SR vs. Z?

Hello. I'm researching a new laptop for my father, and he really likes the compact Vaios (the 13.1" screen ones). He's a serious road warrior who flies transatlantic a fair bit. His business is primarily financial, so there are a lot of Office word processing, e-mail, and spreadsheets, and not so much video or gaming. He'd also like to be able to "dual head" with multiple external monitors when he's at home. He's fairly well off, so while money is an object, it's not critical.

From what I've seen, it's down to either the SR or the Z. He doesn't need the Z's built-in wireless broadband, but the other aspects of the Z seem nicer compared to the SR. Is there much of a real-world difference? Is the Z worth the extra money given his limited performance needs? Thanks in advance for any help.

-Curry

 

The Z is lighter, better build quality (carbon fiber) + for transatlantic flights a review mentioned the Z's better fitting on the overlay tray..

The Z also has better resolution/screen in case he watches movies on flights.

P.S. I think the Z looks MUCH better too

 

Get the Z. The extra space provided by the high resolution monitor would greatly benefit his work, especially since he deals with spread sheets often.

If he doesn't need alot of power, just stick with basic options: 2 GB RAM is fine, 2.26 GHz would be fine for a CPU for what he does, a 5400 RPM harddrive would be fine. Unless he really doesn't care about money, there is no reason to go all out and get a 2.8 Ghz CPU, 4 GB RAM, 7,200 RPM harddrive, ect.. Word and internet browsing wouldn't even benefit much from those pricey upgrades.

If he does alot of traveling and time away from wall outlets or just is moving around alot, get the extended battery.

 

Z would be my pick too, as mentioned it is better build and lighter not to mention, longer battery life. But for tray tables it really depends on airlines and planes. I can fit my 15.4'' easily on a not so modern 747 with United Airline...pleasantly surprised. Where as I would have had trouble fitting it on a Virgin atlantic flight as their tray tables are annoyingly small.

 

I do not think there would be much of a real-world difference, the SR seems to be more than capable of handling his needs and is hundreds of dollars cheaper as well.

But if your father has the money, the Z is a nice upgrade.