Sony Vaio VGNSZ330PB vs. VGNSZ360PC

From what I can tell, these two are very similar. The only difference i can see is the encasing, the 330 being the aluminum alloy while the 360 is carbon fiber. And the 330 model has the Integrated Cingular EDGE WAN with SmartWi™ as well as Trusted Platform Module (TPM)

So with that said, since i only notice weight as the difference factor is the 4.1lbs really noticeable compare to 3.7lbs? The extra cost is $200 .. unless I am missing something

 

*sigh*
Lighter weight, different LCD technology, superior metal, that's it.
Oh, and throw in slightly more battery life.

 

Actually, I think that's about it too.. I have compared it before.. everything else is the same.

 

I was going to ask that, what is the difference about the screen? I don't see any difference on my sz360, besides I get the light bleed through the top and the bottom.

Also aren't all SZ series using XBRITE screens?

 

so the premium's come with the 13.3" WXGA XBRITE LCD "Razor-Thin"? has anyone noticed a difference between the screens? obviously if you are comparing the metals carbon fiber comes on top .. but other then that it is more sturdy and lighter .. is the price difference of $200 worth that? do i get a cooler system if i choose the carbon fiber encasing? 4.1lb vs. 3.7lbs .. 0.4lbs difference (not sure if i'll notice that).

as far as battery life .. how's it more? don't they both use standard lithium batteries?

 

I think the battery life are the same between the 2 systems (premium & non-premium).

 

If you're paying 2000 dollars for a notebook, another 10 percent for the luxury model isn't asking too much, guy. Why WOULDN'T you pay 200 dollars for the premium model would pose as a better question.

Have you compared standard and premium models side by side, adjusting screen brightness simultaneously? Do that. If I'm wrong, then go ahead and get the standard model. But, honestly, 200 dollars isn't a lot compared with the total price of the notebook already.

 

I've owned both a 340 and a 360 --- the 360 screen is markedly nicer, for several reasons. The premium screens are more evenly lit, and I had an annoying problem with the non-LED backlit screens emitting a buzzing electronic sound under certain circumstances.

I also notice the difference in weight. Once you get to the 4 pound range, dropping almost a half pound makes a huge difference.

 

Do the premium models have that *tickle* / shock problem on palmrest??
or has this issue only appeared in magnesium chassis??

ty

 

you need to stop sounding like a pompous jackass when answering simple questions from a first time buyer of a notebook.

what makes you think that IF I KNEW ALL THE ANSWERS to these two notebooks that i would EVEN BOTHER TO HAVE SOMEONE LIKE YOU answer my questions?

 

The screen on the premium is much cleaner an brighter;they use a different type of lighting(you can read about it on the sony website).
Goto the store ans see it side by side. It seems like the non premium screens are about 2 notches darker.
One of my main reasons for choosing the premium model.

 

LOL, you asked a question, he simply gave you his opinion. Don't take it personally because I don't think he intended to insult you in any way. I think he posts valid questions you need to ask yourself.

 

Nah, I agree with the person you quoted.. that's the internet for you.

When I ordered my SZ340, I had them not install the webcamera ---- why? So I could shave 30 bucks off of the final price.

 

No need to be accusatory, or to use such language.... I see no indication of NL being a 'pompous jack***'. He gave you the basic differences, and then practically told you that it was a smarter desicion to buy the Premium model.

Heres my take:
The Premium is lighter (because of the Carbon Fibre), has a better screen (its thinner and has more even LED backlighting that saves power - hence extra battery life), more battery life (LED backlight), stronger (carbon fiber), and looks cooler (black paint lol). If I had money, I would buy it. Unfortunately, I dont. *sigh....

 

also... for the person who asked...

sz360p does have the tingle.

 

Haha, I totally understand what you mean... That first post that started off with a *sigh* is really annoying... As if it were such a chore...

I don't know about you, but I feel that the thinner screen is more prone to damage? Depends on how hazardous your working situations are I suppose ^^;;

 

I've had the SZ330PB, and returned it because of the screen quality. Looking at both side-by-side (though, just briefly at the store), I can definitely tell a difference. I hear Sony usually makes top notch screens, but the standard SZ screen is subpar as far as color quality. Color temperature is a bit on the "cool" side, with everything looking slightly blue. However, brightness is very good.

The premium LCD screens seem to do better in the color department.

 

mc003: you mean that the sz360 has the same grounding issue as the 340? i guess that means all of the SZ models are affected... which really sucks cuz the sz360 looks like the best lightweight notebook otherwise. hard to figure why Sony hasn't corrected the problem... the SZ has been around long enough.

 

For the record, my SZ340 did not have any issues with grounding/tingly palm rest/etc. I even used it with both a two-pronged and three-pronged AC adapter and couldn't detect a difference in either case.

My 360 does appear to exhibit the grounding issue ---- at least I think it does. It doesn't really bother me though.. and I sometimes think that the only reason I think about it is b/c of these forums.

 

Just wanted to add my 2 cents as a new non-Premium owner. I could easily afford to spend an extra $200 or even $2000 for something that I consider premium...I guess it depends if you are easily impressed with flash over substance...personally I go with substance.

I can live with the weight difference and I've seen both screens side by side in a SonyStyle store and couldn't tell the difference. In the end, after the initial period of oggling at the laptop wears off...the SZ330/340 and SZ360 will end up being exactly the same...except I can spend the money I saved on more gadgets!

 

When I was buying my SZ I was facing the same Dilemma.

In my opinion the carbon fibre casing makes a big difference. Th regular feels more plasticy and cheaply made. The LCD case itself on the regular feels very fragile. The Premium is more sturdy and looks better in my opinion.

I went for the SZ360 and am immensely happy. The screen is amazing too.

 

dapreview:

yes there is grounding problems with sz360p.
And it is not psychological cuz I felt it before I ever knew
such issues existed. At first I thought it was vibration, but later realized it was electrical issue. I have yet to resolve this, and it still bothers me.

oh btw one cheap thing that might help solve this is to put a thin clear plastic film (tape) on the palm rest. I might do this if I cannot find a proper AC outlet.

I was wondering maybe this is why some ppl don't feel the tingle is because they do not remove their factory stickers.

 

btw 0.4 lbs is huge weight difference.

Try removing 10% weight off of a F-1 Car.
Its not that easy.

A lot of the weight is limited by the battery. Once we get paper thin batteries (which eventually will happen) laptops will feel like nothing.

 

so there is no fix for this at all? does sony even know about it? i've been reading about this and saw this, and now i'm leaning towards asus laptops now.

 

Where I live you get some extra software with the premium model. The SZ38 (equivalent to SZ360 with T7200, 120Gb Drive, carbon fibre, etc) comes with full copies of Adobe Photoshop Elements 4 and Adobe Premiere Elements 2. If you are going to use those (I am) then that also has some value.

 

jasyn:

Well according to the forum the proper fix is to have a 3-prong AC brick. However I am not 100% a believer because my old sony laptop also has a 2-prong brick and it never had static. Some forum people said that 3 prong AC brick from other countries solves the problem. I however do not personally know any solution.

 

i see .. thanks for the tidbit