VAIO TZ with 64GB SDD + 250GB HDD gets a ship date

Somewhat lost in Sony's massive CES VAIO spec bump was an update to the super hot (but generally overlooked) top-end VAIO TZ that features both an SSD and HDD, which allows you to speed up booting and other system tasks that rely on quick random reads by running Windows off the SSD while still being able to lug all your data around on the traditional hard drive. The no-compromises model got bumped to 64GB of SSD and 250GB of HDD, but we didn't know a ship date until now -- looks like Sony's taking pre-orders now on sonystyle.com for delivery in March. The new model also includes 2GB of RAM, a Sprint EV-DO card, fingerprint sensor, and external dual-layer burner, as well as the TZ's usual 11.1-inch XBRITE screen and 1.33GHz U7700 Core 2 Duo processor -- looks like the TZ isn't going to give up that "hottest ultralight" crown to the MacBook Air so easily, now is it?

[Thanks, Tim]

[Luzzio Posted Feb 11th 2008 11:57PM]

I've not personally used the TZ, but I do have the TX. Even that old model's a sexy beast.

[(Unverified) Posted Feb 12th 2008 12:21AM]

It's too bad that it runs windows.

[(Unverified) Posted Feb 12th 2008 6:13PM]

If only they upgrade graphic chip, I'm all for it.

I really want TZ model but got myself a SZ last year just because GMA950 on TZ is hardly call Vista capable. Beside GMA 950 is so dated, even for using with XP. X3500 has been released for desktop use for quite sometime. I expect it to land on laptop within next two quarters. And when that happen, this TZ2 series will look absolutely obsolete.

Why can't Sony upgrade to GM965 which has GMA 3100X? Not that they cannot afford to make one. They could increase the price if that's as issue. Potential customers for this TZ series are generally not price-conscious anyway.

[jahman Posted Feb 12th 2008 2:05PM]

I bought a Dell M1330 last November with a T7500(2.2GHz Core 2 Duo), 64Gb SSD, Toshiba backlit LED screen(it's gorgeous and so is the machine), internal HSDPA modem(fantastic connection possibilities), DVD writer, 3 years on-site and accidental damage for $3200 approx inc. taxes. So, a more powerful machine, better form factor(I think) and more than 4 months ahead of Sony and Apple. Looks like Sony is bringing up the rear behind Apple and Dell. Ok, it's a smaller form factor but it's much less powerful although the SSD will speed things up a little.

Much maligned as they are, Dell brings the latest tech for the best prices IMHO. Sony tech support sucks worse than Sony's too. From the stories I've heard I'll never touch a Vaio. Dell all the way.

[jahman Posted Feb 12th 2008 4:55PM]

Sony's service sucks worse than Dell's I meant to say.

[(Unverified) Posted Feb 13th 2008 1:12PM]

I've never been a fan of Sony. Their screens get destroyed really easily.
For $3000, no I would not buy the TZ. So what if you can get a lot better specs on the TZ compared to the MBA? Students would much rather go with the MBA. With $3000 you can buy a MBA and a desktop.
Personally, I love thinner. A nice screen with a great keyboard is so much better.

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 12th 2008 3:23PM]

Anyone using Vaio TZ notebook can check if bluetooth works ok??
especially BT headset?? I have problems connecting to bluetooth
headsets. tried 3 different brands. But BT works ok with my mouse
and gps. Any one can help me??? Using Widcom BT software

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 12th 2008 3:30PM]

Anyone owns Vaio TZ can tell me if the Bluetooth works OK. My TZ does not connect to headset. But it works with mouse and gps. I have Widcom BT software loaded. Can anyone help me on this???
The headset pairs fine, but unable connect. parameter is invalid error I am getting. I have tried 3 different headsets but no luck.
Thanks
Balan