Taking the plunge...

I think I'm finally going to order. Rumors make me hesitate, but they're just rumors and who knows what will happen (features, prices, options...), so I'm thinking take the plunge now ... if it changes before my return period is up and it is worth it, I could bother to return/reorder. I've put this off so long, been ready to buy since the beginning of summer. I'm starting to have serious need for replacing my old POS laptop. I have admired the Z since it released, and put it off for various reasons here and there - but never because of uncertainty about liking the unit itself. (And I have compared/contrasted many other options, but I still think the Z is right for me.)

I have in my cart a Z590CTO, despite not being able to see this 1600x900 resolution in person ... I like the idea thrown at me of "what if" ... buying this I know I risk the need of return if it feels small, but at least I'll know ... and given I have good eyesight there's a chance it'll be fine and give me great work space. (Web design/programming/etc.)

Anyway ... premium carbon fiber, I just hope this looks as good as the hype. Honestly, the Sony pictures make me feel it could look 'off' next to the rest of the black in the unit, but it could be the lighting and them trying to show off the special texture. I never saw the SZ weave in person to know.

P9500 2.53ghz processor. 4gb ddr3 ram. 320gb 7200rpm hdd. DVD drive. (I wish BluRay were more affordable of an upgrade, a let down...but if I choose it, I'll be $50 over budget and without any potential for accessories, kinda crappy.)

Will use the 10% student discount, and instead of the 4 year ADH warranty through Sony when buying ... I am going to risk buying the same one from Provantage and save $200 on the same warranty. (It was recommended here a few times, I'm counting on it being legit, good savings.)

Brings the price (w/ warranty) to just shy of $2650. I plan on getting the laptop and deciding within a week if I can appreciate the resolution or if it needs to be returned, and if I keep it ... I can register and start the warranty, then buy a few accessories not to exceed my $3k budget using the 20% off offer. (Maybe an extended battery, a case, the privacy filter, all things I'd appreciate.)

Any last words? Not waiting for them, but ... I wouldn't mind any honest feedback before I order. Haven't ordered simply because I am waiting to locate the name of the kind sales rep I spoke with a few weeks ago, I'll bother to call her and order ... by the time I find that tiny piece of paper, with time differences, etc ... I'll probably order Tuesday at the earliest.

 

In my opinion the P9500 isn't worth $150 over the P8600 for 95% of the people. Unless you're running some heavy maths applications for example, it will be impossible to notice the difference.

 

good point, Phil. Also, make sure to get a 64bit OS so you can fully utilize your 4Gb of RAM.

 

I guess I've decided it is. I multitask like crazy, I will run multiple virtual machines... I just feel it is worth going for the best processor option, also because I don't intend to upgrade my laptop for another few years, it makes it more worth the cost right now to have that little boost in performance. (My old laptop is 5 years old, LOL. I'm going for the full 4 yr warranty to ensure I can keep using this for 4 years without needing to replace it.)

I am buying with home premium, but I thought I might take advantage of the ultimate steal through Microsoft, which now offers Vista Ultimate for like $65 ... I can choose 64-bit if I do this ... I just need to look further into drivers and such, make sure I won't end up with troubles.

 

AlaskaGrown.

I have noticed that the 1600x900 res models poped up in sony stores in my Area (Chicago), they all have them now in stock. I had the same issue whether this hi-res on this small screen will be right for me and I saw it first time in september where they had it only in a few stores in CA region, and I can tell you this clarity is amazing. My 590CTO is supposed to be delivered tomorrow. You should give it a try in case you have a sony store somewhere in you area.

 

Alaska is too ghetto for a Sony Store! BestBuy should have the $2k one with the 1366x768 resolution, but every time I've gone to see it ... they don't have one for display, only one in a box for sale.

I do appreciate the input, however. All the raves for the clarity and crispness, it seems many are impressed that they can comfortably use that resolution. I think I have decided it is worth the risk to avoid the "what ifs" constantly if I ordered the 540. Even if I get it and feel it's not going to work out ... I know for sure. And hopefully it will work out, and I'll be blessed with having the extra real estate.

 

Although the following pic is for the SZ, it should still give you a very good idea the difference in looks:



To be honest, with my SZ Premium Carbon lid, you'll have to look at it at certain angles, certain lighting conditions/environments to "really see" the weave pattern. Just my opinion.

 

Alaska I would hold off till atleast December if you truly can live without it till than =D Honestly, just to avoid the simple little hassle of returning! A poster here mentioned a new refresh coming very soon! (redesign)

I too, would choose the P9500 - not because I will ever utilize it fully, but because processors are non-upgradeable, and esp if you do alot of multitasking and programming, its just good to have it than the lesser model, and esp. if it fits in your budget - why not? -

I saw prem. Z pics as few are actually avail, I am waiting for more 'real' like pics, maybe popping on youtube soon.. I am personally just going to wait for a refresh (I already returned a Z590 once!)

I did use 1600x900 res and believe me the screen estate is GREAT to have, but for my usage - college essays, web surfing, I found it a bit uncomfortable and had to increase DPI to 120 from default.. it made somethings not so good but I might give the lower res a try this time around - this is purely subjective to your usage and needs!

 

For what it's worth: I consider it very very unlikely that the Z will see a redesign three months after it's release. Although a backlit keyboard does not require a redesign so who knows.

Because it can be wasted money. Multi tasking in itself is no argument for 0.13 Ghz extra. Only if you are using applications that max out the CPU it makes sense. In all other situations the bottleneck in multi tasking will be the I/O. So it makes a lot more sense to put your money towards a future SSD upgrade instead of .13Ghz and some extra cache. Just my 2 cents.

If you want to test it, put your vaiocontrol center in performance mode and Vista in best performance, press ctrl-alt del to monitor CPU usage. Then start multi tasking lika mad man (woman) and see if you can get CPU usage to 100% and for how how long. Now only when it's at 100% the 2.53 would be 5% quicker.