Vaio FE vs FZ

So I was going to order an FE a few weeks ago when suddenly Sony cuts it from their customization line up and adds the FZ. So now I love the FZ but I just revisited their site, and FE CTO support is back. So now my question is, which would be better? Assume all specs are equal between both units except:

FZ
NVIDIA® GeForce® 8400M GT
T7300 2.0ghz
80gb HDD
1gb x 1

FE
T7200 (2ghz)
NVIDIA GeForce Go 7600
60gb HDD
1gb x 1

I'm not sure where to go with this. Any help or opinions would be appreciated thank you.

 

Hello and Welcome
What are you going to use the laptop for ?
I really suggest filling up the FAQ and posting it in the What notebook should I buy section.

 

You know what I completely forgot about that section, as I've spent most of my time browsing the Sony and HP threads. Thank you.

 

I would definintely go with the FZ series as it incoporates newer technology: santa rosa chipset, 8400M GT (DX10 gpu), HDMI output, and wireless N. In my opinion, the FZ is more stylish in appearance, lighter in weight, and is made of magnesium alloy instead of plastic.

Did you want to consider 2 gb of ram? If you are going to run vista o/s, 1 gb is a bit sluggish.

 

^I got an FE and 1gig. Vista works terrific with 1gig for me.

 

I've got an FE..but if I had an option I wud have gone for FZ, simply because FZ is an FE upgrade.

 

^Right. You mind as well just pay the extra hundred or two and get the upgrade. But if your short on the stacks, FE will be just fine.

 

FZ is the newer model, replacing the FE. They'll drop the FE completely pretty soon; they're probably just selling off the last of their inventory on it now.

 

Yeah to be honest the only thing selling for me on the FE's is the color choice. Does anyone know if Best Buy or other stores are selling these or displaying them IN store? As for the 1gig ram I chose the 1x1gb stick because I'm planning on buying another gig (for way less) probably from newegg.

 

The Best Buy near me had the FZ in the store when I was there a few days ago. They might have had the FE too, I'm not really sure.

 

The Best Buy in Houston and Fry's are having the FE for around 850. So you might want to call around and see what's up.

 

How good of a card is the 8400m gt? I was always under the impression that the 7600 was better. Will the 8400 be able to play newer games?

 

I have an FE890 and would certainly have purchased the FZ instead, had it been an option. No question.

 

Just stopped by at Best Buy today to check out the FZ in person. This is really a solid notebook, even when compared side by side with the FE. My other choice was an HP DV6500t but as soon as I got hands on with similar models (that exact one wasn't there) I knew it would have to be the FZ. My only complaint on this thing is how the black keyboard material spreads out over the entire inside cover making it look pretty weird. I may order the white keyboard but does anyone think it will get dirty/stained quickly?

 

I've heard stories saying the white keyboard does get dirty easy, and I've heard just as many saying it doesn't. This leads me to believe that it would be just peachy as long as you take some care of when you use it. For instance, I wouldn't suggest changing the oil in your car and then go inside and start typing away without washing your hands. Of course, this is pure speculation, as mine hasn't arrived yet and I bought black regardless. I liked the black version's look.

Edit: Also, now that I think about it. White is white, and anything that doesn't just blow off is going to show up to an extent.

 

I prefer FE though.The FZ design is just too weird

 

I can recommend seeing an FZ in person at some electronics store. It looks actually pretty good compared to the surrounding competitors (particularly when compared to HPs and Gateways). I personally don't understand the complaints against the black keyboard, but would also like to point out that the slightly rough texture of the material in front of the keyboard makes typing rather comfortable. The shallow key pitch might take some getting used to, but compared to the FZ, the FE looked flimsy, old and bulky. Perhaps I am biased, needing to justify my FZ190 CTO order...

 

Indeed you are biased. Although I agree FZ looks and feels better, FE too is a sleek, modern, sturdy model.

 

I was going to ask a question about HDMI on this bad boy, but doing a bit of research I came upon the Japanese FZ site and their clarification of HDMI

http://translate.google.com/transla...fe=off&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&prev=/language_tools

HDMI output
Standard specification (shop front sale) with model or VAIO owner maid model with graphic accelerator only at the time of NVIDIA GeForce 8400M GT GPU selection loading

So basically 8400M GT = HDMI port which I really like. I expect putting an order in before the end of the week. I remember reading somewhere that Sony sometimes offers random discounts or free shipping when you call the order in? Still true?

 

Sony's mysterious free shipping days are a topic of much discussion on these forums. I'm afraid I won't be able to give you a solid answer either, but I'm fairly certain it's every week from Tues to Thursday when you purchase online from sonystyle.

No promises however.

 

Ok I called them up yesterday and put my order in. So happy now. I asked about any type of discounts I could get and the guy took $50 off for me and free shipping. Not bad I guess. Should be here in 8-10 days I guess.

 

which one did you order?

 

If you got a tight budget, thn you should get the FE. I have the FE and have never had any problems with it.

However, if the FZ will be much more worth your money because of the new technology and the 8400M GT.

 

also, that is if you can still get hold of an FE. A few days ago the customizing option on the Sony Webpage didn't work any more and otherwise it seems there are only a few remaining models in the stores. I would assume that it won't take long before you can only get the FE on eBay.

 

I ordered an FZ sorry about that. Was in a hurry and didn't specify oops.

Sony Vaio FZ 190 CTO (non blu ray)
T7300 2.0ghz processor
1gbx1 ram
100gb HDD
8400M GT Graphics Card
White Keyboard
etc...

I inquired as to if the warranty covered the keyboard "yellowing" as most white products do and they told me no but the accidental plan covers any spills or drops and such. I even asked if it was possible to mix keyboard/overlay colors (aka white keyboard w/ black surround) and the answer was no as well.

I also asked why the Sony Vaio Speakers were listed at $0 on the website and they told me because it was out of stock and it was showing up that way I guess.

Well hope any of that info helps you guys. Definitely cannot wait to get this.