VAIO Z or VAIO SB?

Hi there, I'm new to these forums so please do point out if I'm doing anything wrong like posting in the wrong section or whatever. I'm not a native english speaker so my english isn't perfect either, so sorry about that. I'm currently deciding if I should keep my VAIO Z (late 2010 model), or trade it for the VAIO SB (March 2011 model). Skip the part in bold if you don't want to hear the background of the story.



Although this is a bit irrelevant, you may ask how I did I come to a scenario like this. I bought my VAIO Z in december 2010, and it served as my laptop for school ever since then. However, given to the enthusiastic nature of young people I have had quite a few close calls with people almost smashing my computer head on (luckily, they haven't). Given that the VAIO Z is flimsy and poorly built (I even had to put a cloth between the screen and the keyboard to avoid damage), it gives me a certain amount of unrest and insecurity.



I discussed this issue with my dad, who just bought the VAIO SB yesterday. He agreed that if I would want to, I may trade my VAIO Z for the VAIO SB. Given that he works in a much more disciplined environment, his computer would be less prone to any damage. Therefore he agreed to trade the SB for my Z, only if I want to.

Anyways, lets go through the specs of each computer:



VAIO Z:

Intel Core i7-640M @2.8 ghz (Turbo boost @3.46 Ghz)

8GB DDR3 Memory at 1066 Mhz

NVIDIA GT 330M w/ 1 GB DDR3 video memory

1920x1080 Resolution

256 GB SSD

Price: 19980 Hong Kong Dollars (~2600 USD)



VAIO SB:

Intel Core i7-2620M @2.7 Ghz (Turbo boost @3.4 Ghz)

8GB DDR3 Memory at 1333 Mhz

ATI Radeon 6470M w/512 MB DDR3 video memory

1366x768 Resolution

500 GB HDD@7200rpm

Price: 13000 Hong Kong Dollars (including RAM upgrade, ~1700 USD)



Advantages of each over the other:



VAIO Z:



The most notable advantage of the VAIO Z is the SSD, obviously. It offers great boot up times along with great file loading times. However, the SSD life expectancy does scare me a bit.



Another advantage of the VAIO Z is its graphics card. It has a slight advantage over the 6470M given its larger video memory. The 6470M, though, does support DirectX 11 if I got my research right (The 330M doesn't)



Weight. A full 300 grams lighter than the SB.



VAIO SB:



The VAIO SB excels in the CPU and RAM areas, in which it has a faster CPU (~17% faster than the 640M as intel states that a 17% difference when comparing Nehalem with Sandy Bridge processors with the same clock speed)



Faster RAM speed



Better integrated graphics (The intel HD graphics 3000 is MUCH better than GMA HD)



Better build quality



Replacable hard drive (standard form factor). I can easily remove that HDD for an SSD when those get cheaper.



Conclusion:



I don't know guys, what do you think?

Reply 1 : VAIO Z or VAIO SB?

Hey, I am new 2.

Anyway, I recommend the Vaio Z all the way, CPU performance isn't that much of an upgrade, and consider that my giving away the Vaio Z you are giving up a Full HD screen. Priceless. If you are worried about RAM speed, upgrade the ram yourself, its cheap and easy.



If it was up to me I would keep the Vaio Z. A really good computer. And after having used SSD's in the Z series the SB is going to seem a lot slower even with the new SB processor.

Reply 2 : VAIO Z or VAIO SB?

Coming from the 1080p, the low resolution SB might bug you. It does for me at least, whenever I look at another computer screen. Performance-wise, I don't think you'll feel much difference. There's hardly anything out there that the 640M can't handle already. And lastly, although the Z feels flimsy, it's actually pretty well-built. The screen can bend quite a lot but it doesn't seem to damage anything. See for yourself, there are hundreds of posts here of people saying how flimsy it is, but I have yet to see a single post of someone saying they broke theirs.

Reply 3 : VAIO Z or VAIO SB?

Is there a big difference between 1920x1080 zoomed to 150% and 1366x768 at 100%?

Reply 4 : VAIO Z or VAIO SB?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brianho1337 Is there a big difference between 1920x1080 zoomed to 150% and 1366x768 at 100%?

Scaling has never worked properly.



I'd opt for a Z with 1600x900. Full HD is too much for a 13" IMO.

Reply 5 : VAIO Z or VAIO SB?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve78 Scaling has never worked properly.

It works great with 99% of my software, no squinting at all, no eyestrain. I have massive screen real estate when I need it, easily readable when having my Z 0.5m away on the desk. I'd never go with a lower res screen (like on the mbps ~ see avatar) again since I'm used to this uber sharp fonts when viewing pdfs in full page and absolute full-hd bluray pleasure. I run my 1080p screen with 125% dpi. Except my 40" BRAVIA, this is the only screen I use everyday.

Reply 6 : VAIO Z or VAIO SB?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve78 Scaling has never worked properly. I'd opt for a Z with 1600x900. Full HD is too much for a 13" IMO.

I agree, 1600x900 Vaio Z is the way to go. Res is just perfect. As for the computer itself, I don't think i've ever used such an amazing laptop, use to be a heavy desktop user, since I got the Z, haven't used my desktop once. Screen is just gorgeous. wouldn't give up my z for any other laptop, until a Z2 comes out atleast.

Reply 7 : VAIO Z or VAIO SB?

I'm currently trying 1366 by 768 on my VAIO Z. So far so good I must say. Before that I was using 1920x1080 scaled at 150%. I am however, aware that the VAIO SB is using the VAIO display PLUS, while the VAIO Z uses the VAIO display PREMIUM. There's definitely a difference there. Does 1080p screens make videos look more crisp? I lowered the resolution to 1366x768 and so far it plays "Wildlife in HD" (pre-loaded to my computer) quite well. Maybe its only because the video is in 720p so I don't really see the difference.

Reply 8 : VAIO Z or VAIO SB?

1080P content on the 1080P looks simply stunning.

Reply 9 : VAIO Z or VAIO SB?

hey guys im currently under the same issue here in australia. i can find a brand new z138gg here locally for about 3500 which still is hella expensive but the new SB coming out which has similar specs and have wondered which one i should get.



dun forget the SB has usb3 and all the goodies and is only slightly more lower spec'd than the z and the SB retails here for 2500 for a ssd drive which is 1k less