Vaio FZ2 CTO Notebooks Available & Questions

Just thought I would let anyone interested know the new refreshed Sony Vaio FZ2 CTO's are up here ---> http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&categoryId=8198552921644488277

It was quite a surprise to see them in retail already this early as I checked my local Fry's Electronics and Sony's website just started having them available. There were 3 pre-configured models out of the Vaio FZ2 running Xbrite-ECO screens, and it appears the metal A/V bar grill is standard now that only used to be for the premium FZ180's. Everything on the outside looks the same. But on the inside it now actually has a 1.3MP camera, faster, larger hard drive, new CPU, option for BD-ROM or BD-RE.

I checked suspect temperature zones that tend to get WARM-HOT from the FZ1 line on the FZ2 line and I didn't notice much heat, it actually was MUCH better from testing the FZ1 line. Maybe Sony fixed the inside hardware configuration slightly from complaints (?)

I have a question about the CPU's. This is what Sony offers in the FZ2 lineup:

- Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T5250 (1.5GHz)
- Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T7250 (2.0GHz) [add $100.00]
- Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T7500 (2.2GHz) [add $150.00]
- Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T7700 (2.4GHz) [add $300.00]
- Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T7800 (2.6GHz) [add $600.00]


What CPU would be the best for "future proofing" the machine realistically?


Also, is the HDMI port on the Vaio FZ1 or FZ2 HDMI 1.3?


I do have 2 additional questions though and I am not sure what the answers are, considering I was waiting to buy a FZ2. On the FZ2 CTO page, here are the following hard drive configurations, my questions are:

1.) Doesn't the FZ only have one hard drive bay so now 200GB at 7200 rpm's is possible, or is there really space for 2 hard drives?

and...

2.) The 160 GB* (Hybrid with 256MB Flash memory), what does that really do versus just the regular 160 GB HDD?

Hard Drive
The following hard drive options are available for the FZ Series:
120 GB* (5400 rpm)
160 GB* (5400 rpm)
160 GB* (Hybrid with 256MB Flash memory)
200 GB* (5400 rpm)
200 GB* (7200 rpm)
250 GB* (4200 rpm)
300 GB* (4200 rpm)

 

how's the battery life on the new model? improved at all?

 

Interesting, so no sign of 8600GS as seen in Sony UK website... About heat, maybe they just figured out how to make automatic underclocking of 8400Gt to work - my FZ runs much cooler when I am manually underclocking outside of gaming.

I believe that anything above T7250 is future proof. If I were you, I would go for T7500, as it has twice the cache of T7250 for just 50$ more - IMO anything above doesn't worth the extra price you pay.

Yes, now 7200RPM HDD can get to 200GB (it may get quite hot, though). AFIAK, the merit of 256mb cache is almost non-existent.

 

all they did was give you a few different CPU and HD choices. It IS NOT a new model.

 

how do you underclock the gpu? sounds like that might improve battery life significantly.

 

Arrrgggghhh!!!!!!

Wish I'd seen this thread before I bought my FZ11Z!!!!

For £50 less I could have upped the CPU to the T7500, the HDD Speed and GPU!!!!!

 

So, from maybe any past Sony Vaio laptops, does ANYONE know what the 160 GB (Hybrid with 256MB Flash memory) hard drive is vs. regular 160 GB hard drive? Anyone? I don't think it's true hard drive cache, what could it be?

I haven't put my money down yet for the CTO Vaio FZ2 until I know what this is, and Sony's website is of no help. But the retail store floor models of the Vaio FZ refresh seem to minimally be better in the hardware area, perhaps even software/firmware. There is still the same bloatware though that Sony loves too much.

 

Bump... Bump... Bump...

 

It is there to increase boot times. I think Toms Hardware did a test on one if you want to search for it.