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    Sony Vaio Z13 Pre-Launch discussion

    Discussion in 'VAIO / Sony' started by JohnnyMayhou, Sep 5, 2010.

  1. tinboy

    tinboy Notebook Enthusiast

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    if I can do that I'll go get z12 for sure.
     
    tinboy, Sep 10, 2010
    #51
  2. edwordsigh

    edwordsigh Notebook Consultant

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    That's what I did. No regrets, especially if the z13 only gets a minor refresh in the cpu.
     
    edwordsigh, Sep 10, 2010
    #52
  3. cylob

    cylob Notebook Enthusiast

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    cylob, Sep 11, 2010
    #53
  4. blue13x

    blue13x Notebook Deity

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    And hopefully updated video graphics drivers.
     
    blue13x, Sep 11, 2010
    #54
  5. tinboy

    tinboy Notebook Enthusiast

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    VPCZ136GH/B
    Language Pack: Thai

    So this one look find for me.
    Thank for the links.
     
    tinboy, Sep 11, 2010
    #55
  6. Benlehot

    Benlehot Notebook Geek

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    the VPCZ135GG : Z Series : VAIO Notebook : Sony Asia Pacific comes with a 500gb hard drive.

    1.8inch or 2.5inch form factor ?
     
    Benlehot, Sep 11, 2010
    #56
  7. TofuTurkey

    TofuTurkey Married a Champagne Mango

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    Should be 2.5".
     
    TofuTurkey, Sep 11, 2010
    #57
  8. fuchstronaut

    fuchstronaut Notebook Consultant

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    Should be the same way it is with european hdd-versions, they replace the dvd-drive with a 2.5" drive.
     
    fuchstronaut, Sep 11, 2010
    #58
  9. Benlehot

    Benlehot Notebook Geek

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    dah, i forgot about this kind of config
     
    Benlehot, Sep 11, 2010
    #59
  10. CannonFodder42

    CannonFodder42 Newbie

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    This makes me really tempted to order the Z12. The Sony Style Canada site currently has an issue where it's giving you 200 OFF for upgrading to the 1900*1080 screen which is nice...
     
    CannonFodder42, Sep 14, 2010
    #60
  11. thomaskc.dk

    thomaskc.dk Notebook Deity

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    I am going to order the z12 too later this week.

    in AUS you get a free 128gb PS3 if you order before the end of this month (aka before the z13)
     
    thomaskc.dk, Sep 14, 2010
    #61
  12. kit9t9

    kit9t9 Notebook Geek

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    It looks like the top model has the Blu Ray model and the price (presume in Euros) is not that much more than the top spec ready made Z12.

    It might be worth waiting for the Z13 to get the Blu Ray on the cheap.
     
    kit9t9, Sep 18, 2010
    #62
  13. kit9t9

    kit9t9 Notebook Geek

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    kit9t9, Sep 18, 2010
    #63
  14. uniquestco

    uniquestco Notebook Evangelist

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    What's everyone's guess for the Z13 release date in the USA and Canada?
     
    uniquestco, Sep 19, 2010
    #64
  15. beaups

    beaups New Jack Hustler

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    The official release date is 9/26 though you'll likely see it before then.
     
    beaups, Sep 19, 2010
    #65
  16. toplap12

    toplap12 Notebook Consultant

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    A sales representative told me the third week of September so approximately the 21st i suppose... this week for sure.
     
    toplap12, Sep 19, 2010
    #66
  17. edwordsigh

    edwordsigh Notebook Consultant

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    Does it look like the Z13 has options for a Quad SSD for US customers.. besides the 512gb configuration?
     
    edwordsigh, Sep 20, 2010
    #67
  18. shurcooL

    shurcooL Notebook Deity

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    Isn't 256 gb = 2x (2x 64 gb) = 4x 64 gb?
     
    shurcooL, Sep 20, 2010
    #68
  19. edwordsigh

    edwordsigh Notebook Consultant

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    Depending which region you live, you might be able to purchase a 2x128gb (dual raid) or a 4x64gb (quad raid). It doesnt look like the US nor the Canadian Vaio Zs will offer quad raids though :/
     
    edwordsigh, Sep 20, 2010
    #69
  20. Oscar2

    Oscar2 Notebook Deity

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    So far that's the one we have seen in two configurations:
    Those in the u.s. (like me) got 128x2 (generally listed as 256x1 in the ad)
    Certain other areas got 64x4 (generally listed as 128x2 in the ads)

    So there is always that confusion factor having to do with whether they are talking physical drives vs. logical drives.

    One never is never quite sure until the initial 256GB guinea pigs (for the new models) report back their results ;)
     
    Oscar2, Sep 20, 2010
    #70
  21. lux789

    lux789 Newbie

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    New Z13 with prices for Luxembourg.

    (SW=Switzerland keyboardlayout; BE=Belgium)

    PC portable VAIO VPC-Z Sony - SonyCenter.lu

    It's quite expensive, the Z12 was 2999euros with swiss keyboard but without bluray....
     
    lux789, Sep 20, 2010
    #71
  22. edwordsigh

    edwordsigh Notebook Consultant

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    Looks like the Vaio Z12 cto raised its prices again on the US sonystyle today. I wonder why?
     
    edwordsigh, Sep 21, 2010
    #72
  23. kit9t9

    kit9t9 Notebook Geek

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    Anyone notice on the top models on the sonystyle lux screen resolution is 1920 x 1200 - typo?
     
    kit9t9, Sep 21, 2010
    #73
  24. solvalou7

    solvalou7 Notebook Enthusiast

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    The screen size is wrong also 13.3''

    another interesting fact is that the new Z13 weighs more then previous models.

    The basic model with SSD weighs 1.41 kg much more then the basic model from Z11 which is 1.36 kg.
     
    solvalou7, Sep 21, 2010
    #74
  25. brittneygirl

    brittneygirl Notebook Enthusiast

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    I noticed that as well. I am considering (tempted) to buy the Z12. However, since the Z13 is on it's way, I guess I will wait. The cto price appears to have raised by about $150. One would think it would have dropped (with the new Z coming out), I am confused!
     
    brittneygirl, Sep 21, 2010
    #75
  26. Crus-T

    Crus-T Notebook Consultant

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    It's 50g, could be the use of SATA connectors instead of ZIF ones for the SSD... (as it's exactly the same for Z12)

    50g is really nothing, not a clue for anything.
     
    Crus-T, Sep 21, 2010
    #76
  27. edwordsigh

    edwordsigh Notebook Consultant

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    Perhaps it's a last ditch effort to make some extra profit before releasing the Z13. I hope the prices stay relatively the same when the Z13 comes out though.
     
    edwordsigh, Sep 21, 2010
    #77
  28. Hayte

    Hayte Notebook Evangelist

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    Nope, if you look at the upgrade options you will notice that some are not available now. i.e. on Sony.co.uk the Z(X) series base price is about £400 more expensive than it was a month ago. This is because the i5 520M and i5 540M are no longer available (out of stock?) so the only cpu option is the i7 620M (a £110 upgrade over the 540M).

    Its a similar story with the ssd array. The 128gb array is not available so the default option is now the 192gb array at a cost of £190 extra.

    I had assumed that they were siphoning off certain parts for the Z13 (since its a similar story with the F12s - you can no longer customize them with i7 740QMs which are all going on F13s soon).
     
    Hayte, Sep 21, 2010
    #78
  29. robster1958

    robster1958 Notebook Guru

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    Confused a bit.....reference to BD ROM; is that going to be offered?

    that would a tremendous cost-saving option i believe. Does anyone really burn BD?

    also, NOT employing usb 3.0 in their top of the line series (while offering it on F series) is so annoying.

    weight in NOT an issue with Z; in fact a little sturdier construction (unibody? / slot drive) would make a real statement.
     
    robster1958, Sep 22, 2010
    #79
  30. Oscar2

    Oscar2 Notebook Deity

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    Weight is most definitely an issue with the Z! It's what the Z is all about. All that power in a 3.3 pound package, is the main reason most of us bought it. You want more rugged? There are plenty of other laptops available. Just take a look at the Panasonic Toughbook line for an example of a more rugged design.
     
    Oscar2, Sep 23, 2010
    #80
  31. uniquestco

    uniquestco Notebook Evangelist

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    You are INCORRECT sir, very very incorrect ... it's why the majority of people buy it, 3.3 pounds biggest selling feature there is....
     
    uniquestco, Sep 23, 2010
    #81
  32. gurnisht

    gurnisht Notebook Enthusiast

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    I tend to agree with robster1958. I would rather the z to be stronger even if it gains a little bit more weight.
     
    gurnisht, Sep 23, 2010
    #82
  33. uniquestco

    uniquestco Notebook Evangelist

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    Who's Z's are so weak that they've broken from not "being strong enough" ??

    Kind of like adding weight to solve a problem that doesn't exist.

    Laptops are going to get lighter not heavier folks.
     
    uniquestco, Sep 23, 2010
    #83
  34. shurcooL

    shurcooL Notebook Deity

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    Yep, the Z is all about being powerful yet extremely light.

    If my Z12 were 4 lbs instead of 3, I wouldn't even consider buying it for $2000.

    The low weight is _the_ most defining feature of Z. Everything else is a variable.

    If you want to increase Z's weight in order to get something more out of it, you should simply look at a different laptop. Personally, I wish there was no DVD rom so it could be even thinner and lighter!
     
    shurcooL, Sep 23, 2010
    #84
  35. Oscar2

    Oscar2 Notebook Deity

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    Why?

    There are a million laptops fitting that requirement. In fact every single manufacturer makes such a laptop. 90% of the laptops sold are "a little bit heavy but quite sturdy".

    The Z is sturdy but light, with the emphasis on light. There is only one other laptop, that I am currently aware of, that competes with the Z. That is the Toshiba R700. And it does not have all the capability the Z has, it just comes closest in terms of size, weight and (to some extent) functionality.

    Most folks who buy the Z don't even want to opt for the extra 1/2 pound of weight for the extended battery. And that actually provides a commensurate benefit. There is no way I would give up hard won (in terms of engineering compromise) weight and thickness for "well it makes the dvd player feel a bit more sturdy". There are way too many other options on the market if that is your bent (and, going with almost any of those other options, you'll save money to boot :) ).
     
    Oscar2, Sep 23, 2010
    #85
  36. Crus-T

    Crus-T Notebook Consultant

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    Go for envy 14, rigid lid, specs approaching the Z for close price, macbook mimicking design, more than 2kg.

    (very) Light weight is a real plus for such a laptop, the Z is awesome...
     
    Crus-T, Sep 23, 2010
    #86
  37. uniquestco

    uniquestco Notebook Evangelist

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    Well said, thank you.

    What the heck are people thinking? :eek:
     
    uniquestco, Sep 23, 2010
    #87
  38. Karamazovmm

    Karamazovmm Overthinking? Always!

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    I would still trash the DVD and up the cooling with the added space, and maybe the storage
     
    Karamazovmm, Sep 23, 2010
    #88
  39. Achusaysblessyou

    Achusaysblessyou eecs geek ftw :D

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    well, people have replaced the DVD drive with another HDD/SSD so... that's an aftermarket procedure...(Internationally, Sony does sell the Z with a HDD instead of a DVD drive and SSDs...)
     
    Achusaysblessyou, Sep 23, 2010
    #89
  40. driekus

    driekus Notebook Consultant

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    Achusaysblessyou: so your saying Sony sells a vaio z where you have a primary SSD drive and a secondary hard drive in the DVD bay?

    In my opinion the only downside of the Vaio is the hideous cost of SSD enhancements. I need 192Gb at least but paying the $350 is far too much. Any option where you have a secondary hdd for storage is a big deal for me. I know people do it aftermarket, but Im not comfortable with doing that myself.
     
    driekus, Sep 24, 2010
    #90
  41. Oscar2

    Oscar2 Notebook Deity

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    Here is the thread on replacing your dvd with a hard drive:
    http://forum.notebookreview.com/sony/469244-z11-replace-dvd-hdd-working-solution.html

    On a related note, here is replacing the SSD with a non Sony one:
    http://forum.notebookreview.com/sony/511578-how-replace-ssd-vaio-vpcz11-vpcz12-non-sony-ssd.html
     
    Oscar2, Sep 24, 2010
    #91
  42. robster1958

    robster1958 Notebook Guru

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    OOPS....i was mis-construed:
    what i meant is that weight is not a PROBLEM; i.e., the light weight is great obviously. It is so light that Sony could experiment with alloys, new designs,etc.

    For reference, the MacBook plastic weighs 4.7 lbs and the MacBook Pro 13" weighs 4.5 pounds; so i would not assume at all that more rigidity = heavier.

    But i still want the option of of BD ROM without paying $500.

    And why NOT usb 3.0
     
    robster1958, Sep 24, 2010
    #92
  43. Achusaysblessyou

    Achusaysblessyou eecs geek ftw :D

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    edit: this is a reply to why NOT usb 3.0

    because they'd have to redesign the Z after only about 6 months on the market. And because i'm pretty sure they're making bundles on a laptop that has no competitors. Remember, competition is the cause of innovation... and there's absolutely NOTHING that threatens the Z as far as I know. Sony, in the end, is a business... sadly =(
     
    Achusaysblessyou, Sep 24, 2010
    #93
  44. Karamazovmm

    Karamazovmm Overthinking? Always!

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    I would still want a better cooling and that is a maybe, more storage.

    I use a lot of space, so much that at the end of the day, unless I get a laptop that can use two 1tb hd, there is no point for the added storage.
     
    Karamazovmm, Sep 24, 2010
    #94
  45. Achusaysblessyou

    Achusaysblessyou eecs geek ftw :D

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    The cooling is pretty amazing for a 13" with all those components inside. I game on my Vaio ALOT... HWMonitor reports temps 90C + for CPU and GPU, and the bottom of my laptop stays cool to the touch... However, i guess this shouldnt be called a laptop, because if you do actually put it on your lap, there's a chance you might block a few vents and then it does kinda heat up.

    As for storage, having that much storage on your laptop is pretty crazy, at that point i'd rather get an external drive to store all my media, if anything, the extra drives = more weight, more power consumption and slower boot times. But i guess that's personal preference, i'd just set up a NAS box and connect to it over LAN or just hook an external storage solution through USB.
     
    Achusaysblessyou, Sep 24, 2010
    #95
  46. ess1

    ess1 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Z13 can be ordered on sonystyle.de (Germany).
     
    ess1, Sep 25, 2010
    #96
  47. JohnnyWOH

    JohnnyWOH Newbie

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    Anyone knows if the VPG-PRZ10 docking station is compatible with the Z13 ? I assume it is, as it was compatible with the Z12.

    Another question : if i upgrade the ram myself, does it void the warranty ?

    Thx
     
    JohnnyWOH, Sep 25, 2010
    #97
  48. beaups

    beaups New Jack Hustler

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    1) yes
    2) no
     
    beaups, Sep 25, 2010
    #98
  49. JohnnyWOH

    JohnnyWOH Newbie

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    Thanks for the quick answer ;)
     
    JohnnyWOH, Sep 25, 2010
    #99
  50. wolfman-one

    wolfman-one Notebook Enthusiast

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    ??????????????

    I can only see the z12... pre-configured and for customization...

    can you be so nice and post the link please?
     
    wolfman-one, Sep 25, 2010
    #100
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