VAIO Newbie....completely confused on SZ's

Okay, sorry guys....I hate to be such a newb on my first post. I've been browsing this site for a few weeks and think I've finally settled on the VAIO SZ for my new notebook. Only problem is that I'm completely confused on model numbers and where I should buy it. Whether at SonyStyle or via one of the many shops I found via Froogle. Basically, I just want the 1.83GHZ model with the Bluetooth, Motion Eye camera, and a 100GB HDD. I figured I can upgrade the RAM for cheaper on my own so I'll settle for 512MB. I priced one out at SonyStyle for $1950 or so. But then on Froogle I see models for $1700. Then on Sony's learning center they don't even list 240's, only 140's. It's not clear to me if the SZ240 on SonyStyle has built-in Bluetooth or not. I don't understand why this process has to be so difficult and confusing.

Basically I'm asking for some help and someone to break it down to me Barney style. Where should I buy it and are all SZ240's the same (besides the basics as CPU, HDD, and RAM)?

Thanks a lot!!!!

 

Amazon.com has it for 1775. It's preconfigured with a gig of ram and dvd burner.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000EE3CJS/ref=sr_11_1/104-7065607-3559151?_encoding=UTF8

Newegg has a cheaper version with the T2300 and no dvd burner and no bluetooth.

 

The SZ140 & SZ240 are the customizable version of the SZ. That being said, you will find many different flavors and combinations available. The 140 & 240 are almost identical, just the 240 is a updated version (refresh) of the 140 series. So all options found in 140 are available in the 240.

Now since you want an SZ with the T2400 (1.83GHz), Bluetooth, Motion Camera and 100 GB HD... let me see.

Btw, the one linked by zoXan is for the SZ110, they are the same as the SZ140 just preconfigured for retailers to sell.

If you were looking for a preconfigured SZ240, you'll want the SZ240 P09 one. That one includes T2400, 100GB HD, Bluetooth, Camera. But it also includes 1 Gig ram (2x 512). You can find it at portableone for $1799. They also have other SZ listed and minor options for configuring such as the ability to upgrade to a 7200 RPM Hard drive.

Portable One, SZ240P09

I took a quick look at Compusa and Newegg, they don't have similar models that are priced the same.

If you have more questions, just ask.

 

cool, thanks for the heads up....that 7200RPM HDD looks good and it has XP Pro as well. i'm going to the Sony store at the local mall here this weekend to do a final once over in person before I pull the trigger on this purchase. Thanks again!

 

I don't know why but the last 3 SonyStyle retail stores I've been in only had the SZ Premium models with the carbon fiber case on display. The opposite is true at CompUSA, there I only saw non premium models but not the premium.

 

get the premium if it still has the LED backlit screen. its such a better screen.

 

I'd second the SZ from Portable One. P1 has the best customer service I've seen yet, especially if you plan on customizing your notebook.

 

"get the premium if it still has the LED backlit screen. its such a better screen"

I am also those that have been wondering a few things about the sz and one of those was the LED screen. Is that what they call Hi Color? I believe they are only in the sony SZ premium models right? With that being said, from those who have seen the LED compared to the non premium screens, is it worth the extra money for that feature? I think the non premium screens are great and wondering how much the LED improves it.