Vaio Z vs SR - Compare Thread

I've been looking at both of these for my next laptop... as well as possibly the ASUS U80V. The main problem I have is the battery leakage problem they both have, which defeat the purpose of their long lasting battery. I'm really not sure what to do as this is the only drawback or I would order one this week.... any further information would be appreciated, but I try to keep up to date in the specific thread.

I know the Z is quite a big price jump from the SR, but they are similar in appearance (different materials though)... I can't seem to justify which one would be worth it.

Differences I have noticed.
-Z is lighter (uses carbon fiber and other light materials)
-Z has 2 graphic cards (use integrated for longer battery life)
-Z has the better screen supposedly???
-EDIT*** Z does NOT have lighted keyboard

Please help me understand other differences that I have overlooked and please expand if you could on any I have already mentioned.

Really just looking for a 2.4ghz or greater processor, atleast 4gb RAM, bigger than 100gb hard drive, 5+ hours of battery life (surfing and music).... occasional game of counterstrike/DOD source, nothing crazy. It MUST be quiet and not overheat.... which I hope these match my wants, feel free to let me know if they don't.

Any insight or personal experiences would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

I suggest the Z series for you man! Terrific machine right there!

 

The Vaio Z notebooks do not have backlit keyboards.

I personally think that both the Vaio SR & Z will suit you fine.

 

I've looked at the Z and SR side by side at stores and I think the clear answer is the Z. That is, unless you won't be carrying it around a lot. I need to have my lappy with me as I go about my day for work so my Z fits the bill perfectly. Its light with great battery and more powerful then any portable computer ever needs to be, which actually allows me to use it as my desktop replacement for just about all things except heavy duty gaming. I can't even remember the last time I actually sat down at my desktop. I tell everyone if you can afford the extra $$$ then get the Z.

 

Thanks for the responses... I edited my post about the backlit keyboard, thanks SpeedwithJJ. I guess I must have read too quickly in another thread.

I do realize the Z is lighter but I don't think that reason alone would sway me. The price difference is significant with my configurations if I recall correctly. Is the build quality very similar??

Does everyone with the Z have the battery leakage problem?? InspecterJones do you??

 

I have an SR490 and no issues with battery leakage. I turned it off for three days, turned it on and it was still at 97%.

The SR is just over half a pound heavier than the Z, which, if you notice, you should really join a gym. The screen is fine; I put mine side by side with a Z at sony style and they were almost exactly the same - blindingly bright on full, which I'll never use. The Z is clearly the looker between them, but as I've stated in many other threads, I had three of them, and they all had issues, squeaky keyboards, cheap, flimsy, misaligned hinges, and the video card struggles in Photoshop CS4 and w/skype. The SR is a better performer in that regard.

Others have stated that if you're a student, you're likely to get better battery life (and have it last nearly a full school day) with the Z. I guess I never really paid much attention to that since no matter where I am there's usually an outlet nearby. It's a valid consideration if you have marathon lectures and need your computer powered up for long periods of time.

 

Too bad. I think all the better laptops should have them.

 

No. Except for the normal self-discharge of LiIon batteries, that is. I.e. a couple of percentage points per week, more when it's full and less when it's half full.

 

Yes that is expected, however there are a high number of people reporting 10-15% loss over a 12 hour period with the computer shut off. It only got worse when the period of time the computer was off increased... so its not just loss from shut down and start up sequences.

 

You said that you're looking for a quiet laptop. Some people have had issues with the Sony Z fan noise.
However, for some people this is a non issue. If you have very sensitive hearing though it might possibly be an issue for you.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=394403
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=321591
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=390773

From what i have read the SR is pretty much the same where this is concerned.

I've not read any reports of overheating in the Z. In fact i read one report but that appeared to be down to a faulty laptop.

The SR4 can reach 4hrs with 40% brightness and wifi on and bluetooth of. The Z can reach over 5hrs in stamina mode. The Z also has a higher res and a built in WWAN option on some models as well.

 

Thanks for the links rachel... I guess between the leakage problems and noise levels, maybe the vaios aren't worth it for my wants/needs.

I have been looking at the new macbook pro, which would be the same price as the few laptops I'm interested in (same specs) plus a free ipod touch... I'm just worried about the windows drivers... I NEED windows to run flawless. I can't find a pc notebook that compares with the macbook pro... (not hardware wise, but battery life, minimal heat issues, quiet, stylish). I don't know what to do....

 

The macbook pro's do tend to run hotter though due to the AL chassis. The power management in Windows on a Mac is not developed. Macs will also run hotter in Windows and the fans will be more active as well.

 

Yes you are exactly correct...which is why I stated I need it to run flawlessly or such as it does when in OSX) Although if using fusion/parallels, I believe the heat issues/fan/battery usage isn't as bad as using bootcamp. I just don't know where to go from here.

Besides the macbook pro, I was waiting for the ASUS U80V to come out, but who knows what problems that will have.

 

It is worth also considering the Lenovo lines but then those laptops are not exactly that good looking. I'm not sure if this is an issue for you.

 

Ha! Good point ;-) I was thinking about T400s, which seems to be a BRILLIANT machine (0.83in vs 1.3in for thickest part of Z), but it kind of looks, well, like a Thinkpad... I had X41 few years back and that was a great machine and I think that small Thinkpads look cool, but for 14"+ the design starts to look rather unappealing.

 

Unappealing and very cheaply made, specifically the t400.... they are def not made like the old thinkpads. t400's have major flex issues with the palm rests and keyboard. I just watched a video review on one and it was surprising. I had an old thinkpad years ago but don't see going in that direction again.

 

The flex videos you saw was 6 months ago. Designs may/may not have changed. If you read the reviews of the T400 and the T400s, they did not mention such a flex problem. Even if they aren't the "same", they're still pretty sturdy.