Vaio Z being *replaced* by Vaio Duo 11?

Post 10 of this thread.

 

Current Z's durability is just OK . It would be "fragile" if you use a narrow frame.

 

Now, I'm not too convinced about a Z4 announcement 2013 CES. I do think it will be phased out completely. I don't want to be without a powerful notebook. And this may be the last best thing for a while. Heading to get an SVZ this weekend. I'll deal with the consequences if Sony releases a Z4 next year. I'd rather play this one safe.

I'm sure you read the article:

 

From what I remember, the VPCZ1 was announced in January 2010 and the VPCZ2 was announced in June 2011?
Perhaps the Z successor will be announced this January...
Both of them were annouced on its own and not with other models.

 

Perhaps yes, but when there's this article clearly stating the Z will be coming to an end, I can't imagine an announcement at 2013 CES.

 

The answer is we will see.
I think the likely impossibility is SONY really wants to completely update their flagship, VAIO Z, including update of screen size, resolution, shallow keyboard, more powerful CPU, and maybe GPU.

 

The Z coming to an end could mean a new flagship is coming.
Or maybe the S will finally get a full HD acreen and the quadcore cpu that is in the SVZ.
Even if the Z is really gone, it will probably resurface again sometime in the future....there were so many Z's in the past...they come and go.

 

Well, all the Z1311's that were on the Sony online store seem to be still there, so they don't seem to have reduced availability yet, if they are truly not making any more Z's.

- Tim

 

Yeah, I get the feeling the S should be the new flagship. The Z is competing vs MBA clones, and doesn't have a significant advantage, excepting power. However, now 1080p IPS panels are shipping (admittedly, with less gamut coverage), and the Z as it is today, doesn't make as much sense as it used to, in a time when it could easily hang in against smaller gaming laptops with raw power (M11x in particular, before that got killed off, too), while having a wonderful display. It was like having cake, and eating it, too. It wasn't that common in the world of ultraportables back then (OQO, anyone? I fully regret that one).


But today? Just about everyone else of any note has a slice of that cake, even if it's laced with artificial eggs and sweetener all over. Not many people notice the real differences, anymore.

 

I wonder if it's just bad coding from AMD, then? Because nVidia's Optimus setup allows the GPU to be fully powered down and removed. Though I haven't checked the eGPU thread, as of late, so I don't know if Win8+Optimus runs differently than Win7+Optimus.

 

I agree, with the ultrabooks came higher res screens (900p+) and ssds as standard fare not to mention longer battery life and lower weights all across the board. It's making the all-in-one that is the Vaio Z less and less unique as everyone seems to be chipping away from all the corners (although no one has yet been able to come out with a true competitor), but all this chipping away is taking more and more of the already small niche where the Z sits. I'm sad, but the world must move on.

I just need Sony to step up their game with the Duo 11, this review scares me:

Sony Vaio Duo 11 hands on: A hybrid that's all gimmick, no game | Digital Trends

 

This direct from Sony may take issue with your statement.

Also, I urge all to take with a grain of salt an article that ran only in The Verge without a single corroborating citation 3 days later.

The Z is not a computer or a type of computer; it is a BRAND, and a very valuable one for Sony. It provides a "halo" effect to all other Vaio computers and that makes it worth even losing money on. Maybe the Duo style form factor will replace the clamshell, but that doesn't mean a Duo-Z will not be made for the same purpose.

 

It scares me too that a self-proclaimed professional reviewer spends half the review saying that it opens in a different way than he's used to, and he wasn't sure how to do that at first. Okay, that's an issue that people experience MAYBE ONCE. Once you know how to open it, it's never an issue again. It's like finding the ignition slot on a Saab (hint: it's between the front seats). Once you know where it is, you never have to hunt for it again, so why spend half the review on it?

I have heard a couple initial reports about bugginess on the screen rotation. I'm sure Sony will get that driver fixed ASAP. I'm not worried; it's an easy fix with a software update.

Otherwise, the review didn't say much. Yes, it's got a fixed screen angle. Try poking at the screen on a traditional laptop, watching it wobble or change angle with every tap, and realize that a fixed screen angle is a good thing with an OS interface meant for touch and keyboard simultaneously.

 

Actually, there is another screen angle, when you added Duo's VAIO X-style extended battery to the bottom. Stylus holder is also on the extended battery (and Sony's case for Duo).

Personally, I'm more worried about the lack of noise cancelling ear buds that are standard on Z and Duo in other regions -- if Duo's speakers perform like Z2's, this is going to be a nightmare. Also kind of disappointed that GPS and WWAN are not included nor are they options in CTO.

 

By all reports the Duo 11's are just as bad as other ultraportable Sony's. So use external speakers at a desk and earbuds/earphones on the road.

They may not be included like with the Z, but since it costs $1099 (including digitizer stylus) instead of $2,000ish, I have lower expectations of what comes "in the box." Go ahead and buy whatever sort of earbuds/headphones you want.

 

Keep in mind for the US market, the 2nd Gen Sony P did include the noise cancelling headphones in the box which had an MSRP around $900.

 

But wasn't the P arguably pricey at $900 for what it offered spec-wise, including the Atom processor? So you throw in some Sony extras so people feel better about the sticker price. The Duo 11 at $1,099 is dirt cheap for what it offers spec-wise, so I don't expect them to throw in any Sony "extras" to justify the price. Remeber that this has a 1080p IPS gorilla-glass-protected screen, Ivy Bridge, a 128 gb ssd, 4 gb memory, backlit keyboard, digitizer stylus, and magnesium alloy case, all for $100 less than a base-model MacBook Air 13 (no digitizer, no touchscreen, no 1080p).

I'd rather have a lower price and no bundled headphones than a higher price and bundled headphones. That way I don't pay twice if I already own nice headphones, and I get to choose the model of headphone I want.

 

Good point. I mean it's just a different perspective to look at it. You were basically alluding that when you spend $2,000 you get free headphones while at $1,100 you don't. I was merely stating that a $900 computer did come with them.

I mean look at the Z, it's good exotic materials (CF), full voltage processor, the best laptop screen one year ago, etc etc etc and they still threw in the headphones.

Either way not really a big deal and I don't really want to start any disagreement over something so silly.

 

The supplied headphone is the same as Z's, i.e. noise canceling is done on board inside laptop. This is more convenient & portable than any other generic noise canceling headphone that requires battery and processing board on the headphone.

I don't mind cutting it off to shave off the base price, but I would like it to be available for CTO, same goes for GPS & WWAN.

Better yet, just give us some decent speakers to start with.

 

The P wasn't particularly pricey for what you got- a UMPC, and a pretty damn nice one at that. It was only expensive because reviewers were stupid and thought of it as a netbook, because apparently everything with Atom is a netbook.

I think Sony finds it more worth it to give people a pair of headphones than good speakers. For the same price they can give users sound quality miles ahead of what they would get if they put the headphone money into speakers.

 

Any updates on the future of the Z series and if the next iteration will be windows 7 or 8?

 

I will let you know after CES2013. Sony usually have somethings new.

 

My concern is availability of the current Z3 model.

 

You were asking about the new Z and you concerned about current Z availability.
If you want current Z, just go over Sony online store and buy one.
They still have it for you.

Sent from my Sony Tablet S using Tapatalk HD

 

I don't think you quite understand the issue and concern. The current Z3 models are rumored to be the last of the Z series Laptops. If this is true and they do not make a next generation Z4, the current Z3 model will be the last of the line.

I already purchased a Z3 and gave it to a family member. For myself I would like to purchase a Z model as well, hopefully a Z4 but if they are not planning on making a Z4 with a non ULV than the Z3 is it, if there is any remaining by the time there is some definite news about the future of the Z line. So far it is nothing but speculation and rumors on the future.

 

I would not be surprised if that were the case since Windows OEMs will undoubtedly want to compete with Apple's Retina Macbooks.

EDIT: on second thought, it might be hard to have a 'retina' display at 2560x1440 resolution since that is essentially 1280x720p doubled. Thus, similar to OS X, you would be getting 4 pixels to represent 1 pixel, but the screen would have the same real estate as 1280x720p. It seems more likely that Windows OEMs would double one of the existing resolutions: 1366x768, 1600x900, or 1920x1080.

Either way it would not make sense for Sony to discontinue their flagship model. However, I would not be surprised if they do not refresh it anytime soon or at all since it is the model that they make the least sales on (due to its price).

 

I hope they offer a 7 option but if they are going to up the resolution that is not likely.

I guess we will have to wait till CES and hopefully someone on here will be attending the show.

 

I have some very sad news everybody: The Sony Vaio Z is officially discontinued with the Vaio duo 11 replacing it as the flagship model.

Pocketables – Sony to discontinue VAIO Z soon, has “limited numbers” left

Sony's iconic, limit-pushing, and expensive VAIO Z on the way out, 'very limited' numbers left | The Verge

 

Fully agreed until now. See my previous post.

 

I read both those sites and in fact there are a few more referencing "theverge" article, but where did they get their information from? The source is not very credible and it is all speculation if you ask me b/c why would Sony tell "theverge" about the Z series future and not any other site like BGR and so on. Also the date on those articles is in Oct. I hope they are wrong but with more and more articles stating Sony's push for windows 8 I'm starting to believe their opinion on the Z series.

 

It seems likely that what The Verge states. Why else would Sony not refresh the Z series with Windows 8? Or at least make an option between Windows 7 and 8 the way Lenovo has done with their Thinkpads? (although Lenovo's motive is VERY different than Sony's). They are probably just selling the last of their stock. When I went to play around with the customize your laptop area of the Z series page, the most expensive version of the Power Media Dock is out of stock. It has been so for the last 3 weeks. Usually Sony updates their stocking status right away. The reason why they have not is probably because the Z series has been axed.

Oh well, we can only lament for a while. I guess we'll have to turn to the S13 Premium and Vaio Duo 11 now.

 

I don't understand if the are out of stock why they are continuing to take people's money on orders and promise to ship them in the future. That to me implies they are either continuing to make more or maybe they will refund those people. I guess we will have to wait and see but so far nothing has indicated even based on all the rumors on the net there will be a z4 sadly.

 

Sorry, in my typing rush, I must not have made a clear, cohesive sentence. Let me try again: The SVZ is not out of stock- only the highest end Power Media Dock is. This prob. implies that Sony is not planning on refreshing the SVZ anytime soon (and in fact discontinuing it).

 

The non PMD SVZ was out of stock Until today when it came back in stock. It was set to ship Jan 8th but now it is ready to ship Jan 3rd if you check.

I got an email back from Dante and this is what he stated:

"It's disappointing news, I know, but Sony's product manager of VAIO and mobile told me on the record in no uncertain terms. He said they would continue to sell while they work off remaining stock, though he couldn't guess when that would be."

I would assume he has no reason to lie about his source, so I'm going to purchase another Z3

 

They don't charge your credit card until your order changes to ready for shipment.


Sent from my Sony Tablet S using Tapatalk HD

 

Sure Sony doesn't have "very limited' stock left, but that does not change the fact that they are probably discontinuing the model. I hope you are right about them keeping it in their lineup but I suppose that only time will tell.

As for the power media dock thing that I was mentioning earlier, this is what I was talking about:
Customize 13.1" Laptop | VAIO Z Series Configure-to-Order | SVZ131190X Enhanced | Sony USA

Yep, I just checked on the Sony USA site, and all of the models that are customizable currently list the "Power Media Dock™ with AMD Radeon™ HD 7670M (1GB ) graphics and Blu-ray Disc™ player / burner [ $50.00 ] " as out of stock.

Other than that, all of the Z series laptops are in stock. I was only using the highest end PMD not being restocked as an indicator of Sony not refreshing and probably discontinuing their Z line of laptops.

 

All signs are indicating they will not be making any more, time will tell

 

Besides Z now also Duo 11 is made in Japan.

 

I thought that for the Z, only the Premium Carbon Fiber Black Collector's Edition was made in Japan...

Not sure though.

 

The 15th Anniversary Edt has just that extra engraved message, other Z3 models have only Sony written. All Z's since the very first one are made in Japan AFAIK. My old Z1 from 2008 is also made in Japan (VAIO VGN-26MN/B).

 

Guys, you're discussing the news that was in fact released and widely disseminated here in October , we got two more threads (or more) with the same topic of dead classic Z last autumn at NBR fora. Yes, Z as we knew it is almost dead, it will hardly survive Q1 2013. Some prototypes of devices Sony is going to push to sales in Q2-Q3 will probably (or - hypothetically may) emerge on January 7th-8th.

 

If Z is almost "dead", then this is one more reason (and perhaps the best reason) to get a new Z before it disappears from the market

 

Sure, given the Win8 ultrabook drive that beat the very concept of Z. Will good to see a sort of "zetish" revival on Haswell, and I guess with the new play of the well-known letters in its name.

 

A week ago I had a chance to place my fingers onto Duo's keyboard. Overall Duo is not bad, but it didn't really impress me, and Z kills it in every aspect, expect for the touch, but this is one of those things, you either like it or not. And BTW, those U CPU's are something I couldn't stand under my keyboard.

 

I suggest us moving our discussion to the proper place: http://forum.notebookreview.com/sony/658740-official-haswell-z-speculation-thread.html

This would help us meet CES without great tint of disappointment, at least. (Personally, I don't expect anything showed up there in January).

 

Well I mean it depends o your usage and what you need. I am sure that if the Z had a U CPU in it, then its battery life would be 2-3 hours longer than it already is. But then again, if that was the case, it wouldn't be a Z right

(Enter T series Ultrabook)

 

Exactly It wouldn't be Z any more, but D hehe

About the T model, if it had at least 1600x900 resolution it'd be right next to Z.

 

Z is a full-fledged processor within a relatively light body, plus bonus of external GPU. In 2013, this concept is seemingly obsolete. Reality of 2013: Win8 (no PMDs support), touchscreens, Haswell architecture, superlight body and poweful internal graphics. No more place for Z as we knew it in 2008-2011 (hybrid GPU system) and 2011-2012 (external capabilities).

 

I really, really wish that the T series had a 900p screen. I have no idea why they would stick a low quality 1366x768 TN screen in there. I mean, if you are going to carry over Z design elements (the chassis), then why not other part as well? (OK maybe not the FHD screen but at least something- anything- better than the existing screen).

 

Yup, totally agreed. Its understandable that Sony can't fit a good, dedicated GPU into their existing Z chassis or any superslim notebook for that matter (not talking about the 610s and the 620s from asus and lenovo here). What they already did with their Z was so great and powerful. Maybe if they had to make a 15" Z to compete with the rMBP then they could fit one inside.......

but either way, it's pretty terrible that the Z is on the way out- we can only hope that Sony has something else as awesome (if not more awesome) to replace it.