<p>I can play <em>almost</em> two full 2-hr movies on half brightness, but I tweaked mine like crazy (reset to vanilla Vista, culled a shtload of processes, undervolted, and of course use stamina mode when off battery, which shuts off a lot of unnecessary things like the cd drive and bluetooth). The most I’ve gotten on the 6-cell is about 7 hrs running simple apps and some music. Normal use (web surfing, music, docs) runs me about 4-5 hrs. The overheating issue you’re referring to was in an older model and, as far as I can tell from mine, has been adequately handled/eliminated in the newer Z. I didn’t get the extended battery b/c there was no deal on it at the time I bought mine and I didn’t feel the need to pay the extra for it (it weighs more and hangs out the back).</p>
<p>Now that I think of it … I’d really like to buy the Z … especially from what you’ve said. Like you, I’ll probably also undervolt it … which btw if you don’t some people have said it could generate some heat, but as you said they recently refreshed the model so they probably could have fixed it.</p>
<p>When I went to the Sony store near where I live, I went to check out the Z and yea the quality of the screen is unsurpassed, especially for an antiglare screen.</p>
<p>I like how they have a hybrid graphics system on it like the Macbooks … it gives you a ton of flexibility and choice and I like that. I love how they implemented the Stamina system to help save energy … unlike the useless “Max Battery” option on other PCs.</p>
<p>Forget it: I’m gonna defer buying my laptop until the Christmas holiday season or after I’ve finished my freshman year. Really, my computer is barely 2.5 years old and should be able to last another 6-12 months. I just ordered my new battery and it was a steal. It was originally $150 … but I got it direct from HP for $83 (sale + student discount + 20% off coupon).</p>
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Sorry, didn’t see this earlier. I agree with the others who say that waiting it out will be for the best. As far as your final decision, you should be fine. A 2-3 year old computer should be just fine for any student’s needs.</p>