Z - Premium carbon?

So I'm considering consolidating the SZ's, the existing Z's and the TT's into one model. Currently I have a small deluge of separate-model docks and spare batteries, and that in addition to other issues means I'm looking at the top-model Z as the not-completely-ideal but logical replacement to all of my ultralight/lightweights partly to simplify 'logistics', if I can use that pretentious a word.

And I figure why not go for the 'Premium Carbon' model. Specifically here in the UK, the Z35X model.

Can anyone tell me though what bits are 'Premium Carbon' and exactly what 'Premium Carbon' implies on the Z - lid only as before? I'm interested in the nature of the structural and cosmetic differences between my 'premade' 2.5 Z11's.

 

it will make it lighter and stronger

 

No, "premium" carbon fiber is no stronger than "regular" carbon fiber. The difference is in the finish -- the premium one shows patterns or glitters in colours when held at very specific angles relative to the light source.
In the original "premium" lid, the difference was almost imperceptible, while in the newer ones, it's become far more gaudy.

And carbon fiber isn't stronger than the alternatives for this purpose -- it's just lighter. It will bend just as much as other hard plastic and more than most metals of the same thickness. But it will be far lighter, which is a selling point.

 

premium carbon = same material as normal black carbon, except it is brushed

the premium carbon aesthetic is only applied to the lid

another way to look at it is.. imagine the current aluminum macbook, if they gave an option for "premium aluminum", that would basically mean "we brushed the aluminum on the lid and decided to call it premium"

 

oh is the normal one Carbon Fibre as well?

 

If the SZ was any indication, the premium means a 'proper' carbon lid panel - which, in the overall scheme of things, means practically squat in terms of difference in strength.

Is this still all it is? The price variation between the models is these days quite significant - or am I just failing to take into account the greater price difference in having BDRE (which I'll omit) and 256Gb SSD's?

 

For the SZs, those with the LED screens have got Carbon Fiber lids (both Black & Premium Carbon). For the SZs with CCFL screens, they have magnesium lids.

 

ohh ok.. see, this is what i get for strolling into the Sony forum, this is the first time i been in here *walks out backwards*

 

Unfortunately, your first thread to stumble into was the equivalent of strolling into the Savoy Bar with a shell suit

So - just lid? Predictable, but a little disappointing.

 

Final question probably on this matter - just referring to one of the posts, how 'gaudy' (and in some cases on previous models I know what you're talking about) are we talking with the Z35X - especially as the listed colour appears to be more silver than black? I know the carbon patina is really hard to photograph, but does anyone have reasonably representative pics?

 

I have the premium lid.

Pros: The brushed finish is elegant - I certainly like the look more than a flat black lid. It's just different enough to give it some extra character. For me, another pro is the subtle blue shimmer throughout - maybe a con for guys. In direct sunlight it's very shimmery/noticeable, but in normal lighting conditions it's far more subtle (my dad says he wouldn't notice it, but my mom and I contend even indoors we see it).

Cons: Fingerprint magnet! I wish I knew this before choosing the premium lid, it's a total magnet for them. I am not sure how the black compares in terms of fingerprints. I also really worry about scratching after hearing some owners complain, again I am not sure how the normal black lid compares in this respect. I'm starting to wonder if the black holds up better. Too late for me to change my mind just over a lid, LOL, but I wish in all my excitement for the 'pretty' lid I had asked about the potential difference in durability. Also, somewhat con is that the brushed finish is subtle - in some conditions you can't help but notice it, but in others you almost have to look for it.

 

Well that is certainly interesting. The black is matte-like so fingerprints aren't noticeable. Wouldn't be complete without pics though.

 

Here is an image that compares the "old" lids. Not too noticeable.

Some of the newer models have lids with very visible patterns in them, like you can see here.
And that is gaudy!

 

By gaudy I was meaning the orangey patina on some of the premium carbon models. I didn't realise they shipped with actual patterns these days - that's a short-shelf-life idea for sure.

I was specifically interested in the apparently silvery finish of the UK-model Z35X and what that looks like. Anyone have a picture?

 

The UK doesn't get the flowery patterns - that's Japan only. As for getting pics of the Z35X, good luck - the UK market seems to be tiny in the overall scheme of things Sony, and this forum reflects that.

 

Actually, there's a official Z2/Z3 thread with pictures..use the search btn

 

Found the thread, not that informative in terms of actual real-life pictures - but enough to know that it's as was the case for the SZ - no practical structural difference to speak of, and not a hugely significant cosmetic upgrade.

I was thinking about dumping the Z11's and replacing with all-new Z35X's which would in turn replace the SZ/TT's, but the fact is that I don't really need a 2.9Ghz CPU nor Bluray - although the 256Gb SSD would be good - and I'm still not convinced the Z makes sense for me as a primary portable on weight and style basis.

The TT is definitely out though, and I'm only going back to that class when Sony has a machine that actually takes the T Z design forwards.

But I'm not seeing much else that makes sense either. It's darned hard when you have somewhat exacting standards, can afford any production machine but at the same time can in no way afford to go completely bespoke...