Vaio Z build quality?

Hi. New to the forum. I bought a Vaio Z 550N from amazon. For those who have a simlar product, do you notice a small gap/seam between the lid plastic cover and the lcd plastic bezel? I can slightly see two metal clips between the cracks when looking straight down when I have the screen upright at a 90 degree angle to the base. Also, there seems to be a two slight gouge marks (brownish tint) on the inside of the plastic lid above where the metal clips are.. as if the lid cover had been pryed and reattached to the bezel. Is it only mine? Thanks in advance for your help.

 

no one has any thoughts?

 

I've seen the Z series notebooks in person, and the build quality is okay. The small size does make it fragile (particularly the screen), so as long as you take care of your notebook, you should be fine.

 

I found it a bit hard to imagine what the 'problem' looks like from your description. Maybe you could take and upload some photos for us? I certainly don't see any "gauge marks" on mine...

 

Thanks very much. I will take some pictures tonight and post it here. It may just be that I am too sensitive. I see these brownish tint spots when I took straight down at the lid when it is 90 degrees to the keyboard. Also, there is a slight seam where the bezel and back lid cover meet so that I can just see the metal clips that are in between the screen bezel and the lid cover. I am thinking about just returning it though I got a sweet deal on it.

 

I'm trying hard to get to that state but haven't made it yet

 

The LCD cover and bezel seem to be solidly sealed on my Z. There are no tiny cracks that I can peer into. Perhaps your model for some reason was indeed pried open.

 

With Amazon, could it be that somebody had it before you and they shipped a refurb or something? I would contact them, send pictures and ask for a possible exchange. Amazon is usually pretty good about that.

 

Well on the right side of the bezel I noticed a clicking sound when pressing a little...
But I can't see it only hear it, so I don't think its a big deal...

 

Thanks again for all your help. So a normal vaio Z unit is seamless between the bezel and the lid cover... I'll have to return it then.. its a shame..

 

Has anyone else had build/assembly issues with their Z? I am really disappointed after having waited a long time for this laptop.

 

Nope.... My Z520 is flawless and the build quality is top-notch!

 

Could I ask where the Z series is manufactured?

 

All Z-series except Z540 and Z590 are made in Japan.

The 540 and 590 are CTO's assembled in San Diego, CA.

 

Pics are needed.. I pressed on it but no clicking sound... or a better description.. I think most are confused on what you mean..

 

No, the bezel and the lid cover are NOT seamless. The bezel and the lid are two seperate parts and there is a seam on every Z machine out there. That's how they are assembled.

In your case it may be that the seam is not completely closed. But before you return anything you better make sure you really have a problem (esp. if you had a good deal on it, as you put it). Because what you may end up replacing it with may not be that different for a higher price...

For people here to judge if you indeed have a poorly built Z, you should post photos of the area of concern. Otherwise, it's not clear. You could also go and take a look at a Z in a store if there is one near you.

 

i have not noticed any problems with my screen lid, and nothing specifically related to the problem you mention... i will look closer tonight and respond, but i've been impressed with the build quality so far.

 

I think hes talking about these little tiny notches . As was stated earlier they are all made this way .

Anyone with a Z look real close at the seam on the top of the lcd , you can barely see little marks they enable the lcd to be taken apart .

If you have "gouge marks" that are worse than the ones i posted then maybe your screen has been repaired or replaced .

 

Tz thanks for the pics but can you maybe draw little red on it - i dont see the similar on my Z (staring @ now)

 

You need to look at the seam at just the right angle in bright light . You will be able to barely see the metal clips in between the seam .

Its very hard to see .

 

tkgopher - I have exactly the same issue; there is a small gap between the bezel and main screen backing in the upper right corner. Did you return yours? Mine is just over a month old, so it'll be a warranty return. The problem is, I don't trust that it'll be returned to me without some other problem. My left mouse button also appears loose, allowing it to be tapped without actually actuating the left-click function.

 

Thanks for you replies and help. I ended up getting a replacement unit from Amazon so I was able to the keep the discount. The gap in between the seam is less on the new laptop, though still slightly visible. But I guess its just the way these are built. Still not entirely happy esp considering I paid 1700 for this unit. Perhaps I should have waited for the new Macbook (better build) - though I still prefer the Vaio Z design.

P.S. I ended not going thru Sony A/S because I have heard some horror stories.

 

Hello SleeyO, Is the Z590 made and assembled in San Diego or is it made in Japan and assembled in San Diego? Could you please clarify this ? My friend plans to have one of these and he doesn't want to buy the one from China.
THANK

 

everything is made & assambled in USA. (especially in my case both my 590 preconfig & CTO).

 

Thanks for your input .I'll let my friend know about this.