I’m torn between getting the Z1 or TR3.  If I get the Z1 what am I missing out on that the TR3 offers?  As far as I can tell I get everything the TR has plus Bluetooth and a faster processor, and I lose the wide screen and maybe a higher quality screen?

also the TR is much smaller and slightly lighter compared to Z1 + the integrated camera (not too big a deal though).

The Z1 will also accomodate faster and larger hard disks. Both are well designed systems with the Z1 obviously being a better performer.

I guess it really comes down to how mobile you want to be. At only 4.7lbs, the Z1 is very light for a 14” notebook and is pretty mobile friendly since it doesn’t weigh too much.

Also, how would you compare the screen quality of the two?  I know people on here rave about the TR3…is the Z1 as good, or comparable?  And a dumb question….I assume watching a DVD on the TR3 would give me a full screen wide format, where on the Z1 it would be like watching a DVD on a regular 4:3 TV?

The XBRITE technology on the TR is very impressive.  I was concerned about the small screen and going cross-eyed.  The TR has exceeded my expectations and is really soft on the eyes.

What are you going to use this computer for?  That may help to choose.  Mobility is my highest priority, so the TR was the easy choice for me.  In addition, the TR handles every app I have thrown at it, including some graphic intensive apps that I use for editing high resolution photos.  In my line of work (real estate) visuals are everything.  I cannot speak for the Z1 since I did not choose it, but my TR3A has left me with no regrets. :D

Hope this helps…

For portability go for the TR otherwise the Z1 is a very good machine and easier to use and view.

The Z1 is probably more suited to me….while it’s not as small as the TR, it is on the small/light side as far as laptops are concerned right?  This will be my desktop replacement so I would like the higher performance.

Yeah, it sounds like the Z1 is a better fit for you. I always stop by and look at it when I’m at the store since it’s such a nice notebook to look at. It’s light as well and seems to be a good compromise in terms of features and weight. My wish is for Sony to shrink the Z1 into a 12” model with a widescreen screen (1280x768 or 1400x900) and with all the amenities. That would be the perfect…as long as it’s around 4lbs or less….

I have had my Z1 for about a year now and just got my TR3 a couple of weeks ago. I can’t part with the Z1.  It has it’s advantages but so does the TR3.  I am just going to use them both for different missions.  Obviously I’m not any help.  I (like most of us) just want it ALL.

I was so close to ordering a TR3 today..
But that Z1 keeps stopping me..
Damn sony and their choices.
Pros
Z1 - Lightweight,faster,high res, xbrite, works better with linux
TR3 - super lightweight,super portable, super sexy,perfect for lugging around travelling

Cons
Z1 - not as compact, battery life
TR3 - 1.0Ghz, display issues with linux

Miss anything?

[quote author=“tmkt”]
TR3 - 1.0Ghz, display issues with linux

Not really.  You can buy AcceleratedX from Xi Graphics which does the native resolution.  You can also control the brightness with sonypid and spicctrl and some scripts that are floating around.

It was just a moment of doubt and panic..
I’m all set for the TR3 again..
The battery life and size won me back..

This might help, my friend has a Z and I have a TR… we compared it…

Z goodies not on TR:
- Bigger screen
- Faster CPU
Pretty much anything it can have large is large, like HDD and things…

TR goodies not on Z:
- Xbrite Tech
- Lasts about 3 hours longer with Max stamina battery in max stamina mode
- Built in Mic & Camera (these two make it great for web-cam convos)
- DC out next to i.Link port (Used for external i.Link HDD by Sony)

The Xbrite Technology on the LCD is a big difference, at first my friend thought it wasn’t that great… then I turned the LCD to face him and he just replies “man that is bright… turn it down”. He had his Z on max brightness so we could see…

The speakers on TR is located at the top of the xbrite monitor… and has better sound quality… where as the Z has it above the keyboard. I’m not exactly sure how good it was, but today it was playing up on his Z so we had no idea how to test.