SZ5 info thread

Just say, that the SZ5 is not going to be on the SR platform, and will be released in july, when is it likely that SZ6 (that better have a full SR platform) be released?

 

So assuming Sz5 is non-SR and still on GF 7400 --

Is it still a good buy?

 

Still a fine machine, but I'd be hard pressed to consider one knowing that a new model with X3100 and GeForce 8400M graphics was just around the corner.

 

Yeah, to be honest my roadmap may now look something like this:

1. Sz4/5 as a transitional machine for 6-12 months, then sold off while warranty is still intact
2. SR-based ultraportable, probably new Apple in 2008 or Sz6.

 

All this info makes buying an SZ in the near future a less desirable option. By the time the SZ gets Santa Rosa, Penryn processors will be just a few months away. It would seem worth waiting for Penryn SZ's, but then you have Santa Rosa's replacement, Montevina, 2-3 months right after that.

The next SZ I would consider buying would be a Montevina version, but Sony will probably replace the SZ by then.

 

The next technology is ALWAYS just right around the corner. Unless something new is coming 1 to 2 months for certain, get what you can afford and enjoy it right now. If you keep waiting for the next technology, you'll wait forever.

 

Sony is doing a clearance sale on the current SZ:

http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INT...Name=cpu_Refurbished_Notebooks&Dept=computers

Guess a new model is on the way !

 

So its therefore best if you minimize that "around the corner" scenario. You know Intel and Nvidia has just updated/released their lineup of mobile products, and they wont update it again the next month, or perhaps 6 months. So, using that knowledge, wait for the notebook you want to be updated. If you need it really really bad, then get the notebook!

 

Seriously, I think we're in for a paradigm shift in mobilty ie we're looking at LEDs, Flash NANDs beyond the usual upgrades in processor architecture and speed, power consumption. we know for sure that 1st gen products ultraportables with LED and flash discs are coming up which will change the scene a bit for the market of high-end products like Fujitsu Q2010, MacBook Pro and Vaios

 

Honestly, Sony is already ahead of the curve there on some things. The switchable integrated/dedicated graphics is still a brilliant and unique feature (I wish they didn't limit it to the SZ's), and they've been offering LED-backlit displays for a while now.

 

Sonystyle has the SZ5 (eu) up for pre-order too:

https://www.sonystyle.eu/SonyStyle/...2BC29B8545B7250B16C70071020000002BC29B71)/.do

(actually, the shop just went down at 0:00)

There's a developer story on there too, which I never read, interesting..

I still have the feeling we will see a new series soon, which will end the SZ series..

 

Question is the next model in July.

Sony will stick with SZ5 and just bring over to US release.
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=119794
(SZ5 series is using T7400 so it is not Santa Rosa.)

Or because competitor is step up to use 8400N and Santa Rosa for 13.3 model (Samsung Q70 and ASUS W7J) Sony will also upgrade to SZ6 and use 8400N and Santa Rosa reported by
http://www.engadget.com/2007/05/09/sony-bumps-vaio-sz-and-ar-notebooks-to-santa-rosa/#comments
and Notebookitalia web site.

 

I sure hope a SZ5 with Santa Rosa and/or 8400M comes out in the US, or at least a SZ6 with both by mid-July. Otherwise I'll be getting a W7J or Q70. Too bad, I like the SZ. Seriously disappointing if this is ultimately the truth. I find it hard to believe that the only upgrade is 40GB more in a harddrive. Hopefully the site is somehow screwed up.

 

I feel exactly the same, I was waiting for the SZ5 to be released expecting it to be santa rosa and all that nice stuff, I dont think I can wait till the next next SZ to get all the nice stuff and will switch to Asus or Samsung, we can still hope that SZ5 will deliver what we expect, but then again its sony and look at what happened to the ps3

 

Umm...I don't think you can compare what's going to happen to the SZ5 to what has happened with the ps3. It's the same company, but different departments if I'm not mistaken. Just because the ps3 isn't what people expected it to be doesn't mean it applies to sony's whole range of products.

On another note, fingers crossed for the 8400 as well. Interesting it's supposed to be the same gfx card as the FZ series.

 

Anxiously waiting for the free shipping and $100 rebate offer to be over tomorrow. Could mean new stuff coming out.

 

... Sonstyle "Free Shipping Ends thursday" changes everyday... it never expires.

 

Localized versions (it, nl, fr, es, se, de etc) don't have their Sz5 yet... which is kind of frustrating as i'd buy one on the spot

 

Just confirmed with Sony that localized versions of Sz4 are going on sale this week in Europe....

 

fixed?

At the moment I'm just hoping for a new TZ-like series of the SZ. I'd say its lifespan must be over about now..

Especially the eu SZ5 seems like old tech compared to other announced notebooks.

CZ series?

 

http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/laptops/rumor-dells-xps-m1210-getting-santa-rosa-on-june-26-263804.php

There is a rumor that the Dell XPS M1210 may be getting Centrino Duo, LED display, Nvidia 8400M, and a wight decrease before the SZ! If this is true, I now have no idea which one I want more. Dell or Sony?

 

That's great. I am in the market for an ultraportable and this a serious oppositor to Sony TZ. Do you know anything about the HD and the battery?

 

This is really cool! If rumors come true, the ultaportable market will have plenty of good choices this year. I think I see a Dell in my future.

 

I know nothing about this computer except that it is making it hard for me to choose between the Sony and it. Too bad HP has yet to include Centrino Duo in the TX1000.

 

The XPSM1210 competes more directly with Sony's SZ series. The TX and TZ are in a different class in terms of size, weight, etc.

 

Interesting. The other 2 I was looking at was the santech(although I have no idea how to get it) and Samsung Q70.

 

SZ5XN is out in Sweden..
Only different between SZ4XN was, the SZ5 got 160GB HDD and SZ4XN got 120GB.. same CPU.. Sam ram... most is same price too..

 

I think I know the reason why sony introduced SZ5. I got one last week and it's true that the only difference is HDD size. As to the price, it's approximately 100-200$ higher than SZ4. However, obviously there was some software problem in non-english versions of Vista in SZ4 (something with Explorer collapsing) and Sony therefore decided to introduce a new model. Everything on my SZ5 has been running great so far and I'm very satisfied with it and would definitely recommend it to everyone, even power users.

 

I've asked sonystyle for internal changes in SZ5. None. The same chassi, same fans, only HDD is different

 

Could anyone confirm above or is it complete balony?

 

It's a buzz or a joke.

 

Well, why do you think it's a joke? I got this information from Sony Center and I don't see any reason why they would lie to me

 

If the hardware is the same you could just update the software (drivers?).

 

1. 
   I know 20-30 SZ owners using “non-english versions of Vista in their SZ4” – no collapsing Explorer, no more or less problems as with English Vista.

• Collapsing Explorer is a software problem and not hardware issue.

• SZ5 ( EU Version) uses nearly this same or 100 percent this same hardware as SZ4.

 

Just look at the SZ4XN and SZ5XN.. The only different I found is, HDD is bigger on SZ5XN.. Otherwise no more hardware different..

 

So any idea when SZ6 will be out?

 

Hmmm... Sony Australia has just released a new SZ4, this time with a T7400. Looks like the 4th version maybe the last SZ version we will see.

 

My guess is that Sony are waiting for the die shrink (65nm) of the Nvida 8400gs. This is expected to ship this fall, so no new SZ until then

 

Well let’s hope they will make it compatible with the new 45nm Penryn Processor then as well. And also a better price would be welcome, 2500euro is a bit out of my budget

 

They are getting cheaper and more affordable.
I remember, the SZ Premiums always were around 2500 Euros last year.

Overall, Laptops are getting cheaper. Have a look on the new Lenovo T61 series.

 

So when do folks think the SZ6 will be released (SR, solid state drive, better GPU)? Does Sony only release new laptop models in the summer months?

Funny I am asking about SZ6 when Sz5 isnt even released yet, but I guess thats what happens when you release a new model with no new features!

 

Same here, dissapointed in the SZ5 since I been waiting for SR, guess I just go for the T61 now.

May be the SZ6 will due next Summer

 

SZ6 (or new 13 inch series) will probably come in the fall or next year with Intel's "Penryn" processors. I can wait.

 

I can't wait longer than one month. I wish they would just come out with a release saying "We arent releasing with Santa Rosa for a while." Any alternatives to the SZ if one doesn't come out before then?

Since you can get a 200GB harddrive on an SZ4 (in the US through sonystyle customize), I'm still betting an SZ5 will come out.

 

The most obvious I can think of would be the upcoming Dell XPSM1330; spec-wise it seems like a straight shot right at the SZ.

Santa Rosa, LED-backlit 13.3" screen, GeForce 8400M, around 4 pound weight I think.

 

Yeah, the Dell M1330 should end up stealing away a lot of Sony SZ prospective customers until Sony gets its act together and releases a replacement to the SZ4.

 

I think for size and style the SZ will win, unless Dell has significantly shrunk the size of the M1330 compared to the current M1210 (which is much larger than the Vaio SZ4)

Still disappointed the M1330 will not have port replicator/docking, which will probably steer me towards the Sz4/5

 

the m1330 is "thinner" than the m1210 which is an incredible feat already...

 

Gee. Here I am with an original SZ160 and it seems that every six months with a new model's annoucement I look over the specs and go "meh". Changing the operating system and shuffling around the CPU, memory and hard drive does not a major new notebook series make...

Here's hoping the SZ6 will make me want to open my wallet!

 

I am dying for some leaked info about the next SZ!