
is there gonna be a USB 3.0 support in the new Z refresh line
Honestly, I've read some news here and there about HP and ASUS laptops starting to offer the third USB generation onboard...
Anyways, I'm more skeptic on this one by VAIO, 'cause such a technical improvement would be within the first specs mentioned, don't u think fellas?!

Thanks for any info though

 

Maybe this is a stupid question, but I haven't seen a clear answer to it. In the 128GB SSD RAID quad configuration, is the storage space 4 x 128GB?

 

Sony engineers are real nerds, I'll give em that. To stuff such a config into a 13.1" inch machine, the pure specs blast your mind away if you even glance at them. And the 1920x1080, that's just.. crazy!! I bet this config will shoot over $4k

 

No. 128GB spread across four 32GB drives working in tandem. if any one dies the machine freezes. But ssd's don't die very often.

 

Several SSD options when it comes to the new Z (as per earlier reports):

4 x 32 = 128GB in Raid 0
4 x 64 = 256GB in Raid 0
4 x 128 = 512GB in Raid 0
32 + 32 + 64 + 64 = 192GB in Raid 0

 

Very true. 4 SSDs in Raid 0 should make it VERY fast. However, regular backups are an absolute must in my book.

 

Don't SSDs have a limited number of read/write cycles compared to HDDs?

 

yes, but you will not be able to full that, unless you plan to use it for 10+ years

PS, no usb 3.0 according to sony site

 

Why are there so many conflicting dates about when the Z will be available? I'm so confused. I hear next week, I hear end of February, I hear end of March. @_@

 

Yup, something that will essentially allow one to use one of these for 10 years.....which is MORE than sufficient for my purposes. I personally would be looking for an upgrade in 4-5 years, as would anybody who buys a computer, I would suppose ?

Also, depending on the specific SSD and its configuration, the sheer speed of an SSD simply is not matched by even the fastest HDD...not even close.

 

According to this link, in Germany the prices will be 1899 and 2499 Euros, which seems pretty good to me (compared to an old Z with "similar" specs).

Besides, there seems to be a contradiction between the press release and the specs page of the VPCZ11X9E model. 128 GB Quad SSD (RAID 0) vs. Dual SSD (RAID 0). Which one is correct?

 

Is it me the only one drooling all over the 1080p display, the quad SSD and the i7 620M this thing is going to use, paired with a good GT330M?

 

actually i drool over quad SSD and 1080p display.

everything else is already doing a fine job

 

I am also drooling over the specs of the new Z

 

Let's say I'm working on a set of photos in Photoshop. First, I would obviously be using some external storage for them, since there's insufficient space for all my photos (and other data) on any one of the SSDs. Ideally, would I copy the photos onto the SSD, edit them there, then save the edited files to my external drive? Obviously, it depends on how many times I do this, but with this workflow, would I generally have no problem staying within the rated number of read/write cycles for the SSD?

And given the RAID configuration, is it correct that the entire machine would freeze if one of the four drives failed? If so, how does one retrieve whatever data is on the failed SSD?

 

With all the drooling going on in this thread, the cleaning lady will have a full time job in mopping all that drool up.

 

"Dual SSD" is a typo. In fact, at the top of that very page, they refer to "Quad SSD".

 

Ok, it would have been somewhat strange I thought that maybe they use only 64GB drives.

 

No, it will be even easier to read, for those of us who know how to adjust the DPI settings. And even when using DPI scaling of older non-high-DPI-aware apps, the blurring will be less visible.

 

Too bad. I'd take dual over quad any day.
When striping (RAID0), the MTBF is reduced by the square of the number of drives. Which is why quad RAID 0 is seldom used by other than modders.

 

With RAID 0, you get no data back if one drive fails.

With RAID 5, you get your data back, just need to shut down machine and swap SSDs, probably something that only Sony service will do.

But for SSD to fail..that is like 1: million

 

One doesn't. If one drive out of a stripe set fails all your data is lost, also from the good drives. You can replace the failed drive, but not recover anything unless you have an external backup.

RAID 0 isn't a RAID, as there's no redundancy whatsoever.

Striping (RAID 0) with four drives is like gambling even odds that when you flip a coin four times, it won't be heads any of the times.
It's sheer lunacy for other than ricers who want the maximum speed and don't care about failure risks. Yes, even for solid state drives. (Consumer SSDs have about a 4 times higher MTBF than HDs, which means a quad RAID 0 SSD array will fail four times more often than a normal HD.)

 

for SSD to fail because of MTBF it would take years, i doubt anybody will use this machine so long, since in 2 years there will be even better Z out

Normal HDD can fail because of physical damage which is almost impossible to happen on SSD.

But then again...which kinda RAID support will Z serie offer? Will it also be possible to run SSDs as seperated drives and use the integrated RAID option in system?

EDIT:

Actually new SSDs have over 2mio MTBF and should last over 100 years.

Also SSD is capable to sustain a hit of over 1500G, while normal HDD only 300G.

Also TRIM in windows 7 should keep them in top condition all the time.