sz customized vs. sz premium

The 281p/x costs $3200; 2.0 ghz duo core, 2 gig ram, 120 gig hd.

However, i can get a customized sz with all the same internal specs PLUS a 2.16 ghz duo core for $200 less.

What do you guys suggest? is the 0.16 difference in processor speed enough to overcome the gain in weight, thickness, and magnesium casing? Help!

 

Hi, welcome to the forum. The premium models in my opinion are not worth the cost. In addition to the differences you mentioned you also get more battery life.
I would go for the customized but don't forget that the difference between
the 2GHz and 2.16Ghz processors is minimal and hardly noticeable if at all.

Also, there's a lot of of threads about the SZ that would definitely help you deciding

 

thanks totti, yeah ive gone through a lot of threads. its given me a lot of information that has led to my choice of buying an sz, but i have not seen one that addresses this particular issue. its expensive, and i want to get my moneys worth...

 

Having seen the two side by side, I would have to reccomend the premium. The screen on the premium models is much better. Now the the non-premium screen is ok in its own right, but the premium just blows it away.

 

I would have to go with lithast and suggest the premium. I think what does it for me is the longer battery life. It may not be a significant difference but from the battery tests posted in the forums, the premiums do much better than my non premium. Also if the screen looks better thats also a plus. I wouldnt go premium if it was a $500 difference but I think $200 might not be so bad considering how much your already spending. I certainly regret not getting it.

 

One thing to point out, the SZ281 is premium carbon fiber, which is one step up from carbon fiber (just premium).

SZ281 (Premium Carbon Fiber) > SZ250-280 (Carbon fiber) > SZ210-240 (Regular magnesium).

Personally I think the regular premium is worth getting, the premium carbon fiber I'm not to sure about. You could probably get a SZ250 (baseline premium) and upgrade all the parts (CPU, HD & Ram) and still be under or equal the cost of the SZ281, this would include though a 7200 drive, which the SZ281 does not have.

Ultimately your choice, can't go wrong with premium or step up premium.

 

Last week, the Sony store here in Los Angeles had the SZ280. I believe it's the same as the 281 except it doesn't have the premium carbon fiber case. But, it's "only" $2999. I think the 281 comes with a case as well.
I chose the premium model over the regular one because of the better screen.

 

As Lysen said. The 281X comes with the carbon weaved fibre (aka Premium Carbon Fibre, which Sony US originally said they wouldn't sell in the US... but hey). I'd gladly sacrifice 0.16ghz for the carbon weave (Although, in this case I got to have my cake and eat it, almost)