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    Vaio Z3 (Ivy Bridge) vs Vaio Z2 (late 2011)

    Discussion in 'VAIO / Sony' started by js2393, Jun 21, 2012.

  1. js2393

    js2393 Notebook Geek

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    I'm currently debating between the two following laptops:

    Vaio Z3 - $1999.99
    *1080p
    *i7-3612QM (2.1-3.1GHz 6M Quad Core)
    *8GB RAM (1600MHz)
    *256GB SSD
    *Free PS3 (and Xbox 360? see below)
    *Intel 4000 GPU

    Vaio Z2 - $1499.00
    *1080p
    *i7-2620M (2.7-3.4GHz 6M Dual Core)
    *6GB RAM (1333MHz)
    *256GB SSD
    *Free Xbox 360 (I already have an Xbox 360)
    *Intel 3000 GPU
    *Power Media Dock (Blu-ray Player) w/ ATI 6550m
    *Sheet Battery

    What will I use it for?
    I will primarily be using it for software development, graphic design (Adobe Suite), some AutoCad and Maya 3D, maybe a little video editing, and occasional gaming (Skyrim, Mass Effect, Call of Duty).

    The Z2 seems to be the better deal seeing as it includes both a Power Media Dock ($350 value) and the sheet battery ($500 value) for $500 less than the Z3. However, it only has 6GB RAM, which from my understanding, is irreplacable in the Z. I regularly use 4-5.5/6GB RAM in my current laptop so I think I might need 8GB. Additionally, I think the boost from the quad core i7 in the Z3 might be worth it for AutoCad and Maya 3D. With that in mind, I'm leaning towards the Z3 since the permanent components are top of the line. After all, I could always purchase the sheet battery and/or media dock later.

    Miscellaneous Questions:

    1. If I purchase a Vaio Z from a Sony store and get the PS3 through the educational deal, is there any possible way to get an Xbox 360 from Microsoft too? The guy at the Sony store mentioned some people did that, but he wasn't sure how, and I'm not sure he was just lying to sell me the laptop.

    2. Has anyone had any luck building a DUI Thunderbolt eGPU that works with the Z and uses a GPU more powerful than the 6550m? To be honest, this is the one crippling component of the Z. WHY SONY?!?!

    3. Does the quad core i7 have any noticeable heat issues?

    4. How do the quad core and dual core i7s compare when it comes to battery life? I believe they're both 35w.

    5. Intel's 4000 GPU in the Z3 is a huge improvement over the Intel 3000 in the Z2. Some have even compared it to the GT540m, which ranks slightly above the 6550m. Is the 4000 anywhere near comparable to the 6550m?

    6. I'm coming from an HP dv6t (i5-450m, ATI 5650), so I'm used to gaming on a measly low-medium at 768p. How does the 6550 compare to the 5650? I'm afraid the 6550m in the Z won't be much of an improvement. I don't need to play BF3 on Ultra, but I would at least like to play most games on medium-high at 1600x900 or 1080p.

    6. How can I tell the difference between Premium Carbon Fiber and Carbon Fiber? I will most likely be purchasing in-store so I want to make sure I know what I'm getting. Should it be on the box?
     
    js2393, Jun 21, 2012
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  2. js2393

    js2393 Notebook Geek

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    Did not mean to double post. Can a mod delete this thread?
     
    js2393, Jun 21, 2012
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