Vaio Z or SR ?

Hey guys,
Can you please tell if Vaio Z is worth all that money against SR?

My requirements:
1. I will be a grad student in Electrical Engineering, so will use apps like MATLAB, Labview and similar other things.
2. Watch movies/ sitcoms pretty often
3. Almost 24hr internet use
4. Will play games seldomly
5. May use apps like Photoshop sometimes
6. Want the laptop to be portable so that I can carry it around in my hand anywhere I want
7. Should look nice

( Also post negatives/cons about them if known )

 

You may want to use the search function because we've had this question many times.

PS. I voted SR because I like 16:10 glossy screen with higher contrast.

 

Z is at least half a pound lighter than SR, so be sure to consider that.

While the Z screen is excellent and I love its semi-matte coating... I kind of prefer the slightly larger size and 16:10 ratio of the SR screen.

But for me I think it would mainly come down to this: do I want to spend significantly more money to get something significantly lighter?

Also, the newer Z models seem to all have very high resolution (1600x900)... so consider whether you would want that or not... you should still be able to find some lower-res models around though if you prefer.

 

What I noticed with low bitrate movies is that the artefacts are more visible on a 1600*900 screen. Perhaps if you have a player that can do some smoothing things will look a bit better, but for instance a 700 MB movie might look better on a lower res screen.

But I really love my Z for the portability.

 

im currently was the same situation with you. but after i test them at store, ive decided to choose z. the built quality of z which better than sr has make me to choose it . im kinda disappointed with the built quality of sr especially if you compare their wrist rest area. overall, the z somehow feel more sturdier than sr.

just my point of view.

 

The Z is better built for sure and is lighter .. The SR is still well built and you should consider the price difference and if its worth it for you ..

 

It basically comes down to imo lighter weight and more battery life with occasional graphics card on demand (Z) vs a bit heavier weight, better graphics card, longer vertical display and lower battery life. If you aren't a gamer, probably the Z. Main reason to get the SR is for the better graphics card, but you can't switch it off like you can on the Z so the tradeoffs are still in effect even if you aren't using it.

 

I just actually ordered the z690.

 

On the SR you'd possibly be better off with the ATI graphics.

Also - custom built or pre-configured? - If you are undecided, unless you need a screen for photo editing - get the laptop which gives you better performance.

i.e. spec them both out on the SonyStyle website and compare the price.

I'd have said Z - but I don't like 16:9 and the short palmrests may be awkward (did I spell that right?) for you - I personally have an SZ.

If you can, also view both in a shop, preferably side by side.

 

Does Vaio Z have a backlit keyboard? If no, is it hard to see the keys in insufficient light?

 

one can use an USB night light.that will do the trick

 

Or put the screen on full brightness... that'll work

 

Whats the battery life between the Z and SR if just browsing the internet.