Sony SZ: Many Models, Too Many Headaches

Okay, here's a link to newegg with all the SZ models they have:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...Description=sony%20sz&bop=And&Order=PRICE

Now the question is, what is God's name were they thinking when naming them all? There are Ps, Bs, Ns, Cs, Xs, and a million different numbers and three pages worth of models. I am mainly looking at the type of material for the casing as well as the LCD lighting technology but would definitely like all the abbreviations and numbers to be fully explained if possible. I have also read that the B denotes the magnesium body while the C and X are carbon fibre, but what about those with NONE of these? I am looking at the cheaper models and they only have N and P designations and I'm not sure if there is something worse than the magnesium alloy, like a super cheap plastic version. Also, I would be very grateful if someone can tell me the difference between the different SZ generations with the SZ(1-4)xx as they just all seemed to be tossed together in a pile.

 

I just ordered one yestreday form them. It came today. The numbers are very confusing. That's why you look at the pictures. If it has a black body, it's the premium edition(C,X). if it has the white or silver body its the regular one(B). I bought the vgnsz480n1

 

In person this would be the best way to determine the difference but online pictures really aren't too dependable.

 

The pictures seem accurate. It was a picture of a premium one, and I got a premium one.

 

Yeah it is confusing, especially since most models share the exact same hardware (just have varying configurations.)

They number them differently depending on stuff like Operating System, WWAN support, HDD size, and whether it's a standard (magalloy), premium (carbon fibre), or super-duper premium (carbon fibre weave or whatever.) The base unit (the SZ series in general) is very similar though.