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    Sony Tz Uk Spec

    Discussion in 'VAIO / Sony' started by uksparx, Feb 11, 2008.

  1. uksparx

    uksparx Newbie

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    Are Sony going to release a TZ with a 64gig ssd with the optional 250gig hardrive , like they sell in USA?

    As I can not see this option on there website yet?

    If not can I be a machine from the USA on net and be covered by warrenty and such?

    Thanks
     
  2. Gazza9991

    Gazza9991 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hi UKsparx, I had been chasing Sony EU for the answer to a similar question re the availability of the 64Gb SSD prior to the release of the TZ32 models on the SonyStyle Europe site and tbh their help was very poor indeed. The whole European setup seems to be entirely sales based and to get in touch with any 'real' engineering knowledge was impossible.

    Given that the latest TZ lineup has been released in the EU I don't think we'll be seeing any TZ298 spec machines over here soon (unless you import from the US). It's a pity as I had wanted the US spec machine, but when you consider that the US WWAN module won't work in the UK and that the machine will have no warranty cover unless it's returned to the States then I suppose you've just got to choose whats available??

    Shame really :( I'll just need to console myself with the fact that my TZ32 is going to ship on the 18th Feb :D
     
  3. Benjamin Chin

    Benjamin Chin Notebook Consultant

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    uksparx, from your description you are refering to the VGN-TZ298N/XC which is currently the latest VAIO TZ in US.

    Others in Singapore, Australia, UK, etc., have similar questions for their respective markets and neither am I in any position to represent Sony as to whether a comparable specs found in US will eventually be available in your country, or not.

    Certain specs are only available in certain markets and I have known of instance(s) where Sony was unable to confirm to exact date or eventual availability of certain VAIO model(s) in a given market.

    You can still seek clarification with Sony Europe if you wish.

    I have helped another forum member, here, who lives in Australia and faced with a similiar situation as yours :

    http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=216655

    On similiar basis, I would suggest you to consider buying the VGN-TZ298N/XC from PortableOne (P1) :

    http://laptopsinc.com/Merchant2/mer...Product_Code=VGNTZ298NXC&Category_Code=SONYTZ

    PortableOne (P1) is a reputable US seller. It is not eBay.

    Notes :
    a) If you wish to buy from P1, do not use the online order form because you cannot find your country listed in it. Instead, send an email with the model number and specs to :

    E-Mail : [email protected]

    b) To clarify on WiFi connectivity, it is international. So long as notebooks bought within UK also support Intel® Wireless WiFi Link 4965AGN, you have no problem with a machine bought / imported from US.

    c) On 3G BroadBand. The VGN-TZ298N/XC from US is stated to be V.92 and V.90 compliant if you intend to use a fixed line dial-up. For wireless-modem, use those USB type.


    You have no reason not being able to enjoy the TZ of your choice.

    Hope the above helps.


    rgds.
     
  4. jack sparrow

    jack sparrow Notebook Evangelist

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    Sorry Benjamin but I did not understand something...

    About the 3G:Are you saying that the WWAN of an US TZ can work in Europe?
    I think Sprint does not work in Europe, only HSDPA.
     
  5. Benjamin Chin

    Benjamin Chin Notebook Consultant

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    It's alright. We share information.

    I would not rely on any built-in 3G feature in a US-market notebook to work in Europe.

    Similarly, I do not think Sprint works in Europe either. This is the reason I suggested the OP to use those USB type wireless-modem (eg. Vodafone) so as to ensure compatibility with 3G network within OP's home country.

    Naturally, it is best that the model of the USB wireless-modem is that suggested / supplied by OP's network provider.

    Hope this clarifies my position.


    rgds.
     
  6. milord

    milord Newbie

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    benjamin chin i would like to buy from portableone as you suggest(tz298n/x2)but its difficult to pay for goods to usa.do you have a suggestion as i want that machine if it works ok europe
     
  7. John Ratsey

    John Ratsey Moderately inquisitive Super Moderator

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    Some years ago I bought a couple of notebooks from P1 with payment via PayPal. Maybe that is still a workable route.

    Remember, if you import into UK, that the courier company will want 17.5% VAT from you before they release the goods.

    John
     
  8. milord

    milord Newbie

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    thank you john maybe worth a trip/hol and pay credit card on the spot.

    does anybody know if the tz model will take sd cards of larger capacity than 2gb?my new camera has a 4gb sd but my hp dv 1000 will not recognise beyond 2gb!
     
  9. John Ratsey

    John Ratsey Moderately inquisitive Super Moderator

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    If you do decide to take a holiday, make contact beforehand.

    There's a report towards the end of this thread that the TZ will handle SDHC.

    John
     
  10. milord

    milord Newbie

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    thanks john will let you know when i will travel.ive posted a query on the thread to make cerytain
     
  11. Benjamin Chin

    Benjamin Chin Notebook Consultant

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    milord, after you have sent your specs requirement and destination shipment address to P1, they will get back to you with a quotation and advise you on payment method(s) available.

    Currently, P1's website suggests the following payment methods :
    -American Express
    -Discover
    -MasterCard
    -VISA
    -Bank Wire Transfer
    -Paypal

    P1 is based in California and hence has access to modern banking facility. Moreover they have previous experience dealing with sales outside US.


    rgds.
     
  12. philg2000

    philg2000 Notebook Guru

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    I'm looking to purchase a TZ298, possible from P1, and am based in UK.

    I do have a good friend in the US who would purchase for me, so I have a couple of questions.

    1. Any issues with my friend bringing the laptop with him when he comes to the UK and not going back with it? I suppose not, as this woudl be the same as me purchasing one on a holiday trip - but is there not a potential issues with Customs & Excise when it is brought into the UK ?

    2. Is it possible to purchase an international warranty?

    Basically, I want the best ultra portable available, cost is not an issue, and the TZ298 ticks all the boxes :)
     
  13. karimnacer

    karimnacer Notebook Consultant

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    Well, there should be no problem if he buys it for you then gets it back with him BUT he must throw away the box and anything that let's the customs think it's new. He has to declare it as a personal use laptop.
    HOWEVER, even if he does that, he can still have some problems.
    I personnally had no luck, the guys in Budapest's airport asked me for an invoice, even if it was my personal use laptop and never had problems carrying it in Morocco, Germany or even France. They wouldn't let me go without showing them an European invoice...
    They then made me pay 150e VAT + 300e fee for not declaring the "imported" laptop!!! They kept me there 3 hours, it took them a looot of time to write thing down, make me sign, etc... (they barely spoke English, only Hungarian, a shame for people "working" for an international airport)
    Anyway, even with the VAT, the laptop (Vaio SZ650) was cheaper than in Europe (where it was not even avaible anyway).
     
  14. philg2000

    philg2000 Notebook Guru

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    Hmmmm.... Thanks for that.
    Well, if I can get an international warranty, I think I'll just bite the bullet and import it from P1 and pay any duty.

    I could, I suppose, buy the UK 64GB SSD version with DVD-RW and carry an ext 2.5" 250GB disc as opposed to carrying the ext DVD-RW drive. But its the 250GB of data I will be using most, not the DVD-RW drive....
     
  15. karimnacer

    karimnacer Notebook Consultant

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    Good luck with your buy...
    The Tz is an excellent laptop, maybe the better! :)