Sony SZ series: U.S.-Europe compatability questions

Hello,

Was hoping to get help on a particular issue?

I currently live and work in Europe (Italy) and am heading back to US in the next few weeks and I am interested in purchasing a Sony SZ series (the 780 model sounds great. Since I will then be bringing it back with me, I have a few questions and doubts if it makes sense to buy it in the US. I think there are just a few issues:

- Wattage for the adapters: I have a Dell600m Inspiron right now which I CAN'T WAIT to get rid of .... but I have been able to swap the plug that goes from the adapter to the wall unit ... using a EU kinda plug. Will I be able to do the same with a Sony SZ? I realize that the model names are different in both regions ... but was thinking about purchasing an adapter here and then switching the plug

- Wireless: should have no problem with the wirless configurations in both continents, right?

- CUSTOMER SUPPORT AND SERVICE PLANS - I guess this is the biggest deal. I do not think that the Europe Customer Service is linked with the US Cust. Ser ... so I was thinking of the worst-case scenario ... that the notebook has problems ... and I need to send it back. Does anyone know if Sony provides shipping services? I know it's difficult these days to ship laptops overseas!!!!

- Any other issues that I should be careful of?

I really want a US keyboard!!! And also Windows in English ... and so-on ... so it would be more comfortable for me to pick it up in the US.

I have a short turnaround time ... and I have been reading about Portable One (which I am about to check out). In terms of prices and shipping time? If I need to have the computer arrive to me in the US no later than May 31, which options does anyone suggest where to buy the Sony??? Is this feasible?
Any tips on saving a bit too?

Appreciate anybody's help on this ....

 

The power adaptor will be OK for both US and European mains voltages. All you will need is either an adaptor for the mains plug or buy locally a new mains power cable (all the notebook PSUs use either standard 2 pin or standard 3 pin connectors).

Wireless should be OK as long as it supports a/b/g and, for the future, n.

Customer support / service is where you need to do more research about international cover for a US-purchased machine. It's not so difficult to ship notebooks around the globe provided the documentation is in order. However, it is an extra cost.

As for Portable One, highly recommended for first class service.

John

 

thanks john for the reply.

I was trying to avoid another adaptor especially on business trips ... but if i can find a two-pin power cable that fits into the Sony adaptor ... that would be great!!

yeah, I think the main issue is the International cover for US purchased ...

is it that much worth it to get the SZ 780 instead of the SZ 770 or 750 models? is it that much of a difference?

- james

 

I will leave others to comment on the SZ model differences.

Mains cables with a 2-pin plug to fit the PSU should be easy to find since the same connector is used for a range of electronic items (for example, the cable for my Canon camera battery charger will fit my Sony G11 PSU). The 3-pin connector used for most of the bigger notebook PSUs is a less common part. I much prefer the 2-pin solution since it is a thinner, lighter and less bulky cable.

John

 

Main differences:

- WWAN - European models use 3G, US models use EVDO - incompatible with each other.
- Wireless Wifi - same on both models (Wifi a/b/g/n)
- Power adapter - Not an issue, you just get a new cable in Europe from the power adapter to the plug/mains (available in most Sony Centres).
- US has customizability - Great plus point.
- A US warranty is NOT valid in Europe, and no you can't get a VOS (Overseas Warranties) anymore from Sony either (from US>Europe at least, from Japan it may be different)

As for the SZ780 over the lower models, I would say yes, the 780 comes in carbon-fibre and I think has higher-specs customizability.