Panasonic R6 Jet Black vs. Vaio TZ

I am a big fan of the TZ but since my girlfriend needs an ultraportable as well, I thought I would ask you NBR guys about this one.

Before I bought the TZ for myself, I was also considering the R6 in the new Jet Black color. I still think the R6 is really nice looking, especially in the Jet Black version - albeit not as "slick" as the TZ design wise. But I really like the extremely compact size (don't know of a smaller notebook with the same screen size) and I love the fact that the keyboard is edge-to-edge and the display being very close to the edges as well. All the times I saw people working on their R3s or R4s in airport lounges made me want one at that time. It is so incredibly small.

The deciding factor for me was however the possibility of SSD and integrated DVD with the TZ. So I don't regret getting the Sony at all.

My girlfriend however thinks the Panasonic is very cute and the small physical size helps as well. She doesn't really need DVD to be integrated so she is thinking about getting the R6. But since I'm the one who's buying my question is:

Any of you guys think we should get the TZ instead with maybe the SSD and the 160GB 2.5" drive? Or can you think of a different notebook which might be better?

 

being that you already have the TZ, why not just let her try it for a bit and see how she likes it. I'm not too crazy about the design of the R6 and its all silver plastic looks of the interior. The price isn't cheap either. however, if she can find one to try it, that might make the decision easier to make.

Not sure how much smaller the screen would be being its 10.4, its mighty small. its still a nice laptop nonetheless.

 

I agree with you on the silver look not being nice. The one we are looking at is the Jet Black version. I've attached a picture for you. It makes a huge difference IMO.

 

FWIW... a 10.4 screen isn't too small at all. That is the same size that the Fujitsu P7120 has (my last ultra-portable - waiting for a new TZ to arrive now though...) and I have to say that of all the computers I have ever had (and I've had tons of them), the P7120 has been my favorite/most cherished by far. I'm hoping I'll be able to say the same about the TZ here before long though.

Anyway, the 10.4 screen is still plenty big for an ultraportable. Can't specfiically speak to the quality of the display though on the R6.

 

that definitely has more of a professional look to it than the silver. I guess I've just been too spoiled by the TZ's looks. I hope no company comes out with an ultraportable better looking than the TZ

but either one she picks, its win win.

 

Jabbajabba, Any update on the delivery date for the all black R6? It's between the R6 black and the TZ for me but I don't know how much longer I can wait.

 

I haven't placed the order yet. It is for my girlfriend and since she isn't in a major hurry and given that it is still in pre-order stage I am going to give it a few more weeks. Will keep you guys updated.

This is the smallest 10.4" notebook I know of. Not as sleek as the Vaio TZ, but quite a bit smaller footprint-wise. I have used the R3s and R4s in the past and they are just unbelievable tiny. I especially like that the screen edges are so marginal. It would be great if the TZ had as little screen margin as the R6 - looks so much better.