Macbook Air vs. Sony Vaio Z - anyone?

[pharmx]

This I find the biggest recurring shortsightedness in this type of thread.

A Mac or a PC can both run Ubunty instead. Ubuntu, which is a Linux OS, is just like OS X a Unix variety. And many things you like in OS X and mis in Windows can be found in Ubuntu as well. And it's free!

Some people choose Mac for the build quality.
Some people choose Mac for the OS.
And some people choose Mac for the "Mac experience" which is basically a combination of the two things above.

In my opinion, Ubuntu is only an option for people in the first category. Until it gets a bit more mainstream, I think it's more geared towards the DIY crowd that feels comfortable and even enjoys tweaking software/hardware. The average consumer has enough trouble with basic computer skills, never mind anything at a higher level!

On a side note, I think it's pretty sad that people are having to choose a Mac they are not happy with, based solely on the fact that they need Mac OS X. While I understand Apple's reasoning behind this, it made more sense back when their focus and priorities were different.

From a hardware perspective, other companies seem to be catching up or even surpassing Apple, depending on how you value specs/design/build.

From a software perspective, Windows 7 seems to offer some real competition to Mac OS X for Mac owners. The amount of people willingly running Windows 7 on their Mac, and in some cases even preferring it to OS X for certain tasks, is a testament to this. To me this is a very alarming trend that can have severe long term consequences. Of course, if the goal is to slowly transition out of the "computer" category and focus their resources on the "mobility" category, then this would be one way to do it.

I'm starting to worry that Apple is spreading itself too thin, and that we'll start seeing an increasing amount of compromises, as focus is shifted from innovation to whatever brings in the most revenue. Sometimes there is an overlap, and a perfect balance can be achieved. But unless Apple is betting their entire future on mobile devices running iPhone OS...I really hope that we will see some amazing things soon, announced either at WWDC or for their 2011 lineup.

I can only hope that they remember their roots, and don't end up becoming the type of company that they were originally trying to rebel against.

/endrant (sorry for straying off topic!)

 

[OctoberBoy]

Interesting, you and the poster above posted somewhat contrasting reviews, he is concerned with overheating and durability while you are satisfied with those factors...

Though they are both Z series, one is a previous generation (based on the signature) while the other is the current.

 

[Huubster]

/endrant (sorry for straying off topic!)

I don't think that you went off topic. You described perfectly why a Vaio Z can't be compared with an MBA. We can compare the hardware as much as we like. But in the end it's mostly about being hooked to OS X. (Or trapped by OS X?)

One aspect I don't agree with. Ubuntu has come a long way. It is geeks who created it, but it is no longer a geeks OS. It has become very professional. Runs smooth without any tweaks and with excellent drivers. Has a lot of highly acclaimed free software, and has a snappy feel which is closer to OS X than to Windows. And all the no-viruses, built-in-dictionaries, non-bloated etc. arguments apply to Ubuntu as well.

Ubuntu with Windows 7 in a virtual machine is the path I consider, but for now I'll keep my promise and wait till the end of June for MBA updates before I decide. It would be a big step for me to let OS X go, but I don't want to be part of this plan.

From my pov. Apple has already moved to the dark side. And as it is with the dark side, it is very difficult to escape it. The free world of Ubuntu with a Vaio Z or an equivalent (the new rumored Toshiba?) seems more and more the only way out for me.

In any case, think past the OS, and for me the Vaio Z wins hands down.

Interesting read. Ubuntu's Linux OS -- Mac OS X's Doppelganger?

 

[skunnykart]

Though they are both Z series, one is a previous generation (based on the signature) while the other is the current.

Yeah and there is big difference with the previous gen Z (the one I have) and the current models with the dual or quad SSD.

I have not used the current Z models but I have seen it at the shops BUT the build quality seems to be the same as the previous gen model that I have. The same crunchy feeling when you press on it!

But I have heard from the guys working at the store that the heat issue has been addressed (not sure if this is true) but they told me that with the SSD, there is less heat produced and so less heat means less fan activity and less noise as a result.

Also apparently the new models ship with a dvd drive that produces less heat than the blu-ray drives that some of the previous models had.

If the heat issue is indeed fixed then that's a big plus for the Z but the build quality is still the same.

I would love to see some comparisons between the MBA SSD vs the Z dual or quad SSD. Anyone?

 

[soph]

Thanks, people, there've been some really great contributions added. Gives me a lot to think.

You don't need to stop now either

 

[fr4c]

I'm really hoping an MBA update comes soon, because I really love the portability and size factor of the Vaio Z. It is a wonderful laptop, but the laptop feels so fragile (flex in the screen) that I'm often afraid to carry it out and use it.

 

[Capt Crunch]

What one really needs to determine is which computer will fit all of their needs and still has the greatest marginal utility.

I'm just being a dick, but marginal utility refers to the derivative of the utility function. You want to maximize utility, not marginal utility.

 

[Scottsdale]

I'm just being a dick, but marginal utility refers to the derivative of the utility function. You want to maximize utility, not marginal utility.

That's correct. My bad, LOL.

 

[buddy1065]

For my needs there are two problems with the Z; eyetv does not work with it and other people, including me are reporting nVidia driver issues, which hopefully will be straightened out soon. Good points are that the fan moves heat effectively and leaves the rest of the laptop comfortable even under heavy load. Since I am retired and don't do as much video editing the Z is otherwise perfect for me.
And having a MBP 15" serving as a desktop replacement makes it all the more great. The aluminum keyboard makes it more rigid, although not as sturdy as a MBP. Perhaps i would have regrets when the new MBA comes out but for now I would not switch out with any other ultralight Mac or PC. I love both PC's and Macs and see nothing wrong with that. 3 lbs and that much power and ports, plus internal DVD was just too much of an offer to refuse for me. So other than the eyetv software issue, basically the othe nVidia issue is relatively minor, leaving my with no big regrets.

 

[gvsbdisco]

i have been a mac user for about 6 or 7 years. Over that time, I have used macs exclusively including: ibook G4, iMac G5, Macbook, 15" Macbook Pro. In general, I have been happy with both the hardware and software.

However, wants and needs changed over time and I wanted and needed an ultraportable and the decision to buy a Sony Z was fairly easy. Apple doesn't have a machine that is comparable in this space. Yes, moving to W7 was a bit tricky at first but within a week you get used to it. For work, I don't rely on any software that is only available on OSX so that was not an issue.

My biggest gripe about the Sony (and my wife's as well) is the power brick...its big and unwieldy compared to the macs. The cord is stiff not soft and supple and it can't be shortened. Crazy I know, but when I look at and use the sony I think "what a great machine but I can't believe they couldn't improve the design of the power brick" Its an embarrassment for a machine of that calibre. It makes you appreciate the small things Apple does in designing its technology.

 

[burp]

My biggest gripe about the Sony (and my wife's as well) is the power brick...its big and unwieldy compared to the macs. The cord is stiff not soft and supple and it can't be shortened. Crazy I know, but when I look at and use the sony I think "what a great machine but I can't believe they couldn't improve the design of the power brick" Its an embarrassment for a machine of that calibre. It makes you appreciate the small things Apple does in designing its technology.

i agree, the devil is in the details, you cannot beat apple in this respect.
luckily the power brick of the Z is not massive, but a square section would definitely help.
i'm looking for a shorter and thinner chord to mitigate the issue.

i would add another point, for its flagship model sony could have chosen an higher res webcam..

on the other hand, the more i use this machine, the more i like it.

 

[teaneedz]

This I find the biggest recurring shortsightedness in this type of thread.

A Mac or a PC can both run Ubunty instead. Ubuntu, which is a Linux OS, is just like OS X a Unix variety. And many things you like in OS X and mis in Windows can be found in Ubuntu as well. And it's free!

I'm definitely looking at the Z (dump WIn7) and go strictly Ubuntu. I'm typing this on Ubuntu 10.04 (son's HP) and am liking Ubuntu very much. Apple does a great job with integration and the UI but at the end of the day OS X is a flavor of UNIX. Ubuntu is a flavor of Linux. Both in my eyes = stability and choices especially when one gets to the command-line. I have enjoyed OS X since day one but want the hardware to match the OS. The GUI in Ubuntu is looking very slick and very customizable. I can visualize it on the Z. I'd prefer to stay with Apple but right now the product line is not quite right for me.

Tough choice for me because I like OS X so much and my PB has been so good to me. But Ubuntu may be the answer with it's Linux stability and choices. I wouldn't recommend this option for those that want it to work out of the box but for me, right now it may be my next OS.

 

[canisestinvia]

I think whomever has the decision to make regarding the Z has to handle it in person first before making the purchase. The biggest issue for me is the flex and feeling that it's so fragile.

My expectations for a laptop is that I be able to grab and go - no special protective cases, no special handling techniques. With the Z, I wouldn't be comfortable closing the lid in the middle with one hand and then tossing into my briefcase. And I say briefcase, because I dont use a special padded laptop bag. There would be a constant fear of something crushing the lid/screen of the Z.

I was hoping I'd like the Z because of battery life and weight. But I am too carefree with my equipment that I wouldn't trust the Z to last 2 months of my handling.

 

[makeyourfaith]

hold onto my 12" Powerbook?

I love my 12" powerbook, even though it maxes out at 1.25GB RAM. But I really do need to upgrade. I'm weighing the responses here, go with a MBA, a Vaio Z hackintosh, or hold onto my powerbook? I have to say, i really hate the MBP 13. I use the trackpad exclusively, and the MBP pad is just terrible without a real button to click. I've tired the MBP 13, and it took double the thumb pressure to 'click' that invisible button. Carpal Tunnel here we come... Plus the size and weight of the MBP just doesn't appeal to me. Conundrum for sure

I'm a professional graphic designer, still clinging to my 12" Powerbook. I know, I'm an anomaly, but i use what i like. i can run Illustrator and Photoshop just fine, but the machine really slows down with YouTube, Vimeo, etc. And that's really annoying. I'd hackintosh a Vaio Z if anybody out there has any info about it? I'd loooove 8GB RAM, and a 500GB SSD

 

[Huubster]

Tough choice for me because I like OS X so much and my PB has been so good to me. But Ubuntu may be the answer with it's Linux stability and choices. I wouldn't recommend this option for those that want it to work out of the box but for me, right now it may be my next OS.

Well said. I'd hate to let OS X go. But time's running out for me. I have read many "if not WWDC than a major in half a year" posts. But it's simply becoming too much...and who gives me the guarantee that the "in half a year" analysis/rumors/assumptions/dreams/phantasies will actually not go down the powerbook route?

I was hoping I'd like the Z because of battery life and weight. But I am too carefree with my equipment that I wouldn't trust the Z to last 2 months of my handling.

Perhaps you are right. I had one in my hands today, it does feel a bit more "plastic" than the MBA. However, the MBA has its weaknesses too. Many fan problems (I had to replace the fan) and uncountable hinge problems for example. All you need to do is read the forums. I cannot confirm reported screen brightness problems for the Vaio Z (the display is BRILLIANT) and it does seem decently built.

btw. I tested the latest Ubuntu version on my MBA and it works great and Unix-ish smooth without any fiddling or fine-tuning. It actually feels lighter than OS X!

My Vaio Z with Ubuntu countdown has 40 days left...

 

[Jason Beck]

I'm a longtime lurker, so I'm quite familiar with every tiny little aspect of updates or no updates and hardware specs of the MBA vs the Sony Vaio Z.

So you admit your a troll then.
If you are familiar with all the nooks and crannies... why start a stupid thread like this? Honestly.
Apples to Oranges again?

Again? 4Really?

 

[Huubster]

So you admit your a troll then.
If you are familiar with all the nooks and crannies... why start a stupid thread like this? Honestly.
Apples to Oranges again?

Again? 4Really?

Agreed. As long as we continue to compare OS X with Windows it's Apples and Oranges.

Look beyond that endless and futile discussion and this can't possibly be called trolling.

 

[canisestinvia]

Perhaps you are right. I had one in my hands today, it does feel a bit more "plastic" than the MBA. However, the MBA has its weaknesses too. Many fan problems (I had to replace the fan) and uncountable hinge problems for example. All you need to do is read the forums.

Yes, which is partly why I held off on the air. Biggest reason being I'm hoping for more battery life out of the next update. 5 hrs is not enough for a laptop meant for travel.

 

[teaneedz]

Z, maybe not yet ...

Well after researching the Z a bit, I'm back to waiting ... Apparently Ubuntu or any Linux distro will require lots of fine tuning just to get basic components operational at this point in the game. No TRIM support for the SSDs in RAID - perhaps another big downside unless some other solution becomes available. There also appears to be a battery drain issue which may or may not have been resolved on the Z.

I'm back to waiting for now ... Apple will need another solution to C2D if it wishes to remain competitive. End of life technology just won't cut it. I won't pony up to the 15" because it's not the size I need or want. With the recent MB refresh, the MBP is just looking a bit too entry level right now. Come on Apple, do something to wow me.

It's a waiting game for now ... for me anyways.

 

[teaneedz]

I love my 12" powerbook, even though it maxes out at 1.25GB RAM.... I know, I'm an anomaly, but i use what i like. i can run Illustrator and Photoshop just fine, but the machine really slows down with YouTube, Vimeo, etc. And that's really annoying. I'd hackintosh a Vaio Z if anybody out there has any info about it? I'd loooove 8GB RAM, and a 500GB SSD

Not so much an anomaly ... right there with ya ... the 12" PB was just right for me and in many ways still is. But it's becoming a bit long in the tooth. But I can wait a bit longer. Come on Apple, hear our needs.

 

[entatlrg]

Well after researching the Z a bit, I'm back to waiting ... Apparently Ubuntu or any Linux distro will require lots of fine tuning just to get basic components operational at this point in the game. No TRIM support for the SSDs in RAID - perhaps another big downside unless some other solution becomes available. There also appears to be a battery drain issue which may or may not have been resolved on the Z.

I'm back to waiting for now ... Apple will need another solution to C2D if it wishes to remain competitive. End of life technology just won't cut it. I won't pony up to the 15" because it's not the size I need or want. With the recent MB refresh, the MBP is just looking a bit too entry level right now. Come on Apple, do something to wow me.

It's a waiting game for now ... for me anyways.

Yes, you have to wonder if Apple got caught up on the wrong side of the Intel / Nvidia dispute and that's caused delays or the iPad, new iPhone has clouded their judgment so much that they're just not focusing on the Air right now ...?

Not so much an anomaly ... right there with ya ... the 12" PB was just right for me and in many ways still is. But it's becoming a bit long in the tooth. But I can wait a bit longer. Come on Apple, hear our needs.

There sure is a LOT of power book lovers out there, so many used it as their main machine, but how did you guys get by with the small 12" screen?

 

[teaneedz]

There sure is a LOT of power book lovers out there, so many used it as their main machine, but how did you guys get by with the small 12" screen?

Ahh, that small screen really worked for me. Able to take it out anywhere, perhaps making things a bit more productive. I never had to hesitate on deciding should I carry it with me. And the power ... well back then anyways.

Apple does such a great job with the user experience and quality builds (after Rev A). I'd like to believe that they have something on the board that will make sense in the near future.

The 13" MBP will probably be my choice but not right now. The Linux folks though move fast and I won't be surprised if Ubuntu is working on the Z before Apple refreshes again. Then if the TRIM SSD and battery issues are solved, well ... I'll probably still end up with Apple lol.

Spent time today teaching Norton how to play nice with Windows 7 on son's school laptop. So nice to return to OS X.

 

[soph]

So you admit your a troll then.
If you are familiar with all the nooks and crannies... why start a stupid thread like this? Honestly.
Apples to Oranges again?

I'll not lower myself to personal attacks, but want to remark on a purely factual note that according to your signture you own neiter MBA nor Vaio Z. I don't know what infomation regarding my question I could receive from you.

I was specifically not asking for a comparison of Apples vs Oranges, and while it might have been foreseeable some people would respond in that fashion I estimate the overall percentage of operating system squabble in that thread is advancing nil, not considering your valuable contribution.

 

[gwsat]

I'll not lower myself to personal attacks, but want to remark on a purely factual note that according to your signture you own neiter MBA nor Vaio Z. I don't know what infomation regarding my question I could receive from you.

I was specifically not asking for a comparison of Apples vs Oranges, and while it might have been foreseeable some people would respond in that fashion I estimate the overall percentage of operating system squabble in that thread is advancing nil, not considering your valuable contribution.

The question you asked at the start of the thread was a perfectly reasonable one. Neither the recently updated MBPs nor the obsolescent MBA offers hardware that is in the same world with that which the recently released Sony Vaio Z offers. Consequently, your interest in the Z made sense, to me at least. Frankly, I was shocked and amazed that some of the fanboys here, who I believe should have known better, are so defensive, they called you a "troll" for having asked a reasonable question.

I am not much interested in a Z. My MBP has spoiled me because it runs both OS X and Windows apps from the OS X desktop thanks to VMware Fusion's Unity mode. Despite the relative weakness of Apple's hardware compared to that of some Windows laptop manufacturers, the MBP is still the best choice for me. Neither the Z, nor any other Windows machine, can run OS X without a hack. That eliminates such machines from my consideration, and that's without even getting into the Mac's superior build quality and Apple's excellent customer service. Thus, I am still holding out for an updated MBA that will allow me to use it as I now use my MBP.

 

[Huubster]

Apparently Ubuntu or any Linux distro will require lots of fine tuning just to get basic components operational at this point in the game.

I tried Ubuntu on my MBA and it installed itself as easily as OS X. And it was fully operational using all features of my MBA. No tweaks.

Perhaps Ubuntu was "fiddly" in older times. That's where the reputation may come from. But Ubuntu has come a very long way in the past years. Can't tell for other Linux varieties.

EDIT: Obviously not so easy. Give it a few months and it should be sorted by the Linux community.
http://questier.com/tag/vaio-z/