Return Vaio SA for new Z? Only a few days left to decide.

I have a CTO Vaio SA (i7, 4gb ram, intel 510 ssd 250gb) and think it's a fantastic laptop. However, in the three weeks I've had it, I have never needed to turn on speed mode since I don't game, and I don't use the optical drive. The screen isn't terrible like some argue, though I do wish the contrast was better. I wonder if my money would be better spent on the new Z without the external GPU/optical drive.

These are questions I have, as well as things to consider:

-I'm a noob so I can't do anything overly complicated.

-can I easily replace the ssd in the new Z with the intel 510? Not sure if the Z ssd is a 2.5 inch drive. I don't believe I can return the 510, so not being able to use it in the new Z will be a deal breaker. I would sell the Z ssd after replacing it with the 510.

-When is the Z expected to release in the US and will CTO be available? If so, what is the expected US price range of a core i7, 4gb ram, 128gb ssd, 1600/900 configuration?

-I intend to use my laptop for some audio editing work in the near future. I understand that a GPU may be helpful with that kind of use. Does anyone know if it makes an enormous difference? Or is it generally just 10-25% faster?

I have about 5 days to decide whether or not to return my SA, so any thoughts will be much appreciated!

 

1. You can't use 510 internally on Z, sorry.

2. Jul. 27 according the Beaups. i5 based configuration is $1999 according to Beaups, so expect somewhere north of $2250 for an upgrade to i7.

 

What kind of audio editing do you do? I have a co-worker that does audio editing and he said the CPU is the important part. They actually have a Mac Pro with the 12-core configuration just for audio editing. This is because it's taking over 40 tracks and combining them, basically end-product stuff and the GPU barely makes a difference. All about the core strength baby.

 

Hi,
I don't know anything about the prices for the US market but have a look at the Z speculation thread. There you will find a lot of information about the things you are asking.
Concerning the SSD I can tell you that you won't be able to fit 2.5inch SSD inside of the new Z! Sorry. They use a different smaller format and aren't easily replaceable.

Edit: The rest of the guys were faster

 

Thanks, are those prices with or without the external gpu? If it will be less without the gpu, then I will talk to newegg and see if there's anyway I can return the 510. If those are the prices without the gpu, then wow that's way too expensive to justify.

 

From the Z2 Speculation thread:

 

I'll be doing exactly what you describe, but probably closer to 15-20 tracks at first. I'm just getting into it at this point. Hmmm... then maybe it might make sense to get something with a quad core offering, though I will miss the portability of the SA.

 

Thanks everyone for the replies. Unless some information comes out in the near future confirming dock-less CTO options, then I think I will stick with the SA. Can't complain as it's a great machine that i'd recommend to anyone. i'll have to get some games to justify having a gpu

 

Better off saving for a Mac Pro and just keeping the SA for the portable laptop I don't think a laptop will come close to what the Mac Pro can do for the amount of processing power it can do.

 

A Mac Pro is overpriced crap. Two X5690's on a 400$ Z8PE-D12 outbenches a maxed out 12-core Mac Pro by 22% and this is half as expensive.

 

Where could you buy a setup like that?