Vaio Z22 spotted on sony.

So far it doesn't really look like any of the CPU offerings on the Z2 trash the i7-640M available on the Z13. Honestly if I could just get a 640M into my Z11, I'd be really happy.

 

If that were the case, the next z may be a pure MBA clone, full with ULV CPU and so-so display

Assuming Sony listens to feedback and complaints

 

I would really hate for that to happen, the only reason I'm getting a Z is because of the full voltage processor.. I'm still hoping for a vidock to come out for lightpeak..

 

Assuming Gold will not be a CTO option in the US, would I be able to order from overseas Sony websites?

Also, do you think they will lower the price on the refresh like the SA series?

 

You can do a gray market buy from SHOP Conics : Sony Vaio Type Z Core i7, 512GB raid SSD options

 

Priced one up on Conics... 5K.. think I will wait a while.

 

I think it should be, as when you look at it on the sony site, it doesn't say "signature" it's just a regular vaio z for pre order.

 

Wow, I just found out, I know you all know it, that Z2 doesn't have GPU/CD onboard, you have to carry a small box and connect to the laptop to use it...

Why exactly I need Z2 to replace Z1?, I can only see disadvantages. So maybe Z3 will have GPU and CD/HD back in one unit.. Why Sony even bothered with Z2 instead of producing very high-end Z1-s ...

 

Why don't you get a vaio s? that seems to be the newer version of the Z1

It has similar specs to the Z but an onboard GPU and optical drive. With the Z they were aiming for extreme portability and more graphical power at home

 

The Z3 isn't going to go back to the obsolete Z1 design with an integrated ODD/GPU. The improved on-chip IB graphics will make an eGPU an even more minor irrelevance and ODDs will continue their glide path to joining the punch card as an answer to a trivia question.

 

I don't care about ODD or dGPU... if there is enough built in storage and the chip graphics can do the job.

The nice thing about an ODD bay is that you can put another HDD or SSD in it. On chip graphics seem to be improving, so as long as you are not a gamer, things are good. I would like to see an expansion port compatible with something besides the PMD, who knows maybe there will be a third party LP dock, I don't have very high hopes for that though.

I'd like to see 1TB SSD on the Z3. Sure you can plug in some USB drive but that sucks.

 

Sorry, two copies mutated.

 

Semi-off-topic here, but since you mentioned the impending death of the ODD...I love the way you characterized the ODD's descent into history, but I find them very useful for certain things, most for archiving where I want just certain files (say, tax returns) and I want the media to have printed on them just what they contain, and you can't do that with a flash memory drive (ever try writing on a thumb drive, or an SD card, lol?). I'm finding more and more that the OD, like it's floppy forebearers, is a convenient size and shape to put into paper file folders (yeah, I know, we're not going to have any of those anymore either by, like, oh, probably 2025!) or into safes or safe deposit boxes.

But then, I'm old (50s) and don't trust the cloud (particularly to be virus-free and not hacked by ID thieves), mega hard drive backups (try keeping track of 15 interrelated and really important files, 3 years from when you last used them!), or teeny tiny chips to be my ultimate backup of something I definitely don't want to lose. For the same reasons, plus the 10:1 cost advantage over flash memory, today, some things will continue to be commercially distributed on ODDs for some time (tangible media works best with direct marketing, still today and for a while yet). I guess it's like a VGA port; I use that even less, but when I need it, it's unforseen, and I'm glad I have it at the ready.

Oh and, not to be picky, but on-chip IB graphics still qualifies as a "GPU" if not a "discrete gpu," so I think you have, by definition, an "integrated GPU" on the Z2 and beyond.

 

Re: On-chip graphics/gpu: :rolleyes2:

Re: Continued use for ODDs. Natch. But it will decline. Expect to see "hard" media backups for a long time to come. But the downward trend makes it extremely exceedingly unlikely that ODDs will be restored to the Z.

Re: The Cloud. There is no such thing. There are many different clouds with varying levels of security and reliability. Don't know which cloud your data is in? Then you know nothing about the security of your data.

Re: Future of cloud use. Clouds are expected to remain viable metaphorical devices for the foreseeable future.

 

RE: ODD

The net is still too slow to reliably stream quality HD, Blu-ray will continue to be the only viable way to get high def content delivered to your living room for a while. I rip all Blu-ray discs, so the ODD is useful to me for content ingestion, but I don't need the ODD to be built in to my ultra-portable laptop. I rip discs when I am docked. I don't ever need to burn or rip discs when I am out somewhere on battery power.

I do like having the ODD bay for expansion, but I won't mind not having it when larger SSDs drop in price. What is the deal will SSD prices anyway? I thought the prices where supposed to drop, but they keep hanging at $1.50-$2.00 a GB.

 

Don't expect SSD prices to change much as long as the basic technology remains unchanged. When memristor technology gets to market, prices should start dropping. EETimes said expect to start seeing memristor SSDs in about 18 months.
HP, Hynix to launch memristor memory 2013

 

I'm really hoping they come out with a CTO on this thing soon or else I might have to make the decision of Customizing the current model or getting the not so good looking spec'd Z22 pre built..

 

They will probably put it on CTO the day after you give up on them.

 

Exactly. This has happened to me so many times on things like this.

 

Is the full HD screen necessary? What effect does it have on battery life?

 

CTO Z22:
13.1" Ultra-Portable Custom Laptop | VAIO Z Series Configure-to-Order | VPCZ2290X CTO | Sony USA

 

Man, why aren't there more colors to choose from like on the Japan Vaio site?

 

So the Z22 CTO still doesn't have a Gold option? , no sale.

 

that's weird indeed. I thought ALL color variants would be available this time around....

 

Yeah. that's pretty odd to only have one color.. But at least we have a CTO although I see basically no differences except for the processor

 

and to be even worse, Z22 have exactly the same video driver as original Z21, so still no updates on this matter. I know it will be done in some time, however really thought with z22 new video drivers would also come.

Funny thing is, the only color now is Carbon Fibre Black

 

is it possible to order the computer without the media dock?

I'd never use and would rather save whatever it was worth.

 

The Z22 CTO hasn't been officiallly released yet despite the page miki60 found. The main website still lists the Z21 CTO with the note:

I'm thinking that the listing for the Z22 hasn't been finalized yet. One reason may be a part shortage. The Z21 CTO says the sheet battery is out of stock (while the Z22 CTO lists it as in stock). Maybe the S Corp is looking to clear out a few more obsolete Z21s and get the sheet battery back in stock before unveiling the Z22.

 

I'm not sure I understand. There is an entry for configuring the Z22 right under the Z21 and they're quoting a delivery time of about a week for it.

 

Are there any other changes from the Z21 to the Z22 other than the processor? .1 GHz doesn't seem like it is worth $200.

 

It also "officially" supports Verizon for its WWAN.

 

But, it may only support Verizon 3G, not LTE.

 

Yes, there is a specific reference to "3G", but nothing about LTE.

 

You know things are not headed anywhere good fast when all appreciable gains in efficiency and cost are in the hands of two of the most dysfunctional companies on earth.