Please help: do you think there is much market demand for my barely used Z1?

I have held off selling this magnificent piece of work - my mint Z13, see sig - because, frankly, I just couldn't part with it. As much as I hate to do so now, I have lately found that I just about never reach for my Z13 since I got a Samsung Ativ 9 Plus.

So it is with a heavy heart that I am considering selling my Z1. With its screen no longer exceptional - but still magnificient - greater performance (full voltage i7-640, nVidia GT 330M) than premium Haswell ultrabooks, more ports and features built in than any current ultrabooks, very fast RAID0 SSDs + capacity for additional 1TB via DVD drive bay, and all of the above, plus that Sony "cachet!"

I will only sell it if I can get at least $750 (I need the money, and would sooner sell a lesser item for my collection for $400 than sell the Z for that). I have seen some get much less (~$450) and some more (~$1,000) recently on eBay) so I think there could be a shot. Mine is in nearly mint condition - lid and wrist rest protected from day 1 (which was 12-14-11), screen perfect, only one small ding on the back of the barre hinge.

So what say all? Still time to get some value for this "classic," or have I waited too long and, with Sony out of the business is there not likely to be much demand? I've been a very active member on this forum over the years and would sincerely appreciate your feedback.

Best,
Jeff Bellin

(Note: this is not an ad to sell my Z13 (see in sig), but a request for advice as to how much demand - and at about what price - might exist for this "classic" ultraportable. I know there is also an NBR thread for "Price Checks" for potential sales, but I got little educated response there and this is where people know the model and the market. It is, however, a violation of NBR rules to offer product for sale other than through Marketplace.)

 

Bump!

Not quite sure why 149 people found the title worth looking into but had no comment to offer. In any case, just a second appeal for thoughts. I made this sound like a price check thread but it really isn't. I do solicit your thoughts as to what a mint loaded Z13 might fetch on, say NBR Marketplace or eBay, but also seeking opinions on whether this machine is still relevant given its performance, flexibility and weight compared to today's Ultrabooks.

Thanks, Jeff

 

The range in sales prices in ebay seems odd. Might be worth investigating to see whether there are any characteristics that enable the sellers to get a better price. One thing that might count against your machine is that almost all UBs have a resolution of 1080p or better, IPS screens, and the current ULV processors are just as fast as the Z13's i7. Of course, you can try your luck on ebay with a reserve of $750 and see what happens.

 

Thanks. Good points all. My sense is that there are a segment of "old timers," who value things like user-serviceability, screens that don't require squinting for slightly older folks, who still value built in Blu ray drives - or the ability to switch between blu ray and a conventional (=cheaper!) 2.5" drive - all the ports built in, Sony nostalgia - particularly Sony Z1 notstalgia - replaceable batteries (even if it takes 2+ to equal life of built in UB batteries!), etc.

What I'm saying is that I agree with you that there are now 8GB/256GB/1080p or more IPS/3lb UBs selling used on eBay as low as $700 - yet some Z1s have sold for that much or more recently. Weird.

Your idea of a reserve is a great one. Thanks again for responding.

 

I think $750 is too high. I was offered about 1k for my SVZ (which I declined) but you have to understand that most people will see that they can buy a brand new ultrabook for less and fulfill their requirements. The people that see the full potential of the Z1 is a tiny niche which likely already has their own high end notebook, and despite the potential the CPU is a little dated honestly, Haswell is a good deal better on battery life and performance per cycle. Also, the ebay/paypal fees take out a good chunk of the winning bid along with the cost of shipping. Selling locally at a lower cost may be a better option.

 

I am looking for a Sony VAIO SVZ1311C5E with 8GB ram and full 1920x1080 screen. My one broke

 

You might want to contact the person on the previous post, who appears to have one to sell!

 

Hi Lovelaptops

thanks for the heads up, just to make sure we are both on the same page, I assume you mean Qwaarjet has one for sale??

thanks

 

Yes, Qwaarjet. He mentioned being offered $1,000 and turning it down, so you'll have to be willing to pay more. He's a long time Z-guy so he really knows his stuff. Likely has top config and keeps it in mint condition. EBay usually has one new one a week or so.
Good luck,
Jeff

 

Lovelaptops and Qwaarjet,

My SVZ13114GXX just died. I am looking for a replacement unit to put the old sold state drive into so I can get the data off of it. I won an Ebay auction for a working unit for $820 but the seller never came through. If either of you decide to sell your units or want to discuss further, please get in touch. (PS, I'm not far from you Lovelaptops-- I'm in Gaithersburg.) I don't think I have permission to PM yet, so get in touch via email: sunsets at watercrafters dot com.

Thanks.
Sunsets (aka Kelly)