SZ360 info/review

I am looking to but that model within a few months. Has anyone bought the SZ360 and if so are there any reviews on it yet?

 

I got one a few weeks ago and really like it alot. It replaced a v505axp that I used in school and carted around in a normal backpack with my books.

I haven't seen any reviews specifically on the SZ360, but take a look at pretty much any SZ review and adjust for the differences. 2GHz Core2Duo T7200 is fantastic. Get rid of some startup items, services, and uninstall as much of the preinstalled crap you don't use or want and watch it perform even better.

The carbon fiber case is awesome and looks way better than the magnesium alloy case. Lappy is thin and light. Screen is beautiful. Keyboard takes a little getting used to tho. Keys are wider and larger than I'm used to (F keys are spaced a little weird) and have a different feel. Battery lasts for about 3 hrs or so in Speed mode (haven't tried stamina yet). The protector suite software was a little buggy (hibernate/and lock problems) and slowed the machine down on startup/shut down so I uninstalled it. The AC Adapter is HUGE - weighs at least a pound.

Go play around with an SZ model in BestBuy or CircuitCity to see if you like the way it feels. And if you do- order the SZ360 and knowing that it will be faster, lighter, and better.

 

they havent fixed the ac adapter since the sz 160! that sucks. ps the 160 has lots of loose plastic not sure if they fixed that either

 

Thanks debi. Is there any of the bloatware worth keeping?

 

The battery is a little bit loose. And the sliding cover over the dock connector will slide open.

I don't even know where to begin with the bloatware - still dumping stuff as I come across it. But so far I've removed - Vaio Media Server stuff, SonicStage, Norton, TrendMicro, Roxio, DVGate, anything related to online services, MovieLink, Works, Word 2003 trial, games, Quicken ... and a few others. Think I uninstalled like 3 Sony wireless lan setup utils! You'll also have to go through and manually cleanup leftover folders and such. Also some stuff isn't actually installed - like the Registry Mechanic trial (you can find it in Vaio Central and folder on C).

It really depends on what you use. I use Quicken but not on my laptop, so didn't need that. I already have Nero7, SpySweeper 5 so I certainly don't need Trend Anti Spyware trial or Roxio for anything. And I hate Norton. I don't do movie editing and overall dislike Sony utilities and programs. I really wish they wouldn't waste time on stuff that is already included in the OS, especially since it does the EXACT same thing.

I imaged the drive after I got it cleaned up. The thought of restoring to factory and watching it install all the crap I removed frightens me.