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

    Discussion in 'VAIO / Sony' started by mrdorris, Jul 7, 2011.

  1. mrdorris

    mrdorris Notebook Enthusiast

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    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!
     
  2. Skyshade

    Skyshade Notebook Deity NBR Reviewer

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    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.
     
  3. ceffect

    ceffect Notebook Consultant

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    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.
     
  4. Stormblade83

    Stormblade83 Notebook Consultant

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    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 :)
     
  5. mrdorris

    mrdorris Notebook Enthusiast

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    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.
     
  6. ceffect

    ceffect Notebook Consultant

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    From the Z2 Speculation thread:


     
  7. mrdorris

    mrdorris Notebook Enthusiast

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    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.
     
  8. mrdorris

    mrdorris Notebook Enthusiast

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    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 :)
     
  9. ceffect

    ceffect Notebook Consultant

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    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.
     
  10. pyr0

    pyr0 100% laptop dynamite

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    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.
     
  11. ceffect

    ceffect Notebook Consultant

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    Where could you buy a setup like that?