Like we mentioned in
our hands-on impressions, the new
Z-series laptops from Sony are in many ways impressive, but in ultimate thinness they leave a bit to be desired. This is perhaps best demonstrated best by Journal du Geek's comparison shots here with the
MacBook Air. Sure, the Z wins all over the place on specs, with Centrino 2, discreet graphics, a full-size laptop hard drive bay, and what was that? Oh yeah, a Blu-ray drive. The Z also manages a smaller footprint, thanks in part to a smaller 13.1-inch screen in that shorter 16:9 aspect ratio, but also due to its slim bezels surrounding the screen and keyboard -- something the Air could do well to take note of -- but the actual 1-inch thickness seems dramatically fat compared to its ultrathin competition. Overall, it's all about what kind of laptop you're really gunning for, but if thin is the ultimate goal, you're going to be much better off with the
X300,
X200 or
Envy 133 on the PC side.
posted Jul 16th 2008 10:22AM
Discrete. Discrete graphics. They're not so subtle they're sneaking by you, are they? ;)
Somehow, I think Engadget likes to make all these "mistakes" to toy with people.
I suppose it could be a pun considering it's ultra-thins they're talking about.
how are these two in direct competition again?
vaio = awesomeness.
air = status symbol for the weak.
Sony VAIO runs windows. And the macbookair is useless. So both fail
...but you can replace the battery on a vaio...so a 2-1 victory to the Z.
Don't hate on Apple. It's coming for you too just embrace it.
I have a vaio FS, and a macbook....I dont hate on apple, the MBA is just utter toilet fluid.
The Sony should have been compared to the thin Lenovo.
Does the Sony come with a rootkit pre-installed, or you have to buy a SonyBMG audio CD to get that feature?
nice VGA port
And nice HDMI port to the left of it.
the new Z is a powerful beast with that would crush the macbook air. hopefully the macbook air will turn sideways and hope the Z doesn't see it.
these two are not competing with each other. the macbook air is essentially a coffee shop blogging laptop while the Z is a powerful multimedia device is destruction.
Don't hate on Apple. It's coming for you too just embrace it.
Ultraportable with OS X (and no hacks) means MacBook Air. It's that simple.
The Z is pretty impressive, but IMO the Lenovo X200 is also great.
12.1" screen (but with full size keyboard) paired with Centrino 2 and standard parts for a starting price of $1199. No optical drive, though.
IMO, it goes:
Style: MBA > Z > X200
Specs: Z > X200 > MBA
Price: X200 > MBA = Z
@ Fernando: Like a group of men in a prison shower?
From the article: "...but the actual 1-inch thickness seems dramatically fat compared to its ultrathin competition."
If you engineer better specs in a thinner body, let us know... Some seriously spineless writers out there, can't carry less then a few pounds. Either that or afraid of having their aerodynamics spoiled when they go for a quick dash to the doughnut store.
psh. viao wins.
seriously
who doesn't want a laptop with a big green button the lights up on the side?
total ADD market takeover
Not necessarily, it is meant to be a very powerful ultralight computer. Not a powerhouse overall, but a powerhouse ultra portable.
Sure the Macbook Air is thin. But in all other aspects it is a terrible computer. If you want a thin and light notebook the EEEPC and new Dell sub notebook are better deals.
The VAIO Z series is meant to be an all around powerhouse computer
Oh God...I feel dirty...but I will add a thought or two in defense of the MBA.
The MBA has a significantly higher resolution/larger screen than the eeepc, has a much larger keyboard, and slightly better battery. I would get a Macbook over the MBA, though, since yeah - for the price you pay, it's stupidly crippled.
However, comparing it to the eeepc is somewhat unfair. I mean, yeah, a Honda Odyssey will fit more schwag, get better mileage, and cost less than an Aston Martin, but to compare the two is not really fair.
@ Za
That's a poor comparison; are you suggesting that the MBA is a luxurious performance machine? Arguably luxurious, but certainly there's no performance to be had.
Honda Odyssey vs Lotus Elise.. maybe?
Elise is small, light, not very powerful. excellent handler and can be used to cut cake slices...no. wait...
The SONY Z505 was the answer to the macbook air.
Too bad it came years BEFORE THE MBA !!!!
Sony puts out cutting edge stuff long before anyone else does it, but since most of their stuff stays in Japan or southeast Asia, the world can't appreciate it.
Also, SONY doesn't mind putting skyhigh price tags on its new tech.
Viao - Windows
Air - OSX
Winner! - Macbook Air
compelling argument, you win with an extra dollop of clearly.
Let me show you this apple had I've seen somewhere:
Mac : Hi, I'm a mac
PC : And I'm a PC
Mac : Hey PC what are you doing?
PC : Playing some great games!
Mac : Which one?
PC : All.
OSX is pretty, but I personally dont like using it. So I would take XP over vista and OSX any day.
Let's see how well os-sucks does on the myriad of configurations that Vista works on, or any other MS operating system for that matter. The problem with this argument is simple, apple run on their own (proprietary) hardware, it won't successfully operate as advertised on any other hardware. Vista, and XP run on all manner of hardware configurations from all manner of manufacturers. When apple are in the same position (which will be never) then your statement will be taken for more than some mindless dribble from some prepubescent mindless drone. If you did a cost comparison between these units, you'd see how ridiculously overpriced the apple POS really is. You're paying a shitcan full of money for that operating system.
Air - OSX
Viao - Windows, Linux, OSX
Ryan, I agree with you completely. Vista is a poorly designed operating system crippling engineers putting out great products, hardware-wise. There is a reason Voodoo/HP have started doing things like their instant-on OS and the all-in-one touch screen using proprietary software. Dell is telling MS to shove it as well with their netbook competitors announced with Linux.
MS needs to pull it together; the simple fact is that Windows Vista, despite a significantly higher operating overhead than Windows XP [which I love] doesn't actually DO MORE. That is a concern, which is why Vista is already a lame duck OS - Windows 7 has been announced, and the release date for that is ASAP. Vista's not going to have an 8 year reign like Windows XP.
XP was a huuuge jump from Win98/ME and is still rock solid, properly configured. Vista isn't much of an upgrade over XP. That's unfortunate considering how long they've had.
Also, Macro, it should read:
Vaio: Windows/Linux
MBA: OSX/Windows/Linux
You can't legally run OSX on anything but an Apple product. I am not going to get into whether that is good or bad, just stating that you can't do it legally. Furthermore, you cannot assume software updates will work on your Hackintosh.
Uhh, the Air can run windows and linux too, so that's a draw actually ;)
Well ... huh... You can't cut cake with the vaio. Ha! Take this Z-serie!
The Macbook would be a better comparison(or even 15" Pro). We know nothing is thinner than the Macbook Air, but thinness is overrated compared to features and the Sony Z series is pretty damn thin enough for a laptop not best known for its thinness.
Let me show you this apple had I've seen somewhere:
Mac : Hi, I'm a mac
PC : And I'm a PC
Mac : Hey PC what are you doing?
PC : Playing some great games!
Mac : Which one?
PC : All.
Mac: Hi I'm a Mac
PC: Hi I'm a PC
Mac: Look how thin I am
PC: You know thats really not healthy
Mac: Look how thin I am!
PC: Seriously, it messes up your body, means theres all sorts of things you can't do like...
Mac: LOOK HOW THIN I AM!
@Phil Perman,
that would make a great commercial! "thin" is highly overrated. being "fit" is better
Don't hate on Apple. It's coming for you too just embrace it.
Damn reply system...
Uhhh... only problem is that these things are about the size of Macbooks, not Macbook Airs. Lighter, but dimensions compare to the Macbook, not the Air.
The sony is the weight and cost of an air, but almost twice the volume - it's about the size of the regular macbook. There are better computers to compare it against.
Sony: 12.4 x 0.96-1.3 x 8.3
volume = 116 cubic inches
mass = 3.3 lbs
Macbook: 12.78 x 8.92 x 1.08
volume = 123 cubic inches
mass = 5 lbs
MBA volume = ~65 cubic inches (conservative estimate; it's curvy so it's hard to measure)
mass = 3 lbs
Z vs Air? That's not fair. It should be EEE 700 series vs Air.
Umm... "404 - Not Found" on the picture link...
Of course its not even a fair comparison.
The Z and Air start at around the same price at the base config, so I'm picking the Z by far.
Do you seriously need a notebook as thin as the MBA when the Z is slightly thicker but has MUCH MUCH MUCH more functionality?
MBA is really to show off, but a Z can do that as well, both are nice looking laptops.
Why is everyone calling it the Viao??
VAIO.
Anyway, it would be a tough choice between the MBA and Vaio Z-series lappie. But I'd go with the Vaio for a sole computer. Dad seems to be doing fine with his.
MBA wins hands down...
Most people really don't care about the features you guys are harping on about.
The MBA is simple, stylish, and provides just enough to make it a competent laptop for the average user. Maybe not the tech geeks on Engadget who don't represent the market but that doesn't matter.
What matters is what the public thinks and what they buy.
why would an "average" user spend 1500 quid on an poorly specced machine to be average on. when a 500 note acer or 600 note mac book for that matter can do the same?
market representation my left arse cheek.
the air is lovely to look at, granted.
but
sony for the win.
The problem is, the MBA is not a competent laptop... It's so underpowered.
Yea, Apple has always been about what the public thinks while 'geeks' know many alternatives that are way better, but how is that a good thing? You like it if everyone will be fooled to buy an inferior product? That's hypocritical!
yes, because the public are simple minded people who rather go for looks than functions on a laptop that costs the same. if only the public knew better, they wouldn't go for an OSX
I'm simply saying people know what they like and what they want.
I don't own a MBA but I can see the appeal of it and truth be told if HP or Dell came out with something just as stylish but had decent features like this Z series from sony I'd be all over it.
@ Kespar
What makes it underpowered?
uuh, processor, memory, storage size, HD capability (or lack of), graphics card.
not too much really.
im sure you can look up the rest of the specs.
I have these photos on a flash drive - wanna burn it to CD for me? Oh...sorry.
I have files on this memory card - want to upload them for me? Oh...gotcha - no card reader.
The list goes on - I've sold laptops while working at Circuit City in college and yeah...more than one USB port is important to even basic users. Also, pretty much all laptops over $500 in store come with built-in card readers. Also useful. Additional battery capability? Another issue.
Come on, mate, you can't be serious. I have a Macbook, my sister a Powerbook, and my parents an iMac, but none of them have been crippled like this thing.
Ultimately the Sony would win for me, thin laptops for me, are a gimmick. I don't care as long as the laptop is at least around an inch or under thick. Because seriously what laptop bags are there around that could carry the MBA, but not the Z-series? None whatsoever, it's has a small enough footprint to classify as an ultraportable and as long as it isn't more then 2 inches thick or weighs over 8 pounds you're really not going to have much of a problem using it wherever you need.
I don't really get the 'more portable' argument for the MBA, simply put, it's impractical and for the reasons listed above both these laptops will be just as easy to move around as each other.
But does the Z fit in a manilla envelope!??!?
People still think the macbook air is a decent laptop? What kind of idiot would actually praise a laptop thats basically got nothing inside for about $2,000? That laptop is a total failure, and will go down with the likes of the g4 cube.
For about 1/6 the price, I could get an MSI Wind that actually comes with more than one USB port and ethernet......and a bunch of other things......doesnt matter how 'slim' it is, its still wide, so a big bag/carrying case would be needed. Im surprised how many stupid apple fanboys are out there holding that laptop so highly.
With all that said, the macbook air gets pisses all over by almost any laptop today, especially so by this sony vaio z, and even more so imo, by the Vaio TZ.
Don't hate Apple. It's coming for you too just embrace it.
Why are you making the comparison, Engadget??? It's like comparing a Mini Cooper with a Mercedes... wtf...
Price points, for one.
Also, because for some reason, every laptop just has to be compared to the MBA.
Yeah ! the MAcbook AIR cuts cake!
TAKE THAT SONY!
YEAH the VAIO is faster then Leopard...
TAKE THAT APPLE!
In your dreams that Vaio is faster then the Air on leopard. Maybe if you throw Leopard on the Vaio it would be faster then the Air then because of the stronger specs obviously. But any underpowered laptop running vista is not going to be faster I am sorry.
I wish Apple would make a Macbook Pro just like the Sony Z (but OSX of course)
Remember, Sony Z can run OSX (or most any other flavour of Unix to that matter). It is Apple that does not allow you to do this because it wants to charge you a premium for its own hardware.
amen to that.
Lilo, I don't think you understand. It is in Apple's best interest to tie the OS to hardware. I am not saying I agree with it. However, if they were to release the OS for general consumption, untethered to hardware, they would lose many of the benefits that come with hardware integration, such as guaranteed compatibility/seamless syncing, and so on.
To me, it's like saying, "Well, the Toyota Corolla is nice, but it'd be nicer if it had a Corvette engine in it. Toyota should release a Corolla with a Corvette engine."
Of course it's in their interest, but is it in ours? Hell no. Microsoft receive a lot of stick for a lot of various things however Apple should literally be the jokes of the computer industry for not offering their operating system for sale by itself (it shows a lack of confidence for one since it shows they're not sure whether it can stand on its own merits). Yet for some reason they aren't, and it's because of what I see as a marketing miracle making overpriced goods look in the eyes of the consumer as 'the only' alternative to Microsoft, when in reality they aren't and you can get better then Apple by a 3 second google search
BRD on a 13.1" screen? Seriously? Who wants to watch HD on a 13.1" screen? Good luck with battery life when playing those BRDs. Oh, do people still use optical drives on a regular basis on laptops? Sounds more like marketing scheme to push more laptops.
Yes. People use optical drives. That's why people knock on the Air, and justifiably so. Sony was able to fit a DVD burner in the T-series 4 years ago, in a smaller form factor than the MBA.
ummm hdmi output....?
LOL at Kespar's reply.
PWNED.
as a proud owner of both a TX-170P and TZ-790N.. vaio t(x/z) series ultra portable laptops are hands down the most pimped out and stylish notebooks on the market (IMHO).. for the small size, and power, nothing comes close..
macbook air.. pshhhhhh.. please..
@Fernando
The Sony Z is an "underpowered laptop"? I'm willing to bet when fully configured that thing will way outperform your desktop. 2.53GHZ Core 2 Duo Processor, 4GB DDR3-1066 memory, 64GB SSD x 2 in RAID 0, DVD Burner. No way the MBA will outperform the Vaio Z, even with Vista. Vista is only a problem with < 3GB memory and a slow processor. Only thing lacking is the 9300GS but thats still ridiculous on a 13.1" ultraportable.
Oh and MBA is not useful for the "average" user because it lacks ethernet, a DVD drive, only has one USB, no user replaceable battery, etc. in addition to having no computing power (and the inability to play any games due to OSX) whatsoever.
Next up, Engadget compares your home phone to the iPhone, your desktop to the MBA, your home stereo to the iPod, and the firmware powering your TV to OSX.
Seriously, if the price point is the only comparable point here, this article is utterly wasted space. Apple fans can say all they want about comparing new tech to the MBA as legitimate, but there is no way on earth that these two laptops are aimed at the same market. Just like how Casio doesn't market its watches at Rolex buyers, Kia doesn't market its cars at Bugatti drivers, and Sony doesn't market its laptops at MBA users.
Engadget is just proof that Apple's marketing works, and that professionalism in journalism is optional "because it's just a blog".
You're right, the price point is the only comparable point because the MBA sucks in just about every regard.
Me want Sony.
Both are winners....but for different competitions. Sony already said they weren't going after the thinness crown because they tried that (with the X505) and the feedback, while good, was that most people didn't want a device with too many limitations.
While, the MBA has less limitations than the X505, it's still limited...or let's say "less flexble" in many respects compared to modern laptops. However, it does meet the needs of a certain "type" of consumer (as did the X505) and it's a winner for those types who aren't looking for an all-in-one type notebook with a touch of sophistication.
The new Z seems like a more attractive choice for the person who doesn't want to sacrifice anything but still wants that same ultrathin, ultralight mobile workstation also with some sophistication. Arguably, it's going to appeal to a more wider audience (which makes more sense for the bean counters).
So, both winners in my book. I'm getting a Z though. :-)
The Sony is clearly the winner, but it's simply the OS that would keep me away (and I'm not that into Linux as an alternative). The MBA is a really svelte little piece, but Apple should've really considered making it smaller than the regular Macbook (which has a slightly smaller footprint) and maybe forgetting the thinness angle and simply touting the ultralight Mac. People would've eaten that shit up.
What is with the propaganda against Vista?? I have to admit that I at one point believed that OSX was better and that I would stick with XP if I got a new laptop! But, I bought a Mac, was unimpressed with the amount of software available, so I sold it to some other schmuck. My new VAIO came with Vista, and I'm very impressed. The updated GUI and addtional functions that come with Home premium blow XP out of the water. Sure I can't use my old AllToMP3 converter, so what?, I got a new one.
You mac fans need to calm down with your hate on windows. All of the music production software that I run on windows, performs much better than it did on that macbook pro i got rid of.
If this thing is an inch thick, then wouldn't the regular MacBook be a better comparison? I've heard people talk trash about the MacBook Air, but these are usually people who would be better served by one of Apple's other laptops. Apple would have no reason to make a competitor to one of their own machines.
But does it cut cake?
I'm really laughing my ass off. WHy are macbook fans so into ultra thin laptops. THey are just disillusioning themselve from the main purpose of a laptop computer which is functionality with portability. It's like "OO I want a MBA cause it's so thin and sexy." These are people who are just either too stupid or too brainwashed by Apple's "greatness".
Another interesting thing is that if pc's were to create a thinner laptop than the macbook air. I think those mac fans will start scrutinizing the thinner pc and trying to defend their mba.
"Oh yeah, a Blu-ray drive."
lol yup that'll do it
1600X900 on a 13.1" laptop. Done and done. That is insane and alone would make me purchase this over an Air. Not to mention the rest.
What about the Toshiba R500? Surely that is another computer that should be offered for comparison. The stats say it's 1kg and mobile marked to 8.5 hours!
Love my Vaio. Teed off that screen started showing light patches (making documents difficult to read) just after guarantee had expired. Need new screen. Apparently par for the course, I've been told. 8(
Can we hope newer Vaios have a longer lasting screen?