SZ640 vs. SZ680

Hi Everyone,

I'm wondering if someone can please help me understand the fundamental differences between the Sony Vaio SZ640 and the Sony Vaio SZ680. I realize that the SZ680 has carbon fiber (instead of magnesium, I think), is supposedly .2 pounds lighter, and costs more. Are there other fundamental differences? The reason I ask is that I can't figure out what accounts for the published differences in battery life between the two models. The SZ640 is listed as having a standard battery life of 2.5 - 4.0 hours and a large capacity battery life of 3.0 - 5.5 hours. The SZ680 specs, however, list a standard battery life of 3.0 - 6.0 hours and a large capacity battery life of 4.0 - 8.0 hours. What difference, if any, between the SZ640 and the SZ680 can account for this published difference in battery life? Thank you very much for your insights.

(I am trying to decide which model to purchase, and I'm wondering if anything other than carbon fiber's strenghth and lighter weight can justify my paying more for the 680 over the 640. Certainly if there were a real difference in battery life between the two, I would feel better about paying up; I just can't discover why there should be a difference in battery life.... Thanks again.)

 

The screen is different in both of those models. The carbon fibre model has an LED screen that is meant to help conserve power also. The SZ640/B range come with a CCFL screen.
Whether Sony 2 hour difference claims can be backed up is questionable based on what i have read from various SZ owners of both models.

 

Thank you, rachuk, for the response. The strange thing is that 2 Sony representatives with whom I spoke said that the screens are identical on the 640s and 680s and that the only difference between them is the carbon fiber. But, I believe you, not them. Thanks again.

 

Who hired those morons? I feel bad for so many innocent customers accidentally or purposely mislead by inept salesmen. The SZ640 is a regular model whereas the 680 is a "Premium Model". The latter come with thinner, LED-backlit screens, are thinner, lighter in weight and made of carbon fiber instead of magnesium.

If I'm not mistaken, both models will also be in different colors.

 

Yup, premium model are "silver black" color which is made of carbon fiber like TZ

 

Thank you all very much for your helpful replies.

Sincerely,

Brian