The Notebook Review forums were hosted by TechTarget, who shut down them down on January 31, 2022. This static read-only archive was pulled by NBR forum users between January 20 and January 31, 2022, in an effort to make sure that the valuable technical information that had been posted on the forums is preserved. For current discussions, many NBR forum users moved over to NotebookTalk.net after the shutdown.
Problems? See this thread at archive.org.

    Z1 Owners - possible solution to avoid upgrading to Z2?

    Discussion in 'VAIO / Sony' started by jbeecher, Feb 10, 2012.

  1. jbeecher

    jbeecher Notebook Guru

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    58
    Likes Received:
    4
    Trophy Points:
    16
    I have been mulling over a possible upgrade from the Z1 to the new Z2 series laptops.

    Main reasons?

    1. Support for multiple external displays.
    2. USB 3.0 Ports
    3. Faster CPU and SSD
    4. Newer = Better? design, style, longer battery life?

    Admittedly shelling out 3-4K to get all that seems pretty hefty when there are many aspects of the Z1 that are better. (Better video options on board, I removed my optical drive for added 750GB storage, more control over back lit keyboard, USB's on both sides, true docking station.)

    So as people here replied to my other threads - I have a few discoveries and a few new questions.

    1. I can add a flush mount USB 3.0 adapter. There is even a dual port flush mount USB 3.0 adapter now.
    2. I have been pointed in the direction of adding a USB video card to add another external display.

    In my search I came up with these questions.

    1. The new sony uses a Power Media Dock that appears to be USB 3.0. If I got a USB 3.0 adapter - could the new power media dock work with my old Z1?

    2. If the above solution does not work - Toshiba and Targus (two that I have found so far) - both make universal docks - that from one USB 3.0 can add - dual monitor out, GB Nic (not needed), and more USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 ports via the Hub.

    Has anyone had any experience with this? How is the performance of the video? Do these work smoothly? I am leaning toward the Toshiba design as I already use my Sony Dock - the Toshiba would just require me to plug in one more cable.

    The ultimate dock for me would add a bluray burner along with added video - maybe even external storage..... Anyone? Is there such an animal?