SONY VAIO SZ6 with SANTA ROSA IS HERE!!!

Sony Vaio SZ6 vs. Dell XPS M1330

Have been ready to buy for a couple months now… wanted the Dell, but the now infamous productions delays have given me time to think…never good. Was just about to get in that ridiculous queue when I saw the announcement for the Sony Vaio SZ6 refreshed to the Santa Rosa chipset.

Intrigued, I spec'd one out as close as possible to the configuration of the M1330 I planed on ordering and the difference in price surprised me. The Dell was only $300… MORE!

Comparing the two at that price, I found that while the Dell was the only unit to offer an HDMI out, a multi media remote and an additional 64k of dedicated video card RAM, the Sony offers several other core features the Dell is lacking:

1. First laptop at this size to offer Windows ReadyDrive (an H-HDD with 256K flash memory attached to traditional platters spinning at 5400 rpm)
2. a real docking port (Port Replicator)
3. Hybrid Graphics System - provides a choice between two hardware switchable video cards (to save power)
4. a faster chip set as standard: SR - T7500 @ 2.2 GHz (vs. T7300 @ 2.0)
5. an internal modem card
6. 1 Gb fast Ethernet card

Ouch, that's a LOT of extra stuff for less money.

Aesthetically, the SZ's carbon fiber case vs. Dell's three case color options is a pick'em to me. Credit Dell in that they wisely allow more options for WWAN connections (AT&T, Verizon and Sprint), whereas, at present, Sony only let's you connect to Sprint for EVDO rev. A. Personally, I'll be using Bluetooth to tether to Verizon's rev. A service over my existing cell phone's data plan.

Another consideration, Sony still insists on loading-up their machines with tons of crapware while Dell, mercifully, does not.

The final blow though comes with the realization that the Sony's are set to arrive in stores tomorrow, August 1! Order the Dell today and get it… when?

So, while Dell may have the edge for a multimedia user… and may later get around to adding some of the missing items… at present, I gotta go with the Sony… hands down.

 

Beyoch, have you used the keyboards of both?

The one factor I think that might be worth considering is the keyboards. Personally I don't really like the SZ style keyboard. It has never felt very comfortable to me (one of the reasons I ultimately decided to sell my SZ460).

I was really disappointed that the SZ6xx series didn't get the same updated keyboard design as the TZ and CR (it baffles me that they would adopt the new keyboard on the consumer-level CR, but still use the older style keyboard with the latest SZ's).

From what I 've heard, the XPSM1330 keyboard is generally excellent and firm.

It could be an important factor to consider.

I think I agree with the rest of your points though, the SZ comes across pretty well.

 

I was planning to get a hybrid drive till I read the Tom's Hardware review on Hybrid Drive performance and found it has minimal performance and battery gains (not to mention the slow spindle speed on the model Sony is selling)

http://www.tomshardware.com/2007/07/13/should_you_care_about_hybrid_hard_drives/

 

Yea, had heard that and was concerned. As you know, you can easily make yourself nuts trying to get the perfect everything.
I've demo' ed both and didn't see that big a difference… but agree with you that Sony's new board would have been much preferred.

To be honest, I had a dummy M1330 unit in my hands Saturday at the Dell kiosk in a Woodland Hills, Ca mall and, though I didn't want to get into it in my original post, the build quality struck me as flimsy. Since I wasn't able to get Dell's crack staff at the booth to tell me whether or not this was what you get on a real unit, I'm holding-off that judgment until I see a real one. Ultimately, I'm going to be using it docked 75% of the time, so I'll be on my existing Dell keyboard and mouse regardless.

 

Read that review as well. But the logic of the unit makes sense to me. The price differential (as opposed to a pure SSD) is minimal, so I'm stoked for it. God knows, we need to have some justification for getting Vista shoved down our throats!

 

Gotcha. Yeah, in that case, if you didn't notice much of a difference between the keyboards, then it shouldn't matter too much.

I am not sure how representative the dummy models at Dell kiosks are to the real thing. I played around with a similar Inspiron 1420 dummy model (since they didn't have any actual working units yet), and it also felt "flimsy".

Since none of the XPS1330 reviews so far have mentioned flimsiness (quite the opposite, in fact, with most praising them as fairly sturdy), I think it probably is wise to hold off judgment on that particular point.

 

Ok, So I've been a long time lurker, new poster here and this thread had me all hyped up for a Sony SZ6. Despite everyone's warnings about the "flimsy keyboard" I was very near pulling the trigger on one but decided I better make a wise decision and actually go see one "in the flesh" here at a local best buy. They had the sz450ish model and I have to say that that was probably the cheapest feeling laptop I've seen. That brushed aluminum felt extremely cheap and the keyboard felt like a toy. Not to mention that the floor model had a cover for the optical drive hanging lose. My girlfriend who was there with me but knows nothing about laptops claims that that SZ was the "cheapest feeling one there".

Frankly I'm terribly disappointed. I'm not too jazzed about buying a pricey 1330 and having to wait 2 months to get it.

I'm just curious is anyone else has had similar experiences with the SZ models or maybe I just got horribly unlucky with a bad floor model?

 

Honestly, I wouldn't make too many judgements based on a Best Buy floor model. Frankly they seem to often be in very poor shape, especially Sony laptops.

I owned an SZ460, and generally speaking it was very well built (the keyboard isn't so much flimsy as just that it feels soft, etc. compared to other keyboards).

Also, Best Buys usually have the SZ430 out on the floors, which is the non-premium model (without the LED-backlit screen, etc.).

I am not sure, but I think Sony has finally gotten rid of the concept of non-premium SZ's, so the SZ650 should be more representative of the SZ460, I think.

-Zadilo

 

Well, that's what I want to believe anyway lol, and as hard as I try to pretend that my Best Buy experience didn't happen I just can't.


I'll agree with anyone that the premium SZ's look a million times better than the non-premiums but is the build quality any better? That floor model was a non-premium.

 

Honestly, I think the build quality of the premium and non-premium models is fine. The thing is, those floor models at Best Buy really get abused (moreso even then what you would see from normal wear and tear).

-Zadillo

 

Zad, I have to agree with you. Examiner, if you have one by you, go to a SonyStyle mall location. The staff is pretty clueless about the new stuff but the floor units are all nicely cared for. I'm highly critical of such things too... and while it may be accused of being a bit spongy, if not abused, should last you just fine.

 

Well there may be one non-premium version. Sparco.com is preselling a SZ640 with a retail price of $1729.97, which may indicate it is a non-premium version without LED screen. But I could be wrong.

 

Hi all,
I am also in between Dell XPS 1330 and Sony vaio Sz6 series and one improtant difference for me is the wireless cards. Dells have only N, while sony has access to a/b/g/n, all four networks. So for some of us this may be crucial as well. Regarding the keyboard, as an IBM thinkpad user for the last 3 years, I need to confess that the vaio keyboard seems/feels so cheap and soft. No tactile feedback at all. I do not know the dell keyboard.
by the way why the Vaios still not showed up on the web page? Any news?

 

Both the M1330 and the SZ6 use the same Intel PRO/Wireless 4965AGN card that has all four standards (a/b/g/n).

 

you are right, I just saw it. my bad

 

Will the SZ6 be available at the Sony store in NY? Travelling to NYC in a week's time. And will the price of the SZ4 series be reduced at the same time?

 

Since the release that seemed to be directed to 7/29 came and went, I guess we should hold tight for 8/1

 

Difference is rather minimal; perhaps size only?

No, I said compared to competing product.

Again, it's not me but the market.

For me personally none of them would worth more than $20 because all look horrible for me: 90%+ of the bags out there are ugly colored, cheap-l;ooking plastic crap, no class, no style (except a subtle slight ghetto-influenced one).

Some $100-$200 cases look very nice and has a great style but lack some features I consider critical: see Bihn's very classy Molded Cork laptop bag with zero extra pouch or pocket or look at Booq Vyper Exo M which has great features but adds another pound or so to your laptop weight....

I'd never put such a nice thing like SZ (or any other better-looking ~$2k laptop including the supposedly first good-looking Dell one) into any of those ugly "messenger" bags (this whole "messenger" naming just makes it worse - it only invokes a nasty picture: every messenger (biker) I meet has a pretty ugly and usually dirty bag), be it Pro or Classic or anything.

I'd be interested to read about it - got linky?

 

Nope - this is from my order page:

 

maybe not the best place to start such a question, but i'd love to hear which bags you like/use. i'm always on the lookout for something better to use. i never seem to be 100% satisfied. we may have similar tastes. i want style, function, size and everything.... but then again, maybe we'd disagree.... tell me anyway.

 

If I got an SZ6, I would definitely get this bag.

 

All this bag talk is going a little off topic. Some of the Sony bags may be a little too conspicuous ("Steal me! I contain a $2000 computer!"). My choice would be Manhattan Portage's 1704 style bag. That said, bags are really a matter of personal preference. Where T2k may find a worn and scruffy bag "a nasty picture", I see signs of usage as giving a bag character.

 

I had a Prada nylon bag for a few years and it was OK but wore out.

I really like my new Gucci messenger bag! It fits my current Sony perfectly. I can't find an exact match at gucci.com but they sell them at Saks for Men in San Francisco. The one below gives you the idea although it's a bit cheaper.

http://www.gucci.com/us/us-english/us/fall-winter-07/luggage/#162419_F7ATR_1000

 

Yes that is very nice bag but for that price....

I don't think anyone is going to spend 800 dollars on a laptop bag!

 

Does anyone know if this bag fits the SZ?

http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs...-1&productId=8198552921665167469&tab=Features

My cheap VAIO laptop bag is not very good and I want to get something like that.

 

It should fit just fine, but be a bit loose, as the CR is a bit bigger than the SZ, and so you'll have some extra room.

 

So, just wondering, anyone know when will the new SZ officially be released in the United States market?

 

Let's wait another 30 minutes and see...or 3h30m if they are updating at west coast time.

I'm eagerly waiting.

Amazon is still standing by their Aug 1 ship date. I have my preorder there already for overnight shipping. Order status says delivery date expected on Aug 2. Hopefully this won't be another M1330 debacle.

 

Oh, cool! So where did you pre-order your SZ?

 

Said amazon.com

 

how do you guys know that the 8400M GS used in the SZ6 has only 64MB of dedicated VRAM?

 

and do you think if it does only have 64mb of dedicated, that we might have the option to upgrade it to 128 on the 680 series? I don't think any games can run with 64MB on the market right? I want to be able to run Starcraft 2 and Oblivion and Crysis

 

All GeForce gpus have TurboCache built-in now. That means that they can allocate additional memory from the main RAM over the PCIe bus to act as video memory. The 64mb refers to the GDDR3 memory directly present next to the 8400, but the 8400 can also address about 768 additional mb of memory if it needs to in order to hold textures and geometry. Of course TurboCache'd memory is slower than the GDDR3, but it will enable you to play any modern game (albeit at a performance loss).

You should have no problems playing Starcraft 2 when it comes out (im just guessing here) since traditionally Blizzard's games degenerate very well onto older hardware. If you want to play Crysis or Oblivion I suggest you look for a different notebook computer. Perhaps the AR series or something with a 8600 from Sager/Clevo.

 

yea but the design on sager and clevo is pretty bad... they look like boxes to me. On a different note, what is the complaint about Sony Vaio SZ keyboards? that they are loud? I tried one briefly (a SZ480) and I don't remember the keyboard being bad. the SZ6 has the same keyboard as the SZ4 right?

 

Yes, its the same as SZ4. It feels different compared to my W3J.

 

so um what's the complaint? keys too spaced out? keys too loud?

 

The general complaint seems to be the keyboard is too "mushy". Yes the SZ keys are a little less "clicky" than some other makes and models. Its a matter of preference. As for the Clevo/Sager being boxy, you could always take a look at the various boutique gaming notebooks (e.g. Alienware). They are basically just Clevo/Sagers with some cosmetic tweaks and rebadged.

 

Surely its 12AM in US now? Nothing so far on SonyStyle and Sony.

 

where are the sz6 s man? for the last 3 days I have been checking the website every minute...come on sony!!!

 

It is listed as coming soon on Amazon. They took my order yesterday saying it would ship today. I fear they pulled a Dell type move.

 

well its 9:47AM Eastern time here in USA. Anyone planning on checking a sonystyle store to see if they are in stock?

 

double post .

 

No news is bad news. At first, I was expecting it to be July 29th. Then, August 1st...now what?

I've checked some online stores and all of them keep on saying "coming soon" or "accepting orders", etc.

 

why isn't it here?
About the Hybrid drive, who's getting one? The concept behind it is awesome, but in reality, it just seems to be falling short. I'm sure it'll be good after a while but this model just isn't.
I've changed my mind so much in the last few weeks, but I think I've finally decided on the 7200rpm... The wear and tear on the disk, and the fact that the as much power as is saved while the disc is off is used to start it up, and the longer wait times while it turns on... And finally, there's only 256mb of flash memory. If it's the intel chip, you can presumably switch it out to get more, but 256mb just isn't enough to do much, which means the drive will have to turn on a lot, which means power consumption will be the same... I'm interested to hear other people's opinions on it, though.

 

The thing about the SZs is that they are designed to be tiny. They aren't bulky, but are rather pretty much the sleekest, lightest thing out there in their class, not to mention the downright most beautiful laptops on the market today. Where I'm from, at least, vaios turn heads. I don't see anything cheap about them. I'd also like to point out that the casing is a lot sturdier than may laptops, which are just made of plastic.
As for the keyboard, I think they kept it to be quiet. It's supposed to feel smooth and light, not clicky. Although I realize that everyone has their own preferences about keyboards, I think the sz keyboard is very professional. You don't want to be making the extra tapping noise in a professional environment.

 

I am now starting to worry that the actual launch may be closer to Canada's launch date of Aug 14 as stated on sonystyle.ca

Hopefully I'm wrong and at least Amazon will have it in stock today or very shortly.

Please Sony...don't be like Dell.

 

They're also preselling the SZ650 with an anounced price of $1918.55!!

How can this be possible if the retail price is $2049.99 and it's a new product in the market????

 

It's possible because the notebooks cost the reseller a good deal less than the list price. So while the reseller makes one hundred less on each notebook, their hope is that more people will buy from them rather than everyone else selling them, so they'll make overall more money than they would have.

 

Yeah, I see. But I've never seen such a difference in a new product. Anyway, it's good for us...

 

Yeah, it's awesome.

Have a look at this Amazon preorder stuff:

Estimated ship date for this item: August 30, 2007 - September 13, 2007
Sony VAIO VGN-SZ650N/C 13.3" Notebook PC (Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T7500, 2 GB RAM, 160 GB Hard Drive, Vista Business)
$2,049.99 - Quantity: 1 - In stock soon. Order now to get in line. First come, first served. - Eligible for Amazon Prime shipping rates: join now
Condition: new
Sold by: Amazon.com
Gift options None
Estimated ship date for this item: August 30, 2007 - September 13, 2007
Sony VAIO VGN-SZ691N/X 13.3" Notebook PC (Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T7700, 2 GB RAM, 200 GB Hard Drive, Vista Business)
$2,699.99 - Quantity: 1 - In stock soon. Order now to get in line. First come, first served. - Eligible for Amazon Prime shipping rates: join now
Condition: new
Sold by: Amazon.com
Gift options None

Enjoy the waiting, as I do with my m1330.