New Z model with Intel Core i5 CPU

Definitely the one on the right, the "34" ExpressCard. This size has been implemented since the days of the Vaio SZ notebook series. Good luck.

 

VPC-Z114GX/S Sony Vaio Z VPC-Z114GX/S Core i5-520M 2.40Ghz (Turbo Boost 2.93Ghz) 4096MB 192GB SSD DvDRW+DL WiFi NIC Bluetooth FingerPrint Webcam Microphone 13.1" WXGA Xbrite nVidia GeForce GT 330M 1024MB Dedicated Windows 7 Professional (Made In Japan) Premium Carbon

This is exactly what I want

If this one is 1899 I'm buying it!

 

The UL is not competition with the Z, the much slower ulv processor is not even in the same league. The U30JC is more competition to the Z than the UL30JT.

 

Re which one is $1899 - I'm not sure that any of those will be. Remember that it's been mentioned numerous times that the SSDs start off at 128gb, and none of the prebuilts have 128gb. Which tells me that you might only be able to get $1899 via CTO.

Of course if Sony opts to make a 192gb SSD model $1899, all the better.

Something bugging me - why are they all listed as WXGA? Isn't the 1600x900 screen considered WXGA+?

 

The Z will also have a nice/better matte screen vs the CW and the Asus UL and U30 line.

 

the resolution on the asus will sure be 1366x768 which sucks

 

I just found out the TDP of 9600M GT also has a TDP of 23W. The current 15" MacBook Pro uses 9600M GT. Now, combine that with a 3GHz processor, you will get around 58W as well.

If the above-mentioned quote is true, then we're talking about computing strength of a 15" MacBook Pro crammed into a 13" body that is the new Vaio Z. This may definitely be the engineering feat of the year since you see other notebook competitors besides Sony were struggling to cram all that power into a chassis with a profile similar to that of a 15" MacBook Pro, let alone the new Vaio Z. In other words, this new compact beast is an epic super-machine.

Oh, and to add insult to injury, the 15" MacBook Pro did not leave room for an ExpressCard slot.

 

Comparing TDPs doesn't really work like that because the Core i5's TDP includes some components that are not included in the Core 2's TDP. The embedded GPU is one of them, afaik the northbridge is another.

Dutch shops are listing it as 1.55 KG including WWAN.

 

I ordered a S CTO and it will be costing me around £1300+ including 2 years extra warranty.
Considering that this is slightly more expensive than the outgoing SR series, I'd be really surprised the Z will be sold at bargain prices.
On the contrary, I reckon Sony will go full premium with this model and nothing decent will be sold below £1800, which is roughly twice what some people (didn't say everybody...) consider as acceptable these days to spend on a laptop.

 

Is there any chance that the new Z (with backlit keyboard I'm so happy to hear) will also have an ATI 5xxx graphics option? I've been rather underwhelmed with Nvidia's offerings as of late, especially in the lower power, less energy consuming area. For instance, the 5850, 5830 and 57xx series trounce nearly anything that's not in the Clevo-behemoth line.

 

Highly unlikely.

S series has better chances of getting ATI options. But still that's unlikely.

 

Having checked the specs of the U30JC, this left me wondering if Asus gets involved in any way with the manufacturing of Sony laptops.
That U30JC has got a keyboard very similar to the new S and the technical specifications are extremely close..

 

That's strange, I thought that CPU will be released later.

 

So none of those specs. Drvec listed are for $1899.99.

TkTk, you owe me a beer. I told you this darn Z was going to be very EXPENSIVE. So what configuration does one get for $1899.99?

I'm still banking on my estimation of approx $2200-2300 for a decent preconfiguration.

 

If you go through all the CES videos, it's been mentioned that:
- SSD is standard across all models
- SSD ranges from 128 to 512GB
- 4GB minimum RAM
- Blu-ray is an option
- i5 or i7 on all models
- starting price is $1,899

So that mean the worst possible configuration would be tha same as the one you mentioned, but ith 128GB SSD rather than 192GB (and I doubt they would have a lower graphics as Sony haven't had two graphics options on an Ultra-Portable as far as I can remember):

VPC-Z114GX/S Sony Vaio Z VPC-Z114GX/S Core i5-520M 2.40Ghz (Turbo Boost 2.93Ghz) 4096MB 192GB SSD DvDRW+DL WiFi NIC Bluetooth FingerPrint Webcam Microphone 13.1" WXGA Xbrite nVidia GeForce GT 330M 1024MB Dedicated Windows 7 Professional (Made In Japan) Premium Carbon

Still sounds like a great deal to me!!! I don't think you'll get your beer from TkTk

 

Is Sony still using Samsung SSDs? Any more info on what types exactly?

 

I assume the HD Intel graphics would be switched off though, when running nvidia. Unless Sony have gotten some kind of SLI tech in there.

Like what Phil said, Engadget reported how Intel were stressing that you couldn't compare the TDP values with the old chip architectures:

"The i7-640UM fits within an 18W maximum TDP, while the majority of the line will be at 35W, with 25W low-voltage options available too. Intel was keen to remind us this includes the 10W "extra" juice consumed by the chipset and graphics which are obviated by the new integrated design."

http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/07/intel-core-presser-32nm-core-i3-core-i5-and-core-i7-cpus/

 

Good point, didn't think of that. I doubt though that they'd keep saying "starting at $1,899" for something you can't buy on a shop floor.

It'd be a great deal. Unless you really wanted BluRay, this'd be an excellent machine for most buyers.

They said 1600x900 a bunch of times, and I think it was even written on the little card next to the computer. Safe to assume the WVGA(+) thing is just a typo.

 

As I just pointed out in another thread - this has started being listed in the Netherlands - the SONY Vaio Z11X9E B: http://www.hardware.nl/p/SONY/VPCZ11X9E%2FB.NL3

Specs: VAIO Z11X9E/B - Intel® Core" i5-520M Processor - 4GB - 128GB SSD - NVIDIA/N11P-LP1/1GB + Integrated - 13.1/A-HD_HDAR/BR_LED100%uv_BP - Windows® 7 Professional 64bit + XP RDVD - Qwerty

It's listed at €1429 ex VAT - or $2075 USD. I guess this is the "base" $1899 model they have been talking about - just at a slightly higher European price...

 

This is quite a good deal. Also because WWAN seems to be included.

http://www.computerpirates.com/laptops/sony/sony-vaio/sony-vaio-z/sony-vaio-z11x9e-b-vpcz11x9e-bnl3/

 

Yes, this is the exact same model I linked - but with a much better specs page. This looks good...

 

I think there's only one mistake in their list: Intel 4500 should be 55 HD.

They also list battery life: 6 hours. So unchanged if they're right.

 

Hmm, "1.55Kg"? That'd be heavier than the old Z.

 

Based on the link Phil just posted, it says:
"Type DDR3 SDRAM
Snelheid 1066 MHz"

...sorry . But there are already other obvious mistakes on that page, so it might well be incorrect.

Also:
"USB 2.0 (number) 2
IEEE 1394 (number) 1"

We are already pretty sure that Firewire is gone in place of a third USB, so perhaps they were preproduction specs. Can't be certain of anything from this list.

"Docking Station Port Yes"

So looks like there should be a docking station for this model two. Good stuff.

 

Yep. Could be 50 grams for the WWAN module though.

 

I agree, if these are trully the specs then it would be worth waiting to get the new Z. I was hesitant because I saw a website showing a 1.4ghz option, but I think that was a typo, come to think of it might have been pcmag which has been wrong on everything else - lol

I was going to spend 1899 on the old Z and it would have been lower than this one. The only thing I can see upgrading is the HD, but my husband did point out that I currently only use about 60 gb of my current HD - lol

 

I think the weight is incorrect, since it should be less than that. Also, it says 2 USB, and we all know if is 3.

 

Exactly and it is easy to forget how much space even 128GB is. Moreover, you can always buy an external harddrive (500GB for $75 ?) to which you can move the data files periodically, if you feel the 128GB proves to be inadequate.

I carry a pocket-sized 500GB hard-drive, connectable via USB cable to my laptop and backup my data files onto it, periodically.

 

Ordered this CTO S:

* Intel® CoreTM i5 Processor i540M
* Windows® 7 Home Premium
* Black
* 320 GB Serial ATA (5400 rpm)
* 6 GB 1066MHz DDR3-SDRAM
* DVD disc drive
* 33.8 cm LCD, 1366x768 + webcam
* NVIDIA® GeForce® 310M 256MB
* Wireless WAN
* Finger print recognition

+ 2 Years warranty

All this for £1330, that's around $2100, not sure about £/$ conversion rates with Sony though. I would have thought the cheapest Z in the UK would cost around nearly $3000, as with the Z it's replacing.

 

Did you order the S or the Z?

 

A S11.
To replace a Z11VN purchased on first day it was available in the UK, paid $2800 for it in July 2008.

 

the wait is killing me!! between the $1100 i got for my old Z, $300 in bday money from family coming next month and approx $300 in extra cash i got for doing random computer work this month so far that i usually do for free I have $1,700 put off to the side for the new Z! by the time next month comes around, i'm sure my little collection should be $2000ish and I won't have to touch a cent of my regular paycheck or tax refund for this upgrade. It's now just the pain of waiting!!

those that have ordered direct from Sony style before, how long does it normally take to get your laptop assuming the item was in stock?

 

I just got my sr590 CTO with 256gb ssd and it is TOSHIBA brand. i did a little research looks like it is MLC and around 70MB/s write speed which kind of sucks for ssds.

TOSHIBA THNS256GG8BBAA

 

About the weight: I'd like to see it on a scale before I believe Sony's claims.

The previous Z was weighed at 1.530 grams without WWAN.

Well doesn't sound high but the Intel G2 also has 70 MB write. The read speed and controller are a lot more important for the feeling of performance.

I believe Toshiba uses a Samsung controller.

 

Crap... This actually makes me sad that regular HDDs aren't going to be an option anymore. I really don't want to get stuck with a Samsung SSD. Intel drives are a lot better.

 

I can see how the $1899 Z specs would lead one to believe that it be a CTO, because "Starting at" is used to customize an order. However, from my experience, stores usually carry the lower end specs, so I think that particular configuration will be suited for stores . SonyStyle Store usually offers 2-3 preconfigs: one with lower specs, one with high-end specs/blu-ray player, and one mid-range.
I wonder what the cost is to upgrade from 128SSD to 192 or 256 SSD? I'm content with the lower specs just the HD Space is what I'm concerned with.

 

Are we not talking about the prior generation "SR-series", when it comes to the SSD's brand here ? The new/upcoming ones are a generation ahead and there is no reason to feel that the newer products would contain the same make and model of the components that were employed in the outgoing models.

The old contractual agreements between Sony/Samsung/Toshiba for the SSD employed in the SR series, would already be done with the old models and the new ones might very well have completely different sourcing arrangements for these components.

 

If I were to guess, then I would think it would cost you an additional $600 or so, to move from 128GB to 256GB, when it comes to SSDs.

I believe you should simply go with the cheapest option and then add another SSD drive downstream, via the aftermarket. SSD prices are coming down every day and I would think you should be able to get much higher capacities for much lower costs, by the end of the year or so.

 

And you'd have a better performing SSD too. There is however the point about having four SSD in raid in a very small space. It could be quite difficult or even impossible to upgrade.

If you want more drive space, and are willing to make an upgrade later on, I'd wait for a reviewer to open one up and show the internals.

 

That's why I'd like to purchase a HDD model. Then I can purchase an after market ssd and put the HDD in an enclosure. Would save money and give more flexibility.

Of course the Z series is not about saving me money

 

I wonder how difficult would it be to swap the SSD...

 

Has anyone check to see if SonyStyle Store has the Z, S, and Y for preliminary viewing? I was able to see the prototype of the current Z, SR and FW before it was available for purchase about a month prior. I'll call Sony Style to see if and when they receive their prototypes for the new Vaios.

 

Sony will likely use a proprietary RAID connector for the SSD, so self-swapping the disk will likely mean tearing out the optical drive and throwing a regular SATA disk in the optical drive bay. Convenient, huh?

 

In case anyone needed proof of how little attention Engadget pay to Sony notebooks, check out this article on the ASUS UL80JT (awesome machine nonetheless):
http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/11/asus-ul80jt-spotted-with-automatic-switchable-graphics-brags-12/

They write:

and later they have to update it after a commenter is left to point out that they already had a picture of the automatic switch on the VAIO Z in a post from days earlier:

Added to this, I sent Engadget and Gizmodo tips days ago asking why there'd been no mention of the MacBook like machined-billet manufacture of the new Z, or its dynamic switchable graphics, or its high end i7 processor in a chassis that weighs less than the MacBook Air. I'm sure some of you probably did too.

Now, I'm comfortable that they are not Apple fanboys, and I'm a huge Engadget fan, but the new Z series is now a superior machine to the MacBook Pro in almost every way I can think of (except OSX if you swing that way). It only got reported in two bulk "Sony release Y, Z and F series notebooks" posts. A new, and inferior MacBook will typically get 10 articles in the first week. and dozens more over the months.

Not good enough Engadget.

Oh well.

Edit: Asus fans rightfully disgruntled too at how Engadget managed to miss the Asus machine at CES altogether!

 

Yeah I noticed that as well. I was a little disappointed with the lack of Z coverage.

 

I agree it's superior in almost every way. Except the touchpad imo. Apple is so far ahead of other manufacturers on this. Or have the touch pads / drivers improved since the first Z11?

I won't talk about the build quality because I can't judge it.

 

Good point, I strongly agree. Even though the Z trackpads are bigger than the SZ, they are still too small, lack multitouch, and don't have the same hard-wearing glass material as the Macs. Also, I'm not a fan of the biometric sensor... I wish it were an option to not have it like it used to be on the SZ in Japan (hey maybe it will be).

 

Previous Z had the option of not having the biometric sensor in Japan as well, so I would believe it'll be the same with this generation.

 

Ah, thanks Metsn, hopefully it will remain an option for the VCP-Z.

For those wondering what that little button at the top is (that looks like an open book), it is a side-by-side shortcut that will automatically snap your current and last activated windows to the left and right half of the screen by utilising Aero Snap*.

Sounds handy! certainly more useful than ASSIST. The VAIO button will activate some Sony media program I guess.



* Source (BTW it's a nice little Z hands-on video from PC-Pro):
http://www.pcpro.co.uk/news/354607/sony-vaio-z-series-update-video-first-look

 

If you look in to the specs of the vaio Z (if they are correct) it is so obvious. This is hands down the best ultra portable money can buy. Yet I am struggling to find some news about it on the internet.

In those 2 or 3 videos we have on youtube, promoters are presenting vaio z like they are selling apple notebook.

Sure I also like sleek design, high quality built, backlid keyboard… Correct me if I am wrong, but average users of vaio Z is even more interested in performance , quality of components (for example SSD manufacturer, model), available ports, types of card slots…

Yes promoters mentioned some of it but many laptops will have or already have i5 or i7 processors, hybrid graphic, even weight is near to vaio Z. But to have i7 processor + 330M in package under 1.5 kg it is really achievement.

If I didn’t know anything about vaio Z, after watching any of those videos I would think it is just another sleek laptop.

I mean nobody is mentioning GPU type. I am starting to think that Sony is not yet sure whether to go with 330M or some other GPU.