Z133 vs. Z212

I am currently looking at both of these computers.

The z133 is obviously last years chassis, where z212 is the updated chassis.

I can get the z212 for $200 more with the same ram/HD/screen res specs, the only difference being the processor.

I am looking for a 4+ year commitment, with light gaming, office suite used heavily, travel some, and heavy web browsing.

which would be better for me?

 

Are they with a 128GB (2x64GB) SSD and 900p screen? Note that RAM on the Z2 is not easily upgradable (as far as I know).

If there's one thing that I regret about my Z1, it's the not so great battery life. If you are travelling a lot and not gaming or needing an optical drive, get the Z2.

Surprisingly, I find myself not really needing the power dedicated Nvidia card either - how often do you think you would be using the PMD that comes with the Z2? I have somewhat similar uses to yours and personally, I think I'd get a Z2 if I could afford it but I also don't think I could survive with only a 128GB hard disk (replaced my optical drive which I never use with a 1TB hard disk).

I'm not sure what others would say, and I am curious, but based on what you have written I think would suggest the Z2. It's newer, thinner, has better battery life. I might also recommend a model with a 1080p screen if you can handle it - both eyes and wallet.

When you say light gaming, what kind of games and settings? Would you be gaming while travelling? If so, would the Intel HD 3000 (in the Z2) be sufficient for your needs?

 

Get an 1,8 inch HDD
Very small and you get some HDD SPace!

 

While were on this topic too. Would and SA possibly fit my application better too? I do love the 13.1" scree though.

 

If you can put up with the SA screen, than the SA is a contender for your needs. Add the sheet battery, you got all-in-one and endurance. Also, there is the hard drive differences, i.e., configuration options if your doing a CTO

I have a Z1 and will most likely get a Z2. I can't see myself going for a SA at all, after getting used to the screen quality of the Z. Despite my view on the screen, definitely is a good machine the S series

 

I like the SA series too, most people here don't like the screen (then again most people here have been spoiled by the Z's screen) whereas most reviews i've read seem to like the screen, of course, they're used to reviewing cheap 13" 720p screens and whatnot, but I feel the SA has a sturdier build than the Z2, just my 2 cents

 

for $200 difference, Z2 is the way to go. Newer, faster, better over all and less depreciation. However, trackpad sucks balls. I have been using mine for quite a while and I honestly, can't use the rolling feature 100% correctly. First week was brutal. I got better but it's impossible to be perfect.

 

Don't forget the horrible speakers. If I were in the market for a new laptop, I'd probably also go for a Sandy Bridge model, especially if we are talking about a 4yrs timeframe. On the other hand, the Z2 would just lack the upgradeability (that's MY personal point of view) so I'd choose a loaded X220 instead that I would hack up. Good that my Z1 kicks a$s that I'd never think of upgrading to a Z2. I'll wait for IB tock models, so my Z1 (best laptop ever!) will stay on my desk and in my backpack for another 1.5 years.

 

Ditto on x220, the alternative choice to the Z2 for me personally. Got a pretty good screen too, in the IPS option, as well as the diy egpu especially with the recent-ish pe4l 2.1 development. Competitive price too, me thinks.

 

How does the Intel HD3000 compare against the GT330M?

 

I don't know if they've fixed this in the last 6 months or so, but it is a known issue that Lenovo released a BIOS upgrade in early-mid 2011 that makes it impossible to use the ExpressCard facility with more than 4 gigs of RAM installed.

That's why I went with the Z2 after having an X220 for a couple of weeks.

You can Google on this issue.

 

Ah yes, I vaguely read about it a while back too on nando's egpu thread but I haven't kept up to date with it (one really long thread!), if there any positive development with that angle of the x220

 

Issue was solved due to massive community requests. Lenovo finally heard our voices and as of BIOS version 1.23, X220's as well as other thinkpad series are eGPU capable.

 

I guess Lenovo are pretty good like that, whereas Sony.....

 

Without any prejudice I think, if Sony would be pushed from a big community like us, PERHAPS they would do the same thing.

 

I couldn't wait (August) so I sent the X220 back and went with Z2. Other than the cost differential, I don't regret the decision.

 

I haven't really paid much attention to the 'official' forums of Sony Vaio and Lenovo but from the bits I have read, Lenovo seem to be more receptive and willing, although I guess their community does seem to be more 'vocal'

Definitely appreciate the help and resource on this forum!

Had a right nightmare with Sony UK customer service, I guess that makes me a little conservative and unintentionally bias about Sony's post-sales service.

 

Oh joy - a new Z1 vs Z2 thread!!

with your configuration:
VPC-Z2190X (CTO): i7-2620m, 1600x900, 8GB, 512GB, WWAN, No Fresh Start, Black, DVD R/W, W7 Ult/64
I can see why you prefer the Sony. Though it has its pros and cons, I don't think you can configure an X220 to be this fast with this much capacity - largely due to the 512GB RAID0 SATA III SSDs. Nor could you enter and leave a room with so much style.

I'm thinking it has to be the low end Z2 to be comparable in price to the Z1, and I agree that it is not a great idea to get a unit that is restricted to 4G - forever! - if that is your configuration. Note that you also can't expand an 128GB SSD in the Z2 and there is no ODD to slide a 2.5" HDD or SDD into.

As for battery life, I think it's a pro/con thing. I find the Z1 with the extended battery gets 6-8 "real" hours, and that's a fair bit longer than the sealed battery in the Z2 "really" gets. But comparing base batteries, the Z2 gets about 1.5 hr more than the Z1 and comparing extended (eg, Z2 with sheet), the Z2 also gets as much as 3 hours more than the extended battery on the Z1. The Z1 has the advantage of interchangeable batteries; with relatively little bulk or weight, I can travel with 2 fully charged extended Z1 batteries and I'm good for as much as 14 hrs. Even with the sheet, which is bulkier and heavier, you can't get that much time.

Therein lies the reason - oh, that and $3,000! - that many choose to skip the Z. Sony's customer service varies by country but in most - certainly US and UK, it is, well, better left unsaid.

As for the forums, I can say with high confidence that the Sony forum on NBR is second to none! What Sony Vaio owners don't get in warranty support, they more than make up for with the incredibly supportive and helpful forums here.

 

Keep dreaming, Pyr0. I don't think there is single soul at Sony Vaio whose job it is to field consumer feedback and forward it to engineering.

That's why we have you! I'm sure you would have hacked a solution for the X220 if Lenovo hadn't taken care of it.

 

Just to update everyone. Picked up a Vaio Z212GX/B for $1250 today brand new at a local retailer.

Overall I love it so far. I am kindof an audiphile and after hearing these dinky speakers I was dissapointed...until i cracked open the included noise canceling headphones.... wow.

The amout of extras that came with this unit makes it worth the hefty pricetag. It will be a great unit for me im sure for years to come.

thanks for all your help.

 

I love happy endings. BTW, referring to the Z2's speakers as "dinky" is perhaps being a bit too kind.

 

True. They are probably the worst speakers on any laptop.

But fortunately I won't use them much.

 

I wonder if the Z2 also comes with a pair of noise cancelling earbuds like the Z1?

 

^They do and they have the added advantage of working with my iPhone.

 

^And they give you better sound than the speakers would even if they were upgraded.

 

I have the Z1 with multiple batteries... But I hate the fact that you can not charge them up without plugging it into the computer... When I come home late after a long day of studying... the last thing I want to do is wake up at midnight to switch out the batteries to charge... How do you tackle that problem? The Z2 sheet battery can be charged with a wall adapter.
Also I hate the fact that there is no battery indicator and you have to shut down the comp to switch out the batteries. Does the Z2 sheet battery have a power indicator?

 

You are absolutely right about charging the Z1 batteries in the computer. Don't hate me, but I almost always have 2-3 (1-2 as spares/for sale) Z1s so I always have plenty of charged batteries available and can charge two overnight. I do recall reading of a separate device to charge the battery outside the computer, but will have to look to see if I'm imagining it or thinking of a different computer.

When it comes to battery usage, you'd have to give the nod to the Z2 for all-day off-line use, but the comparison to the Z1 with two batteries (1 extd) is not as overwhelming as Sony would like you to think. Likely the difference will be much greater with IB, which is supposed to have vastly less power demand. You might want to wait for that if battery life is paramount for you.

 

Actually I just purchased this device today... to charge the batteries separately.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006EYDAR6/ref=oh_o00_s00_i00_details

 

Great going! +1 I wish it wasn't $88, but it eliminates the problem people have charging two Z1 batteries simulatneously - also good for doing them sequentially, so there is always one full one available.

I go back to my original statement about the battery convenience of the Z1 vs Z2!