SV-Z vs VPC-Z2

Hi guys.

I googled for VPC-Z series prices and it looks quite tasty to me.

I'm using my VGN-Z750D with P8800@ 2.66Ghz, but i've upgraded my RAG to 1333Mgz 8GB Kingston sticks, and waiting for a Intel 320 SSD (that's old, but proved one). Initialy i hoped that SSD will speed up my laptop.

But back to the questions:
1. What is the difference between VPC-Z21 and SV-Z13?
Ivy Bridge? Does it brings extra performance?
FHD screen? I'm quite happy with mine, but actually don't mind FHD.
8GB RAM in all models. 8 GB is a must for me.
Extra batarey life?

Or i'm just asking if it's worth it to buy SV-Z instead of VPC-Z?

2. Prices for SV-Z go from $1599. Quite stange to me, Z always costs more. Does the Power media dock included in this price?
If there's any difference between VPC-Z and SV-Z docks?
Dock is quite useful to me, and i want to get a model with it.


Really the main question to me is:
-Upgrade my VGN-Z or not? May be i can speed it up with SSD and stay for a half of the year, probably till Christmas.
-If it worth it to rush for a latest SV-Z model? Because it costs like: ~1300 with dock and 1600 without a dock.

 

What are your uses for the computer? Where does it seem to be falling short?

 

Just for everything, but the hardest tasks are:
Photo editing a lot, video editing just a little, virtualization like dynamips and vmware and etc. Gaming, but i don't remember last time i played a game on my VGN-Z.
I expect that SSD will give me faster responce and better performance in everyday tasks. Photoshop still limited by CPU as i think, so as virtualizations.

 

The SV-Z is the 2012 refresh of the VPC-Z2. Most important difference is the Ivy Bridge chipset including the new Intel HD Graphics 4000.

The Vaio Z uses full speed processors while most other notebooks and ultrabooks use the ULV types (less speed, less power consumption). So the Vaio Z is actually a desktop but in a laptop housing.
Also the SSD raid setup and 8GB of RAM makes it extremely fast.

The $ 1.600 price doesn't include the external media bay. Because the Intel HD Graphics 4000 is such a boost compared to the previous 3000 type, most people no longer need the second graphic chipset in the media bay.

I had a VPC-Z1 (2010) and just switched to the SV-Z and have to say it's a giant leap forward. The only downside is the lack of a disc drive, but I mount ISO files on a virtual disc drive. And you can install Windows from a USB stick.

 

Does that new chipset gives any advantage in batarey life or performace except graphics?
Intel 3000 is fine for me on-the-fly, once i have media dock at home. I won't play games on-the-fly and i can't name some applications that require more then 3000 can give. Since Photoshop and Lightroom uses GPU, but just a little, faster graphic hardly give any advangate.

Yep, i know it all.
I got VGN-Z, with core2duo with 8 gigs of ram and ssd is coming. So the only difference is platform(mean CPU) and graphics. And chasis of course. Display resolution is different to, but i feel fine with any. (1600x900 or FHD)

Honestly never expected Intel graphics to be very fast. I suggest i cannot play recent games on it though, right?
And X4500 in my VGN-Z works fine for me. I just can't name some apps where i can use fast graphics but games. I'm working with photos/video and the rest definately not need GPU.

And it will be a big leap from VGN-Z model, (one gen before VPC-Z1). Even i got a fast 8 GB RAM and SSD(not as fast as SV-Z)

Overal i compare VPC-Z2 to SV-Z.
Ok, the newer platform should be better, but how much?
Does batterey lasts longer?
Does CPU perform way faster then prevoius one? (I personaly would prefer some "slower" cpu over quad-core i7, if it help me to save some batarey life.)
The dock is pretty much the same, right?


Personaly i'm trying to find any reason to get a newer model...

 

You're a bit confused: the Z series uses regular mobile processors, not desktop processors.

 

No, he's right.
Most laptops run ULV quad core i7 running @ 1.2-1.5 GHZ. And Z got a normal full-speed CPU inside. So it runs as a "bigger" laptops and can be used as a desktop-replacement easily. Actually that's what i have right now.

 

Doing general tasks on WIFI with 60% screen brightness uses just below 10Wh on my quad core Z3, so you are looking at 4 to 5 hrs battery time or 10 to 11 hrs with the slice battery in my experience. The battery life might get a bit better since the machine is only one week old.

The quad core is very fast, it runs at 2.8GHz all the time when pushed, I have yet to see it working at stock 2.1GHz on load. Handbrake performance is around 15% faster than my 1st generation desktop i7 clocked at the same frequency.

 

4-5 hrs is fine for a quad-core i7, but i would prefer some slower cpu, if this can save me some time. like 5.5-6 hrs on wi-fi and 12+ with slice battery.
I believe that quad i7 is very fast, but even i5 will meet my tasks.

Just wanna compare VPC-Z2 and SV-Z models. If second one is faster on a similar processors and if it lasts longer. This is probaby the only two things i worry about. =)

 

The quad core ivy bridge i7 is definitely a big boost in performance over the dual core i7 in the Z2.

 

I can't say anything on battery life because I rarely run on battery power.

Every review I read on the new Ivy Bridge laptops say the new Intel Graphics 4000 chipset is impressive and even can be used for gaming. I'm also not a gamer so I can't tell.

I'm using the laptop as a programming and web develop machine and it feels faster than the Z1 running a local web and database server and Visual Studio all at the same time. It's not a day and night difference but it all just feels so much smoother.

I do have to say the Z3 is extremely quiet compared to the Z1. On the Z1 the fan kicks in really fast even on average load, on the Z3 I never heard the fan.

 

That would be nice if anyonce can compare batarey life... Quite curious about this.

I'm interested in media dock more =) I find this useful to me.

I'm sure it will run faster them Z1 (we mean VPC-Z1, right?) but probably because of a RAM, SSD, and all the rest things. And CPU of course, but not that much.

Z2 and Z3 have same chasis, and i'm comparing this one. I got VGNZ with same(i believe) chasis with Z1 and i can confirm, that fan become quite noticeable =)


PS. It looks that best idea is to keep my money and run my current setup upgraded with SSD till Christmas and the upgrade to SV-Z

 

@TLN: I can see you are struggling with these upgrade questions. It sounds from your described uses and general satisfaction with your VGN-Z assuming adding the [slow by today's standards] Intel 320 SSD that if you were to upgrade at all you might find you can get all the improvement you have any need for by getting a VPC-Z2 with 8GB and 256GB SSD RAID0 - and make sure you get a Z22 or 23 or if a Z21 confirm it is not one of the early ones that had SATA II bus not SATA III.

Let me restate: the difference between the Z2 and the SVZ is unlikely to matter or even be noticeable to you from your description of your uses. I recommend the Z2 because you can buy one with an SB i5 cpu, 8GB and 256GB SSD and the PMD (which I think you say you would want) from the Sony Outlet or on eBay for as little as $1,200 U.S. whereas the SVZ 13 with 8GB and 256GB will cost over $2,000 without the PMD, which adds another $500 or so, but would come with the Z2 I am suggesting you consider. Even if you don't get a steal of a deal on the Z2, you certainly can get what you need for $1,500 including the PMD whereas the cheapest you could get the equivalent SVZ for, with PMD, would be around $2,500. The Z2 is insanely fast and from all reports I've read the battery life is not appreciably better with Ivy Bridge chipset.

Sorry, I meant to give a response that would be simple and straightforward, but your many questions make it hard to feel I've answered all your concerns without going into great detail. Going from your VGN-Z to the VPC-Z2 will be like moving to a new galaxy! If you have the funds now, why wait? You can probably sell your VGN for around $500 and get a machine that is nearly 10X faster for $1,000 and the sale of your VGN.

 

I had the VPC-Z13 (previous design) and now got the SV-Z13. It has got double RAM (from 4GB to 8GB), double disk space (from 128GB to 256GB) and double processor power (from i5 with 2 cores to i7 with 4 cores). Power that is!

The media dock hasn't changed between Z2 and Z3, the graphics card has a different type number but it's actually the exact same chip. But I don't have one myself. I only bought an external dvd drive to burn a disc from time to time or watch a movie.

 

Want opinion on a deal I just submitted with MS Store. A Vaio Z2, with 256 SSD, 6GB, i7 with PMD and extra battery sheet for $1,499 and a Free X-Bos. Seems like a steal to me. I am not a gamer nor a software developer, just an usual notebook user but like tech. I was waiting for the New Ivy Bridge and was sure to buy an ASUS UX31A until I learned about this deal.

Couldn't find the 1,200 deal for a i5 as stated earlier, but think this is still a very good deal. Comments?

 

Could you provide a little more info on that? I don't mean benchmarks but real world examples of tasks where it makes a difference. The HD3000 is fine for my graphic needs, which are limited. I've thought about moving the SB but my current thought is to wait for Haswell which may never come to the Z (will Sony stay with Z?).

That's pretty much my baseline view.

 

I had both Z2 and Z3, and just finished my clean Win7 installation.

Regarding the duo/quad-core comparison, I would say differences under normal use are not perceivable, with Z2 a tiny bit faster when you run light programs(simply due to higher clock speed.) But again if you are able to get programs utilizing all 4 cores/8 thread, should be a win.

Actually my Z2 runs faster(constantly at 3.2GHz with 4 threads program and faster DDR3) than my desktop core i7 860/930, both are quad-core processors. Z3 with slightly faster 1600 DDR3.

The Power Media Dock: when you have Intel HD4000, the improvement is small. I would say wait for upgrade if SONY will.
When I plug the PMD to Z2, the graphics is 6650m; when I plug it to Z3, it says 7670m, quite funny cheating.

The things I like are duo USB3.0 and the rapid wake, which is quite nice; though you can always do a cold boot within 20 seconds.

Regarding the fan noise, Z3 is definitely quieter than Z2, I guess probably due to better performance(4 cores vs 2 cores). But not sure when you running in full load.

 

Thanks. That's what my LL said and is consistent with my understanding.

 

I was just ballparking what I thought you could find if you bided your time and kept watch at Sony, MS Store, MicroCenter and eBay sellers. I've seen just one or two new ones sell on eBay at that level, but you can wait a long time and maybe pay more than $1,200 anyway.

If you really want an Xbox, and would have otherwise bought one for, what, $150? it's like getting the Z2 for $1,350 which is great. Do make sure it has the 1080p screen; though the SVZ is only offered with the FHD, the Z2 was also offered in 1600X900. The 900p screen is also superb, brighter and better blacks and contrast than the 1080p, but the latter is really the "gold standard" in 13" screens, and for the amazingly vivid and sharp, crisp look of blu ray video on that screen it's really the one to get. When you go to sell it, you will really take a hit on the 900p, good a screen as it is, because Asus and others are ushering the 13" 1080p era - they even have an 11" 1080p! - so in 2012 and beyond, that's where you need to be. Ironically, it may be that the screen on the UX31A will take the crown from the Z FHD because it is an IPS display and about twice the brightness and contrast of the Z's TN screen, remarkable as it is. I think 2012 is the year the floodgates opened on high resolution IPS displays and there's no going back. But I digress...

Some will say you MUST get 8GB and 6GB is a big mistake. I don't think you will miss the extra 2GB or even the inability to use dual channel but, well, it might cost you $100 come resale time, but if you keep this one as long as you kept your VGN I wouldn't think resale is in your thinking. Do also make sure this isn't one of the SATA II SSDs that were shipped in the earliest batches but I think not in the US. Still, we're talking double the speed and while it may not really be noticeable it's like the screen, you get a Z2, you want those screamin 900+Mb/s RAID0 SSDs not the "pokey" 500 Mb/s SATA II s

One bonus of the MS "Signature Series" is they claim to dump a lot of the bloatware, though I don't know if they do that with Sony's own branded bloatware, of which there is a ton! Finally, I would never spend such serious money on a computer unless they have at least a 14 day, better a 30 day, full refund return policy, for any reason or no reason. The QC is quite good, but you do not want to have to accept one that came of the line with any issues, even cosmetic.

Go get it and prepare to be blown away!

I think the quieter fan is because the IB components don't get as hot as SB, hence little need for fan unless you're really taxing it, which appears very tough to do with that beast! Really feeling jealous with my increasingly dowdy looking VPC-Z1, a stellar machine and still "relevant" today, as it will meet or beat the performance of any Ivy Bridge Ultrabook with it's Arrandale SV i7 dual core and it's RAID0 SSDs, even if SATA II, and "THE screen!" But the palm rests are plastic the bottom feels like plastic even if it's carbon fiber and it's just so 2010! My heart says go for the SVZ but my head says Z2. Head knows what's in the bank account!

But then there is the matter of those tin foil speakers in the Zs, and the excellent sound from the IB Samsung 9 13" with PLS screen and thinner even than an MBA, and the IB Asus UX31A with Bang and Olufsen audio, that possibly Z-crushing 500 nit IPS display and better trackpad than the Z - and both of the alternates about the same price as comparably equipped Z2s in today's market.

We are awash in wonderful notebook computers, one for every need or indulgence! Decisions, decisions. Fun time for getting toys.

 

Lovelaptop

Thank you for the response. I bought it and it is 1080, RAID 0 SSD.

How do you know I have a VGN for a log time? It is actually a VGN-FZ4000 I bought maybe 5 (!!) years ago.

Thanks again

 

Congratulations! You mentioned your old VGN serving you so well earlier in the thread and it stuck with me.
Don't forget to post about your new Z when you get it!

 

Yep, that is what is thounght once I saw prices now.
Didn't understand SATAII vs III in Z21, (my english aint that fluent, as i want it to be), but i got thet Z22 or Z23 is better =)

That is the fullest answser i can get, and this is what i was thinking.
Well, i'm not in US, and i didn't find any deals on Z2 with i5-256SSD-8GB-PMD for $1200. And same but with i7 for $1500 new is really interesting to me, unless i7 version run 2hrs less. btw, if anyone can confirm battery life difference between i5 vs i7?

Well, as i've mentioned, i'm fine with my VGN-Z, at least it is quite fast now. And i'm waiting for SSD[slow, but reliable, and do i need sata II speeds with sata I controller?]. May be stay with VGN-Z for a couple of months.
Will try to sell it and grab a newer one. Honestply i got too much of different stuff at home, so i'd like to sell something before i buy something new, even i got money =)

If anyone can post a link to something like i5-8gigs-pmd for 1200 that'd great!