Some Questions about the new Z / SR

Well, I am looking for a laptop, and I really want a Sony - the build quality and screens seem to be awesome. I am specifically looking at the new Centrino 2 models, and there are some things that are really great about new models, and some things that don't seem so hot. And I'm in need of a little advise.

Since this will be my laptop for college, I am looking to get something a little on the small side. Both the new Z and SR fit this well. I am somewhat partial to the Z, but I don't get the hybrid graphics... I was trying to get a comparison of a 9300GS vs Intel X4500 and according to WikiPedia:

As I understand it, a 9300GS is essentially the same as a 8400GS (Source (I actually read forum stickies...): Here)... So whats the point of the dedicated card here? It seems like dead weight (Particularly with all the Nvidia problems going on), for nothing else than show - especially for me being a non-gamer.

Another thing I noticed about the Z is that according to Sony Style the screen has 100% color saturation. Does this mean that it is a 8-Bit screen? I read somewhere that most laptop screens don't provide full color saturation because they are 6-Bit. Does the Z leap ahead of the pack here?

So here are some of things I like about the Z:

• Sweet carbon fiber chassis, with a seamless one-piece aluminum keyboard panel.
• Scratch resistant, high resolution screen. I don't care about the resolution for Blu-Ray or anything, but I do some programming so the extra screen space is really helpful.
• High speed DDR3 Memory, which finally runs 1:1 with the FSB.
• Its really light weight at only 3.5 Lbs.

With all that said there are some things that tempt me about the SR. The weight and size are about the same, but the price point is obviously much better. On the flip side you are losing the carbon fiber casing, high resolution screen, and DDR3 memory.

What do you guys think I should go with? Are the "premium" features of the Z worth the extra cost? Is there any reason to expect a difference in battery life between the 2 models? And idea in general what kind of battery life to expect from either one?

And lastly, in regards to Sony screens, in general terms... Can someone help me understand the XBrite options a little better? On the FW, there is ECO and HiColor. For the SR, it is only ECO. And for the Z it is a DuraView. Are there really any big or noticeable differences in these screen options? And will the quality of, for example, an "ECO" screen vary between models?

Thanks!

 

the Z uses a LED i believe. and i think the SR uses an LED as well, but it says eco so it could be an LCD. the FW has two options for its LCD screen, the single lamp ECO, and the outrageously good dual lamp HiColor.

the hybrid graphics allow you to switch back and forth between the GPUs. use the intel to save battery life and use the nvidia when using GPU intensive stuff.

 

Although we don’t have any benchmarks to prove it I think it is a valid question that “what is the point of the having two graphics cards on a notebook when the performance difference between the two is marginal.”

The Intel GMA X4500 is touted as having 8400M G speeds and the 9300M GS only slightly higher than the 8400M GS. In any case both chips fit in the budget-performance category for 3d intensive applications.

The previous SZ series graphics solutions did have a fair gap between battery and 3d performance:

(SZ Napa Intel GMA 950 / Nvidia Geforce 7400)
(SZ Santa Rosa Intel GMA X3100 / Nvidia Geforce 8400M GS)

I found 3d apps like 3d Max Studio ran much faster on the Nvidia card than the Intel one. I can only guess they selected the Nvida chip to assist with bluray playback and HD content but i was reading the X4500 is meant to have HD playback assist as well.

Would have been interesting if Sony would have selected the Nvida GeForce Boost technology (9100M G/9300M GS together->9400M GS) or even the ATI hybrid graphics solutions, maybe Sony wanted to keep the speed-stamina switch as on of its main unique selling points.

Hopefully some kind soul can post benchmarks/battery life on the Z series for the Intel X4500 and Nvidia Geforce 9300M GS 128/256 to settle our product fears

 

Sony Vaio Z benchmarks can be found here:
http://plusd.itmedia.co.jp/pcuser/articles/0807/24/news037.html

Here's the 3DMark06 scores:


It looks like there is a considerable difference between Stamina and Speed mode.

 

Welcome to the forums! Well let's see, keep in mind that the Z has a smaller, but really more wide screen. The text will also appear smaller, so think about that if you're using this for school and will be typing up papers (then again, that's what the zoom function is for, right? )

In my opinion:


If you want: Light Lightweight, ground breaking/high durability screen, his res, HDMI/Blueray features, DDR3 (future proof),not so much gaming performance, and have some extra cash: No doubt, get the Z.

If you want: Lightweight, great screen, greater gaming performance (ATI version), smaller res. save some cash, get the SR.

 

I know Z has the best saturation in all Sony's laptops, but I am not sure if that's because 8-bit vs. 6-bit screen.

I think the premium feature make sense if you need them and sounds like you will take good use of the high-resolution screen and the mobility. However, I find the SR129EB at newegg.com to satisfy probably 90% of your need at 60-65% of the cost ($1299) right now. The only thing that you really going to miss is the resolution -- the 0.5 lb of weight difference is not going to be meaningful with neither has a keyboard setup that facilitates one-hand operation.

I think SR129EB is a better value for the money in your case, but if you really need the screen -- after all, you are going to stare at it every time you use the laptop, and this is why I stick with Sony laptops --then you should bite the bullet and get the Z.

 

Ok, this is just the thread I've been looking for because I am also stuck between the Z and SR. Anyways, I just looked at SonyStyle and it says "Installation Option" if you click on the Pre-Order Now icon. Do I really need them to Install anything? If I don't have them install anything then can I just eliminate all the bloatware from ever making it onto the computer? Also, I'm not very computer savvy; I buy one and expect it to work for 3 or 4 years. So how hard is it to actually do a clean install on a new Sony and is there anything in the bloatware that I'm actually going to need (anti-virus, Pop-up blocker, VAIO management tools?).

 

Thank You! +1 Rep.

Thats interesting. Unless its the T9600/SSD topping up the 3dmark score i would choose the 1600x900 screen for the 9300M GS 256 Meg version if i wanted to do a little gaming (GDDR3?)

EDIT: Hmm seems the FF XI real-world benchmark shows less of a difference between 128/256 meg versions.

 

What the? If I buy the computer, the OS and programs aren't already installed for me?

 

the Z has an outrageous 3D mark for its size. especially since its running on 9300G for more intensive stuff.

 

Yeah, but the SR isn't too far behind, my SR (yes, I already have one for those who don't know ) tested a 2044 on 3dmark06, and compared to other 13 inch laptops, it just blows them away (but not the Z i guess, but that'ss expected considering how much more expensive it is). GOt a 4898 on Pcmark05 as well. I have pics if anybody wants em too (only for 3dmark, forgot to prtscn the pcmark).

Personally, I'd say the Z is only worth getting if you get the high res screen (1600x900, which is the same as the FW screen, so massive resolution for the screen size). but that's a good 600 bucks more than the SR (700+ if you get the deal on newegg.com).

 

Can you tell us what harddrive you got? brand/size/rpm

 

Toshiba MK2546GSX, 250gb, 5400rpm. There are benchies on the FW vs. SR thread (like on the third page for sony topics).

 

I think that's "home installation" option, meaning having some one in your house do all the first boot-up, set-up network, download update stuff. There is also a "fresh start" option when you buy Windows Vista Business where some Sony's own video, photo, and music softwares are not intalled (and not in recover either, basically you don't buy them).

 

As a friend brought up today...

Should we anticipate that Newegg will be offering some Z model at a reduced price in a few weeks or so?

We are seeing the SR129EB as a great value (which it is) but isn't it possible that they will be offering some fixed Z configuration at a great price soon?

 

I doubt if newegg would offer such a good discount on the Z.
As Z is targeted for different target. Not sure if those that are willing to buck out huge money on something that is as affordable.

 

Am I missing something?
You are saying that the Newegg model is a $100+ savings.

By my calculations, if you don't live in California it is much more. With an 8% tax rate, it would be about a $500 savings for me to get the Newegg model. You have to add the discrete ATI video, the larger hard drive and the 2GB memory module to the base configuration, am I correct?

 

I was saying that if you buy the newegg SR, which is 1,299 without tax and all, your saving 750 dollars from the Z with the 1600x900 screen (which starts at 2049.99 IIRC on sonystyle).

Anyways, if you configure the SR on sonystyle to the same spec as the one on newegg. I believe the price comes out to be 1648.99 (larger hard driver, more memory, discrete graphics, etc, maybe some more stuff). The SR starts at a base price of 1479.99 anyways, so you get an upgraded SR at newegg for less than the base SR at sonystyle.

Anyways, where I live, there are multiple sonystyle stores. So I get the 5% tax here, but not any tax from newegg, so it's reversed.

 

Yes, where I live it comes out to just over $500 in savings.

 

Well, newegg will definitely have some deals on Z when they have it, but you are talking about a $500-600 MSRP difference between SR and Z so Z will still be expensive.

Certainly, there may be a short time period where Z receive a $250 discount while SR didn't get any (this does happen from time to time in newegg depending on which item they have too many in stock) and in that short time period buying Z may be a better buy than SR.

 

I calculate a $400 difference in MSRP, although the SR is available without discrete graphics. I am just trying to find out if people here feel that there would be any urgency in jumping on this Newegg deal?

Didn't the price just drop on the SonyStyle site to $1399 for the base SR from a previous price of $1,479?

 

The difference is only $250 after you deduct the dedicated GPU and extra 1gb RAM on the Z.

 

Yeah, that was kinda my thinking, whats the point if there almost going to perform the same. I would have greatly preferred to see a ATI 34xx, especially with all the Nvidia graphics failures going on right now.

So you saw a pretty good difference in your SZ? Hmm... Maybe, theoretically, the Intel IGPs are catching up in clock speeds and stuff, but don't have the underlying architecture to put their power to practical use.

Thanks man! If those benchmarks prove accurate people will be looking at a nice speed bump from the Nvidia card. Just under double according to those tests.

Semper Fi Duke. Yeah, I had thought about the smaller text, but I have good eyes so I don't think that will be a problem. And worst case, I would just have to, in Word for example, set the font a little higher than normal.

Yeah, I keep reading over and over that the Z has the best saturation of the Sony laptop line, but nobody seems to know "why".

Although I love NewEgg, I would never buy a Sony laptop from them. You don't get a warranty, and you cannot return it for any reason, unless it is defective. I would, and am, considering the SR, but just don't want to get it from NewEgg. I think I just may splurge on the Z though...

 

true. but 250 could mean the difference between either paying a bill for school or food for some folks.

Like i've said before...I need my laptop ASAP and have only a crappy old desktop right now... I move out soon and I doubt my Z would be here in time.

ALTHOUGH...I could return the SR within 30 days

whatever...Enough of this SR vs Z crap, lol.

 

Where are you getting your "facts" that an SR purchased from Newegg would have no warranty??? It is listed as a 1 year warranty, and Newegg has never sold grey market goods that I am aware of. Several people have received SR's from Newegg and I have asked previously for these people to verify that a SONY 1 year parts and labor USA warranty card comes in the box. Does it?? If you have true knowledge that an SR from Newegg has no warranty, please explain.

That it can't be returned to Newegg unless defective is true.

 

Because Sony says so (and early "viewers" have confirmed).

 

I actually read a pretty long explanation about the saturation in Japanese and Chinese, but it didn't mention 8bit vs 6bit and frankly I don't quite understand all the mumbo-jumbo with the screen anyway. I like Sony screens, but sometimes I think they are over-saturated, so this 100% saturation stunt really doesn't pique my interest that much.

 

I agree. The saturation thing is just marketing babble I reckon. It would be more important to me that the screen has a very wide gamut and it's colour reproduction is accurate when calibrated.

 

I would need to see some critical reviews before I believe the Z screen is all that.

No urgency. Prices will be lower in on month I expect. At that time Intel wireless, IGP will be available and all retailers will have stock.

 

Yep. The question is which will be best at this -- Z, SR, or FW?

I'm on a mission to find the best quality screen.

 

Well the Z is the only one where the marketing seems focused on the screen's colour reproduction prowess. We'll have to wait and see but I would hope there's some tech behind the claims and it's not all just hot air...

 

Infy, which model are you planning on going for? I can't recall.

 

All the "facts" about NewEgg and Sony Warranty's can be found here.