SR vs Z

I am considering the two. And while I can theoretically afford both, I want to know which is the better choice. The most critical criteria are as follows. (In order (-ish) of importance)

1. Battery Life
2. Power
3. Size

P.S. Assume I go all out on components.

 

1. SR gets 3.5 hours on the discrete graphics, and 4-5 hours on integrated. I think the Z does better because you can switch to integrated if you really want it to run for a long time.

2. If you get the SR with the discrete card, it is marginally better than the Z's 9300M GS. Everything else if you max out the options, performance is about equal.

3. Z is much lighter (3.3 lbs vs the SR's 4.14 lbs) and is built from better quality material.

Other factors: Some users have reported that the SR suffers from the battery drain problem - although it's not been conclusively proved that it's a problem with the battery rather than with the battery estimator. I will test this myself when I return to the US in two weeks.

Several Z owners have complained about fan noise, but as with any reviews covering noise, it's all very subjective. For example, on the Rosewill case I bought for my desktop, there were several reviews calling it a jet engine and several reviews praising its silent operation LOL. The truth for me was that the fan itself is not too loud, but users may be objecting to the sound of the airflow, there is that whooshing sound you get. I plan to do some tinkering to see if I can slow down the fans.

 

Limit proof described it pretty well. To add:

1. Z with IGP does a little better than SR with IGP because SR comes with a smaller standard battery.

2. You can buy the SR with 2.8Ghz, while the Z comes with 2.53GHz max. (except if you're living in Japan.)

It's easier to upgrade the hard drive in SR than in Z. Sony is often not using the fastest hard drives, so if you want to install the fastest hard drive it will be easier in SR.

If you need ultimate portability go for Z. If you want ultimate power go for SR, 2.8GHz and install a Samsung SATA II SSD.

I voted SR because I already knew there are too many Z fanboys here

 

I think if money is not a problem, you should go for the Z

 

Dang I would have voted SR instead of Z...those points are great.

 

Thnaks for your input, hopefully more prople will show up to add more.