Fantastic machine - moving from a TR3 for last 3 years (TR1 too).  Got to tell you this is a great machine.  Loved the TR but the screen size got to me after a while.  Also the keyboard.  Really looking forward to working with this machine.

It’s big. Hardly even what i call a subnotebook, or even an ultralight, kinda just a laptop

It really depends on your definiton of what a subnotebook is. Some people say it’s a specific size and some people say it’s based on weight. It really is a combination of the two and the S and SZ series in particular do push the envelope.

At an amazing 3.7 lbs full loaded, the SZ easily fits under the traditional 4lb. subnotebook weight classification. The form factor is also even more svelte than the original S-series so it’s thinner as well as being lighter.

It terms of size, what do you consider subnotebook? No bigger than A4 or A5 paper size? Or even smaller than that? If that’s the case, then there’s no way you’ll have a screen larger than 12”. Even 12” might be too big to fit into the classifcation of subnotebook even if it weighed less than 3lbs.

I suspect the term subnotebook is getting old in the tooth since it really doesn’t describe the genre anymore. It used to imply a notebook that has compromises but nowadays, are pretty powerful and capable systems that can run all major software. I like the term “ultralight or ultraportable” but it’s pretty general in terms of what that means. Ultimately, I think weight has more bearing than form factor. If a notebook only weights 2.5-3lbs., it’s far more portable than carrying around a 5lb. notebook. I can carry a 3lb notebook all day without noticing it whereas a 5lb notebook would be noticeable at the end of the day.

At any rate, rpsmithii, I’m glad to hear you’re enjoying your new notebook computer!

I have really found the S (and SZ) to be the sweet spot of size, portability, weight, etc…I live on my laptop these days…it travels with me everywhere…and I don’t find it too heavy or unwieldy.

I came from the original 505 series form-factor (10.4” screen w/ 1024x768 res), moved to an R505, then tried the T series and a Dell 700/710m (both for a month) but opted for the S in the end ...

I loved my 505 models, but always found the real-estate to be lacking on both the keyboard and the screen…the 13” screen and +/- 4lbs is really perfect for most use, even development work in Visual Studio.

I was hot to get the SZ when it came out and pass my S on to my wife to retire the R505 finally…but w/ the hybrid drives and Vista only 1 year out…I may have to wait and see what the S series brings in that vain…I would love to have an SZ-ish sized notebook w/ a hybrid drive and Vista…

...so, we’ll see…but I have to definitely consider the S/SZ to be at the top of the pile and definitely considered an moderately ultra-portable model…it’s no X505 or TR/T/TX, but given the additional screen size and keyboard size…IMO it’s way more functional.

Chris

Have the S270P for 10 days.  Here are my observations.

Also, I have had in this order: X505H, TR-1, TR-3.

Size/Portability:  While the SZ is larger than the TR or 505 for that matter, I can’t say it impacts portability at all.  I had the small case for the 12” apple powerbook for the TR but stopped carrying it because it was too small to really carry anything else and it looked a little goofy.  So, this fits in my same Coach bag.  I will also carry it to/from the office w/o a bag at all and just set it on my passeneger seat.  Weight - just about the same perception wise at least.  The charger is huge though.  Dissappointed I can use the 3 I’ve collected for my TR series.

Operation:  Works great - huge perfromance boost over the TR - Which I had 1G in.  I run standard biz apps:  Outlook, Excel, PPT, Word and this does a great job.  I have to say that I upgraded essentially for the performance boost.  The TR is a bit piggy on things other than the simplist applications.

One glitch - the standby works very well - which I never quite got to work on the TR1 - but every now and then when it comes out of standby the screen will never return to default backlight level.  Expecting a fix for this at some point.  Did it almost every time coming out of hibernation, which I turned off.

Have not turned on cinguloar yet - just waiting to make sure I can get in a positon to really test our on the 30 day free trial.  Will update when I do.  The integration app is slick - allows the computer to pick the best connectivity option.

Have yet to burn a dual layer DVD - need to try that.

Also need to switch to Stamina and try that.

That’s it. 

Oh - a friend got the SZ140 - there is a pretty big difference in the look and feel between mine and hers.

Bob