The Official Haswell/Z Speculation Thread

Sorry- looks like touch is the path of the future. As for a windows OEM producing an rMBP competitor, I can only provide predictions and have to say that on <13 inch systems 1080p will be the norm on high end devices. Since Sony and Samsung are both playing with high res electronics (most notably with their TVs though Samsung produced a 'retina' tablet prototype) I think that it is safe to say that the technology will eventually trickle down to laptops- I have no worried about that.

 

Nope- there is no Z- it is over an out.

They anounced T14 Touch, T15 Touch with 1080p display, and a Vaio duo 11 that comes in a silver flavor with the option of 512GB SSD.

 

Let's resume. If Sony decides to turn its back to Z (or whatever it may be within the premium segment) it may do it: in late February - March, or late July-August. These are, to my view, most feasible dates. I guess we'll no longer see the traditional laptop chassis. Almost 100% it will be a touch screen system with Haswell architecture, with Helix- (Intel Cape-) or Yoga-like transforming capabilities on 13" FullHD IPS screen.

P.S. Engadget announced the interview with Sony VAIO's David Ng. But still I see no video there.

P.S.S. Folllowing yesterday's interview with Kazuo Hirai to the Verge (see there the video with Josh Topolsky), it is clear that mobile PC industry is out of primary concerns for Sony now which is centered more on imaging, 4K TV, gaming and some expansion to the US mobile phone market.

P.S.S.S Those interested in light and sexy lapies can switch to: Panasonic AX2, Lenovo Carbon X1 or Samsung Series 9. These are the collective "heirs" to the Vaio Zi.

 

The reason is that the guy didn't show up on the stage for the interview. Very good way to promote your products... Maybe they just don't have anything to say currently. At least the VAIO announcement(s) on CES so far were disappointing.

In the past years, I remember that there were VAIO prototypes shown on CES. Is there something like that this year? I checked some Japanese sites, too, but I haven't found anything besides the T series and the Duo 11.

 

^ No prototypes, unfortunately.

 

I think they will resume with Z series. After all - there was no official saying that they stop producing. As for seizing sales - they're back to drawing board - cause I guess, next Sony Z would be FULL HD / FULL HD+ with touch and internal GPU, cause Windows 8 does not support external video card.
If not - that would be really sad... Nothing can top Z series... My one year old laptop (Z23) still looses only to Z3, with very small difference..

 

I'd be so happy if all they did was keep the housing/lcd/etc the same and just swapped in a haswell cpu. The IGP is being compared to a nvidia 650m part! Sounds like a dream!

 

Since Sony is still in love with (and probably always will be in love with) HDCP support, I can't see them ever producing a device that gives you super high resolution without HDCP.

Correct me if I'm wrong, however.

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The MacBook Air & Retina Pro's are now the finest notebooks around in my opinion. The Samsung Series 9 (which heavily borrows it's design from the MacBook Air) is the closest Windows based notebook to the Vaio Z, but of course will use a ULV CPU which should still be more than adequate for most people.

There just isn't a direct replacement available on the market for the Z, which suggests that the Z was always a niche machine that didn't make any money. That's why it's dead.

 

^^^ I want the same Haswell Z that Qwaajet mentioned!!

 

This is terrible news. I managed to acquire a new SVZ. I had to get a preconfigured i5, 128ssd, 8GM ram for $1450. I really wanted at least 256ssd, but can't find it anywhere, unless you want to fork out $2700 - $3100 (with i7). It's what I get for waiting too long to get one. I thought the Z's demise was all rumored. It just seems Sony is going downhill. Let's see what Sony does with the S Series. Maybe, they can revive some of the Z's aesthetics and DNA from that.

 

Why even release the new Z if there is nothing new you can put into it? No new tech in CPUs, nothing new in SSDs. Why put all the money in R&D if there is no guarrantee customers will want to pay for the new model if it does not bring anything new?

 

If you can still return this unit I can virtually assure you that you will be able to find an i5 or i7 version w 256GB SSD for $2,000 or less. Check ebay, amazon, Newegg and a host of closeout etailers - eg, Blinq.com - many others you can learn the naes of on slick deals, price grabber, etc - even Sony's Outlet. I wouldn't be surprised if there were several in the market to buy new or or refurbished right now, or very soon. If you can't return yours don't sweat it; 128GB should be plenty to store all the programs you need SSD for speed to launch and you can add way more than 128GB more storage with SD card and Sony "Magic" card and leave them in the two slots on your Z. You don't need high speed access to the majority of large data most people store - eg, music and video files to stream. The Z has two assets in handling the "overflow" data storage: two SD card slots and both allow for "permanent" storage because unlike many thin or ultrabooksadof today the cards go all the way into the Z's chassis with minimal protrusion.

You should have plenty of options and you Z is incredibly "future-proof" given its light weight, very powerful cpu (whether i5 or quad core i7), stupid fast SATA III raid0 SSDS, superb FHD 96% adobe color gamut screen and even great battery life with the decent internal battery plus the sheet, which gets you an "honest" 6-12 hours weighing only 3.5 lbs with the sheet attached! Whichever unit you end up with I strongly recommend you get protective skins not just for scratches but also because the carbon fiber outer shell is very easy to crack.

Take care of it physically and you will have a notebook PC that will remain top of the field for at least 3 years if not more. If I sound like a fanatical advocate of the Z it's because I am! But I defy anyone to take issue with my Factual basis for touting it. Having owned a Z1 and Z2 I am planning on picking up just the configuration I've recommended here to you (maybe w/512GB SSD if I can find one for a not-absurd cost) and staying out of the laptop market for a few years. (Did I mention that if you get a good unit to start and handle it with reasonable care it is an exceptionally reliable piece of gear?!)

Best of luck!

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Can f

 

anyword from beaups?

 

I agree. My 2010 vintage VPCZ1 is still going strong - even the battery is showing just 8.5% wear. The only complaints I have is that one of the hinges is a bit wobbly, and the fan frequently makes noises like a food processor.

 

Wow. How did you manage to keep your battery wear so low? I keep my battery care on 80%, and the wear is 20.5% after two years of use. It's true that I do a discharge cycle on an almost daily basis, but I was hoping it would hold up a little better.

 

Just lucky, I guess. Battery care set at 50%, mostly plugged in. When I need to go on a trip, I charge the battery to 80%, and set it back to 50% when I get back.

Looks like you've got your money's worth from that battery, though. How much backup time are you getting? You can't really trust the reported wear once it gets beyond 20%. I have an ancient VAIO that has a really bad battery - it is only used at home, so I haven't bothered to change it. The reported wear is 27.3% but it gives hardly 5 minutes backup.

 

I think the wear level is pretty accurate. I can still get a good three hours out of the battery even starting at 80% (which is now a bit over 60% of its designed capacity). I also have a high-capacity battery that I use for trips - that has a wear level of 8.5% but has been used far less (I keep that, when not used, at around 50%).

 

I think the hinges are a universal probl

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I think the hinges are a universal problem with the Z1 but quite easy to fix - permanently! You take all the bottom screws out and lift the keyboard up in the back where the hinges are. It's pretty easy to see which screws to tighten and if you do so firmly and are fairly careful raising and lowering the lid they should stay firm for a year or so. For now nearly permanent fix get some Locktite and apply it to the top and bottom of each his get screw. Mine haven't budge in two years. I'm pretty sure there is a YouTube video on it. Batteries will wear but setting it to 50% will reduce the rate of wear considerably. I have my eyes peeled for Sony only batteries for sale on eBay and now keep 2 in the fridge and they have only lost 2% in a year.

The Z2 seems to be just as reliable mechanically and electronically but the very thin cf case breaks when you look at it the wrong way! Skins on all surfaces are a must. I would say the Z1 is still fast enough for my needs but when you see the Z's SSD speeds at 1010/o seq read/write its hard to pass up. I don't think I'll ever part with my Z1 but I do plan on bidding on every SVZ13 w/512GB SSD and i7 quad when they come down in value. Even now, owning a Z1 in nearly new condition and a high end Z2 makes me feel very well situated for 2+ years to come.

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Thanks. I did return as you suggested, but could not find any model with 256ssd. I saw i7's, two models at Best Buy, but the price range was 2800 to well over 3000. So, I went to Sony outlet to search and could not find one reasonable enough, so I noticed Sonyy had the base i5 128ssd up for sale again and snatched one for 1295.95 plus an educational discount. It was 300 less than what I spent for the one I recently returned. Let's just say, I'm happy and will soon be receiving it. I don't plan on having a bunch of apps on it anyway, but it would have been nice to store movie files for on the go when I travel. The 128ssd was the only let down.

 

haswell stuff... Intel releases updated Haswell CPU roadmaps to production partners, say sources
i hope there's one for a new Z :\

 

I also hope for a new Haswell Z.

 

I doubt Sony will drop the Vaio Z seeing how they just dropped an amazing Z branded phone and amazing Z branded tablet. Wouldn't make sense to be pushing the Z brand as their ultimate effort only to drop their flagship laptop. I'm sure we'll be in for a nice surprise sooner or later!

 

I had the same thought about the phone the other week, and then today when I saw the tablet I had no doubt.

I wouldn't bet that there *will* be a Haswell Z though, but they are definitely trying to preserve the brand in the mean time. Perhaps they need more time to make a great Z implementation of a W8 touch laptop.

 

I've been waiting to see when will Sony announce a new Vaio Z laptop. I think like has already been said the newly announced Z phones and tablet are a good sign. Only I'm hoping this time Sony releases a 15' version too. Which could hopefuly pack in a little better specs (more equivalent to top spec ed 15' MBP w Retina.
I guess time will show.

 

Highly doubt there will be a 15" version. They already have a 15:S and generally the Z is an ultraportable on steroids and I do not think a 15: can be considered an ultraportable.

 

I'd guess this is likely false but I'll pass it along anyway for fun: I was in a Sony store today and a guy came in and asked about the Z. The salesperson said they are in a transition from win7 to win8 for the Z and the win8 version will be out in March. Then he backed off and said it was unconfirmed.

In general, I found the employees there did not know their products well (e.g. did not show the Duo to a customer who asked which laptops had touchscreens), were rude to the customers (e.g. scolded a woman when her baby's drink spilled a little on the floor then took the drink and threw it away...and that family was actually buying a laptop), and really did not want to help (e.g. would not let me try to Duo 11 while sitting in a chair so I could see if the screen angle was ok)...so I wouldn't put too much weight on this rumor.

 

The S series to me doesn't seem as well made and also here in Australia does not come with too great specs. But You mind be right. Altho I was hoping Sony will turn the Z branding into a prestige, best speced and build products. That should not necessarily mean smaller screen and so on. The new Z phone isn't really that ultra portable compare to most other phones neither. But in the end that is just my wishful thinking.

P.S.: In regards to Sony shops I've found the people working there being overall very rude here also. Last time I was at a Sony Central shop buying a camera the young salesman told me that the shop isn't owned by Sony but by some other shop which I was showing him on my phone for price matching.

 

Where is Beaups? He usually has the scoop on what's coming. A couple of Sony sales reps mentioned to me that March is when they think a replacement will arrive. They both spoke to the Win8 compatibility versus the current SVZ. I hope it is not some dumbed down touch screen tablet wannabe. The powerful, lightweight, innovative design theme needs to live on.

 

Yes, Beaups, wherefore art thou??

Sadly, Sony reps are the last place to find reliable information.

I don't think you have to worry about a new Z being a dumbed down touch screen tablet wannabe; they already have that: duo 11! (no offense to owners; it's got some real appeal, but power, keyboard weight and battery life are not among them.

I'm sure Sony will update the Z either for Haswell or before. After all, there are at least 15 people on this thread who would clearly buy one if they made it (Include me in that group!)

 

Beaups has abandoned us. A man can only take so much of being asked the same question over and over. Apparently 1,325 questions about the Z and Haswell was his breaking point.

 

I see that Beaups last post was several months back. He may no longer have his connection with Sony. Too bad, he had valuable insights on what was coming. It kept a lot of folks from abandoning ship to other brands due to impatience.

 

Beaups was definitely as asset to this forum. Perhaps he will pop up sometime out of the blue,

Anyways, the Z has been discontinued in Hong Kong...

 

The Z is still going strong over here in the US tho no news of any updates yet. At least it is not listed as 'limited stock' on the Sony website though.

 

Just because post-X-mas sales dropped. No demand, no rush.

 

I am so glad I was able to at least pickup a new SVZ, unfortunately base model at a Sony Store. But I did get a terrific educational price at $1400 (including taxes). They're pretty much out of these unless you want to CTO -that seems to still be available. Everything seems to be going touch screen, so I suspect, if Sony brings the Z back, it may be a long while. I'm beginning to wonder that there may very well be a very small market for this type of high end laptop, with everything priced around 1k. Mainstream America really doesn't spend $2-3K on a computer anymore - not like the way it was in the 90's.

 

It would be awesome if Sony came out with a touchscreen Z. Windows 8 is great, but without touchscreen it's so annoying. My next laptop definitely needs touchscreen capacity. I love the thinness and lightness of the Z; and what sets it apart by far is the RAID 0 configuration with SSD and the full on i7 processor (unlike the i7 in the S13P). However part of me must wonder whether or not to hold out for Haswell, even if they did come out with another Z in March incorporating these features.

 

I do java enterprise software development - I really really don't want anything that is touchscreen-oriented. It add nothing to usability for me, and adds far too many GUI annoyances that just get in my way. Standard laptop form factor only, for me, please.

- Tim

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But you realize that if your computer has touchscreen, you don't have to use it, right? People with touchscreen laptops never have to touch the screen at all to have a fully functional laptop. They just use their touchpad instead of the screen.

 

Of course - it's not so much the touchscreen capability that bothers me, as the changes in form factor (eg tablet conversion ability) and software (eg Windows 8 Metro GUI) that invariably comes along with it and compromises my usability experience on the machine.

If they can put a touchscreen on a laptop but otherwise attach no other touchscreen-favoring features on it like those mentioned above, I wouldn't mind.

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Except that all touchscreens seem to be glossy - that's a dealbreaker, IMHO.

 

Even designers have got it. Sony has not yet.

 

What the ....

 

Can I just have the screen and get rid of that weird keyboard?

 

Aiga,

Any idea of when this might appear? I may be able to wait until summer, but only if something of equal power to weight ratio as the SVZ is coming.

k

 

That's not an actual Sony design. It's just someone unaffiliated with Sony doing a laptop concept design study.

 

Oh, yes. This is the concept by Yanko Studio designers . I'd like to tease the audience a bit. Meanwhile, as you know, there is no news about Z. What will surface later may actually disappoint many of thread followers here.

 

How much later?

 

yes yes, go on