Sony Struggles to get Core Duo SZ to Market

Sony SZ Notebook

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It's not uncommon for several weeks to elapse from a notebook announcement to actually being able to purchase one. This delay can run even longer when new technology gets integrated, like the Intel Core Duo processor and the hybrid graphics system. Couple this fact along with the popularity of the SZ and you get long delays. In fact, at the moment you can't even order an SZ on Sony's site. To exacerbate the problem, Sony is playing dumb, offering no official explanation as to what's going on.

Sony SZ Availability is "Out of stock." as displayed on SonyStyle.com website on 3/16/06

Well, that's not entirely true; their PR team referenced the original press release that on January 4th said the SZ units would be available in the spring. This of course isn't even partially true; Sony started accepting orders in mid-January and actually starting shipping several weeks later. CompUSA also received stock in early February offering the SZ through their stores nationwide. Availability progressively got a little better as the Sony SZ rolled into Fry's, J&amp;R and a few other retailers.

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But the spread of SZ notebooks ceased abruptly. Availability has since contracted to the point where it's not even available to pre-order on Sony's website any longer. In fact, where they used to have the perpetually delayed estimated shipping date, they now have a form to submit your email address in a "don't call us, we'll call you," maneuver.

You have to sign up to be notified when the SZ will be available, this comes after the notebook has been selling for about a month (view large image)

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So what's going on? It's easy to try and pin this on Intel, with the new Core Duo, wireless card and other hardware and software, delays are bound to happen. After all, Lenovo is having a difficult time getting their T60 to market. But it's hard to believe that Intel is to blame considering Dell is pumping out Core Duo Inspirons and Sony's own FE models are even readily available.

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The timing is curious though. As more and more SZ models have gotten into consumer's hands, the trouble reports in our forums have gone sky high. From the subjective keyboard and screen quality concerns, to definable issues like loose batteries, system stability and the somewhat scary electrical leak into the palm rest.

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It's hard to know for sure what the cause for the delay is, considering the response from Sony's PR team. It probably boils down to one of two things though. Sony Style reps claim they have nearly 1,000 backorders of various SZ models and took down the ordering page because they couldn't fill orders fast enough. At the moment they have nothing in stock and don't plan to ship any SZ notebooks until mid-April, as it stands today. It's also possible that Sony got concerned about all the complaints and went back to make design or component changes. Or the root issue could be a combination of the two, but either way, it's poor design or poor planning that's at the core.

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Hopefully Sony will get its issues squared away, as the SZ has more power and performance per pound than any other notebook on the market. Of course there's a price to pay, the Sony SZ commands some of the highest prices in the thin and light market.

 

What kind of BS article is this? Not only is it wildly inaccurate ("trouble reports have gone sky high"? - did the writer even bother to look at the very thread called "How Happy Are You with yourh Sony SZ" before posting?), but it is incredibly biased (I got my laptop 8 days after I pre-ordered mine - on March 8th). Save the Sony-bashing for blogs - this isn't news, and it doesn't belong on the main site.

 

werchmeister - it is news, and its on the front page. Now, seeing as you own an SZ, you might be a little protective, but that doesn't call for bashing our site or our Admins/posters. Refrain from doing that. We do our best to maintain a helpful and friendly atmosphere here, so let's keep it that way.

My take - I am inclined to agree with this article as a whole - the keyboard on the SZ is probably the poorest I've used on a notebook . . basically a 'sea of keys'. Screen material is a bit flimsy, cost-cutting evident there. Other than that, the build is very good, and the switchable graphics is a nice feature. Having a dedicated graphics card on a 13.3" is also nice, rare to see. Sony has always done a good job of incorporating those sort of featues into smaller computers.

Thanks Brian.

Chaz

 

i had no problem getting mine... used

 

As usual, Sony are cheap plastic and overpriced. Who care's if they stay in the factory!

 

Next batch expected in mid-April? I sure hope it's a big batch! I happen to agree with the article too, it summarises nicely everything up to date. Demand and supply certainly don't seem to be well balanced at the moment and the variety in quality of the keyboards/ fan noises, certainly worries me - enough to deter me from buying online anyways.

 

Why would anyone buy a Sony? As of today, their expensive computing products stink.

 

1) Trouble reports in our forums have been very high for the SZ.
2) The how happy poll is hardly scientific, but yes, more than half have reservations, you could contort this either way.
3) I'm not biased. I really like the SZ and have considered using it for my primary computer. If it had Verizon instead of Cingular, the deal would be done...when they offer them.
4) It's not bashing, it's a look at what's going on with this very popular model.

 

This is not unusual for Sony (but I guess since this is a hot product using new Intel tech - its makes it news-worthy). Sony is always struggling to get various new products to market (it's almost common practice for them if history has anything to say about it).

If you follow Sony, you'll notice (or would have noticed) that every now and then when they release a hot new Notebook (or PlayStation for that matter) they always push a few orders out quick, then throw an 'out of stock' or a 'will take pre-orders soon' sign up till they can start filling orders again. This was also very common for their various T-Series as well.

It's almost like they want to see how the demand is before they give the ODMs the okay to order all parts needed and continue production.

 

Again, the reflection on the keyboard is your subjective opinion, not news, which it would need to be if it is to be posted as such. In fact, I'm typing from the so-called "sea of keys" right now with no problem at all. I've used many laptops before, and it's perposterously exagerrated when I hear these complaints about the SZ keyboards.

 

I guess they had to remove the built-in rootkit in the new batch before shipping

 

It would have been far more balanced if you also noted the positives in the article, like the fact that people *are* enjoying the laptop despite these purported trouble reports. That's all I'm asking. Right now it's completely doom and gloom, and I really don't think it reflects the whole picture.

 

It is my opinion, and I stated that. Hence the "My take - " when I began to write that.

Please, we don't want flame wars in here, thanks.

Much appreciated,
Chaz

 

This isn't a product review, it's an overview of the product's life cycle. I give it propers in the second to last sentence as well.

 

It's a little frustrating that no date whatsoever is given for a "release" if in fact Sony is calling what happened with the SZ being sold previously an, umm, pre-release? It's at least plausible that Intel is causing some bottleneck problems or there's some quality management issues with some of the products getting out on the market. As we know, notebook makers subcontract out parts so there's multiple suppliers and it's possible Sony has caught wind of issues with certain components and are reviewing/examining recall options. And if that's not the case, Sony should tell us specifically what it is.

 

It seems to me that the SZ owners / SZ early adopters are considered as Sony's "beta tester" for these notebooks. I really do hope that they would spend more time and money on QC and hardware/software testing in the future before releasing something highly anticipated like this!

After all, the owners paid a premium for it!

 

I don't know if I agree with that. I looked at the current poll and there are 7 out of 55 (~13%'ish?) that aren't at least "Happy." I know the poll is not scientific, but I voted in it and voted that I was not entirely happy with it. I've owned and built computers for 20 years and owned/used laptops for the past 10. I've never found a perfect machine, or a machine I'm entirely happy with and probably never will. I suppose I have reservations about the SZ, but no more than any other machine I've owned (and a LOT less than some machines).

I know this probably isn't the place for it, but can someone define "flex" in a keyboard?

I always thought it was other keys moving when you pressed a key. For example, if I press the S key, then the W-A-D-X keys may move or bend a bit.

I have an SZ/120 and this does not happen, at ALL. Well, if I press hard enough it does, but it does not during normal typing. I live in the Kansas City area and would be willing to meet someone at a public place and bring the laptop to see if they can demonstrate this "flex" to me.

Now I do agree the spacebar is flaky (my biggest reservation right now...well that and the whole electricity issue). I'm going to live with it for now and fix it myself if Sony does not come up with an alternative fix of their own. Some sort of shim should do nicely.

 

i agree with only one thing that Sony products in general are highly overpriced. The laptops are no exception. I got mine very cheap for 1.5k practicaly brand new, but I wouldn't pay 2 grand for it. As far as quality they are on the same level as Asus, but have more features and better looks then any Asus notebook out there. There are no problems with noise or heat, as a matter of fact it's the coolest and quietes notebook I've ever owned and I owned many different ones. I am already used to SZ keyboard, but I do wish it was better.

I wanted to get MacBook so bad because that's the only notebook with awesome looks, until I tried a few of them in the store... it's a big let down, this thing will never sit on anyones lap... amazingly hot!

 

They are widely available in Canada...already...and Im getting one next week, so no problems this side.

 

Sony is not on the same level as asus not even close. try a v6va or w2v or w1 or w5a or anything and see how the quality of the SZ compares ive tried it its not even close. And it is debatable but the W2v and V6Va are far better looking than a sony SZ. i know of three company that tried sony pcs out for their uses and not one decieded to go with then because of they shoddy build quality. They keyboards are a joke batterys loose. If you dont take good care of it, its not gonna last.

 

lol, what build quality are you talking about? I agree battery's is loose and keyboard may have a cheap feeling to it, but the notebook itself is solid as a rock, it feels and looks like an expensive laptop. I love the brushed aluminium and whatever the screen cover made from. W2 is not even on the same class, it's a monster laptop that you wouldn't carry with you everywhere. I've owned Compaq v2000z 14.1 and even that one becomes uncomfortable to hold in on a lap after a while, not to mention it was getting really hot. SZ offers great power in a smaller package.

I don't understand how Asus can build great looking laptops for Apple, but their own line is just plain looking. One of the things I hate the most is the fan on the right side. It's like they only design laptops for left handed people or something. Also I was thinking about W3V, but I can't stand laptops that run hot, Sony is the clear winner in this case as well.

One more thing, Hybrid graphics is the best feature a laptop can have.

 

I was comparing sonys laptops in general. the S series ran very hot. when i mentioned the W2V i meant build qualitys materials and looks its far above anything sony has. So you think the asus V6Va, W2V, W5A, S5a i think it was, W6A, W3V, z33. are not good looking laptops? they are better looking than anything sony has from their aluminum touch pads to magnetic latches they are awsome notebooks. although the sony T series is nice looking. Dont get me wrong i love alot of sony products im not a sony basher. but as a whole their notebooks really arent their yet. but even when you are talking about sony notebooks. remember asus has made them in the past and could still be today who knows. so its still talking about asus just built to sonys specs quality wise.

 

I totally agree with you S series was horrible, cheap feel, cheap plastic, noisy fan and heat, but SZ is totally different, I couldn't believe that it would be so much different until I got one myself. As a matter of fact I was Sony hater, because I owned a laptop once from them (4 years ago) and it was a nightmare. I guess it's tough for Sony to appeal everyone because of their past...

Actually, I was about to buy MacBook because the looks appealed to me until I tried a few in Apple store. I have a thing against laptops that run hot, they are just uncomfortable on the lap, but MacBook was unbearable. That's Asus for you! W3V was also hot running laptop...

Anyway, I suggest you try SZ in the store. You will hate the keyboard, and possibly the screen because it's not as bright as FE model, but the feel of the laptop is great and you will be amazed about how cool it stays...

 

i think this topic has gone a bit off line.

the main thing that was raised was that sony "released" the laptop but then soon had it as sold out with no date or information fo it being released.

in some countires (such as canada) seems it is available which is great news but other places like HK there is the same problem now. i Pre-ordered mine and recieved it with no problems unlike unfortunately alot of the troubles many people buying from sony america had. despite this i agree with the orginal post because 2 days after it was officially realeased it became out of stock and no information was provided and i am a registered member but still no word which is very frustrating for anyone looking to buy this notebook.

i think it was a fair post because well it is evident they are struggling to get it out to the market (note the name of the post) and as a sz owner i think its a great laptop and sony do overprice thier laptops but as far as my experience with their products i have had no problems and the price justify's this (note vaios but tvs, md's cd players etc.. first vaio so far so good)

 

I believe this article was on point because there are clearly supply issues with the SZ.

Let's see how the next batch of SZ's are like that roll out next month.

I'm in a wait and see attitude right now but it's not because of this article.

 

Sony has this problem with a lot of their products. It's affected their video games, consoles, camcorders, TV's, stands, and who knows what else. This is what companies run into when both the reseller and the manufacturer both practice "just in time" inventories. You end up running into shortages like this that aren't doing anything good for your company. While you cut costs you also lose a lot of sales. I'm sure Sony will blame this on an import customs delay or something as they've done before.

I used to own a GRZ630 and loved the design, not the performance. It's too bad Sony Style doesn't come on other systems with more performance at a not so outrageous price.

 

I agree with this article. Ordered Sony on Feb28 and just got it a week ago. Now, I'm getting ready to return it because the battery jiggles. Before I bought this SZ series, I read a posting on S series which is supposedly the older version of SZ series, and found that most people complaints were that the battery jiggle and really hot. I found the same problem with my new SZ140 (battery jiggle and really hot). It looks like Sony hasn't fixed this problem. Also when I looked at the back of the casing, they put the sticker to cover the printed info that was printed on the case. I suspected that they might use the old casing and pack it with a new dual core and call it SZ140.

Performance wise, I haven't notice any problems. But the jiggle battery makes the laptop doesn't feel sturdy to me. Overall, it doesn't feel like a strong case and sturdy laptop. And yes, I'm a little bit disappointed by the product quality. I still will buy one though, but not until I hear they fixed the problem.

 

This was all over the Sony forum section but I feel its not a good enough reason to return it, just put foam or any folded paper to fix the issue. But then again its your choice.

 

I absolutely agree with the article. I owned a SZ forabout a week now, and I have had a lot of problems with it: cheap keyboard, system crashes when programing, loud fan, and the battery(really annoying). Those problems shouldn't happen in $2000+ notebook.

 

I saw the new SZ in store here in Beijing, it looks good. If anything, I feel the build is on par or even more solid than S series. The keyboard takes some getting used to, but it's quite pretty

 

Maybe Sony has something up its sleeve and and there's a reason for their madness. One thing's for sure though, their marketing is either genius (in their eyes) or a major fault (in our eyes). They know full well that no matter what they do, their products will sell, wether it's available now or two months after "projected."

I have never really seen the hype around a laptop as much as the SZ. So of course, the supply will not meet the demand. For Sony that's a good thing. For us, the consumer, it's bad (especially for those who've waited and waited and waited patiently).

No company is perfect, and I have no doubt that Sony should have handled this situation better. But I am also not so sure if another company could've done much differently with all the hype surrounded by one computer. Of course, their customer service leaves much to be desired (YES Sony, you need to fix this for the sake of your consumers!!!!)

I love my SZ and wouldn't trade it for any other computer out there right now, even with its flaws. Build quality is great in my eyes.

 

I saw a SZ at Best Buy today. What a piece of ****. It looks okay, but the back of the screen is a made of thin, cheap plastic. The touchpad buttons rattle, and the rest of the case is covered in loose-fitting plastic and metallic panels.

The Compaq and Toshiba notebooks felt more solid than the SZ, as did Sony's other models.

 

I know what you mean, but that doesnt stop me from getting it. Its only because its so light .

 

isn't it made of not so cheap carbon fibre?

 

I dont think he is talking about the premium version canon..

 

I just saw this on the high street here in London, and boy doesn't this machine looks good?! Makes me wanna just swipe my credit card for it!

 

i'll be ordering the premium version soon too

took me a while to discover which laptop was the one for me,
but after checking out laptop screen sizes in real life, i found
15" to be way too large and the 13.3" screen size seemed
the right size for a portable system to still be able to properly
watch movies on.