Over here the cheapest sz is $ 2,499 http://www.sony.com.sg/microsite/vaio/products/vaio_sz/vgn_sz55gnb/index.html which is only $500 more than the most expensive CR. http://www.sony.com.sg/microsite/vaio/products/vaio_cr/vgn_cr23g/index.html The best place to get a vaio is in US(cheap) and JP(for exclusive/latest products). can consider if you're going those places.
If you are price conscious go for DELL and want to buy a feature rich notebook, then settle for Sony VAIO. A great one that money can buy!
Got first negative for sony but never mind keep more those suggestions coming...they really are making me think hard
I heard from an HP support team manager that recently HP and Sony started using the same parts manufacturers for their laptops.