Sony Vaio Z w/ Sandy Bridge

looking to get myself a vaio Z, but i got a couple of questions:

1) so as far as i know, Sandy Bridge is coming out in January. Based on historical trends, when do you expect to refresh the Z with those processors?

2) is it possible to mod the laptop to remove the optical drive BUT keep the outer casing looking the same? if so, how much weight would i save?

3) is it possible to set a middle-click button for the trackpad(such as two-finger tap)?

ps, please don't tell me to 'get it now' or that future-proofing is impossible. i am well aware of how fast comp tech progresses. i DO NOT need the laptop immediately and i WANT to get the latest tech at launch.

 

Dual core sandy bridge (from any mfr) won't show up until end of February/early March. You'll only see quad core (i7) in January. There is no public information regarding Sandy Bridge Z rev.

The optical drive weighs next to nothing. Having had it out, i would say with confidence it can't way more than 1 ounce.

 

3) yes, you can install this thirdparty freeware app ( TwoFingerScroll) for multitouch synaptics touchpads (the Z has one) and you can enable that among others like two finger scroll(i bet you figured that one out already) and 1 finger hold + 1 finger tap, etc. I'm using it and it works well.

 

beaups is the release of sandy bridge going to be different for laptops and desktops? if so your answer is correct.

The first pieces are going to be mainstream processors, so I would vouch for the dual core parts.

 

Sandy Bridge dual core for both laptops and desktops will be end of feb/early march. Quad cores (desktops and laptops) will be early January. Trust me

 

waiting for an 27" iMac with Quad Core Sandy Bridge!!!

 

Now would this be for ALL vendors or just Sony's laptops/desktops? And do you know this from past history? Meaning is that the normal waiting period of time between when we see new processors introduced in January begin to show up in laptops?

 

All vendors, and it's not based on past history.

 

Confirmed.

I'm using 1 finger hold + 1 finger tap for right click, and two-finger tap for middle mouse button. Plus smooth two-finger scrolling of course. It works lovely.