Farewell, Fujitsu

[mach_zero]

Wanted to thank everyone for their kind words and assistance before and after the purchase of my N3530. The notebook is a real workhorse and gorgeous to behold. But just found out recently that I am going to be travelling much more than I had anticipated in my new capacity at work and I can't see lugging this beautiful behemoth all over the countryside. So I am passing the Lifebook on to my oldest son (at least it's staying in the family) and picking up something in a smaller form factor. As it is I'm most likely going to be getting a Sony SZ in the next couple of days (never thought I'd ever be saying that). Why, you ask? Quite simple really. It's about the only thing readily available with a 13.3" screen, lighter weight, and still has a Core Duo and dedicated graphics. Unfortunately can't wait for the W3J or the new P1 portables to hit the street as I am leaving on my first trip very soon and I need it right away. Hope it works out. This is a great forum with a lot of knowledgeable people, and it's regrettable that Fujitsu won't be offering the S6000 in N.A. any more as I may very well have gone with that (but doesn't look like they'll have dedicated graphics, either). Thanks again, guys.

Mach

[Andrew Baxter]

ooh, are you travelling around the U.S. or the world? Sounds exciting, and no way would I want to take a 15.4" notebook on a plane, you'll get nothing done, even on Jet Blue where there's a lot of room I can just about use my 14" screen ThinkPad T43.

You're dead on with the SZ, sony has a complete market niche to itself with that notebook right now, and other manufacturers can't seem to be able to figure that out (well, until Asus gets to market with the W3J).

Good luck -- and maybe you'll find time to review the SZ

[qwester]

I agree with you, for now the SZ is the best compromise. Just get a good sleeve for it. I am still questioning the fragility of their "razor thin" screen, especially when traveling and stuffing it with other stuff in your hand bag.

Fujitsu bids you adieu and enjoy your trip(s)

[circa86]

order your SZ from portableone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

or I will assualt you!

Sony's customer service just bump up to one of the best thanks to portable one

[boon27]

you CAN still get the s7110...its only .5 more weight than the 13.3....

[irfan]

do you really need to buy 13"? I mean there are a lot of nice choices which weigh around 4.5 lbs. For instance dell latitude D620 or IBM thinkpad T60 with 14" screen. If you are going to travel a lot, you should also consider the durability.

[rob7]

The SZ is so expensive though! I mean, aren't there other laptops you'd considered (other than S6000).

[Aero]

do you really need to buy 13"? I mean there are a lot of nice choices which weigh around 4.5 lbs. For instance dell latitude D620 or IBM thinkpad T60 with 14" screen. If you are going to travel a lot, you should also consider the durability.

Dell & Sony - no comparison

P.S: Good to know you took my recommendation mach_zero

[mach_zero]

you CAN still get the s7110...its only .5 more weight than the 13.3....

Still doesn't meet one of my criteria - dedicated graphics

The SZ is so expensive though! I mean, aren't there other laptops you'd considered (other than S6000).

So is the T60 previously mentioned by irfan, depending on config sometimes more expensive. And, yes I did consider a couple of others mentioned in my original post, the W3J (almost as expensive, not available yet), and Portable Ones new compacts (also not yet available).

irfan - No Dells for me. Ever.

Sorry circa. Needed this notebook by Friday at the latest. Already typing this on an SZ120P/B shipped overnight from Amazon. I would have loved to, but I don't think P1 would have been able to get me a Vaio that quickly as they are all CTO. Guess you will just have to annihalate me. But hopefully if anything goes wrong I could use them as an authorized service center (fingers crossed).

aer0 - Thanks for alleviating some of my concerns regarding this lappie. Seems very nice so far. Weight difference is unbelievable. Like comparing "War and Peace" to a copy of "Readers Digest". And thanks for the tips. I'll probably be chatting with you in the next couple of days before I head out.

Last but not least - Andrew, I would love to do another review but can't see when I'm going to have the time to do one until June or July at the earliest. But after I've beaten this up and sent it through airport scanners, used it on planes and in meetings would probably be the best time to write about it.

I appreciate all of your concerns, but right now this seems the best fit for me. Only time will tell. Over the next few weeks it will be getting it's road test and we will see how well it holds up. Oh, and I have a sleeve for it on the way right now qwester.

[irfan]

I was searching for a lightweight and durable laptop for a long time. I checked many laptops. Sonz SZ was definately on my list. hmmm, Toshiba tecra, sony sz, latitude d620, and thinkpad t60 were also on the list. I also waited for fujitsu to release a laptop that may fit my expactations. My expectations are the following:
1) dual core
2) less than 5 lbs
3) discrete graphics card
4) should be very sturdy
5) should have 14" or less screen size
6) should have very good support

I will be travelling a lot and my work depends on my computer. Well, finally, I decided thinkpad T60 2007c4u was the right choice for me. Not as stylish as SZ :-) . Still, I envy the design of sony SZ. A quite stylish laptop. Congratulations on your choice :-)