I’m in trouble- I found a SonyStyle store near me
I have been to the local Apple store too many times in recent days given my MacBook Pro troubles. One unexpected benefit of making the Apple trek was discovering there is a huge SonyStyle store just feet away from the Apple store in the local mall. When I visited Apple last weekend I made a special pass through the SonyStyle store and found some cool stuff that I am going have a look at next time I pass that way and if they’ll let me I’ll blog what I find.
The first really cool thing I saw when I was in the store was the Vaio TZ notebook. This is a notebook computer that will give the MacBook Air a run for its money in the small and thin department. The TZ was a lust-worthy notebook with its 11.1 inch LED screen and carbon fiber casing that makes this thinner and lighter than I though possible. The keyboard is to die for and if money is no object the TZ is a road warrior’s dream. There are several SSD options and integrated WWAN so this could be absolutely sweet, although you’ll need to take a second mortgage out to afford one. The Premium model has all of the above along with a 64 GB SSD, a 250 GB hard drive and an external optical drive in this tiny package. I’ll get some photos of the TZ next trip into the SonyStyle store.
The second thing I saw that impressed me is the new Sony Reader. I must admit that the legibility of the e-Ink screen was much better than that of the Kindle and I can see this working even in the low lighting areas in my house. I was also taken with how much smaller that Reader is compared to the Kindle and while there is no option for purchasing ebooks from the device like the Kindle can do it is a very nice ebook reader. I’ll try to get some photos that compares the screen of the new Sony Reader with the Kindle when I visit the store next time. One thing is for certain, I am going to leave my credit card at home when I visit the SonyStyle store in the future. It’s a matter of survival. 
The Kndle displays four levels of grey, the newer Sony Reader does eight. Perhaps that’s the difference?
I’ve been drooling over the Sony TZ for a couple of years now, James. If only I could afford it! It’s my dream machine, with the Fujitsu P7230 a close second.
Not sure why the 10-11″ screens aren’t more popular, as they seem the perfect size for real mobility warriors.
Dave, the “paper” background looked much lighter than that on the Kindle, it even seemed to be very dimly backlit which it isn’t. I think that’s the biggest difference I noted.
Pam, I hear you. Playing with the TZ in the store was major gadget lust.
The TZ is the best mobile computer I have ever owned indeed!
I loved my TZ. It is a great little machine. It works great as a travel machine no doubt. I couldn’t use it a primary machine (I know..I know) due to the keyboard and high res screen so I had to give her up. I got mine imported from Japan so I had the premium carbon display lid. It was definitely drool worthy.
Kevin, was the keyboard too small for touch typing?
Aaaah, the TZ. I had one about a year and a half ago and I ended up selling it because I wasn’t thrilled with the performance. Ever since then I have missed it A LOT. And, the newer models are much more capable, have significantly improved benchmarks. If you can live without the fun of touch/pen input, the Sony TZ is absolutely the option for ultramobility.
I do recommend holding off until the the ultralight Ideapad comes out; it might present a solid alternative to the overpriced TZ.
Kevin: What was the problem with keyboard? I used to use the TX and the keyboard was ok, but I find the keyboard on the TZ to be absolutely excellent. I had usedthe TZ as my primary computer for several months and was very happy with it. I now use a docking station and an external keyboard and monitor when at my desk, but I still use the TZ keyboard when on the road (much of my time) and absolutely love it!
James, did the SonyStyle store have the new Mylo-2 on display yet?
No problem. I’ll hold that credit card for ya!
I love my TZ and do use it as my primary computer. One thing I like about 10-11″ ultraportables is the fact that you can use them on airplanes – I remember a few years ago when my 13″ laptop screen almost got crushed as the person in front of me lowered their seat back unexpectedly!!
A few weeks ago I came very close to getting a TZ with SSD. The 16:9 aspect ratio just feels right. However, I decided to wait for the Fujitsu P8010 before buying. The new Fuji is an update of the P7230 and compares well to the latest TZ models (and McAir). Ideally, though, I’d prefer a ~10″ tablet; too bad LG isn’t interested in selling and supporting the P100 in the US.
I’ve been lusting over the TZ too. I keep checking this site for more reviews and piccies of it.
http://www.pocketables.net/vaio_tz/index.html
10 reviews there so far, even one just about that damn sexy keyboard. Touch typing seems like a go. The writer there could type at over 100 wpm!
I want one so bad. Maybe the wife will get me one for vday.
nomo: I see you have good tastes. The Fujitsu P8010 is not only small but it performs admirably with Vista because it has a 2.5″ hard drive that most ultraportables don’t have.
Hey James…the keyboard isn’t that bad, but if you switch back and forth from a full size keyboard it is noticeable. I have fairly large hands so I have to jam them together to touch type. As mentioned by another poster the TZ keyboard is light years ahead of the TX which was a mess. I forgot to mention that the TZ’s screen is the nicest notebook display I’ve ever seen.
I’ll buy your old Macbook Pro.
Enjoy the Wonderful World of Windows.
)
Fujitsu’s coming out with a new version of the P-series? Wow! Does anyone know if it’s going to be released in the states?
Have to go google for specs!
Pam: The US release of the Fujitsu P8010 is expected in February. Here are the specs:
Processor: 1.2GHz Core 2 Duo SL7100 LV, 4MB L2 cache, 800 MHz FSB
Memory: Up to 4GB DDR2-667 SO-DIMM, 2 x 2GB
HDD: 2.5″ SATA, 5400 rpm (GB not specified, but Fujitsu offers up to 160GB in the T2010)
Display: 12.1″ WXGA 1280×800 LED
Graphics: Intel GS965, up to 384MB shared memory
Optical: Integrated dual layer multi-format DVD writer or DVD/CD combo drive
Batteries: Standard 4-cell, 5800mAh; optional high-capacity 6-cell, 8700mAh
Weight: 2.69 lb with standard battery
Ports: 3 x USB 2.0, PCMCIA I/II, SD card, IEEE-1394, ethernet, modem
WLAN: Intel 4965AG_ or Intel 4965AGN, optional Bluetooth
It’s 12″ but in the same sized body as its 10″ predecessor:
http://ad.impress.co.jp/special/fujitsu0801/
(thanks to leog forums)
>>>The second thing I saw that impressed me is the new Sony Reader. I must admit that the legibility of the e-Ink screen was much better than that of the Kindle and I can see this working even in the low lighting areas in my house.
Slappin you upside your steer-headed Texan head!!! What did I tell you WEEKS ago about the Reader’s eInk vs the Kindull?! HELLO! McFly? Bueller?!
Are you properly chastised yet or must I pull out the cattle prod too?