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    Thinking about getting a Sony Z over the Lenovo X200. Should I?

    Discussion in 'VAIO / Sony' started by Mysteriouskk, Sep 3, 2008.

  1. Mysteriouskk

    Mysteriouskk Notebook Geek

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    Right now I'm looking at the x200 which is around $1100-1200. The Sony Z might be $600-700 more. Is it worth that price difference?

    and I might go to the Sony Style stores and buy it there. Do they offer the same discounts as online, and how many types of models of the Z do they have on display/to buy?

    What is also the cheapest Sony Z that I can buy?
     
    Mysteriouskk, Sep 3, 2008
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  2. plazmic

    plazmic Notebook Consultant

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    Yes the store offers the $300 off with the purchase of ADH and 2 accessories. I believe the "cheapest" Z you can get retail is the Z540 priced at $1999.99. With a neoprene case and earbuds and 2 year ADH it comes out to roughly $2160 with taxes.

    And I would definitely recommend the Z if it falls within your budget. The build quality on the x200 is phenomenal compared to most laptops, but after comparing it to my partner's X200 I can attest that Lenovo just doesn't build them like IBM used to. (Haven't owned a Thinkpad since my beloved T40p).
     
    plazmic, Sep 3, 2008
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  3. Mysteriouskk

    Mysteriouskk Notebook Geek

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    If I get it, should I finance it for 2 years? or would it be better to pay it all. I have the money now, but if I can get interest instead, would it be better to finance it?

    Will it hurt my credit score if I finance it and pay within the 2 year limit?
     
    Mysteriouskk, Sep 3, 2008
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  4. FenderP

    FenderP Notebook Deity

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    The only way you hurt your credit score (IMO - I'm not an expert so don't shoot me if I'm wrong) is if your debt to income ratio is out of whack or you don't pay. If you have the money and want to, pay it all now. If you want to finance and the rate is satisfactory to you, do it. That's totally a personal call.
     
    FenderP, Sep 3, 2008
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  5. Mysteriouskk

    Mysteriouskk Notebook Geek

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    Should I buy it at the Sony Style store or online?
     
    Mysteriouskk, Sep 3, 2008
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  6. FenderP

    FenderP Notebook Deity

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    If you have a local SonyStyle store, I'd just get it there. You'll pay the same price and it's instant gratification.
     
    FenderP, Sep 3, 2008
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  7. lithium

    lithium Notebook Consultant

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    Sony online offers Fresh Start to cut down on some of the bloatware. Portable One ( www.portableone.com) offers Sony laptops with a zero-bloatware image.
     
    lithium, Sep 3, 2008
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  8. plazmic

    plazmic Notebook Consultant

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    That really depends on your current score and total available credit versus revolving balance. If you have a decent score and a good ammount of credit ($10,000 or more) then putting the purchase and paying it off interest free is both helpful to your score, and easier on the wallet. If at any point the interest free offer changes, be sure you can pay off the balance in full.
     
    plazmic, Sep 3, 2008
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  9. Mysteriouskk

    Mysteriouskk Notebook Geek

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    Ah... should I get the Z, or should I get the X200? The Z will be $1000 more expensive than the x200. Would that be worth it for me if I don't really need a dvd drive?
     
    Mysteriouskk, Sep 3, 2008
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  10. FenderP

    FenderP Notebook Deity

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    Come up with a pros and cons list for each, and see which wins. Plain and simple. Neither is really better or worse - the question is: which one fits your needs better?
     
    FenderP, Sep 3, 2008
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  11. Mysteriouskk

    Mysteriouskk Notebook Geek

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    The only real differences that I can see between the two is that the Sony looks better, has a dvd drive, and has a graphics card. Is that true between the two?
     
    Mysteriouskk, Sep 3, 2008
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  12. sonoritygenius

    sonoritygenius Goddess of Laptops

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    yes, but get the one that you can afford and it seems the X200 meets your needs well and you like its price over the Z......
     
    sonoritygenius, Sep 3, 2008
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