Visiting California, where to buy a Vaio Z?

Hey guys,

I'm visiting California for a couple of weeks in November, specifically San Francisco and LA. I'm hoping to pick up a Sony Vaio Z laptop when I'm over there, both in order to get the US keyboard layout (which I find far preferable) and also as the prices are considerably better than over here, even when buying in retail stores.

Ideally I'd like a machine with the 1920x1080 screen, 128-256GB SSD, and in black.

I'm already aware of the SonyStyle stores (and also the SonyStyle Outlet stores), and the Microsoft store in Mission Viejo. I'll probably try Fry's and Best Buy etc., but I'm guessing they are less likely to have what I want?

Does anyone have any other suggestions of good stores to try in the California area?

Many thanks!

 

Fry and Bestbuy have online stores, you can check there if they carry the notebook and see which store has it in stock. Do keep in mind that there will be ~10% tax&fees added on top of the notebook's price

 

Many thanks Anzial, that's useful to know. I see Best Buy even lets me order items with an international credit card for delivery to a store.

Unfortunately neither Best Buy nor Fry's have any models with the 1920x1080 screen (I figured this was probably the hardest requirement to fulfil). However, if I absolutely can't find anywhere with a laptop in stock with this screen, it's nice to know I can always fall back easily to a decent model from one of those stores.

 

You could CTO a machine in advance and have it delivered where you are staying, but you will end up paying a bit more or getting a smaller SSD

 

For anyone else interested, I can highly recommend giving the great folks at American Express a call (provided you have an Amex card, of course!)

They were quite happy to temporarily change my registered address from my UK address to my US address, which allowed me to place my order through the Sony store. I wasn't there for long enough to get a new CTO machine, but managed to pick up a great Z12 from the online outlet store with all the specs I wanted (including the Full HD screen) and at a great price too!

I also have to commend the guys at the Sony refurb center -- there was absolutely nothing to suggest that the machine wasn't brand new, and I'm *extremely* picky about even the tiniest marks and scratches.

 

If you are going to be at the SS store in MV during thanks week, aka right now, then you get a $150 GC and 10% off a Sony Z purchase.

 

What did you pay? I've been exploring this route myself, but the configs on Sony Outlet seem pretty expensive.