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    looking to buy a new VAIO Z...model difference?

    Discussion in 'VAIO / Sony' started by bottoj, Dec 12, 2010.

  1. bottoj

    bottoj Notebook Guru

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    I am looking to buy a new Z but am confused as to all the model numbers. I was initially looking at the $500 off deal that just expired, but then I stumbled upon two other deals.

    First:

    Our Price: $2,099.99
    SKU 963355
    Mfr Part #: VPCZ13SGX/BJ
    UPC: 027242814677
    Intel® Core(tm) i7-640M
    4GB DDR3-1066 RAM
    (2) 64GB Solid State Drives
    DVD±RW Drive
    Multimedia Card Reader
    NVIDIA® GeForce® GT 330M
    10/100/1000 Network
    Intel® Centrino® Advanced-N 6200
    Stereo A2DP 2.1 + EDR
    13.1" LED backlight Display
    Microsoft Windows 7 Professional (64-bit)
    Infinite Stripes

    Second:

    Original Price: $1,949.99 You Save: $250.00

    Our Price: $1,699.99
    SKU 963157
    Mfr Part #: VPCZ133GX/S
    UPC: 027242811966
    Intel® Core™ i5-460M
    4GB DDR3-1066 RAM
    128GB Solid State Drive (SSD)
    13.1" Widescreen LED-backlight Display
    DVD±RW Drive
    Multimedia Card Reader
    NVIDIA® GeForce® GT 330M GPU with Intel® HD
    10/100/1000 Network
    Intel® Centrino® Advanced-N 6200 (802.11a/b/g/n)
    Microsoft Windows 7 Professional (64-bit)
    Silver

    Why does it seem as though I cannot find the Z133GX/S mentioned on the forum? Is it a different model? Should I stay away from it?
     
    bottoj, Dec 12, 2010
    #1
  2. JVRR

    JVRR Notebook Evangelist

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    Pretty sure the second model you listed is the Z133GX (S/B just refers to color) :).

    That is the base model I believe.
     
    JVRR, Dec 12, 2010
    #2
  3. bottoj

    bottoj Notebook Guru

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    The base model for the Z13 series?
     
    bottoj, Dec 12, 2010
    #3
  4. Andrew08

    Andrew08 Notebook Evangelist

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    the only differences is the color and processor, processor performance depend on what you will be doing...
     
    Andrew08, Dec 12, 2010
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  5. JVRR

    JVRR Notebook Evangelist

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    Yes, though as far as I know the base model is the same across the board spec wise, the Z13 vs Z12 only difference is the TPM chip on the Z13.
     
    JVRR, Dec 12, 2010
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  6. bottoj

    bottoj Notebook Guru

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    So assuming I do not need a large hard drive or an i7 the second choice is just as good as the other?
     
    bottoj, Dec 12, 2010
    #6
  7. maven1975

    maven1975 Notebook Evangelist

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    I looked at the Signature at Fry's tonight. The lid looks cool! However, Sony puts different lids on several of their Z's. Black, Premium Carbon, Infinte Lines ...

    In another thread, it seems that most dont see the premium in the i7. (For games) Actually, if its not a Quad, I dont see $350 for 300mhz either.

    So for the $400 difference, you get limited production line Z with a rare lid, 300-500mhz faster processor and built in GPS/Verizon-Sprint.

    I too am pissted that Sony pulled the deal early on the $500 off deal.
     
    maven1975, Dec 12, 2010
    #7
  8. bottoj

    bottoj Notebook Guru

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    So what model are you buying instead?
     
    bottoj, Dec 12, 2010
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  9. maven1975

    maven1975 Notebook Evangelist

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    I am on the fence again. I got my advice in time, but Sony pulled the deal. So now, I just found the Z133 at the Microsoft store with a Zune HD for 1779. If you live near one of their retail stores, they are running 20% off right now.

    The only problem is that I now feel the 256 SSD would suit me best. The version they sell is only 128 :mad:
     
    maven1975, Dec 12, 2010
    #9
  10. JVRR

    JVRR Notebook Evangelist

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    There is always the portable HDDs. The important thing is that the 128 will cover all your essential files. Honestly the best part about the $500 deal was the better CPU and the fact that it was actually cheaper than the base model. Sure the increased space was nice, but 128gb extra is not enough to really get excited over. Anyone who finds 128gb "not enough," is unlikely to find 256gb enough.

    No doubt about it, the $500 deal was excellent. But the base model is not shabby, and though I feel like the bump from Z12 to Z13 ($500 deal was on Z12 model) is minimal, there are some benefits to it (like you may actually want it, better resale value, etc).

    EDIT: Sony also did not "pull the deal," it expired on December 11th, and their sales staff is located in Eastern Canada- on the phone I was also told the $500 coupon was one of those limited number of machines (though they did not say how many). I wonder how many it was, and when it actually went dead.
     
    JVRR, Dec 12, 2010
    #10