Poll: Sony Z-series vs. MBP 13"

[unagimiyagi]

I really don't see any area where the Z wins except weight.

But a low weight is easy to come by if you build it flimsy. And make no mistake about it, this is what the Z is despite is space age fiber composite things.

The mbp is cheaper by a longshot. It also has markedly better battery life, and the screen doesn't have some sort of wavy line feature compared to the sony vaio z. You may not notice it, but once you do (you have been warned), it very well could annoy you. Go to a store and pick a Z up in your hands and move it around. You'll see wavy lines start to appear. It's exaggerated, but you'll see this when your eyes dart around the screen. It's a design flaw that Sony won't fix.

 

[lilo777]

you forgot some stuff

(os x) (windows 7)

As you know full well most people will say that Windows 7 wins in this comparison

(aluminum unibody)(plastic)

That's nonsense. Vaio Z chassis are built of carbon fiber and aluminum. This is the reason why Vaio Z is lighter than MBP.

(magsafe power supply)(something typical non magnetic)

That's a marginal advantage.

lol if you consider it, if apple added $700 to the labtops price it would be higher then those sony specs, but its making macs more affordable to more people =D

Oh the irony! Affordable Macs VAIO Z is an engineering marvel. A "revolutionary" laptop as some people would say It's not obvious if Apple has this level of expertise in miniaturization. Remember Sony has been a leader in designing and manufacturing small electronics for decades.

 

[tigress666]

As you know full well most people will say that Windows 7 wins in this comparison

Would they? I suppose since more software is made for it. Thing is if you are on this forum, you most likely will prefer OSX and this question is probably from POV of someone who prefers OSX. Otherwise, why would you even consider macbook vs. sony viao? Unless the macbook has that good of casing that even though you're paying partly for the fact it can run an OS other laptops "cannot" (least not without hacking) it is worth it just to run an OS it was not designed for?

Ultimately, the reason I go with a macbook is OSX. That alone is why I barely consider a pc laptop. I'd have to actually need to upgrade and Apple have a completely crappy offering compared to the PC laptops for me to go ahead and go windows. It's not that I totally hate windows, it's that I've only ever used one Windows that didn't ultimately piss me off (XP). I hear 7 is pretty good too but I've never used it and really don't care if I do or not cause I like OSX and the difference between laptops wasn't enough to convince me to try 7.

I don't know about the Sony as I've never used it. But I do know it is the case design and "small things" I really do appreciate about my laptop (ignoring OS). Stuff like the 10 hour battery (which is one of the big things that helped me bite the bullet and upgrade from my 3 year old Macbook), the glass trackpad (wanted one ever since they came out with it... why do PC laptops always have tiny trackpads anyways?), the lighted keyboard, and the screen is gorgeous (this is more macbook vs. macbook pro but I much prefer the black border around the screen than the white plastic). And I love the magnetic power plug thingy. Plus the fact the laptop is so thin and portable. No, it may not be the fastest laptop out there, but it overall is a very good package if you consider not just the speed and graphics but the actual laptop part. And for laptops, case does matter a lot as you're stuck to using what it gave you, at least when you're taking advantage of the portable part.

 

[lilo777]

I really don't see any area where the Z wins except weight ...

Let me help you here. Here are some performance scores for two laptops from laptopmag.com (VAIO Z vs MBP 13):

PCMark Vantage 9,936 4,164
LAPTOP File Transfer Test 127.00MBps 29.10MBps (18.40 in BOOT Camp)
3DMark06 (Speed) 6,203 4,754
Wireless Test (15 feet) 44.30Mbps 26.40Mbps

In short, as far as performance is concerned, VAIO Z is in a totally different class.

 

[UltraNEO*]

I've been hearing lots of people urging Apple to include higher resolution options on the MBP 13", add a faster processor, etc. Sony's Z-series laptop offers almost exactly what people been asking for: a faster processor, higher resolution, even a lighter overall weight. However, as soon as somebody points this out, everybody begins to suddenly defend the MBP 13" again. I haven't yet seen a poll for this so I decided to make one.

Macbook Pro 13" base model (Sony Vaio Z-series laptop base model):
2.4GHz C2D (i5-540M 2.53GHz; Turbo Boost 3.06GHz)
250GB SATA 5400rpm (128GB [64GBx2] SSD RAID0)
4GB 1066MHz DDR3 SDRAM (4GB 1066MHz DDR3 SDRAM)
13.3-inch LED-glossy 1280x800 (13.1" 1600x900 w/ anti-reflective coating)
Mac OS X v10.6.3 (Win7 Home Premium 64-bit)
iLife: Photo, iMovie, GarageBand, iWeb (Adobe Bundle: Premiere Elements, Photoshop Elements, Acrobat Standard)
256MB shared GeForce 320M (1GB discrete GeForce GT 330M GPU)
SD slot, 2 USB 2.0, FireWire 800, Mini DisplayPort (3 USB 2.0, VGA, HDMI, ExpressCard/34 slot, MemoryStick, SD slot)
10 hours battery (7 hours battery)
Multi-touch trackpad (touchpad)
4.5 lbs. (3.04 lbs.)
$1199 ($1919)

Now, before I ask the question, don't forget the Macbooks (as of now) still come with the free iPod (or up to $199 rebate) and a free printer (up to $99 rebate) so, depending on what you're looking for, that essentially "equals" paying less by about $250 (after taxes have been applied). Also, knowing that this is a Mac-forum, I expect most of the replies to be biased toward Apple's MBP but at the same time there is no denying that Sony has created a beast of a 13" laptop. SO! After seeing these specs side-by-side, which laptop would you buy?
(For the sake of leveling the playing field, let's say you have $1550 saved up)

How is it possible to weigh them side by side? One's a C2D and the other a Core i7; are they even in the same category? I feel it's like comparing apples and oranges. Personally, if you like the MacOS then go with the Mac. If you prefer Windows better, then go with the PC. It's that simple.

However, if you was thinking of the Sony Z with quad SSD's and Blu-ray... Then that's a slightly different argument entirely - don't think you can physically get them into a MBP.

BTW, incase your interested. Here's my recent order... Can't wait for the thing to arrive, e.t.a. 3-4wks

 

[DVD9]

Toshiba - Portege Laptop / Intel® Core™ i3 Processor

This should have been a three choice poll.

The Toshiba is only $829 at Best Buy and weighs just 3.2 pounds.
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[GamecockMac]

As you know full well most people will say that Windows 7 wins in this comparison

As you well know, that's utter B.S. But we've come to expect nothing more from you.

 

[lilo777]

As you well know, that's utter B.S. But we've come to expect nothing more from you.

Is this a new sort of conspiracy? Are you suggesting that 95% of computer buyers who buy Windows-based computers are somehow coerced into choosing Windows over OS X?

 

[entatlrg]

This should have been a three choice poll.

The Toshiba is only $829 at Best Buy and weighs just 3.2 pounds.
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Toshiba Protege? LOL ... you're referring to the notebook that has the horrible screen, small awkward keyboard, and runs SUPER hot.

 

[lilo777]

Toshiba Protege? LOL ... you're referring to the notebook that has the horrible screen, small awkward keyboard, and runs SUPER hot.

I am not sure which Portege the original poster had in mind but if we look at Portege R700 it does have some advantages on MBP 13. It's much lighter (3.2 pounds vs 4.4), more powerful in PCMark (but has weaker graphics). As far as temperature is concerned, out of three points on the chassis measured by laptopmag.com, MBP had higher temperature on two of them.

 

[chuckflip53]

How is it possible to weigh them side by side? One's a C2D and the other a Core i7; are they even in the same category? I feel it's like comparing apples and oranges. Personally, if you like the MacOS then go with the Mac. If you prefer Windows better, then go with the PC. It's that simple.

Of course I can compare them - the processor is one of the first things I listed.
MacOS is one of the biggest points people make - however, the point of this entire thread was not based on the difference between Windows/OSX. The point was to respond to many users' calls for greater internal specs on the MBP 13", questioning "why Apple can't include an i5/i7" or a "higher resolution option" on the MBP 13". However, Sony's Z laptop - despite all of these superior internal specs - still lags in the poll. The people eventually remain loyal to the MBP despite its lesser specs.

 

[UltraNEO*]

Of course I can compare them - the processor is one of the first things I listed.
MacOS is one of the biggest points people make - however, the point of this entire thread was not based on the difference between Windows/OSX. The point was to respond to many users' calls for greater internal specs on the MBP 13", questioning "why Apple can't include an i5/i7" or a "higher resolution option" on the MBP 13". However, Sony's Z laptop - despite all of these superior internal specs - still lags in the poll. The people eventually remain loyal to the MBP despite its lesser specs.

Perhaps it's more to do with it's price tag. Ain't your listed Sony like almost 2k?
And that's the entry level version without all the flim-flam. How much is the MBP with all the add-ons?

WOW, How much is the RAM from Apple

 

[HLdan]

Is this a new sort of conspiracy? Are you suggesting that 95% of computer buyers who buy Windows-based computers are somehow coerced into choosing Windows over OS X?

Nope, but they are generally forced to from either their job or their bank account which makes them choose a cheap common PC. And get your facts straight buddy, Windows doesn't have 95% of the computer buying world.

 

[lilo777]

Nope, but they are generally forced to from either their job or their bank account which makes them choose a cheap common PC. And get your facts straight buddy, Windows doesn't have 95% of the computer buying world.

OK, according to latest data from Netmarketshare (July 2010):

Windows 90.67 %
OS X - 4.3 %

 

[DVD9]

Toshiba Protege? LOL ... you're referring to the notebook that has the horrible screen, small awkward keyboard, and runs SUPER hot.

Read the reviews of the best laptop coolers at Amazon. Seems eight out of ten reviews are from MBP owners looking in vain for something to cool down their aluminum grill pan.
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[HLdan]

OK, according to latest data from Netmarketshare (July 2010):

Windows 90.67 %
OS X - 4.3 %

Excellent find! Does that make you feel better now? Do you feel all warm and fuzzy? Too bad most people don't actually buy Windows off the shelf. This constant hatred for Apple's products that you have has become dull, lifeless and tired and everybody here knows your name and who you are and the agenda you have. Good thing none of your advice actually sways anyone here nor does it help.

 

[entatlrg]

Read the reviews of the best laptop coolers at Amazon. Seems eight out of ten reviews are from MBP owners looking in vain for something to cool down their aluminum grill pan.
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I'm on vacation at my cottage and very honestly spent the whole day outside on my deck with my shorts on, using my 13" MacBook Pro until the battery ran low and then my wife's 15" MBP on my bare legs, flat on my lap, NO heat problem whatsoever. So I'll take your post and those comments with a grain of salt ...

Anyone else able to use their MBP on your lap, or are you all getting burned as they state on Amazon?

I don't know ... maybe other computer manufactures and Microsoft hire trolls to post poor remarks about Apple products

Sure if you're editing video and really pushing it then it gets pretty warm, especially at the one bottom corner. But what laptop doesn't get hot when you're doing heavy lifting? The windows machines get equally warm and the ones I've used blow so much hot air out the sides you can't use them on your lap.

 

[lilo777]

Excellent find! Does that make you feel better now? Do you feel all warm and fuzzy? Too bad most people don't actually buy Windows off the shelf. This constant hatred for Apple's products that you have has become dull, lifeless and tired and everybody here knows your name and who you are and the agenda you have. Good thing none of your advice actually sways anyone here nor does it help.

I am glad we agreed that people do prefer Windows by a huge margin. I am not sure why you felt the need to comment on my feelings for Apple. That was not the subject of this thread.

 

[HLdan]

I am glad we agreed that people do prefer Windows by a huge margin. I am not sure why I felt the need to comment on my feelings for Apple. That was not the subject of this thread.

LOL, you must've just took something for pain because I certainly didn't agree with you about that, nor would I ever agree with you about anything. What I do agree with other people here however is that they know you have an agenda to sway the Mac community away from Apple's products with your consistent display of daily Apple hate.

 

[lilo777]

LOL, you must've just took something for pain because I certainly didn't agree with you about that, nor would I ever agree with you about anything. What I do agree with other people here however is that they know you have an agenda to sway the Mac community away from Apple's products with your consistent display of daily Apple hate.

OK, I am not going to insist. Then, perhaps we can agree that people prefer OS X but are forced to buy Windows for one reason or another.

 

[HLdan]

I am glad we agreed that people do prefer Windows by a huge margin. I am not sure why you felt the need to comment on my feelings for Apple. That was not the subject of this thread.

OK, according to latest data from Netmarketshare (July 2010):

Windows 90.67 %
OS X - 4.3 %

I see, but was this the subject of this thread? I could've sworn the thread title was about the Sony Z vs. the MBP 13", not the market share of Windows vs. the Mac OS.

 

[Covart]

I am glad we agreed that people do prefer Windows by a huge margin. I am not sure why you felt the need to comment on my feelings for Apple. That was not the subject of this thread.

Do people prefer Windows over OSX, or is it the simple fact that they really have little choice in the matter? If you want an HP, Dell, Sony, etc, it comes with Windows pre-installed. I don't see that as prefering Windows over any other operating system though, but it does make people familiar with it and therefore less likely to try something new.

 

[lilo777]

I see, but was this the subject of this thread? I could've sworn the thread title was about the Sony Z vs. the MBP 13", not the market share of Windows vs. the Mac OS.

I was rebutting someone else's argument that VAIO Z was worse than MBP because it ran Windows as opposed to MBP's OS X. The stats clearly show that people do prefer Windows by a wide margin and therefore the argument was not valid. So yes, I did stick with the thread's subject. I always try to

 

[DVD9]

I'm on vacation at my cottage and very honestly spent the whole day outside on my deck with my shorts on, using my 13" MacBook Pro until the battery ran low and then my wife's 15" MBP on my bare legs, flat on my lap, NO heat problem whatsoever. So I'll take your post and those comments with a grain of salt ...

Anyone else able to use their MBP on your lap, or are you all getting burned as they state on Amazon?

I don't know ... maybe other computer manufactures and Microsoft hire trolls to post poor remarks about Apple products

Sure if you're editing video and really pushing it then it gets pretty warm, especially at the one bottom corner. But what laptop doesn't get hot when you're doing heavy lifting? The windows machines get equally warm and the ones I've used blow so much hot air out the sides you can't use them on your lap.

I was really surprised at the frequency of posts by Apple owners at Amazon. If I recall correctly most seemed to be owners of 17" MBP models.

I just waded through the cesspool that are Best Buy customer reviews (why the degradation between Amazon and BB customer reviews?) for the Toshiba in question, and it is one corner hot spot, which a couple of reviewers flagged as when it's plugged in. This does not seem to be a "super hot" laptop by any means.

It does not have a backlit keyboard so it won't work for me (deal breaker), but I thought I would throw it into the discussion since it matches Sony's size/weight ratio for less than half the price, and almost $400 less than the Mac.

I believe this will portend a wave of 3 pound 13" laptops and I would think some far lighter 15" models too.

Apple will have to go on a weight reduction plan for their next design (and when is that due to arrive?) or else see the MBP labeled as a lead weight.
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[DVD9]

Do people prefer Windows over OSX, or is it the simple fact that they really have little choice in the matter? If you want an HP, Dell, Sony, etc, it comes with Windows pre-installed. I don't see that as prefering Windows over any other operating system though, but it does make people familiar with it and therefore less likely to try something new.

It's not as if Sony, Dell and others can choose to install OSX. Apple pulled the plug there without ever licensing to the big players in the PC market.

What Apple should do is design -soon- a new line of laptops -say the Mac Book Nano- that have the power of the Pros but the weight of the Sony Z across the line. 13" three pounds, 15" four pounds, 17" five pounds.

Then Apple could maintain the Pro line but slash the price to increase market share. They should also get rid of the Mac Book and make a $600 netbook with a backlit keyboard instead of bricking Dell Mini's.
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