SONY VAIO SZ6 with SANTA ROSA IS HERE!!!

Universitycomputers.com It's Boston University's tech store. I don't live anywhere near there but they have a pretty decent deal on the warranty and 3 year accidental was only an additional $159.99. With shipping and all it came out to around $2,180. They are extremely helpful and courteous on the phone and shipping was pretty fast. I had ordered on Aug 16th and at that time I was #11 in queue. I was told the next shipment wouldn't be in until the following week. So I waited until around the 21st to call and discover a new shipment was in but since I was #11 I probably wouldn't have mine shipped yet again until the following week. This also made sense to me since I doubted that they had received 10+ VAIOs but apparently we were both wrong because on the 22nd my order was processed and that night shipped out. I received the package yesterday though had I not ordered on a Thursday I'm sure I would have received it before the weekend.

In retrospect, I may have saved money at other places. P1 was only marginally more costly and with them providing the ability to remove the bloatware as well as check the LED it's probably worth it.

Now with Sony's back to school program my money also would've went further but at the time I ordered, sonystyle was still denying the existence of the SZ6 series. So is the plight of the early adopter.

Anyways, I have it now in advance for school, I have the technical savvy to get rid of the bloatware, and time to spare to customize it with directories and file folders for my classes. As far as I'm concerned you can't put a price tag on having it in hand when you need it. Heck, were Best Buy not wanting a ridiculous amount of money for the extended warranty I would've gotten it right from the store.

PS This thing is a sleek sexy black beast. I personally can't imagine marring the pristine look with a silver keyboard.

 

Did you receive your SZ?

I went with the SZ691 since I don't replace my laptops too often so I went with all the bells and whistles. Heck, I have a Dell Inspiron 8000 from 7 years ago that is still in use.

In any event, I heard from P1 that I was the first to order a SZ691 from Sony! The downside though is that apparently, the 691's just hit the distribution channels so I won’t see if for a week or two.

I'm just giddy with anticipation!

 

does the SZ come with only one kind of power adapter? I heard that Sony sold a smaller one?

 

They sell a "stick adapter" that's supposed to be for travel. It costs 100 bucks and the consensus is that it's a complete waste of money. Rumor has it that it's roughly the same weight and size, just a smaller cord, which, in the end only means that you get to hold the AC adapter on your lap while you type

 

I ordered a SZ680 CTO tonight from SonyStyle Sales.
I went with ordering direct only because of the $300 off offer with the Back-to-School bundle. (buy a $30 case, a $40 mouse, and the $299 3year with accidental damage wrnty)
I was also told since I opened a Sony account I will get another $150 credit on my 1st months statement. (we will see)
Even with having to pay sales tax I came out ahead of P1 because I also got the extended battery by itself which only seems to be avail with the 6cell combo from them.

I went with the:

T7500 2.2GHz
2Gig Ram
200Gig 7200rpm HDD
Large Capacity Lithium-ion Battery (BPL9)
Oh and a black keyboard!

but No WWAN as my wife works for Sprint and we will eventually get either an expresscard or USB card if ever they release EVDO here in New Mexico.

I had ordered a Dell XPS M1330 but there was a fiasco with their Dell Preferred Account stuff and some poor customer service that I didn't take kindly to so that order was cancelled.
(not to mention when I ordered in early Aug I had an expected ship of late Sept!! )

I will let you know how it goes.
Take Care,

 

sshorkey,

How much did it come down to finally? excluding 150 bucks credit?

 

hey guys - recently read this thread to get up to speed. just cancelledthe m1330 to get the SZ680CTO ... is there still a back-to-school offer available for this ? Secondly does anyone have a decent guide to uninstalling the bloatware on the SZ6xxx series ?

 

jtomans,

I ordered my sz from p1 yesterday.
Spoke to a rep and they are happily removing all the bloatware, and checking for light leakage before shipping.
The price tag at p1 is a bit costlier than others but the service looks good. BTW, Am I sounding like p1 marketing person?

 

I have received it in my house in NY but I am in Mexico at the moment and currently figuring out a way to get it here without paying taxes

 

Total was $2,511.88 which includes $106.92 tax.

The $300 back to school offer was still there and this included it.
you have to buy a case, mouse, and the 3yr warrenty which comes to like $370 to get the the $300 off though.

Or they have a flat $100 off the price if you dont want all that.

 

I'm not a big fan of their mouse and certainly don't need that case and for what I do that 1 year free warranty was good enough. So getting the 100 dollars instead of paying an extra 70 was more than worth it in my opinion.

You can really get the 680 fairly affordable... $1800 to $1900 bucks with free shipping if you do it right.

 

i think a case would be useful for me to get it to and from places of work and play easily. for me the purpose of the 13.3'' is to take it around with me on a every other day basis. i agree though the 1 year normal warrenty is fine for me too.

i found that the free shipping advertised online to end on thursday can be extended if u buy from a sony style store directly. they'll ship to the store or to your house depending on what you prefer for free if you order with them at the store.

im planning on getting the 2.4 T7700 processor with 1 GB of RAM and 80 GB 5400 RPM hard drive. I then will upgrade to 4 GB of RAM and a SSD drive myself to save money (plus they're not offering SSD with the SZ6 atm) and kit the 80 GB HDD out in its own shell and use it as an easy portable.

 

p.s. has anyone found out whether there is a quality difference between the black and the silver keyboard with regards to the way it feels ?? Furthermore has anyone ever replaced a SZ keyboard with something a little less spongy ?

 

Have you felt the new 6xx series black keyboard? I may be crazy but it certainly felt like an improvement over the 4xx series keyboards. At least at Best Buy for their display models.

 

I went through a post in this forum where someone was mad at silver keyboard. I myself dint see the silver one yet but the black one I saw at best buy was amazing.

 

Does anyone with one of these paly WoW? What kind of FPS do you get?

 

Yea I played with a 400 model at Best Buy with a silver keyboard and loathed the cheap looking thing. I decided right then and there not to buy the SZ. Just recently I went back to Best Buy and saw their 650 model with the all black looks and black keyboard and decided right then and there that I could certainly see myself with that laptop. And I just ordered my 680 yesterday


You know Kreidel, I just resubbed my old WoW account to test it out. I'll have a report on that in a week Of course if someone else has played WoW on a 680ish machine, it would be great to hear from them!

 

I ordered a SZ680 Techonweb.com. I choose them because they got really good reviews for customerservice.

They send me this email:
Please note that typical transit time for international exports are three to fourteen business days from the point that we receive the wire payment.

First I decided to wait, but now 've been waiting for a week, I decided to cancel my order. I mean fourteen business days for an item that's on stock!?!? what are they thinking.

Anyway, can someone recommend me a company that ships internationally and that does business fast?

Thanks.

Edit: Turns out my order has just shipped! Finally!

 

I thought the silver keyboard on the sz680 is a different one than on the low models... Also, it is the only silver on the notebook if you get the upgrade. Everythign else is black. I believe the 680 (being all black) w/ the silver keyboard is one of the better looking combos, hence it's 30 bux more. Can someone post pics?

 

how exactly do i get the student -$100? i'm just about ready to order one

 

take care to read the accidental replacement plan's disclaimer... covers items that break under normal use... lots of room for interpretation there

 

Call Sony and ask for it.

 

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=162615

You just have to call in and ask for them basically.

 

what type of RAM does the Sony Vaio SZ 6 series take?
I know the spec sheet says DDR2 667mhz PC2-5300 , but I was curious as to how many pins? Is it 200 pin memory ?

Thanks
J

 

From the www.crucial.com website

Module Size: 1GB kit (512MBx2)
Package: 200-pin SODIMM
Feature: DDR2 PC2-5300
Specs: DDR2 PC2-5300 • CL=5 • Unbuffered • NON-ECC • DDR2-667 • 1.8V • 64Meg x 64

Module Size: 2GB
Package: 200-pin SODIMM
Feature: DDR2 PC2-6400
Specs: DDR2 PC2-6400 • CL=5 • Unbuffered • NON-ECC • DDR2-800 • 1.8V • 256Meg x 64

or

Module Size: 4GB kit (2GBx2)
Package: 200-pin SODIMM
Feature: DDR2 PC2-6400
Specs: DDR2 PC2-6400 • CL=5 • Unbuffered • NON-ECC • DDR2-800 • 1.8V • 256Meg x 64

 

Pretty sure I'm going to order a 680 tomorrow from Sony Style (before all the specials end). I'm trying to figure out what color keyboard to get too. I like the silver in their pictures, but since most people say it looks cheap I'd like to see some owner's shots. IMO it adds a little flare to break up the dark colors without looking garish.

As far as the sz6 goes, it seems like the best combination of traits I want and compromises. I didn't think it would be this hard to choose a new laptop, but there isn't much compelling product out there right now. I have a lot of misgivings about the keyboard. I really didn't like it in the store, but I think I can get used to it. I wish the graphics card was 128MB instead of 64, that it was a 14" 1440x900, and it had a nipple pointer in addition to the track pad. Nothing is perfect though.

 

Which did you look at in the store? I saw a 400 model in the store and thought the keyboard felt like crap, and then when they got in a 650 I thought it felt much better. Of course I could have just been biased against the terrible silver cheapo looking keyboard on the 400. The 650's keyboard was black.

 

I was mostly looking at 400 models, since that's what the stores had out. I assumed that silver or black the keyboards were the same, and by that I mean equally crappy to type on. Is there a difference? The SZ looks plain without the silver highlight, that's why I'm leaning that way for the kb. If it looks bad maybe I could arrange a swap with someone.

 

I'm pretty sure the keyboards on both the SZ4 and SZ6 models are exactly the same, except the color. The reason the SZ6 might have "felt" better is because you were using a brand-new unit, compared to the SZ4 you tried which has been mashed on by 100 kids. The SZ4's keyboard is a better representation of how your SZ6's keyboard will feel like in a couple years.

 

Hmm, that could very well be. I just suggest people go to Best Buy and look at them for themselves.

I just prefer the black keyboard by bar so I'm really biased. Don't worry about the all black model looking boring. It's far from boring. This is a very sexy sleek little machine.

 

I actually think that the SZ 6's keyboard is a bit more springy. I think that it is designed better. I do think that the keyboards seem to have gotten better over time from SZ 2 to 4 to 6 series.

 

Has anyone tried installing an FZ keyboard into the SZ? I have no idea if it's even possible, but they look like they're the same size. The FZ keyboard feels a lot better imo.

 

how long are your batteries lasting? im very impressed with mine. I take mine to lecture daily and after 2 hours of taking notes and browsing the web, i still have about 3:40-4:10 of battery life left. my buddy that has the sz480 with xp installed taking the same notes and on similar brightness and would have 2:00 or less remaining on his computer.
BTW i have a sz680 still with vista

 

That's great to hear because mine will be in lectures with me also and I would hate to have to plug the thing in halfway through the 2 hours hehe.

 

davee, how long did the battery last in the end?

 

i have never drained it to empty before, but i have used it for about 4 hours in a day and i still had over 1 hour remaining. was just in lecture for one hour so far and still have 5:47 remaining at 86% but im just taking notes on powerpoint and browsing the internet. Ill see how far i can drain it down to today

 

Are you on speed or stamina when you do that?

 

stamina with bluetooth off, all other devises on

 

Any advantage to going with 4GB right now or is it a waste?

 

Vista only uses 3Gb.

 

Correction, Vista 32-bit can use 3.5GB. Vista 64-bit can use all 4.

 

I have been following this thread since about one month ago. I am very thankful for all the useful information given by you experts so that I was able to customize my VAIO SZ.

I was about buying one at P1 and import to Japan but finally I decided to buy the SZ94US-series in Japan. I selected the 2.20 Ghz CPU, Vista Ultimate, 120GB Hybrid HD, 1GB RAM but may ugrade it to 4GB (only 30000Yen). I chose an english keyboard (black) because the japanese had a strange "2x2" "enter" button and no seperate Home/End buttons which I really use often. I had a japanese and non-japanese laptop before and I think, it is not difficult to write japanese even without a japanese keyboard.
A big difference is, that you can choose the Premium carbon as option for a plus of only 5000Yen (only about 40$ !!!). Since I really like this premium cover, this was also a big reason to buy it in Japan.
Furthermore, since I am still living in Japan, I could select the "Wide" warrenty which is similar to a 3-year accidental service plan, for only 12000Yen. After that, I might still be able to get it repaired, even I live abroad through a japanese friend.

Anyone interested:
http://www.jp.sonystyle.com/Product/Vaio/S/sz94us_ns_s.html
or:
http://www.jp.sonystyle.com/Style-a/Product/Sz94/index.html

Delivery is next week, so I am also interested to know, how much speed brings a 4 GB Ram compared to 2GB. The people in the shop also told me about the limit of 3.1 - 3.2 GB for Vista. Does anyone has any comparison?

 

I have heard so many things concerning the SZ6 graphic card. When asked the difference between the CTO 400s and CTO600s model, the rep. at SONY told me that the only major difference is the processor and the fact that the new 600s have 128mb of dedicated ram instead of the 64 on the 400s models.

If this is true, then there is no way that the m1330 will beat the SZ6. Also, with all the promotions and the recent increase in price of m1330, the SZ6 with the same spec will be much lower than the m1330. And I have tried both manufacturers.

TIP for m1330 buyers out there: Dell is attibuting their m1330 price increase to the higher specs for the base model but you can still get the 1299 base if you talk to the right rep. in the right way. And for some odd reason, when you upgrade that 1299 base's spec to match the current 1499 base model, the price is lower. Go figure.


Last note: Even if the m1330 price drops, the SZ model still looks classier and more expensive. At the end of the day, no matter how much you dress up the Dell, it is still a Dell.

 

It is so cool that you can upgrade to the premium carbon for just $40. In the states, Sony will only let you buy a pre-configured Premium carbon model that is 500 higher.

I like the cross-hatched pattern as well over the painted carbon fiber SZ. Oh well.

One Question: On the Japanese model, what is that recangular area to the right of the touchpad?

PS. The Japanese SZ site is so much better than the US one.

 

It is the area where the FeliCa scanner can reside.

It is not used outside of Asia, so don't pay much attention to it. With the owner-made Japanese SZ, it is an option you can choose to have installed or not.

 

I think both look good. What is wrong with Dell's? Right now am using an almost 5 year old Inspiron 9100. Have had no problems except the one's I've created.

 

I don't believe there is any lack in Dell's build quality or that it is better than Sony's. What I am referencing to is that the overall design and material of the SZ look much more expensive and tougher than the m1330. Both are offered at roughly the same price and specs so why pick the Dell over the
m1330. (There is of course many reasons but by just design/looks SZ over
m1330.)

LOL. I can understand that. Man, the problems I have had....


ps. Thanks Nanaki on the info about the Japanese SZ. I am still looking for software to copy the drivers and then be courageous enough to clean install my new SZ when it arrives.

 

I purchased my SZ670 at a Sony Style store on 9/5. It was under a back to school sale, where buy any mouse, and any case, and get the 3-year accidental damage + onsite service free. As I was checking out, the clerk said he was going to do something nice, and gave me the 4 year coverage for free! Note there is no sales tax applied to the service plan. got the VAIO Carrying Case VGP-CKSZ1 and the VAIO Bluetooth Laser Mouse VGP-BMS33/B. I couldn’t stand the idea of placing the notebook in a neoprene case (VGP-AMC1) in a backpack, but with the sturdy padded one I got, I am confident in doing so. The mouse also is also light and resposive.


My minor complaint is removing the Intel, Nvidia, and Microsoft stickers resulted in a sticky glue residue. I’ve heard olive oil works - http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=31235&highlight=stickers People have also suggested glasses-cleaner, and using the stickers themselves to pick off some residue. I’m a little concerned with the cleaner, specifically the alcohol possibly attacking the carbon fiber finish(?) Alcohol attacks plastics, so if you go that route, please be careful - http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=123036&highlight=stickers

Note if you install Microsoft Office 2003, do yourself a favor and remove all Office 2007 components first. I did not do so and that resulted in my having to uninstall 2003, 2007,and finally reinstall 2003.

I haven’t removed any bloatware. I’m happy with the fit and finish as well as the Sprint WWAN. Glad to have joined the group with a purchase; I’d been sitting on the fence on a VAIO for the last year.

Good luck all.

 

I was also wondering about this but I'm sure its easily explained!

I've now been swayed, I know what I want (pretty much) and I'm sure I'd be happy with everything the machine has to offer, I want the Sony VAIO SZ680 . portable, lightweight(with a dedicated graphics card), powerful, strong and oh so pretty. the price tag is worth it if you consider the fact that if you purchased one of lesser quality you would be unhappy with it and it might not last as long either due to dissatisfaction or poor build quality!!

the only problem I'll have after this purchase is my willpower, will I be able to stay away from the video games!!. heres hoping


p.s just thought I'd ask, has anyone had heating problems with this notebook yet?? earlier models as I'm sure you know already have had heating problems in the past!.

oh and anyone whos bought a sony VAIO from the US for it to be imported to Australia (if anyone) how was it? no problems at all??

thankyou!

 

try using a tape to peal off the residue, working like a charm for me for 6 years now. just tape the tapes on the residue, press the tape onto the residue firmly. then peal it off fast yet not violently. then repeat. change tape as they becomes not as sticky.

there are a few things you might be interested: keyboard cover. I got one from ebay that fits the keyboard perfectly and is really soft so it doesn't affect typing at all. this is the seller/brand I bought:
http://tinyurl.com/3yvfuu

I didn't get the Sprint WWAN because I do not want the antenna, wireless internet is all over the place imo =x , plus there is no streaming where I live... and I think I would break/bend it somehow with the antenna sticking out like that.

I still going to put my laptop in a cover no matter where I put it.. it's a more direct isolation to any damage.

as far as the software removal goes.. besides uninstalling the programs I don't want to use . I also uninstalled the sony security/entertainment/productive center... because they are just ADs... then you need to go to Windows defender to remove the sony center bar something from starting up @ start ups. "movie" (for spiderman movie) and "online service" (for all the internet offer program) folder might be something you want to consider removing as well.

one thing that bothers me is how after you spend almost 3k on the laptop (I got 680 CTO) the AC adapter is not 3 pronged. (on top of that... made in china) and it just so happened that I hear and is currently having problem with this AC adapter killing battery problem. my dad's battery (SZ model) would die out while in or out of the laptop for no reason from 100% to 0% in 3 days. and I seem to have that trouble as well. lost about 15% battery power in 24hrs ish while it's in the laptop.

It is a little frustrating after hearing people getting 3 pronged AC adapter (grounded one) after sending in their SZ in for repair; people getting electrical shock off SZ palm rest and actually detected; http://tinyurl.com/3yvfuu
I think I am going to call sony and do the same thing... don't know why Sony has 2 pronged AC adapter 1st place...