configuring Sony FZ notebok. larger harddrive: any disadvantages? + battery + Blue-Ray?

Hi

I am looking at purchasing my first notebook. Found Sony Vaio FZ series on sonystyle.com and now trying to choose the right configuration. FZ series seemed to be a little bit lighter than other notebooks with similar charactesristics, and I do not want to add a lot of weight with my configuration

Would like some help with the following questions.

1. They are offering different harddrives:

250 GB Hard Disk Drive [add $160.00]
200 GB Hard Disk Drive [add $60.00]
160 GB Hard Disk Drive
120 GB Hard Disk Drive [subtract $50.00]
100 GB Hard Disk Drive [subtract $70.00]
80 GB Hard Disk Drive [subtract $100.00]

80 to 160gb are 5400RPM, 200-250 are 4200RPM.
Which one should I choose? I was thinking about 160GB as it was the largest among the faster ones, but then I thought:

Is 160GB heavier then smaller ones? Will it consume more battery power? Will the difference be noticeable? (initial weight is 5.75 pounds)

2.
Will I be okay with standard battery (and 15.4'' screen + NVIDIA)? The sales rep (did not seem to be too knowledgeable) told me it is 4cell, but that cells do not matter much as Sony uses some "advanced technology". Can it be true?
I think other sites mention it will be a 6-cell battery, so this is totally unclear.

2.
They are offering a Blue-Ray DVD-RW for ~$400? Does it makes sense to buy one now until the format issue is settled? Any thoughts on weight/power implications?

 

1. There is no difference in the weight between the drives. Of the options that sony has I would go for the 160 gb 5400 rpm drive. However, what I did was ordered the 80gb 5400 rpm and then take it out and put in a 160 gb 7200 rpm Seaget Momentus harddrive. Do not get 4200 rpm drives as they are way too slow. Always take speed over size for internal/main hard drive as you can alwyas buy a 1 tb external drive for additional storage. Also, 160 gb should be more than enough for your files that you need to have with you.

2. The standard battery is 6 cell and the larger capacity battery is 9 cell. The larger battery adds weight to your unit (0.5-0.7 lbs). I decided to go with standard as I like you, I didn't want to add more weight. Can always by another battery later if you need. No, Sony doesn't have special advance technology for batteries.

3. I think it is a steal at $400 for bluray. It doesn't add to the weight of the unit. The drive reads and records bluray wow! Go with Hi-Color display (only $50 more but way better than eco).

I ordered my FZ190 CTO a week ago. Here are my specs:
-FZ190 CTO with Blu-Ray
-White/Silver
-15.4" with Hi Color
-T7700 2.4Ghz
-2gb PC5300
-80gb 5400 rpm HD (will replace with Seagate 7200.2)
-8400M GT
-Vista Ultimate

Good luck!

 

Thanks for clarifications!

I was almost ready to order, but then procrastinated. Now I guess I'll have to wait until 667MHz memory is back. I'm glad one of the recent posts mentioned that.

 

How'd you configure it, I didn't see a configure option.

 

I'm not sure when they will have the 667 mhz option back. Interestingly enough, the pre-configured options comes with 667 mhz ram. I would call sony sales and ask them about this and maybe ordering through hem via the telephone may get you the 667mhz ram.

The sales rep that I bought mine from was very helpful and gave me a deal on my system. He might be able to do something for you in terms of money and ensuring you get 667 mhz ram. sony sales: 1-877-518-7669 - Tom ext:7484

 

You can only configure the FZ190 model (with and without blu-ray). Other models come pre-configured.

 

Any idea when the graphics chip in the FZ will be updated to the 8600? Or is that far-off distance.

 

I doubt that will be available soon as the model just came out and the premium models (FZ190) aren't even available yet. There is no signifcant difference bewteen the 8400M GT and the 8600M GS. The only big jump is the 8600M GT. But then you have to look at weight, heat, and battery life. The FZ is a nice light weight laptop with excellent performance. If you want a gaming laptop, it will be big, heavy, and low battery life. In that case, it might be wiser to by a gaming desktop for half the price of a gaming laptop with huge performance difference .

 

Dang.. just last week they still had a 'Build Your Own' option on their website.. I hope it comes back :\

... nevermind I am dumb.. its the FZ190 hah.. i'll shut up now