so so many SZ's!!

Hello all, I am brand new to this forum but I have already found the resources on it very valuable in the past week while I have been researching a new notebook. I have decided that I think the Vaio SZ is the best choice for me, the only problem is there are so many different models!! I definately want at least 1.83mhz, preferably core 2 duo, at least 120gb HD. RAM is not a huge deal to me as I can upgrade it later and I'm really not sold on Vista at all, XP is just fine for me. DVD burner is a must but seems standard on most SZs. I really like the lightweight and thin qualities of the SZ, but it seems as though that will vary upon which config and even which casing I get. I have been looking closely at the SZ340P11, buy.com has it for $1585. That is the price range I have been looking in. Just wanted to get everyones opinions/thoughts, I did some searches already but there are just so many models to search for threads on. Thanks!

 

I chose a 460 because it had the combination of the lightest weight/powerful processor/Vista OS/2GB RAM.

You can't go wrong with any SZ, but the 460 seemed to be the best value if you wanted carbon fiber weight reduction, 2 gigs of RAM, and Vista.

BJ

 

SZ340P11 is not the premium model(thin&light), i don't think you can get premium one around that price you prefer.

found one for you:
http://www.ecost.com/detail.aspx?edp=27735998
(SZ320P/B)
1.83GHz Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor T5600, 1GB RAM, 120GB HD, Dual Layer DVD±RW, Intel® PRO/Wireless 802.11a/b/g, 13.3” XBRITE LCD Display, NVIDIA® GeForce® Go 7400, Bluetooth, WebCam, Windows® XP Professional w/ SP2
Price: $1,695.00

 

The SZ340P11 is a customized model through Sony ----- no idea what the "P11" designation means.

And yes, as someone else mentioned, the 340 series are not premium SZs. I owned a 340 before I got my 360 (which is a premium model), and will say that I do notice and appreciate the differences between the two.

 

ok that is exactly what I was curious about, now whenever I look up specs on the SZ i have seen weights varying between 3.7lbs and 4.1lbs so I would assume the premium models with the C/F are closer to the 3.7 while the non premium models are 4.1? I also seems like every spec page I look says the thickness is 1.0-1.5, but no one ever tells you the exact measurement, i guess that varies depending on premium also

also as stated earlier the "p11" is just a configuration from sony

 

it says 1.0-1.5 because the sz is a wedge shape and is more narrow in the front than the back. if you want save the money and get the regular version. you wont be missing much.

 

ok thanks, yeah sorry for even asking that question I should have searched first, im reading all the regular vs premium threads now. I have no doubt Im going to be happy no matter which one I choose, there is just so much to consider

 

That link pictures a premium SZ, but the model 320 is non-premium.

 

Apart from a lighter laptop, crisper/brighter screen.

My 340 also made a really annoying buzzing sound (which is what actually led me to return/exchange it) --- but that might have just been my build. The keyboard was also pretty terrible on my 340.

 

.3 lbs is nothing lol

 

thanks everyone, I think ive narrowed my choices to the 370, 360 or possibly the 340 if I decide I dont want to spring for the premium, ive checked out buy.com and ebay to see whats out there, just wondering if anyone has any other recommendations on good online retailers

 

I have a 320(non premium) and I haven't experienced any problems with its keyboard, nor any kind of buzzing sound.

There's plenty of great deals on SZ's through eBay. I'll post back if I find something really good.

 

yeah ive been checking on ebay, ive come across a few places that have pretty good deals on refurbished SZs, Im just a little wary of what condition it will be in and the warranty. The website www.eritech.com has an ebay store and they quite a lot of refurb Vaios for good deals.

 

What is the maximum you're willing to spend?

 

if you want to spend ~2k you can get a non premium one with 2gigs of ram core 2 duo t7200 or higher, or you can get a premium one thats not as fast.

 

im probably looking to stay below 1800, im seriously considering getting a refurbished model because of the huge discounts

 

You could also try a SOnyStyle outlet if you have one near you.

 

unfortunately I don't have an outlet nearby, and all the good refurb deals on the online sony outlet are out of stock

 

Clearance Club has some reconditioned SZs for sale.

 

yeah I saw clearance club on amazon.com just wasnt sure about how reputable they were

 

Thanks for all of your input everyone, I'm proud to say I finally pulled the trigger and ordered the VGN-SZ370P/C. I did order a factory refurbished model so Im gonna keep my fingers crossed that its ok when I get it, wish me luck!