Underwhelmed with SZ update

I have done some reading about the SZ5 update coming up and I am just not seeing a compelling reason to buy. I have a premium SZ3X. The SZ4X certainly brought nothing new to the table and now the SZ5X is really just expanding storage and adding HSPDA. Nothing really new and nothing compelling. Is the SZ no longer Sony's "pushing the limits" line. I suppose maybe this means it will start getting less expensive, but I was really hoping for another tech pushing adaptation by Sony with the July refresh. As it is now, I really see no reason for moving up from my beautiful and capable 370P/C

 

I agree with you. It's a pity that Sony makes such minor updates between 'generations' (at least on the SZ). I had an SZ3-series, which was stolen so I bought an SZ4-series and there is almost no difference between the two.

I'm particularly disappointed that Sony isn't employing Santa Rosa (I really would have liked the updated processor, video card but most especially wireless n-support). A 7200rpm hard drive would have been a bonus, too! I believe the TZ series is also not using Santa Rosa (I could be wrong).

I do really like the HSDPA support, though (would kill the EDGE on my SZ4!) As for expanding storage, I honestly don't see the point if it means a slower (4200rpm) drive. I'd take 40GB less storage if it means faster performance (and I did - I got the SZ480NW5).

 

Yes, that is my point entirely. Two basically incosequential upgrades and Sony wants users two ay premium prices for them.

4X got us Vista, a major change, but did it warrant a new version release.
5X gets us storage and HSPDA. Again, things I can add for a few hundred dollars myself and are largely inconsequential.

We have not seen a generational update since the hybrid video card.

 

I have had a sz260 since last July. I upgraded....

2 gig of ram
T7600 2.33 core 2 duo processor
Vista

and when Hitachi releases the 200gig 7200 rpm hard drive I am going for that. At least with the SZ you can upgrade components. I usually trade within 2 years. Having done some of the upgrades I think I will keep it for 3 years making it a good deal for me. Overall, that is better since I usually buy accessories like an extra battery or docking station. Not trying to hijack the thread but the SZ is super configurable and that is worth something.

 

Again, you have hit the nail on the head. There is NO reason to BUY the SZ upgrade to SZ5X. You can execute the same upgrades for a fraction of the price yourself without having to get the marginal value new PC refresh.

Please do not misunderstand me. I LOVE the Sony Vaio SZ. There are NO OTHER computers on the market that offer its portability, flexibility and power. My concern is that Sony is resting on its laurels instead of pushing forward.

We all know here that Sony is expensive and that we are paying a premium for the name and design. But we all do that willingly because Sony has always pushed the envelope and delivered cutting edge technology which we were willing to pay for. I am just not seeing it now. Where is Santa Rosa which other PC's are employing? Where is solid state memory? Where are hybrid batteries (Don't laugh, Sony has some cutting edge battery design)? Where is instant on no booting OS management?

I am not saying that all of this should be employed on the 5X, I am just saying there has really been no 3X to 5X update. Storage does not constitute and update.

 

Do you think that when the SZ5X will be released, the prices of the SZ4X will drop significantly? I'm tempted to buy on an upcoming trip to the US (early August) but the price is just out of my range at the moment.

 

This is a problem with Sony though. I am not sure the prices will be dropped significantly. I hope they are. But history does not bode well for a significant price drop. The SZ5X will enter in at the top tier and bump the 4X down a couple hundred bucks. I think that the humerous part though will be that Sony will charge an uber premium for the 5X for upgrades that people for the most part will not use. I have a feeling the 5X is not going to do well for Sony.