Replacing my SZ360P --- questions re: SZ750N/C

HELLO SONY FORUM.

One week ago, my apartment was broken into and my dear, dear SZ360P was taken (my bowl of change was also taken --- insult to injury!). I just heard from my insurance company that they're mailing off my claim check, so it's time for me to get back on the laptop horse.

I am very much leaning to staying in the SZ line, as I was super happy with my SZ360P (in contrast, however, I was NOT happy with my SZ340 ---- which I returned on account of a super-flexy keyboard and a super-annoying buzzing sound from the LCD screen). The model I'm currently looking at is the SZ750N/C.

I know, and I can't believe I'm asking this, about the different materials that the SZs are made out of, and want to make sure the SZ750N/C is what I think, or hope, it is. My SZ360P had the super-thin screen with the LED backlight (as compared to the SZ340, which had a slightly thicker screen) --- the spec sheet on SonyStyle says the SZ750N/C also has this, but I want to confirm that, in fact, this is the case ------ does the SZ750N/C have the "nicer" version of the SZ screen?

Also, from pics of the SZ750N/C, it looks like the chasis is darker than my SZ360P ----- my SZ360P had a darker (and nicer) chasis than my SZ340 ---- I want to make sure the SZ750N/C has a nice body.

Also, general feedback RE: the SZ750N/C would be appreciated. I've been reading some good points about the model ---- and am potentially happy with some of the improvements that have been made with the SZ line (better battery --- better processor --- more HD space, etc).

THANKS ALL. I'm excited to re-buy a SZ!

 

Yes the 750 is a premium model with the LED back light screen. The 750 has a all black interior/exterior, it looks just like a 600 series premium model. Here are some photos: http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=4113
That review actually compares a 100 series SZ to a 600 series, so you can see the some of the physical differences for yourself.

 

The dark material almost looks plastic in pictures --- but I'm sure it's nice.... right?

 

It's the same material your 360 is made up of. It looks great, if you'd like I'll take a couple photos of my 650.

Also before purchasing from Sony directly, take a look at portableone.com.

 

Your timing couldn't be better --- I was just about to ask for advice for where-to-buy. I bought my SZ360 directly from SonyStyle previously.

..actually, I exchanged a Circuit City bought FJ270 for a SZ340 through SonyStyle, and then exchanged THAT SZ340 for the SZ360 through the good graces of Sony's tech support.

Why Portableone.com? Can you explain?

 

Oh, I did just notice that I meant to be talking about the 600-series.. the SZ650N/C, in particular. I didn't realize that Sony made the jump to the 700 line already.

 

They have competitive prices, free clean install, and great customer service.
Take a look at these threads:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=80534

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=184601

And here is their board: http://forum.notebookreview.com/forumdisplay.php?f=30

 

PortableOne has the 700 series in stock, but not the 600 series. NewEgg is the retailer I found with the 650n/c (the one you have, I believe) which goes for 1700 ----- I think I'm going to go with the 650.. and from NewEgg, since PortableOne doesn't have the 600 series in stock.

Whoever stole my 360 effectively gave me a free upgrade to a much nicer SZ model with new (for me!) components. Funny how things work out...... too bad about the lost data though.

One question I do have for YOU, though --- the SZ650 does run relatively quiet, apart from fan noise, correct? In the past, I had HORRIBLE experiences with an electronic buzzing noise coming from the LCD screens of my VAIOs. My premium model SZ360 didn't have this problem, and I don't think the premium 650n/c will have it either ---- but I have to ask, for my own state of mind.

Once that fear is alleviated, I'm going to go ahead and buy.

 

For about $100 more ($1799), why not buy the VGNSZ780N5 from PortableOne instead of the SZ650? I'm sure a lot of people here at the forum will agree with me as it is a better bang for the buck.

 

I purchased my SZ780NW from Ivan at Portable One. They provide great service, good pricing and FREE bloatware removal. Customer service is why I'm buying from them. If I ever have any problems with my SZ780, I know they will take care of me. Try them out, you will be pleased!

 

I agree with you 100%.

 

I have been leaning to the 700-series now ---- but I am a little hesitant to buy the 780s. They are, unless I'm mistaken, one of the "custom built" models, correct?

Prior to my SZ360P, I had a SZ340 ---- one of the non-premium "custom" Sony models. The machine had several build issues that I associated, whether justified or not, with the fact that the computer wasn't a pre-built model. The keyboard, for one, actually "bubbled" up in some places, resulting in TERRIBLE key-flex (which I sent in for repair, and it wasn't fixed). Also, the LCD screen emitted a terrible electronic humming noise, which was awful.

Do you folks have personal experience with buying the custom built SZ's from P1? I was planning on getting a SZ750n/c from them (pre-built) ---- but if I can garner some good feedback about the 780's, I'd be happy to go that way. I've also been planning on calling P1 today, once they open.

Thanks for the continued feedback!

 

Continuing, here are the listed specs for the P1 SZ780N3:

- Intel® Core™ Duo 2 Processor T8300 2.40GHz; 3MB
- 13.3" WXGA LED Backlit XBRITE LCD (1280 x 800)
- 2GB (2 x 1GB) DDR2 Memory (4GB Max)
- NVIDIA® GeForce™ Go 8400GS & Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator X3100
- 160GB (5400RPM) Hard Drive w/ G-Sensor™ Shock Protection

..and the SZ750N/C, which costs $150 more:

- Intel® Core™ Duo 2 Processor T8100 2.1GHz 3MB
- 13.3" WXGA LED Backlit XBRITE LCD (1280 x 800)
- 2GB (2 x 1GB) DDR2 Memory (4GB Max)
- NVIDIA® GeForce™ Go 8400GS & Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator X3100
- 250GB 5400rpm/Serial ATA with G-SensorTM Shock Protection

..it seems, to me, that the primary difference between the two is that the SZ780 has a faster processor, and the SZ750 has a larger hard drive. I'd much rather have the faster processor.

Do both models have the:

Hybrid Hard Disk Drive
Capacity : 160GB2
Technology : H-HDD with Windows ReadyDrive™ for Windows Vista®
On Board RAM : 256MB

..I've read a bit about it, but it's hard to tell what the SZ780N3 has, since it doesn't have a spec sheet like the pre-built 750. Do all the 700-series ship with H-HDDs?

 

ARG, another choice for the 780's listed on P1:
SZ780NW:

- Intel® Core™ Duo 2 Processor T8300 2.4GHz; 3MB
- 13.3" WXGA LED Backlit XBRITE LCD (1280 x 800)
- 2GB (2 x 1GB) DDR2 Memory (4GB Max)
- NVIDIA® GeForce™ Go 8400GS & Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator X3100
- 160GB w/256MB Flash Memory/5400rpm/Serial ATA with G-SensorTM Shock Protection

..this one appears to add the Flash Memory (I'm not even sure what that is) at no additional cost. You can 'upgrade' the 780N3 for $40 bucks to include it.. I don't understand the differences between these 780s.


..and NOW I found the N5 folks were referring to, featuring the fastest processor of the bunch:

- Intel® Core™ Duo 2 Processor T9300 2.50GHz; 6MB
- 13.3" WXGA LED Backlit XBRITE LCD (1280 x 800)
- 2GB (2 x 1GB) DDR2 Memory (4GB Max)
- NVIDIA® GeForce™ Go 8400GS & Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator X3100
- 160GB w/256MB Flash Memory/5400rpm/Serial ATA with G-SensorTM Shock Protection

 

The flash memory is referring to the memory that is on the Hybrid HDD. It is supposed to increase overall speed when accessing frequently used programs/processes, although I am unable to comment much on it as I've never used one before.

 

^the 7k200 drive is a better performer all around than the hybrid drive.

 

..but, as I understand it, doesn't installing the 7200 void your warranty with Sony? I know P1 will back up their install, but I'm not entirely sure what that install dose to the Sony 1-year warranty.

In any case, I ordered the SZ780N5 from P1. I've also been emailing back and forth with Ivan today about my order ---- I'd heard about P1's attention to detail many times on these boards, and am happy to report that the rumors are absolutely justified.

Should ship on Monday ~ hurrah!

 

^ Yikes, another future SZ780N5 user. Congratulations! That configuration is becoming so popular right now.

Here I am in Canada still waiting for the custom Vaio SZ to appear on SonyStyle Canada's website. It's always nice to see more users going for the same configurations as what I have in mind (except I want to opt for a 7200rpm hard drive) because I will have a better set of feedback in the near future.

 

I'd love to order from p1 but I'm in CA so they actually come out MORE expensive after tax =/

 

I ordered from techonweb some months a go a SZ650N and had to pay 230CAD at the customs... UPS charged me 230CAD, it's less but they paid it for me then charged to me a bit more...

 

Yet another here (also from P1)! I'm expecting it soon. PortableOne really gets a lot of good comments on this board; I hope you're all not actually relatives of Ivan!

The OS downgrade and bloatware removal were big factors. If other dealers offer this they sure don't advertise it very well.

 

^ i may be one too

 

Yeah, I wasn't going to get the bloatware removal, as I'm pretty used to doing that myself ---- Ivan emailed me directly after I placed my order and said, quote, "everyone" who gets the SZ780N5 gets bloatware removal, and why didn't I want it?

..so yeah, I'm getting it now too.

I'm super happy with the service thus far ----- of course, the big telling point will be when I actually receive the laptop. I've been told it will ship out via FedEx on the 25th.. so maybe as early as next Friday? I'll let you all know what comes of it.

Also: the whole no sales tax thing WAS a huge incentive. I paid sales tax on my last SZ when I ordered directly from Sony ---- not cheap!

 

Mine shipped yesterday, and FedEx says arrival date is the 27th (California to Chicagoland).

 

Received the computer, and it is SUPER beautiful. Quick initial impressions:

- the P1 optimazation service was definitely worth the 2-day delay. I don't know if my SZ360P just had slower guts, or if I just didn't do as good a job removing all the crap that comes pre-installed, or if the XP->Vista upgrade I did slowed things down.... but the SZ780N5 is really, really zippy, straight out of the box. Startup/shutdown time is way (way way) faster than my SZ360P. Very, very happy with it.

- The screen: no dead pixels that I can see yet (hurrah!). On the lowest, and second-to-lowest screen brightness setting I can see some black banding on white backgrounds, similar to the yellow banding that folks had with their SZ600's.. but it doesn't bother me.. especially since I've never used the bottom two settings before. I usually work on battery power using the setting two button presses up from the lowest setting, and the screen looks fine at that. There is some light leakage from the bottom of the screen, similar to the amount I had on my SZ360P --- was to be expected, I guess.

- Hey, the battery doesn't wiggle! Amazing!

- Hey, the power brick is WAY smaller. NICE.

- Keyboard feels great --- I had issues with my SZ340's super-flexy keyboard, so I was very, very happy to report (so far) no issues with this new one.

- The fingerprint scanner is more recessed than it was in the 360, which is a good thing.

- The screen is defintiely a bit thicker, just a touch, which I had read about with the latest SZ models. It defintiely feels sturdier, which I take to be a good thing too.

- My SZ360 didn't have the SmartWi program --- it's totally great. I mean, what?? I can (easily) turn off Bluetooth and still have WLAN on? NICE.

Anyway, it looks to be a great machine. I can't wait to play around with it more, and get some stuff installed. I couldn't believe it was up and running at full speed within minutes of turning it on.

A HUGE GIANT thanks to Ivan and his crew at P1 for what is undoubtedly the best customer service (pre-sale) I've had with a computer order to date. Shipping was 100% on time and in-line with what P1 projected --- which was very nice. I love no hassles! As we all know, initial impressions only count for so much with notebooks these days --- but from the look of things, I'm hoping for some smooth sailing from here on out.

I am one of the most picky-people I know when it comes to pricey consumables and, even with the banding issue described above, I'm really happy at-a-glace wise with this machine.

 

Glad u received ur SZ, I'm sure once you have it set up the way u want, u'll love it even more. ENJOY!!

 

elizabex, great to hear you're happy with your new laptop. Now may be the time you update your sig...

 

You're not wrong!