The 13 inch MBP has always favored mobility and price over graphics so I don't know about the dedicated GPU. With Intel and Nvidia finally playing nice, who knows what will happen. Perhaps this is why the MBP hasn't been updated yet??? The Z Series is an amazing laptop, BUT your price is starting at almost 2 grand ($1995.00 IIRC) and you can spend up to $6,000 on a Z
Speed wise the available processors aren't much different from the 15 inch MBP, neither is the memory (size+speed+capacity), or storage options. The Vaio has a better screen resolution, but it it's too damned small at nearly 1900x1100. It is no more 'sharp' than the MBP but it does have a better anti-glare capability. I really like the glossy MBP screen far more. Like the MBP, it lacks Blu Ray (unless you buy it as a $1,000 option and at the time of his purchase, you could not get it with a certain upgrade which was IIRC the processor). It has an unusual cooling system like the MBP and utilizes the case itself as a heat dissipation tool and so it feels hot to the touch like the MBP. Like the MBP, it is also lacking some standard features that less expensive laptops have and so it can use an update like the MBP. The MBP and Vaio Z are both trend-setters, and in a few ways are competitors, although most users know which one they will buy before even looking at other models. Their styling is unique and without a doubt it adds to the computer's overall character. It is a beautiful laptop and definitely as durable as the MBP, but it is as much a statement as it is a laptop, and you only buy a Z if you want to spend money and get numerous luxuries that many users may not find important. Also, I do not know anyone who has a Z that has NOT had a Vaio prior that was not nearly as expensive. If I went with a Windows system, I would go for the Vaio Z.
Things it has which differs it from the MBP: Verizon and Sprint internal mobile broadband card, a PC AND SD slot on a 3lb computer, best current Blue Tooth, handsome color customization options, a VGA port (for the old tymers?), an i7 on a 3lb computer, HUGE amounts of free software, and HUGE amounts of 'junk' programs such as 30-day starter this and 'try this' programs that you don't want on a new computer as you bought a computer and not an advertisement.
Overall, it is probably the most powerful 3lb computer on the market and is one of the, if not the, best Windows based laptops money can buy. With that said, I like OS X more, feel the MBP has a more 'modern' style, and between OSX and the MBP hardware, the Mac has more features that I find to be 'necessary' and that in itself makes it the better choice for me. Is the Z really worth the cost of two to FOUR 13 inch MacBook Pros? I guess that comes down to personal opinion, but I know which one I prefer
