Sony Z for a college student now?

Hey guys!

I am a college student. I was thinking about filling out one of those FAQ's but I think I will start here.

I am a third year in college and currently have a Dell 15.4 inch. I want something smaller, just because I feel that is what a laptop is for right?

So I am deciding between a SR and Z.

I want this laptop to last at LEAST 3 years and be relatively quiet and cool to the touch. Would it be good as my ONLY computer for at least 3 years? I may have an external monitor, but i dont think I am going to have an external keyboard since I do not have too much space on my desk. Also, I do NOT really play games that much, if at all but i DO watch movies and may occasionally play some very very light games.

I am usually next to an outlet, so should I worry about the battery drain issue? Would it pose problems if I take my computer to school and say have it unplugged in hibernate mode for 1/2 a day or so?

Your inputs and thoughts are very much appreciated!! Any opinions especially from those who have had it for a while?
Thanks a lot in advance!!

 

Get the Z if you want the ability for graphics power when needed, and power saving Intel chipset when not needed. I think 13" is a great size for a college laptop, and the Z is the best of them. Great looks, power, and battery life. If you don't need the graphics power, a SR with integrated graphics is a better choice.

 

Seconded. Get the Z. You won't be disappointed with it. I use mine in college and it's perfect for my needs. It can even handle gaming.

 

I dont game much either, if at all. How is it as your only computer? Does it run quiet and cool? Also, will it last for at LEAST 3 years? The build quality is good?

 

I've learned that laptops these days are not meant to last as long as before. I was able to squeeze almost 5 years of usage out of my first laptop (and this is taking it to school every day) and if I took it apart, cleaned it and changed the thermal paste, no doubt it will last even longer. But now, if my current laptop lasts 3 years, I'll be happy.

I don't use my computer anymore since the specs of the laptop are far superior to those of the computer and I don't really see the point of upgrading the computer. In the case of a 13" laptop, I don't know if the screen is too small for continuous exposure. Perhaps you can get a bigger laptop?

 

I could always get an external monitor, but yah, the z is 13.1 not even 13.3

I could get a bigger laptop, but I like the portability of a 13 inch. I dont travel with it too much but when I do, i think i would like a lighter notebook...but I really like opening 1 or 2 browser screens to do work or surf the net/and watching a tv show at the same time.

More opinions would be helpful! Thanks guys!!

 

i would say a student should not be buying an expensive computer like this. You should get the Dell 13 currently on sale for 491 shipped.

When I was a student I could not even dream of getting a $1000 + laptop.

 

Why would he get a less powerful and poorer quality product if he can afford the Z? The Z was built for the outside environment and it can take a beating. How long before that Dell cracks or breaks after the first slip-up?

Personally, I wanted the Z laptop also but back in August, it wasn't available yet in Canada and prices on the Z were outrageous here anyways (we're talking about $2,500+ for the basic configuration). I'm fine with the FW. Since I'm using it exclusively, I'm happy with the bigger screen and portability is not an issue (Like I said, I don't go anywhere without my laptop and I take it to every class).

To each his own I guess.

EDIT: Forgot to mention, I don't know how the keyboard on the Z is specifically but since it's a Chiclet keyboard, I assume it has the same feeling and texture as on the FW and trust me, you'll love it if it is. It's very nice to type on and whenever I use another keyboard, it is truly not the same.

 

I have a different experience, when P3 1GHz laptops were newly released and top of the line ($2000), I used it just about every day, but it only lasted about 2-3 years (lasted is arguably a vague definition itself too.) Quality isn't as good as some of the better laptops around these days.

 

I also have a WSXGA+ Dell right now, and I'm considering a Vaio Z for college too. I love my high resolution, and I think the Z has the best of both worlds: It has a small, portable body while offering fantastic 1600x900 (as Dell now calls it, 900p) resolution! Moving down significantly in size will actually only decrease your horizontal pixelage by 80.

 

Yah I do NOT want a Dell. I have one right now and just dont want another one.

Remember, I am a third year in college and may be going to graduate school or going to work, then to masters or to a PHD program.

I guess the sony Z, SR, or macbook would be my liking. I would consider a bigger laptop if it isnt too heavy I suppose. I want it to be portable though...

Thanks for your opinions! More are welcomed too

 

I use a Z in college and I carry it to classes almost everyday, and I haven't noticed any major scratches other than the normal wear.

I would not say that the Z is build as sturdy as a thinkpad. It doesn't take a lot to scratch the scree if you carry it around everyday in a stuffed bag and don't use a screen protector cloth.

But then again, it's just a matter of time for ANY laptop to get all beat up. If you just be gentle with your Z, you should be fine. However, I do feel jelous of those who own thinkpads, which can be tossed around and not care about it at all because they don't look pretty in the first place.

 

I'm also one of those who would recommend the Vaio Z for use in college. It is small, has a very good screen with high resolution available if you choose to go with it. It is also light in terms of weight & it definitely looks very classy.

rydude07, I'm very sure you'll love the Vaio Z, if you decide to buy it. Good luck.

 

Would the Z or SR be too small for college? I definitely like that it's portable, but I also want to not strain my eyes. I remember checking on the SR in a Sony Style store a couple months back and it was fine for my eyes, but would it ruin my eyes if I use it for college?

 

You can choose between the normal resolution and the high resolution. I believe Best Buy has the normal resolution on display. I am in college also and I use the high resolution Z because I need to program for my school work. Some may think the text is too small, but I think its just fine.

Check them out in person.

 

I am in college, I love my Z. (FWIW, I do have a desktop as well.) I debated for quite a while, but it just fit my wishlist better than anything else and was still in my budget ... and I had been drawn to it since its release. If you haven't already, I suggest you list the features in a notebook you absolutely want, and maybe 'nice' features you could compromise on. For me that was a huge help in trying to decide, it made it pretty clear which notebooks weren't quite right for me and which to really compare before buying.