Looking at the new Sony VAIO Z. Anything similar out there?

[sleepyhead]

I'm back but only due to an emergency. Require a new laptop as the Dell I have is on it's last legs. Needs to be small, light and relatively powerful.

Am looking at the Sony VAIO Z as it ticks all the right boxes. Hi-Def screen, non-integrated graphics, matt screen, small, light.
Things I don't like: Comes with crap loads of Sony bloatware, keyboard and trackpad feels weird. Obscenely expensive when adding options.

What I ideally need:
Pretty quick CPU for rendering images and video.
Some sort of GPU for gaming.
Small form factor (13inch is ideal) and light
High resolution screen (I will be manipulating large images and 1080p 60fps content). Screen needs to be matt. Gloss just has too much reflection.
Uptime of around 6 hours is good enough.
Some form of Blu-ray/DVD drive
Lack of bloatware or options to remove/clean.
SSD Drive.
Connectivity: 1000mbps ethernet port, some USB, HDMI out. Usual headphones, mic etc.

Thanks in advance.

[jim]

Things I don't like: Comes with crap loads of Sony bloatware

I don't have any particular suggestions, but afaik you can reinstall Windows from a retail disc using the code stuck to the laptop, so you can just create a clean install.

[MaddAussie]

I used to work for Sony Computer Entertainment and all our laptops where Z series and unless they have drastically improved the build quality I'd be very wary of spending that sort of money on a Z.

Main issues where:

• Dodgy fans, we always had fans failing.
• Hinges on screens failing resulting in loose screens
• Hard drive controllers failing.

We where sending back at least 1-2 machines a month for repair... And Sonys customer support is pretty dire too

Oh and PC Decrapifer will get rid of all the crap that Sony shove on their laptops

I've currently got a Dell Vostro V130 and its awesome although doesn't tick all your boxes

[Guy]

Not quite a 13, but something like a Lenovo Thinkpad T420s.

Stupidly well built, will survive everything you throw at it.
Plus can be had with an i7, 1600x900 screen, proper graphics, SSD, extra 3 cell battery in the drive bay, and an awesome warranty. Not sure on the Blu-Ray though. Might need to go external.

O/T Still in Japan, how are things?

[sleepyhead]

I don't have any particular suggestions, but afaik you can reinstall Windows from a retail disc using the code stuck to the laptop, so you can just create a clean install.

With the funky power dock (and built in GPU), I was wary of any software for drivers for it. I don't know if Sony supply all that.

I used to work for Sony Computer Entertainment and all our laptops where Z series and unless they have drastically improved the build quality I'd be very wary of spending that sort of money on a Z.

Main issues where:

• Dodgy fans, we always had fans failing.
• Hinges on screens failing resulting in loose screens
• Hard drive controllers failing.

We where sending back at least 1-2 machines a month for repair... And Sonys customer support is pretty dire too

Oh and PC Decrapifer will get rid of all the crap that Sony shove on their laptops

I've currently got a Dell Vostro V130 and its awesome although doesn't tick all your boxes

How long ago was this? The laptop seems sturdy enough when I check it out in the stores. I'd like to try something other than Dell.

Not quite a 13, but something like a Lenovo Thinkpad T420s.

Stupidly well built, will survive everything you throw at it.
Plus can be had with an i7, 1600x900 screen, proper graphics, SSD, extra 3 cell battery in the drive bay, and an awesome warranty. Not sure on the Blu-Ray though. Might need to go external.

O/T Still in Japan, how are things?

The screen is pretty decent but I was hoping to find a 1920x1080 screen. Make full use of Blu-ray. I'll have to see what the availability is like here for Lenovo.
Yes, I'm still in Japan. Things are good and going through the process for a Visa extension. Thanks for asking.

[jim]

With the funky power dock (and built in GPU), I was wary of any software for drivers for it. I don't know if Sony supply all that.

Driver support seems quite comprehensive, although admittedly I can't find their latest models in the list.

http://esupport.sony.com/US/perl/mod...d#/downloadTab

To be honest if they can't supply the drivers separately it's a bit worrying - if anything goes wrong with my PC and the manufacturer wasn't hosting the right drivers... could be interesting.

[sleepyhead]

Moving onto a slightly different topic...OS. I'll be getting a Japanese version of Windows (for whatever machine I get). My Japanese is not such that I can easily navigate...anyway to have switchable languages? As in, all the menus, options etc. Is this a feature on pro or ultimate?

Back on topic...I've been hunting round the shops here and the only one that fits the boxes is the VAIO Z, even though MadAussie warned me about it. Of course, I would like to have a time frame of when this happened though.

Is there a huge load of difference between the i5-2520M, i5-2540M and the i7-2640M? I'm aware that these should be the full voltage and not the ULV versions found in differing laptops.

I specc'ed up something at the shop with the old winter model (they stopped selling that and releasing the 2012 Spring model on Feb 3rd) and it came in at a hefty £1850 (or thereabouts in terms of converting currencies).

Breakdown as follows:
Win 7 Ultimate (why not, it's a fantasy mock up)
Power Media Dock with Blu-Ray burner
Core i5-2520M
8GB Ram
1080p Screen
256GB SSD Raid drive
Fingerprint scanner
HD Webcam (why not, it's a fantasy build ^^)

So...anyone think of anything in the same range or comments?

Many of the light, portable laptops just don't carry the real estate I would like, especially when you get into the 13" range. I've not looked at any Macs, but I'm a little wary of jumping into a completely different environment. After all I had trouble doing anything when my friend lent me their MacBook...

[MaddAussie]

How long ago was this? The laptop seems sturdy enough when I check it out in the stores. I'd like to try something other than Dell.

That was 2.5 years ago, Unfortunately my contact a SCEE is now working in infrastructure so he hasn't got any real idea. Nominet also used them (12 months ago) used them, not the same numbers probably 30 rather than 300 but the failure rate was about the same. It seemed to me they where built as consumer grade laptops and not to be a Just on general experience tho I would be staying well away their customer service was shocking although it might be different in Japan.

How about the HP Envy Spectre? http://www.hp.com/united-states/camp...4_spectre.html

[TheAnimus]

Language switching is included in ultimate editions, very easy to flick between, imnsho it should be on every build but basic.

I've got a Z series from 18 months ago, and its a serious peice of kit, in cost and a performance. Sadly the battery has deteriated a lot over that time, and I'm going to have to shell out for a new one.

But the RAID'd SSD is really powerful, even next to my OCZ desktop RAID.

[jim]

Yeah, you need ultimate for that. You just download the language packs you're interested in via Windows Update and then you can switch freely between them.

Agreed on that point TA, I'm so fed up of trying to fix friends' laptops at uni which are installed in the language of their home country, and generally speaking they would far rather have a PC in English.

[Smudger]

What about a Samsung Series 9? I know they don't hit your spec in base form, but can you personalise them like you can the Dells? What about a Dell 14z?

There's a load of ultrabooks coming out now which might do you...

[streetster]

There's a load of ultrabooks coming out now which might do you...

Screen resolution on the Ultrabooks is woefully low... certainly none with 1080p screens that I've spotted? Think the Zenbook has 1600x900 but even that's not huge...

[Smudger]

Looks like the next lot are going to be 1080p...

http://us.digitalversus.com/laptop/u...12-n22171.html

Not sure how long they'd take to filter through to these shores though...

[sleepyhead]

That was 2.5 years ago, Unfortunately my contact a SCEE is now working in infrastructure so he hasn't got any real idea. Nominet also used them (12 months ago) used them, not the same numbers probably 30 rather than 300 but the failure rate was about the same. It seemed to me they where built as consumer grade laptops and not to be a Just on general experience tho I would be staying well away their customer service was shocking although it might be different in Japan.

How about the HP Envy Spectre? http://www.hp.com/united-states/camp...4_spectre.html

I see I see...what was the failure rate, if you don't mind me asking? Are we talking 25%? 10%? 50%? The Customer Service in the Sony store here is pretty good from my experience. They helped me with getting the PS Vita up and running and they are more than happy to help me with my NEX-5N camera questions (hell, even try out all E-Mounts and A-Mount lenses). It's partly the reason why I am leaning heavily towards Sony. It's all a very personal experience.
I checked out the Envy and it's a good machine but doesn't quite tick all my boxes. That and I actually find it hard to find HP stuff here...

Language switching is included in ultimate editions, very easy to flick between, imnsho it should be on every build but basic.

I've got a Z series from 18 months ago, and its a serious peice of kit, in cost and a performance. Sadly the battery has deteriated a lot over that time, and I'm going to have to shell out for a new one.

But the RAID'd SSD is really powerful, even next to my OCZ desktop RAID.

Thanks for the information TA. Did you get the sheet battery for it or not? I'm considering if it's worth buying it. Do you have the Power Media Dock? I'm glad the RAID SSD is powerful. I'll be handling RAW images and 1080p/60fps content. I know I'll need an external drive to accommodate so much data though...
One more question on the battery: how often do you recharge it?

What about a Samsung Series 9? I know they don't hit your spec in base form, but can you personalise them like you can the Dells? What about a Dell 14z?

There's a load of ultrabooks coming out now which might do you...

I looked at the Series 9 and it doesn't do what I would like it to do. It's a great piece of kit, but I fear the lack of options and ULV CPU would be a handicap.
Looking at your link, even though they may come out in 2012, the urgency for a replacement grows exponentially day by day...plus the Aspire S3 is another ULV CPU machine. In so far as Dells, I want to try something else...

[iamlorro]

Has anyone actually tried language switching for OS display stuff?

I have 2 languages on a PC at home -and the way I understand it is- you can switch between languages for typing easily (alt+shift) and yes, that IS easy; but the OS displayed language doesn't change with that -it can change after logging off/on though, but that's not as quick!

TBH there are few things that display in the 'other' language for me -as most of the programs I have are English, and if you can recognise some words its not too hard to work out which option is which - it does help you memorise where the different options are!

Depending on requirements, that may or may not suit you.

....found some more details here if you're interested.

If someone does know an easy way of changing the OS display, please let me know.

[TheAnimus]

Thanks for the information TA. Did you get the sheet battery for it or not? I'm considering if it's worth buying it. Do you have the Power Media Dock? I'm glad the RAID SSD is powerful. I'll be handling RAW images and 1080p/60fps content. I know I'll need an external drive to accommodate so much data though...
One more question on the battery: how often do you recharge it?

Mine is 18 months old so the power media dock thing wasn't around. As such its got the built in hybrid graphics, so I can flick between them, the better graphics really does help with things like FastPictureViewer, which combined with the SSD raid is stageringly fast, but batterylife takes a hammering. That is based on my k-5 raw image size, if you've got a medium format or similar it will still probably manage without too much slowdown. Downside is capacity, I've only 256gb of space.

Lightroom runs well, but the user interface of lightroom is actually quite crap for a touch pad I find, it doesn't really work well with multitouch gestures.

The battery will still give 4 hours, but only 2 in full high performance mode, it used to give 6 when new. I don't think I took good care of it, it has had high temp swings (been left in sunny cars, that freeze at night etc.). Tbh how I'm using it right now, its not going to be an isssue till the summer.

The other thing is the screen is loverly aRGB, but the backlight has some bleed, really bad bleed compared to my desktop screens. But its not an issue unless your full screen, and even then if your head is in the perfect place its managable. Something to be aware off, I've not seen a better screen that small.