Gahhhh.... MacBook Pro 15" or Sony Vaio Z?

[fuzzybabybunny]

So I'm trying to decide between the two:

https://spreadsheets.google.com/pub...OTVFQ2hzcko5UXJ6bE03R1JKMEE&hl=en&output=html

I'm really, really stuck. I loved the lightweight of the Sony Z but don't like the fragile build quality and proprietary SSD that, even though they're in RAID, still stutter from time to time and offer no upgrade path.

The MacBook is more expense but has a beautiful screen. The graphics card is the same, but Mac has no games.

How well do Windows emulation programs work on Mac nowadays? Are they good enough for gaming?

 

[Kmax82]

So I'm trying to decide between the two:

https://spreadsheets.google.com/pub...OTVFQ2hzcko5UXJ6bE03R1JKMEE&hl=en&output=html

I'm really, really stuck. I loved the lightweight of the Sony Z but don't like the fragile build quality and proprietary SSD that, even though they're in RAID, still stutter from time to time and offer no upgrade path.

The MacBook is more expense but has a beautiful screen. The graphics card is the same, but Mac has no games.

How well do Windows emulation programs work on Mac nowadays? Are they good enough for gaming?

You can run Windows natively with BootCamp, and get full performance out of your system for games.

As for VMs, they are getting better and better.. but they still can't take newer FPS games.

 

[zerogear]

People on the notebook review forum got intel 1.8" drives to install on the vaio z. However you do need to remove the metal casing on the intel ssd and void the warranty. If you can import from Europe or something they have a hdd model sans the optical drive.

 

[airdata]

what are you going to be using the laptop for ?

 

[zerogear]

fuzzy - I find that my Vaio Z has a much better screen (1080p) than the MBP (2009), haven't seen the new 2010. Maybe you just prefer glossy screens to matte?

 

[vbuggy]

How the hell is the Macbook's screen better than the Z? Maybe the glass layer is proving a distraction in the showroom.

And the Macbook is less robust than the Sony. The Z may flex, but it's stronger in impacts.

I don't quite understand why in seeking a more robust machine, you're looking at the Apple. Go for a Lenovo X/T-series or an HP Elitebook.

 

[airdata]

I don't deal much w\ laptops, but once you get into the $2500 range I'd assume that you'd be getting some quality.. Which is why I asked what they're using it for is because $2500 is a little over kill for 95% of people.

I got my sister a pretty nice HP for graduation. i5-430m,4gb,500gb,17''led $800ish w\ 4 year warranty.

If I had $2000 to blow on a laptop I'd buy 2 similarly spec'd systems

 

[fuzzybabybunny]

How the hell is the Macbook's screen better than the Z? Maybe the glass layer is proving a distraction in the showroom.

And the Macbook is less robust than the Sony. The Z may flex, but it's stronger in impacts.

I don't quite understand why in seeking a more robust machine, you're looking at the Apple. Go for a Lenovo X/T-series or an HP Elitebook.

I find the Macbook's screen to just be nicer for photo work. Photos pop out more, colors are still very accurate.

The Sony Vaio Z is not robust. A small two foot drop inside of a laptop bag produced a vertical line across the screen. The thing turns on from standby on its own because the screen flexes and hits the keys if any amount of pressure is put on the screen, such as when inside a laptop bag.

Business class machines are horrible for photo work because the screens suck. Lenovo especially.

 

[fuzzybabybunny]

I don't deal much w\ laptops, but once you get into the $2500 range I'd assume that you'd be getting some quality.. Which is why I asked what they're using it for is because $2500 is a little over kill for 95% of people.

I got my sister a pretty nice HP for graduation. i5-430m,4gb,500gb,17''led $800ish w\ 4 year warranty.

If I had $2000 to blow on a laptop I'd buy 2 similarly spec'd systems

I'll be using it for processing hundreds or thousands of photos a day. My work is time sensitive as well. The CPU needs to be the fastest out there and an SSD is a requirement. Color accurate screen is an absolute must. Smaller size and lightweight are a huge plus because I'm always mobile and moving everywhere, which is why something robust is very much appreciated.

 

[airdata]

Between the 2 you listed, I'd go w\ the mac.

 

[coloumb]

I'll be using it for processing hundreds or thousands of photos a day. My work is time sensitive as well. The CPU needs to be the fastest out there and an SSD is a requirement. Color accurate screen is an absolute must. Smaller size and lightweight are a huge plus because I'm always mobile and moving everywhere, which is why something robust is very much appreciated.

Decision is easy - Mac.

 

[zerogear]

The new Vaio Z screen is aRPG 96% Full HD, as for an easy decision, it definitely isn't. Vaio Z is a much smaller package and lighter while being the same spec as the 15" Mac (Which is a lot HEAVIER). And I find that vaio Z (2010) is a lot more resistant to damage than MBP, since they reinforced the chassis as well the lid on the screen. I dropped my MBP once, and the mousepad cracked. I have yet to even scratch the lid on my Vaio Z.

Vaio Z is a much better buy for what you're looking for. As for stuttering on the SSD on the Vaio Z, I don't see it at all and I spend half my day processing photos in Lightroom. I prefer the Vaio Z to MBP 100x for photo processing. I have no idea about the older version of Vaio Z, but this current crop, VPCZ11 and VPCZ12 is definitely better than MBP.

 

[Chiefcrowe]

I'd vote for the Vaio!!

 

[fuzzybabybunny]

The new Vaio Z screen is aRPG 96% Full HD, as for an easy decision, it definitely isn't. Vaio Z is a much smaller package and lighter while being the same spec as the 15" Mac (Which is a lot HEAVIER). And I find that vaio Z (2010) is a lot more resistant to damage than MBP, since they reinforced the chassis as well the lid on the screen. I dropped my MBP once, and the mousepad cracked. I have yet to even scratch the lid on my Vaio Z.

Vaio Z is a much better buy for what you're looking for. As for stuttering on the SSD on the Vaio Z, I don't see it at all and I spend half my day processing photos in Lightroom. I prefer the Vaio Z to MBP 100x for photo processing. I have no idea about the older version of Vaio Z, but this current crop, VPCZ11 and VPCZ12 is definitely better than MBP.

I'm very confused now because the Vaio Z I had was the 2010 version. Mine was 2 months old. Scratches all over the aluminum screen. Imprints of the keyboard appear on the screen because of the tight fit. This is the one that developed problems after a 2 foot fall in a laptop bag. HDD stutters. Is it just because my work is more demanding on the laptop than your's? My friend has a Macbook Pro and it just feels so effing solid, being carved from a single aluminum block and all that.

 

[vbuggy]

I'm very confused now because the Vaio Z I had was the 2010 version. Mine was 2 months old. Scratches all over the aluminum screen. Imprints of the keyboard appear on the screen because of the tight fit. This is the one that developed problems after a 2 foot fall in a laptop bag. HDD stutters. Is it just because my work is more demanding on the laptop than your's? My friend has a Macbook Pro and it just feels so effing solid, being carved from a single aluminum block and all that.

I'm not entirely sure you know what you have. Looking at the questionable assumptions on the spreadsheet, I'm thinking maybe you are better off with an Apple.

 

[zerogear]

I'm very confused now because the Vaio Z I had was the 2010 version. Mine was 2 months old. Scratches all over the aluminum screen. Imprints of the keyboard appear on the screen because of the tight fit. This is the one that developed problems after a 2 foot fall in a laptop bag. HDD stutters. Is it just because my work is more demanding on the laptop than your's? My friend has a Macbook Pro and it just feels so effing solid, being carved from a single aluminum block and all that.

Well, TBH, seems like you already made your decision, so there is no real point in convincing you otherwise. Go for an Apple if you like it better.

Though there is a problem for some people with the keyboard imprints. I'm not sure about you but with my laptop came with a cloth that goes in the middle of the keyboard and the screen, but I've seen this problem on various kinds of laptops, MBPs included. It's not an isolated problem with the Vaio Z. Asides that though, unless excessive pressure is put on the lid, there is really no reason why the keyboard should hit the screen -- you might want to think about investing in a hard case, because if this is happening, to the Vaio Z, you might see the same thing on the MBP as well.

 

[zerogear]

Also, check this video out: http://b2b.sony.com/vaio/durability/durability_videos.html?vid=3

 

[fuzzybabybunny]

Well, TBH, seems like you already made your decision, so there is no real point in convincing you otherwise. Go for an Apple if you like it better.

Though there is a problem for some people with the keyboard imprints. I'm not sure about you but with my laptop came with a cloth that goes in the middle of the keyboard and the screen, but I've seen this problem on various kinds of laptops, MBPs included. It's not an isolated problem with the Vaio Z. Asides that though, unless excessive pressure is put on the lid, there is really no reason why the keyboard should hit the screen -- you might want to think about investing in a hard case, because if this is happening, to the Vaio Z, you might see the same thing on the MBP as well.

No, the decision has not been made. I loved the speed and weight of the Viao Z before it got destroyed, but having to send it in for warranty after just a month made me think twice about its robustness and would have me paying $300 more to get the accidental damage coverage. But if the MBP is NOT as robust as its fit and finish seems to suggest, I want to know as well. I'm just saying that for me the MBP seemed solid as a rock with no flex whatsoever. Looks like it could take more of a beating than the Viao Z.

 

[fuzzybabybunny]

Also, check this video out: http://b2b.sony.com/vaio/durability/durability_videos.html?vid=3

That screen flex doesn't inspire me with confidence.

All I can say is that mine dropped two feet while inside a laptop bag and the result was me not having a laptop for a week and a half while it was away for warranty work.

EDIT: And the replacement screen had a dead pixel to boot.

 

[zerogear]

That screen flex doesn't inspire me with confidence.

All I can say is that mine dropped two feet while inside a laptop bag and the result was me not having a laptop for a week and a half while it was away for warranty work.

EDIT: And the replacement screen had a dead pixel to boot.

The screen/lid is designed to be flexible, being rigid would actually increase the chances of it breaking due to pressure.

That's also an old model VGN-Z, the newer VPCZ has reinforced the lid even more. But I haven't seen anyone crazy enough to hold their new VPCZ11 by the lid only.

Edit: http://forum.notebookreview.com/sony/511578-how-replace-ssd-vaio-vpcz11-vpcz12-non-sony-ssd.html -- Replacing Vaio SSD with non-Sony one.

 

[fuzzybabybunny]

The screen/lid is designed to be flexible, being rigid would actually increase the chances of it breaking due to pressure.

That's also an old model VGN-Z, the newer VPCZ has reinforced the lid even more. But I haven't seen anyone crazy enough to hold their new VPCZ11 by the lid only.

Edit: http://forum.notebookreview.com/sony/511578-how-replace-ssd-vaio-vpcz11-vpcz12-non-sony-ssd.html -- Replacing Vaio SSD with non-Sony one.

Ok, this totally just dawned on me.

I see that the Vaio Z has a regular 500GB option. Is this 500GB a regular 2.5"? As far as I know there are no 1.8" 500GB drives. If the 500GB Vaio Z can hold a 2.5" drive, what's stopping me from taking it out and putting in a single 2.5" 128GB Indilinx drive or the like that doesn't stutter and can be upgraded even more in the future? I'd rather not deal with this proprietary RAID0 SSD silliness.

 

[electroju]

fuzzybabybunny, I am not sure what you are thinking about how sturdy a notebook should be. If you are going to throw the notebook computer like Frisbee or hit it hard on a table to draw attention to your self, you need reset your priorities. Any sturdy notebook will break when you do such things.

For any notebook computer, a fast processor in a small computer will produce a lot of heat because there is not enough area to move the heat. The Sony Vaio Z is too small for i7 -620M. The Macbook Pro 15 for that processor is also sits on the edge as being too small for that processor. For any 15 inch notebook computer, I will not buy any faster than a 2.4 GHz. For a 13 inch notebook computer, the processor speed should be no higher than 2 GHz. If time is expensive to you, go for the 17 inch notebook models because it can handle a fast processor that you are looking for. You will have to sacrifice the size, but it will give you what you need with out heat issues.

When notebooks includes RAID, the RAID is mainly software RAID. Software RAID penalizes the computer during reading and writing. It is not a good feature for notebooks because it has more chances of failure.

When using solid-state hard drives, do not forget to do back ups. There are hidden problems for solid-state like throughput. As you use the drive, its write throughput gets worst. Solid-state is not good when doing a lot of writes because it wear out fast. IMHO, regular hard drives are better because the maturity is good enough to be used in mobile environments.

I agree with others and go with a Mac.

 

[Emulex]

no kidding my old macbook air i can most certainly hold the screen without flex like that. and its thinner than that thing.

the laws of physics - everyone is stuffing more into small spaces - but they are also going extremely aggressive on downclocking everything to prevent a meltdown.

so while it's rated great. sitting out on a nice summer 80F day - you might be suprised that after 15 minutes - you've got an 800mhz toaster - or if you like it warm - or snuggle with a blanket - it's not going to go the distance. maybe 10-25 minutes but not as advertised all day.

plus you can always drop off your apple on sunday and have it back by mid-week - not sure how your sony store operates. you know in case you need to have it repaired quickly. lol.

 

[vbuggy]

That screen flex doesn't inspire me with confidence.

All I can say is that mine dropped two feet while inside a laptop bag and the result was me not having a laptop for a week and a half while it was away for warranty work.

EDIT: And the replacement screen had a dead pixel to boot.

The difference is one of perception and its opposition to a lowest-common-denominator consumer’s expectations. The Sony is designed to flex. The Apples are not. As a wise old Kung Fu master undoubtedly said to the student in some bullshit movie, 'bend like the bamboo shoot, little grasshopper' before taking down some guy superficially built like a brick outhouse.

The different engineering philosophy means that the Apple approach is better for pandering to the more ignorant whole’s expectations of durability. As I said, you, the OP, seem to fit into that category on looking at the spreadsheet and reading your previous posts on this matter regarding your concerns and what you consider to be functional superiority – and you may feel happier with the Apple. Go for it.

If you did what zero did on the Air (and this does not have the relatively fragile -even among glass frontages in general - glass frontage of the glossy 'Pro's), and it certainly bends less – but it stays bent.



You can bend it back, but that weakens the structure every time you do it. As for the lid flexing and marking the screen when you apply pressure on the centre – well, this has been an aspect of Sonys for some time and it’s a result of the different engineering philosophy to end up with a more durable machine which still pushes the bleeding edge in terms of weight. Compromises, my lowest-common-denominator-consumer friend - compromises.

 

[zerogear]

Ok, this totally just dawned on me.

I see that the Vaio Z has a regular 500GB option. Is this 500GB a regular 2.5"? As far as I know there are no 1.8" 500GB drives. If the 500GB Vaio Z can hold a 2.5" drive, what's stopping me from taking it out and putting in a single 2.5" 128GB Indilinx drive or the like that doesn't stutter and can be upgraded even more in the future? I'd rather not deal with this proprietary RAID0 SSD silliness.

There are 500GB SSD (2x256GB RAID) I believe that upgrade option costs about 1000$. As far as I know US doesn't offer a 2.5" HDD drive with no optical drive. There are ones available in JP and EU. They're fairly easy to take apart (Just unscrew all the screws on the bottom, make sure you mark where they are since they're not all the same size), and once you do that, you can swap to whatever drive you want. Hell, even if you have the SSD drive, you can open it up, buy a IBM HDD Caddy, and still put in a 2nd HDD or SSD in it.