What parts of the Z series are upgradeable?

RAM? Optical? SSD? Meaning if I buy with just 4GB, can I upgrade later without breaking the warranty? Same with SSD and optical options? Or am I stuck with whatever I chose, like Apples?

 

All laptops, provided you have the required hands-on skills to disassemble machines (and soldering too in some cases) are upgradable.

In regards to the Z (the newer ones), the RAM, SSD, Optics, LCD,and probably even the CPU are upgradable. The new Zs are still too new to know properly though; wait about 3 months and upgrade methods / posts will start popping up.
In regards to the older Z, the same as the newer Z but wireless cards, 3G modems etc etc...

You are pretty much limited by your imagination and your take-apart skills. The moment you take apart a Z, the warranty is void. Though if you are able to put it together again without damage (and the lappie is fully working), then what Sony doesn't know can't hurt them...

I'm pretty sure Apples are non-modifyable, considering how they limit their otherwise capable (from a hardware prespective) on their iPhones and touches and whatnot

 

That's what I mean, so they're not like Thinkpads where you can open a slot and put more memory in, change out the optical drive, and put in a new SSD? If so, wow, that is a bit weak.

 

Ah. If that's the case. The only part that Sony 'lets' you internally upgrade is the RAM (on the Z). That just involves taking off the unscrewing RAM cover on the bottom of the Z and removing / adding what you need.

To change the optics and the HDD / SSD, you'll need to take the entire thing apart (well, the top palm rest on the older Z). Not a hard process, but not for those faint of heart.

 

Ok it was the RAM i was concerned about. Thanks.