Sony Vaio Z gets another update, as Apple's MBA lags well behind three Sony Z updates

[ravenvii]

Hmm... I had momentum scrolling implemented in HARDWARE years ago on my Logitech mouse ;-) Trust me, actual physics at work is way better than a simple software gimmick ;-)

(the way it worked was as follows: you could switch between "continuous" scrolling or "discrete scrolling" modes for the mouse wheel; then I would spin the wheel and it would keep on turning because it has mass; this is way more satisfactory to use than software-based gimmick; oh and the "discrete" mode was good for games, as you don't want the wheel to spin too much switching your weapons or changing zoom)

I had a mouse that had this (the VX Revolution), and it is the best mouse I've ever owned.

However, I disagree with you that the hardware momentum scrolling is equivalent to or better than the software implementation that the Magic Mouse and Magic Trackpad had. It's not. The software implementation is a million times better.

 

[bloodycape]

Oh I totally agree with you... that's why once the new MBA is out and if it's not too expensive.. I'll probably sell my Z and jump back...

now if I could put OSX on the Z would be another story

It pretty much has the same specs as the 15 MBP, so the only thing stopping that plan would be obvious fact it is illegal.

 

[entatlrg]

To me it's funny how on this forum the moment the Sony Z comes up for discussion people race to beat it up and some defend it with the 15" MBP, LOL .... you're only fooling (and imo short changing) yourself.

Try using a Sony Z for a week and a 15" MBP for a week ... then make comments ...

I own both, the two machines seem equal in speed, if I had to say which is faster, aside from boot times I'd say it's the Sony Z ... but who cares, most the people don't need raw power for daily computing tasks.

'User Experience' is what's really important to the consumer, whether it's a car, computer, phone or pair of jeans ... if it fits and it's comfortable or convenient to use it's a winner.

Weight is important to some, the Sony Z blows the 13 and 15" MBP away, hell the Z is so light sometimes I have to reopen my bag to make sure it's in there.

3 PROPERLY spaced USB port instead of the 2 on the MBP, really I should say the 13"/15" MBP has only ONE usb port, because using 3g internet stick, some usb sticks and other peripherals can often only be used on at a time, on the other hand the Z's THREE ports are usable at all times.

HDMI on the Sony, zip on the MBP, mini display ports who cares ... what ports are most commonly used right now to hook up to a TV or Monitor ? H-D-M-I ... Apple's thinking different in that regard cost me $50 bucks for an adapter I have to carry around with me.

Expresscard slot - Sony Z yes, 13/15" MBP no.

Blue Ray - Sony Z yes, and MBP nooooo and so forth....

The Z is a small notebook, feels solid to carry, has an excellent screen, keyboard, nice palm rest without edges so sharp they can cut your skin as you'll find with the MBP and MBA ... I could go on, but I've made my point.

For $2900 I got a notebook that is THREE POUNDS, i7, 512ssd 8gb ram Blue Ray burner 3 usb ports, hdmi sd card read express card, anti glare screen ... you have to be pretty glued to osx to not consider the Z, the worlds leading ultraportable

I like Apple's products and give them credit where it's due, but this talk here in this thread about ultra portables, jumping into the debate with a 15" MBP, calling the Z junk .. I've never seen so much, defensive misleading info.... it's foolish to defend something just for the sake of defending Apple or whatever, it makes zero sense, it's very very obvious where Apple's priorities are and where they're going. I have zero interest is running around with their little iGadgets paying again for app's just to be able to use them on an ipad with a mirror screen and no keyboard ... for work? No.

 

[L0s7man]

Let me point one thing out... ExpressCard might seem pretty boring thing now, but I've read that Sandy Bridge will have ExpressCard 2. And EC2 is FAST (I think its PCI-express 8x instead of 1x as in EC1). So with EC2 say hello to ultra fast external hard drives, external graphic cards (yes, it will be possible quite easily... 1x just isn't enough when your normal PCI-e is 16x, but 8x should be fine) and whole bunch of other stuff. Basically, anything you want ;-)

So it's a shame that stupid Apple got rid of EC on MBP's.

I agree that most people didn't find any use for it, and I didn't either, but with EC2 there will be whole world of new options available...

 

[Scottsdale]

To me it's funny how on this forum the moment the Sony Z comes up for discussion people race to beat it up and some defend it with the 15" MBP, LOL .... you're only fooling (and imo short changing) yourself.

Try using a Sony Z for a week and a 15" MBP for a week ... then make comments ...

I own both, the two machines seem equal in speed, if I had to say which is faster, aside from boot times I'd say it's the Sony Z ... but who cares, most the people don't need raw power for daily computing tasks.

'User Experience' is what's really important to the consumer, whether it's a car, computer, phone or pair of jeans ... if it fits and it's comfortable or convenient to use it's a winner.

Weight is important to some, the Sony Z blows the 13 and 15" MBP away, hell the Z is so light sometimes I have to reopen my bag to make sure it's in there.

3 PROPERLY spaced USB port instead of the 2 on the MBP, really I should say the 13"/15" MBP has only ONE usb port, because using 3g internet stick, some usb sticks and other peripherals can often only be used on at a time, on the other hand the Z's THREE ports are usable at all times.

HDMI on the Sony, zip on the MBP, mini display ports who cares ... what ports are most commonly used right now to hook up to a TV or Monitor ? H-D-M-I ... Apple's thinking different in that regard cost me $50 bucks for an adapter I have to carry around with me.

Expresscard slot - Sony Z yes, 13/15" MBP no.

Blue Ray - Sony Z yes, and MBP nooooo and so forth....

The Z is a small notebook, feels solid to carry, has an excellent screen, keyboard, nice palm rest without edges so sharp they can cut your skin as you'll find with the MBP and MBA ... I could go on, but I've made my point.

For $2900 I got a notebook that is THREE POUNDS, i7, 512ssd 8gb ram Blue Ray burner 3 usb ports, hdmi sd card read express card, anti glare screen ... you have to be pretty glued to osx to not consider the Z, the worlds leading ultraportable

I like Apple's products and give them credit where it's due, but this talk here in this thread about ultra portables, jumping into the debate with a 15" MBP, calling the Z junk .. I've never seen so much, defensive misleading info.... it's foolish to defend something just for the sake of defending Apple or whatever, it makes zero sense, it's very very obvious where Apple's priorities are and where they're going. I have zero interest is running around with their little iGadgets paying again for app's just to be able to use them on an ipad with a mirror screen and no keyboard ... for work? No.

Agree fully. Nice post.

 

[PsyD4Me]

hows the keyboard on the new Z compared to the Air?

 

[entatlrg]

Keyboard - It took some getting used to. That's normal for me, once I get accustomed to one keyboard I don't like to change.

Now that I've used the Z and typed a whole lot I'd say it's excellent. Reason being keys are well spaced, they're just firm enough and I'm very very fast on it now and very accurate too. They're quiet too which is nice.

 

[PsyD4Me]

Keyboard - It took some getting used to. That's normal for me, once I get accustomed to one keyboard I don't like to change.

Now that I've used the Z and typed a whole lot I'd say it's excellent. Reason being keys are well spaced, they're just firm enough and I'm very very fast on it now and very accurate too. They're quiet too which is nice.

since you also have the MBP, which one do you like to type on better?

 

[macbook123]

To me it's funny how on this forum the moment the Sony Z comes up for discussion people race to beat it up and some defend it with the 15" MBP, LOL .... you're only fooling (and imo short changing) yourself.

Try using a Sony Z for a week and a 15" MBP for a week ... then make comments ...

I own both, the two machines seem equal in speed, if I had to say which is faster, aside from boot times I'd say it's the Sony Z ... but who cares, most the people don't need raw power for daily computing tasks.

'User Experience' is what's really important to the consumer, whether it's a car, computer, phone or pair of jeans ... if it fits and it's comfortable or convenient to use it's a winner.

Weight is important to some, the Sony Z blows the 13 and 15" MBP away, hell the Z is so light sometimes I have to reopen my bag to make sure it's in there.

3 PROPERLY spaced USB port instead of the 2 on the MBP, really I should say the 13"/15" MBP has only ONE usb port, because using 3g internet stick, some usb sticks and other peripherals can often only be used on at a time, on the other hand the Z's THREE ports are usable at all times.

HDMI on the Sony, zip on the MBP, mini display ports who cares ... what ports are most commonly used right now to hook up to a TV or Monitor ? H-D-M-I ... Apple's thinking different in that regard cost me $50 bucks for an adapter I have to carry around with me.

Expresscard slot - Sony Z yes, 13/15" MBP no.

Blue Ray - Sony Z yes, and MBP nooooo and so forth....

The Z is a small notebook, feels solid to carry, has an excellent screen, keyboard, nice palm rest without edges so sharp they can cut your skin as you'll find with the MBP and MBA ... I could go on, but I've made my point.

For $2900 I got a notebook that is THREE POUNDS, i7, 512ssd 8gb ram Blue Ray burner 3 usb ports, hdmi sd card read express card, anti glare screen ... you have to be pretty glued to osx to not consider the Z, the worlds leading ultraportable

I like Apple's products and give them credit where it's due, but this talk here in this thread about ultra portables, jumping into the debate with a 15" MBP, calling the Z junk .. I've never seen so much, defensive misleading info.... it's foolish to defend something just for the sake of defending Apple or whatever, it makes zero sense, it's very very obvious where Apple's priorities are and where they're going. I have zero interest is running around with their little iGadgets paying again for app's just to be able to use them on an ipad with a mirror screen and no keyboard ... for work? No.

Perfect post indeed. I wish Steve Jobs would read it. Maybe you can send it to steve@apple.com?

 

[cleric]

THE MBA HAS THE BEST CPU FOR THE TDP, THERE IS NOTHING BETTER!!!!!!

I'm being serious, the CULV i7s top out at a whooping 1.33GHz, now I know i7>C2D, but it isn't 50% better

I dunno those 32w six-core opteron may have it beat.

 

[1984]

I don't get the constant comparisons to the Z. Gee, they both have 13" screens. It's twice as thick! Of course you are going to be able to offer better specs when you don't have size constrains and heat issues to worry about. I can't think of two laptops more dissimilar.

 

[tubbymac]

I don't get the constant comparisons to the Z. Gee, they both have 13" screens. It's twice as thick! Of course you are going to be able to offer better specs when you don't have size constrains and heat issues to worry about. I can't think of two laptops more dissimilar.

I can, easily. How about ANY OTHER laptop in existence other than the Z? There's just thousands to pick from. If you're finding it hard to think of one you might need some help. I dunno, how about the MBA versus an Alienware 17 inch laptop. Is that more dissimilar for you?

Anyways, kidding aside, I also have the MBP 15, the MBA, and was tempted to get the Z. After playing around with it in the store, I'm perfectly happy with it's screen. It also seems plenty fast. But even with it's carbon fibre casing it just FEELS like cheap plastic. Specs aside, you put any unibody Macbook on a table next to a Z, and the Macbook just looks classier and elegant by far.

I know that's quite a superficial way of looking at things, but when I'm paying $2000 or more for a laptop, it needs to look the part. That's the primary thing holding me back from the Z at the moment.

 

[jammydoug]

Hi
Is there a car charger that i can use with a sony vaio fw?i just bought a sony vaio from the fw series and i was wondering if anyone knew if there was a car charger that would be compatible with my notebook

 

[ippikiokami]

Have access to macbook pros at work and was on the line right before the macbook pros were updated but the 13 inch update disappointed me.

Ended up getting the Vaio Z. Was a little worried about the construction at first but I can tell you it's definitely the most well built laptop I've ever had. Of course if you have a solid chunk of metal like the Macbook Pros it's going to feel more sturdy but that also adds tons of weight. The Z is about 3 pounds and i've brought it on trips around the world with no problems at all. I'm constantly amazed everytime i pick it up how light it is. It really light to the point it adds to it's utility as I end up bringing it just in case to many situations where I would avoid bringing the extra weight of another laptop. The only other piece of tech that i've felt this way about is when I got an iPad.

 

[ReallyBigFeet]

apple has already abandoned mba, go get an ipad instead.

Honestly, I think this is the truth of the matter.

If it took THIS LONG to get around to a MBA update (assuming one is imminent), how long will it take for the successive generation to be released, if at all?

The iPad certainly appears to be Apple's future design for ultralight computing. Not the MBA.

 

[entatlrg]

Honestly, I think this is the truth of the matter.

If it took THIS LONG to get around to a MBA update (assuming one is imminent), how long will it take for the successive generation to be released, if at all?

The iPad certainly appears to be Apple's future design for ultralight computing. Not the MBA.

Yes, could very well be. If that's the case anyone wanting to do work or any kind of content creation on an ultra portable Apple device is going to be sorely disappointed. I am one of them.

It's interesting, the iPhone drew me to Apple a few years back and now it looks like the iPad could drive me away.

I'm disappointed, frustrated and a little bit sad about it. I really like Apple, am a huge fan of Steve Job's innovations and style. My friends call me an apple fan boy and I love it.

Now things have changed. iThis, iThat, App store mania.... and that's all good. Love my iPhone 4, like my iPad provided I just use it for couch surfing or gps and refrain from trying to do any real working or typing on it, then itgoes okay.

My MacBook Air with 2gb ram and short battery life isn't cutting it, tried a 13" MBP liked it but it's heavier than I prefer, same with the 15" MBP, I like it, but not a handy size for mobility.

I do not like to work on or reply to emails on a blackberry, iphone or ipad, nothing more than one line replies. I'm running a company that does a few million dollars a year in business so I need/want access to a computer I can take anywhere and do real work, from long emails, video files, technical drawings etc.

Also, a bit off topic but I have to mention anti glare screens, this is a must option for mobile equipment. There are times when bright light will be behind you, the mirror glass screen is unacceptable.

Try the anti glare screen on the 15" MBP, that has to be the best AG screen in the industry, meanwhile Apple is pumping out 27" ACD glossy screens and as I sit here now with a window behind me, sun shinning I'm getting damn sick of seeing cars go by behind me as I'm trying to get work done. It is distracting, how Apple neglects offer an AG option is unthinkable.

So here I am, iphone, ipad, mba, 15" MBP, Mac Pro and 24" ACD. All good for certain tasks.

A while back I tried a Sony Z11, HATED the screen, loved the computer. An odd experience I realize when Sony was known for good screens.... then I read the Z11 was made in USA and many complained about the screens and that the new Z12/13's are being made in Japan, the panels are different and much better .... so I tried a Sony Z again.

Right out of the box the screen was perfect and now I could give it a good try for a week.

It's three pounds and as powerful as my MBP and after a week I was used to it, keyboard, screen and once I got the trackpad settings right everything was and is going well.

I feel guilty saying this but for me this was a big discovery and I want to mention it....
*I realized my Sony Z could replace every Apple device I mentioned above*

Let me explain. I run into road blocks on my iPad all day everyday, sites I visit frequently use flash, and its not fast to type on, or hold to read. On the other hand the Z at 3lbs is very light, it's no harder to carry, I can do all my work on it, to couch surf or lay in bed and read the Z is FAR more comfortable to use, you don't have to hold it up.
For 'anywhere' computing including creation - Sony Z wins over iPad.

My MacBook Air compared to the Sony Z, 'nuff said, Winner: Sony Z.

15" MBP to my Sony Z. The 15" has a bigger, better screen. That's it. At near double the weight, lack of ports, sharp edges make typing in unnatural positions sore on the wrists ... Winner: Sony Z

Mac Pro - Sony Z, well for my needs if I buy an high end Anti Glare 24" IPS display and hook it up to my Z I'll be happier without the reflection like I get from the ACD. I don't really need my power sucking Mac Pro running, the little Z so far handles everything I throw at it. Plus my Z plays blue ray and has express card slot. For my needs, Winner: Sony Z.

I could write a story, 'How the Sony Z replaced all my Apple products.'

Think my post's intention is to slam Apple and promote Sony? You're wrong, I dislike Sony as a company, I envy Apple as a company. All Apple needs to do is come out with one simple killer ultra portable and this post is worthless.

My fear is they won't, it's iEverything right now, that sucks and that's why I wrote this post.

To go from Apple to Sony is a good move for my needs. With a usb internet stick in the Sony Z and a simple cell phone I can do my work faster, better and more simply than I can with all the Apply stuff I keep buying thinking the next one is really going to be 'it'. Well I found it, but it's made by Sony

 

[macbook123]

entatlrg, your post truly says what been on my mind for all this time. I'm very close to getting the Vaio Z as well, the only hesitation being around applications. How much did you have to invest in software to make it useable? In particular, assuming you're storing and editing photos under Windows 7, what do you use as a replacement for iPhoto? What about iMovie? Finally, does the iTunes compatibility work well with your iPhone?

 

[entatlrg]

For Applications it wasn't bad for me. We have some Windows software at our offices. I did buy Office 2010.

For now, since Win7 is new to me I researching what software to buy for Photo's / Video the selection is large, I'll probably go for what's current and most popular. It's also easy to get Adobe to switch you from a Mac to a Windows license.

iTunes works fine. Keep in mind I used to use my MBA for my iTunes, the Z is blistering fast compared.

If I go through with this I'll have a lot of Mac Products to sell. But I have to admit since I got the Sony I'd done nothing but use and enjoy it - everywhere. There's no sense resisting I suppose, I do love having ONE machine that can do everything.

 

[sparkie1984]

Hmmm

I was almost set to pull the trigger on a MBA but now I'm gonna check the Sony z out! I presume it's available in the uk?!

I'm begrudged to spend on old technology as much as I love the look of the air!

And as for iPad, it's pony! I have a 64gb 3G one and never use it, I don't use the apps and the one thing I want it for web browsing is terrible with constant page reloads!!!!!

Apple you need to sort this laughable situation out!

As others have said I guess it's all iapple nowadays. I say we have a mass email protest to sjobs! I'm sick of the bloody iPad and am actually gonna sell my iPad and current MacBook to buy a portable computer not iOS device.

 

[macbook123]

Now what about warranty issues? Rumor has it Sony is bad in that respect. A friend of mine had a Vaio 4 years ago and it was broken right away and she never was able to get Sony to fix it. Do any of you guys have more knowledge about the current situation?

 

[entatlrg]

Hmmm

I was almost set to pull the trigger on a MBA but now I'm gonna check the Sony z out! I presume it's available in the uk?!

I'm begrudged to spend on old technology as much as I love the look of the air!

And as for iPad, it's pony! I have a 64gb 3G one and never use it, I don't use the apps and the one thing I want it for web browsing is terrible with constant page reloads!!!!!

Apple you need to sort this laughable situation out!

As others have said I guess it's all iapple nowadays. I say we have a mass email protest to sjobs! I'm sick of the bloody iPad and am actually gonna sell my iPad and current MacBook to buy a portable computer not iOS device.

Well said. I have the same iPad as you and I'm fed up with it too.

Now what about warranty issues? Rumor has it Sony is bad in that respect. A friend of mine had a Vaio 4 years ago and it was broken right away and she never was able to get Sony to fix it. Do any of you guys have more knowledge about the current situation?

A mass email to Apple Customer Relations, or via their feedback page online or direct to sjobs@apple.com is a good idea.

Better yet a website dedicated to "outing Apple for their neglect on (former) key products" ... I sure could write a few good paragraphs for that and give example after example. We'd need a web designer ready and willing to work with us. Anyone interested?

Scotts you've been waiting as long as anyone, and you've written post after post with clear points and arguments, it's been a long wait. My concern is even if Apple updates the Air and/or 13" MBP what are we going to gain? What's your best guess? I know you've thought long and hard on the Z too, my opinion now is if you get a Z12 or 13 you'll be blown away.

I'm getting to like having 3usb ports, spaced properly and I'm using all three right now, one for a usb dongle and usb hard drives plugged into the other two. It's got the hdmi and it's handy to quickly plug into my 32" TV, no sharp edges so I can wrest my wrist on the palm rest between typing without getting red creases in my forearms, that's aggravating after a while ... the anti glare screen so far has been such a huge benefit too, I've been working in bright areas and don't miss the reflections....

Hope Steve Job's cruises MacRumors once in a while ... he probably does .... wouldn't matter anyway he'd be hanging out in the iPad and iPhone forums

 

[PAC88]

james bond uses a vaio z

end of story.

 

[CaoCao]

end of story.

We totally need to get Bond using a MBP or MBA. Or perhaps an Aston Martin with a Mac Mini computer as the brains

 

[Mike225]

We totally need to get Bond using a MBP or MBA. Or perhaps an Aston Martin with a Mac Mini computer as the brains

And here I thought British car electronics couldn't get any worse...

 

[ahlong]

the problem is not that we are not wanting to buy an apple product.. we are stupid (or I say loyal) enough to pay a premium for OSX... but we are not going to pay a premium to get very very outdated tech just because it's OSX...

and by very very outdated tech, I'm talking about the current gen MBA