vaio tz new models coming soon?

i noticed that 33% of the TZ models are showing as sold out on the sonystyle site. for example, the tz198 has been sold out for a couple weeks now i think.

does this mean new models are coming soon? has anyone heard anything on new features/specs?

 

This type of information is very closely guarded, all we can do is guess when it will come out and what the update will include. No concrete info, we don't even know if Sony will update this series. I think the TZ198N was a very limited production model anyways. Only it and the cheapest models, the TZ150s are out of stock at SonyStyle, I don't think it indicates anything for now.

 

My ideal Vaio TZ specifications in detail:

Warning: These specs are not real...yet I am hoping

Technical Specification

Sony Model: TZ92

Motherboard Features

CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo U7700 1.33 GHz
L2 Cache: 2 MB CPU integrated
RAM: 1GB (2GB Max)
Chipset: Intel 965GMS Express

Storage

HDD:
32GB / 64GB Solid State Disk
100 GB Serial ATA, 4200rpm
160 GB / 200GB
Optical Drives: Dual Layer DVD super multi drive (DVD+-R DL)

Graphic / Video Features

Chip: Intel GMA X3100
VRAM: 384MB (shared with main memory)
Display: 11.1" WXGA TFT
Resolution: 1366 x 768 pixels
External Resolution: 1600 x 1200 pixels

Sound system

Audio:
Intel High Definition Audio
Built-in stereo speaker
Built-in monaural microphone

Interface

Card Slot:
ExpressCard/34
SD/MMC/Memory Stick PRO
Communications:
802.11 a/b/g/n
10/100/1000 LAN
Bluetooth v2.0 + EDR conformity
56K v.90/v.92 Modem
WWAN EV-DO - Rev A (optional)
Integrated ports:
USB 2.0 x 2
i.LINK (S400)
Min D-sub 15pin
Headphone Ouput
Mic Input
Built-in Webcam
Docking Station Connector

Input / Output Devices

Keyboard: 87 key, 17mm pitch, 1.7mm stroke
Pointing Device: Intelligent Touchpad
Battery Life:
Lightweight battery pack VGP-BPS11: 6 hours (3 hours real world)
Standard battery pack VGP-BPL11: 12 hours (6 hours real world)
Bulk battery pack VGP-BPX11: 18 hours (9 hours real world)

Power

Consumption: 40W
A/C adapter: 100-240V / 50-60 Hz

Physical Features

Size:
10.9 x 7.8 x 0.89 [inch]
277 x 198.4 x 22.5 [mm]
Weight:
2.26 lbs / 1025g

Other

Package contains: A/C adapter; light-weight battery
Operating System: Windows Vista Home Premium (English)

 

I suspect the next totally new model should be the S series ... it's been a while. In fact I was comtemplating waiting for a new S but could wait no longer and got the TZ.

TZs are new and come spring next year, it should probably be a refresh - new processors / new storage options / etc , based on current platform.

And besides, the TZ being touted as the 10th anniversary model and so on, I suspect a fair bit of R&D work has been put into it, so my guess is that it'll stay for a bit more.

 

Yeah, sturmnacht I totally agree! Come on Sony, create the ideal ultraportable! You forgot the WWAN built-in though
Hope that they will continue refreshing this modell every 3-4 months like the TX-TXN. In that case, January or February our questions will have an answer.
I believe that Sony will not remain without doing anything, while Apple will produce an ultraportable and Asus have already ultraportables with the 965 chipset.

 

I talked to Chris from ebay (colpic) and he said that Sony discontinued the TZ198N model.

I dont know why.

Sony site lists it as Sold Out too.

 

personally, i'm hoping they release the 64gb SSD + DVD option in the US. i get a pretty serious discount (~$400) through work and would love to have one of those.

 

Got it

Maybe it will come just before MacWorld 2008.

Price prediction of TZ92 with 1GB RAM and standard battery: ~$3500

 

Sony Japan announces new models around the New Year. So watch out for it !!

 

From your mouth to God's ear

 

sturmnacht, I think many people agree with you.