Z11 stolen need to buy the new Z12 some advice

Hi all

My beloved Z11 (see sig for spec) was stolen on Tuesday and I am going to need to buy a new one asap. I was so impressed with the Z11 that I want to buy another one and the current equivalent version is the Z12Z9ex.

I went to the Sony Style UK website and to my horror it is £2700 which is £450 more than what I paid for my Z11 (£2250) and the only difference I can see is it has 8gb Ram instead of 6gb and carbon colour instead of black. You dont need to be an accountant to know that is a complete rip off.

So I have come here to ask follow sony owners the following:

1) Is there any difference between the Z11 and Z12 that is not purely specification that would justify the price difference?

2) I heard rumours of the Z13 coming out soon - do you think I should just hang on and wait for the refresh? I checked a few threads and it looks like there is going to be a processor upgrade and thats it which likely be another hike in price.

3) My Z11 was fingerprint protected but I have changed all my website passworded website just in case. I am not that tech savvy in terms of security but is the fingerprint secruity easily bypassed and I am still in danger of idenity theft etc..?

4) I have backed up my Z11 using the sony backup onto my external drive. Can I restore my data if I buy a Z12/13 and try and restore using the same software?

Thanks all in advance

Kit

 

Ouch! Sorry

1. The dual-SSD configurations for Z12 uses non-proprietary SATA connectors, so you can potentially upgrade the SSDs later using off-the-shelf, bare SSDs. Though I don't think that justifies the price increase.

2. I think the specs were leaked on the Canada website, doesn't look like things changed much. I heard about free PS3s with Z12s, I don't know if that's still going on but that sounds like a good deal (if you don't already have a PS3)

3. I'm not a security expert but I thought that's quite secure (I'm not sure I can get any more vague ). If I hold up my fingers and I can count 10 of them, I'm good to go

4. I believe so, it certainly seems possible given that the hardware is the same from the point of view of the OS and applications.

 

^all of your data is at risk unless you used encryption (ie bitlocker). Assume whoever got your lappy has access to all your data. They could boot with a windows disc, boot cd, etc and copy all your files off.

 

Thanks for the info - I guess it teaches me a lesson for relying on just the fingerprint sensor to protect my data.

I think I have changed all my passwords now so hope I be safe

 

Did you have fingerprint protection for the actual files or just when you logged into windows? If you are referring to the fingerprint to auto enter passwords in websites I "believe" that is secure.

 

I have fingerprint for windows login and actual files.

 

How was it stolen?

Have you looked into CTO options to try and make it a bit cheaper?

 

It was taken from my house along with other stuff but the most painful was they took my Z11.

I tried the CTO option and choosing the spec I want it still come to £2618 without premium carbon. I called Sony UK and asked them for a discount (last time they gave 5%) and they wouldnt budget on the price. All they could offer was the free express delivery but they said it would take 3-4 weeks anyway so it doesnt mean much.

I called the Sony centre where I am and they only got 3 x Z12Z9E in stock within the whole company and they are all display models. I managed to bargain them down to £2620 but they wouldnt go any further.

It just kills me to pay £400+ more to get my notebook back - bloody thieves I hope the notebook blow up in their faces.

I just ordered a kensington lock in preparation for my new machine. If I could a Mission Impossible style anti theft booby trap I would!

 

kit9t9 you could fly to Hong Kong and get this little beauty for cheaper than the UK one and a much better spec

VPCZ129GG/XQ - Sonystyle.com.hk

 

Hi kit99t9,
Maybe it would be a good idea to publish your stolen VAIO serial no and help all forum members raise an embargo for this item against those !!!@?!!@@ thieves!

 

That is a awesome spec for the price wow wish I was planning a trip to HK this year. I have friends in HK who probably could get me one was well. Only issue is the link you sent it is out of stock so I dont know how easy to get one.

I am still not sure whether to wait for the Z13!

 

Good idea the serial number on my boxes are:

P-2751521-A

S01 - 5000030

905524 652765

Cheers

 

Z' are out of stock everywhere right now, because the Z13 update is coming.
In germany i.e. you can still get a CTO, but many modifications are not aviable at the moment.

 

Sorry to hear about your loss! I would want to kill the guy that took it!

Anyways, about the security fingerprint. I hear if you don't wipe the scanner after every scan, the potential thief can lift the finger print and use it to login.

I don't have much information on the others since I don't have a Z (yet). Waiting for the right time to buy (hoping for a better graphics card and better hardware support with future Zs)

 

Just for your info, a Kensington lock is not a serious anti-theft device. It's an anti-take device. Sorry to hear that. I hope you get some re-enforced doors/locks/windows.

 

The more important question is: Is your drive (files) encrypted? If not a passwort (as safe as a fingerprint) is not much of use i think.

 

Have you used the Kensington lock before? I heard it can damage the casing ad cause unsightly scuffs where the lock attaches. Can you recommend one?

Cheers

 

Does anyone have heard a date for the Z13 UK release yet?

I have managed to source a Z12Z9E/B from a Sony Centre and I can get it on Tuesday but if the Z13 is going to be released soon I rather wait for it.

Cheers

 

was your computer insured? I purchased safeware international coverage for my z 12 for 3 years against theft and natural disasters, for about 250$. They also have damage coverage but I declined since that is covered by sony's 3 year extended full coverage warranty.

I also purchased lojack...
All together I think I spent 600$ for coverage for 3 years for safeware, sony and lojack... for a 2600$ computer. I think i may have went overboard but I live in nyc... so I need all the help I can get.

 

Hi

Yes it's insured as part of my home contents insurance which has lessened the pain.

The Z12 comes with 2 year warranty and I am definately going to get lojack as well just for piece of mind.

Do you have a Kensington lock?

Regards

 

Yes I do. I use the lock if I'm studying at a relatively safe place and want to leave my z12 for a short period of time.

The advantage of the safeware insurance is that it covers your laptop if it gets stolen anywhere in the world, not just your home.

 

Zonules has the lock caused any scruffs or any other cosmetic damage to your Z?

Cheers I will look into the insurance.

 

NONE at all... works perfectly.

 

Great! I only ask because the Sony Centre near me tried to sell me a display model Z12 but the Kensington lock socket was badly scruffed from having the lock attached 24/7. They didnt even offer any discount!

 

Ouch, don't use the shuttle or U'll pay more than 3.500€ here for the same spec.....

 

I would be extra careful in the next few weeks - in cases high value items like the z are stolen there is a high chance of the robbers waiting a month or so for you to replace them and strike again. Not pleasant reading, but easy to see that it could happen - they already know what you have.

 

Thanks for the reminder dude. I'm getting a total new security system for my house. CCTV, high security doors, new alarm etc... You never 100% protect your house buy I'm going to make it as hard as possible.

Cheets

 

Man that sucks! I had my House Broken into first week this Month, Stole my laptop too. All my homework and projects were in it, had to redo a month worth of work! Thankfully home insurance covers it. So i feel your pain!

 

Thanks mate lucky the insurance company has paid out for it and the Sony Centre has litterally called me and said my Z12 has arrived so I am going to go pick it up this afternoon.

I was going to wait for the Z13 but after seeing the prices and reduced spec (less RAM) there was no way I was going to pay for that.