So no 2nd HDD in the Z2... What are my options?

Hi,

I'm guessing the Z2 has zero room for a 2nd HDD, as there's no optical drive... And the hole where it's SSD is, is gonna be tiny, so no room for a hybrid SSD/HDD...

So for me, who wants to replace my TZ (with 64GB SSD + 750GB HDD), what are my options?

Can we still buy Z12s?
I was gonna buy a custom one, hi spec but with a small SSD and swap out the ODD for an HDD... Perhaps mod/upgrade the SSD when i had some more dosh... Only need a small one for OS/Apps.

Or which other laptop (don't care who from) comes close (i know it's not gonna be that close!)?

I need it small, TZ to Z12 sizes only.
I need it to have some poke (My TZ is a bit of a wimp)

I NEED lots of space, less than 750GB is not an option...

Anyone else in the same dilemma?

 

How much do you care about the display? If your willing to live with 720 vertical, you might consider the Lenovo X220 or the Toshiba R830, both of which have decent expandability.

 

well, I suppose external HDD is the only way, maybe you don't need all your data when on the bus or stuff like this, a 120gb SSD and an external HDD should do the job

 

I was really looking forward to specing a 1080p screen in the Z12, as my eyes haven't failed Yet (mysteriously)...

So i'd say yes, screen resolution is important... a 1600x900ish display would be great... 1080p would be perfect.

 

I have a bunch of external HDDs already... :-(

Running an SSD + HDD really is the dogs bollocks setup in my book...

I'm one of the many that use an ODD 3 times a year, so i have an external one of them...

But the speed AND space at a very low cost is great...

I really wish wish Sony started doing this option again like they used to...

Until we get cheap 1TB SSDs, it's still the only way us space-hogs can survive!

 

Maybe also consider the VAIO SA series?

Good luck.

 

Hmmm.... Not such a stupid idea... ;-)

So i could spec it with an HDD and Blueray, swap the HDD for a decent 2.5" SSD, swap the ODD for an 750GB hdd using one of those NewMode caddies (i trust they're ok?) and then use one of those cables they also do to plug in the ODD to the USB3 port... ??? I'm not up to speed on the SA at all...

 

AFAIK when you order, you get to choose between the HDD and SDD+ODD. If you choose HDD, you get neither SDD nor ODD as the HDD sits where the ODD used to be. But then, I have a VPCZ1 - maybe things are different for your model.

 

I just did a config on the sonystyle uk site and it let me choose the blueray and 640GB hdd... So i think it's ok...
I know what you mean tho, the Z config used to be like that yes.

 

Stupid, no. The best idea? Maybe not. I have been saying this most times your particular dilemma is raised, but unless you have needs that can only be satisfied with an SB cpu, I believe a far, far better solution is a Sony Z1 like this one on eBay right now for $1,250 new in a box from a highly reputable seller (no, I don't know them nor do I get a cut!) Sony VAIO Z series VPCZ13CGX/S i5 128gb SSD 4gb ram | eBay

EDIT: Sorry, I misread that listing; it is a bid auction with days to go and already at $1,250! There is, however, a used one for $1,250 and these machines are quite reliable, so I would still consider it. http://cgi.ebay.com/Sony-Vaio-VPC-Z...22788678?pt=Laptops_Nov05&hash=item19c797ad46

If you were considering an SA with an SSD, you could also probably spend more like $1,800, and this one is new in the box, with 256GB SSD, "Buy it Now" for $1,850 http://cgi.ebay.com/Sony-Vaio-VPC-Z...09994584?pt=Laptops_Nov05&hash=item415b9e9858

I just think the Z1 has it over just about every 13" model out there, including the new Z2 in most regards. This machine is so fast that you will not be outmoded for 1-2 years, and even then you will be able to sell it for close to what you paid (see recent sales of the VGN-Z for indications of what older Zs sell for). Since you already have two SSDs in Raid 0 you may not need to replace your ODD with a 2.5" HDD, but it is nice to know you can as an upgrade. You can also upgrade the raid array by purchasing 1.8" SATA2 SSDs and taking them out of their case. This is not for the novice, but again, it is an upgrade option.

I find it hard to imagine a rationale for an SA when a new in box, 1 yr Sony wtty. Z13 is available for $1,250. Btw, if you are interested, move quickly, as this is clearly an underpriced unit, as many similar ones are on eBay for $300+ more.

Good luck.

 

Yeah, getting a Z1 is a pretty easy choice here.

 

If I may input my 2c, I've been running a Z12 - 128Gb SDD + 500Gb HDD (instead of ODD) and it is the BOMB... I'm thinking of swapping the 500Gb for those new WD 1Tbs.

BTW It's "Newmodeus" and the caddy I've been using for a year now is working just perfectly. Also, remember you need 9.5mm drives not 12.5mm ...

And I can perfectly understand your frustration: you want a good screen on a 13 incher with portability? You gotta go Sony... I have the 1080p Z and none of any other 13 inchers I have seen compare. My friend has a 900p Z13, looks great too. The competition usually offers their 13 inchers @ around 1366*768...sry

 

Drat... I wish i hadn't waited now...

Damn you Sony!

 

If you want to stick with Sony, there is the VAIO SA series & you can upgrade the HDD.

Or look at the ThinkPad T420s. Very good machine for business use...