Sony SZ or Dell XPS M1210?

Hi,

I am REALLY torn between the Sony SZ140 (customizable) and the Dell XPS M1210...I'm hoping someone can help me decide. (Side note: I've already read all the related threads to this topic, but they still haven't answered my questions.)

The essentials I really need: as lightweight as possible yet with a full-size keyboard and built-in optical drive. I will be using this for law school, and I do not do any gaming, so I essentially just need it for word processing, surfing the web, listening to some music, etc. Cost is not an issue.

I have seen the SZ in person and it seemed nice. I went to a Dell kiosk but the XPS M1210 is sold out and so I am unable to see it in person.

I see from the specs that the M1210 is a bit heavier than the SZ, but I can't tell how significant it will be. The main point of me getting a new laptop is to get one that is lighter and easier to transport. I should note that I would get the extended life battery on whichever of the two computers I choose, which I know will add a bit of weight.

I have had great experiences with my Dell laptops and I like their quality, etc. However, I've read not-so-good things about Sony product quality and customer service (on this website and other similar ones - for example, the spacebar issue, the battery wiggle issue, pixelation, etc), which is making me reluctant to getting the SZ.

It basically boils down to this:

Sony SZ: lighter weight, but questionable quality/build/support
Dell XPS M1210: heavier weight (though not sure how much heavier), but already know I like Dell's quality/build/support

Can anyone who's experienced both tell me how significant the difference in weight is between the SZ and the M1210? Would it make a difference in carrying it on my shoulder? (As I live in New York City, I will be doing a lot of walking.) I really think I'd prefer to get the M1210 because of the quality-of-product issue, but the weight issue is a deal breaker if it's significantly heavier. Can anyone who has an SZ convince me why I should get the SZ over the M1210, despite the issues I noted above re: spacebar, battery, quality, customer service, etc...? (besides just cosmetic looks, which don't matter that much to me..)

I have already looked into, and am not interested in any other laptop brands out there, so please do not suggest others. HOWEVER, the other alternative would be...does anyone know if Dell is set to release a new laptop similar to the M1210 but lighter weight?

Thanks so much!

 

You might want to do a search. ppl went over in other popsts that answers most of your questions. I would link it here, but I'm at work right now.
my take:
sony: lighter,better battery,better case design.
dell: more bto options, cheaper.

 

As I said in my first post, I've already done a search and read all related threads. They don't answer my question as to whether the M1210 is notably heavier when carried on the shoulder, and if gets bothersome. I am really reluctant to get the SZ because of the quality issues I've read about, but I can't deal with something that makes my shoulder hurt (i.e., M1210 IF it's too heavy). Also, I noted that price is not an issue. Thanks!!!

 

Ok you really cant ask that question as its very subjective. My shoulder will hurt if I carry the sz160+ spare extra battery and ac power supply for more than 20mins. I have a Dell XPS2 which is in a differeent kind of bag and that one wont hurt for about 15mins later. Keep in mind that notebook is 2x heavier.
it also matters on your carry bag. These notebooks, the 1210 and SZ are considered portable computers. Not ultra portable like under 4lbs. Its still light.

 

btw, if you want light, search hard for a sz premium model with the carbon fiber lid. It is lighter and the screen is soo much better. And since cost isnt a factor, it should be worth it for you. Only thing which I dont like is the keyboard is either the same size or larger than the regular keyboard that I use at home, so its harder for me to use. The Dells should be easier. Try and see if Dell released the business version of the 1210,, as that is geared more twards a "gamer" computer that wanted somethign small.

 

I was considering the M1210 as well. I ended up getting the SZ260 Premium for size, weight, and battery life. The screen really is great. I also wanted to change laptops to get something lighter and more portable. My old laptop was a 15.4" model. It was fine by itself, but with a bunch of books it was a real pain carrying around campus. The SZ is really a great laptop. The hybrid graphics feature is really cool too! You may want to wait for the D420 coming out later this summer from Dell.

 

Ooh...this D420 looks really interesting. This make be THE ONE. It looks as though it's just over 3 pounds and has an integrated optical drive. Too good to be true?

I've seen conflicting information about the release date on the D420; some say end of June, others say not til August. Does anyone know for sure when it's expected?

Thanks!

 

Look at this thread... http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=54921

and here are some others I was thinking of...

http://www.geekstuff4u.com/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=&products_id=382

http://www.geekstuff4u.com/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=&products_id=361

http://www.geekstuff4u.com/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=&products_id=362

 

The Dell is thicker and heavier. 5lbs vs the 3.7lbs of the SZ. For the price you will probably get slightly better specs in with the Dell, but if you dont plan to game with it, you will not notice.

Go with the SZ. It has the better screen, thinner, lighter and great build quality. I would reccomend you try the keyboard in person before you buy, it is kinda unique. Some people like myself love it, others hate it. The dell with the extended battery is about equal to the SZ on stamina mode (using the integrated graphics, not the 7400go) with the standard battery. The SZ with extended battery will provide significantly better battery life than the Dell. If your budget is not a consideration then go with a premium model SZ. The screen and build quality is much better than the non premium, and far better than dell. I have used the XPS and I own a SZ premium and I would take the Sony everytime.

I would reccomend you get it through a reseller such as portableone, as they provide great customer service, far better than Dells. As people have mentioned, Sonys customer support is sub-par.

 

I believe the Dell M1210 is quite a bit heavier, something like 5 lbs. When it comes to a laptop of this size that is quite a sizable weight difference.

 

If you look at the front page of the site, there's an announcement that Dell has released the D420 already, but only with a Core Solo (Core Duo later this summer).

 

If gaming is not a big issue, the m1210 and sony sz series may not be the best options. In your situation, I would consider battery life more closely. There are several very long life notebooks out there - including a new one from Fujitsu B6210 with something like seven hours. The graphics capability of the m1210 and sz potentially bleed their battery life and add to their cost.

 

but that's the thing about the sony SZ, you don't have to use the 7400 GPU. the sz has two GPUs - an intel integrated that allows you to save battery (i can reach 5+ hours) and the dedicated graphics (7400) that gives the option of better performance in case you need it.

 

Personally, I would stay away from the dell xps if your not a gamer. I'm only in this forum to check out the 13.3" Sony sz to compare against the Asus W7J. I'm not sure if you've checked out the Asus products, but the build quality and style would suit law school well.

 

Thanks for everyone's responses. I'm no longer considering the XPS. I am now considering the Dell Latitude D420 versus the Sony SZ. I know the D420 doesn't have a built-in optical drive but I don't really care, and I know it doesn't have dual core processor, but I don't think I really need that, do I? The advantage to the D420 is that it's lighter than the SZ and I already know and trust Dell's products.

Any thoughts on THIS decision???? Thanks!

PS I am not interested in Asus...thanks for the suggestion though.

 

its two different notebooks. get the Dell. Or get teh T series from Sony (the 11in model?)

 

There are a variety of 12"/ 13.3" notebooks that would suit your needs. I know cost isn't an issue for you, but if you want the best, I personally would look beyond your 2 options. Sony SZ graphics capabilities look like overkill considering your computing needs. Seriously consider this, as there are sturdier/ better built notebooks out there.

 

Thanks for the advice canonyau --- which ones are you referring to that are sturdier/better built? I really prefer a full-size (or very near full) keyboard and will NOT use a trackpoint; need a touchpad. Want it to be the lightest possible, max 4 lbs. I want something that traditionally doesn't have questionable quality (like Sony seems to). Thanks!

 

In your first post you stated that it had to have an optical drive built-in but now you say you don't. If you don't need one then you should take a look at the IBM Lenovo X60 series. Best keyboards on the market and one of the best builds.

 

I need a touchpad, not a trackpoint, and the X60's don't have that

 

I don't want to hijack this thread but for a medicore gamer is the XPS preferred over the SZ? They have the same graphics card don't they? Also are the dimensions of the Asus W3j similar to the SZ or is that notebook larger?

 

I think the Dell has a 256 MB Nvidia Card, while at least my SZ 220P has a 128MB card + the dedicated Intel graphics /hybrid. That's really for using less power on batt if you want to conserve.

 

Incorrect. The Dell has a 7400go with 64mb dedicated and 192mb shared from what I have seen. The SZ's is 128 dedicated with 128 shared.

 

Lithast, I think you should check again. From what you've seen, you may be right in that machine, but you can certainly have a 256MB Nvidia card put in the machine.


256MB NVIDIA® GeForce™ Go 7400 TurboCache™ [add $150 or $4/month1]
(note that is CDN $)

and on sony

Graphics
Hybrid Graphic System icludes NVIDIA® GeForce™ Go 7400 with Turbocache™ supporting 128MB and Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 950 128MB Dynamically Allocated Shared (RAM/Video) Memory

 

The 128mb on the Sony does not include the 128mb that is shared.

Dell is advertising the shared memory and dedicated as total. There is no 7400 go card to my knowlege with 256 mb dedicated memory, and no 7400 with above 256mb. The card you quoted above is stated as having turbocache, yet if it actually does have 256mb dedicated, why state the turbocache, since I am 99% sure the 7400 cannot address more than 256mb of memory.