hands-on first impression...

[fireants22]

I got a chance to check out the NZ and play with it for about 10minutes at the Sony-building in Tokyo.

I was hoping that this visit would help me decide definately that I want the NZ over the NX, but now I am uncertain more than ever...There are 3 things I hate and possibly will sway me into getting a NX instead (all of which are cosmetic reasons):

1) stylus placement: absolutely horrible. Most of the reviews dont mention that the stylus is built into the side of the flip-screen (as part of the molding)....skinny piece of plastic (about the thickness of the screen), and i can see myself loosing this within a week because it is not nicely secured to the side of the screen.

2) build-quality: most of the NZ felt pretty solid, except for the battery-door assembly, and the hot-sync hatch cover on the back....very flimsy- unacceptable on a high-end 800$ unit.

3) CF card slot: This is minor, but I don't think i can ever get used to the placement on the bottom- versus the top loading on the NX.

[birick]

I agree, when I spent some time with the NZ I was really disapointed in the hatch flap on the back. Makes the unit look cheap.

The stylus isn't an issue for me since I use a pen/stylus combo in my pocket, but many folks will be unhappy with it.

The NZ is hefty feeling (I thought) but not the "brick" that everyone makes jokes about (of course most of them haven't touched it yet) and I think that those who will use all of it's functionality will be pleased overall. As mentioned in some of the threads, I can see some great uses for real estate agents, insurance adjusters, law enforcement etc. It might however be a little too much for others.

I have decided to stick with my NX70V for now, but reserve the right to change my mind and buy an NZ later.

One thing I would recommend (someone else said the same thing in another thread) is that if at all possible you should check it out in person before you buy. This is a noteworthy piece of equipment, but it won't be the best choice for everyone.

[oneeyesquare]

Well stated, gentlemen. I shall examine these items closely when it arrives locally.