I can't connect my Note II to my Kies. Tried using the troubleshoot and reinstalled Kies, useless.

I'm using KIES on Windows 7. I can't access my phone memory from My Computer as well.

Although someone asked, but just wondered why so much updates but no significant changes?

Just wondering, can I root the phone without unlocking the bootloader?

Don't judge without investigating. Exmor sensors are even used by Nikon's DSLR from their entry-level D3200 til the professional D800.

Even the 8MP BSI sensor in SIII & Note II are Sony-manufactured.

No offense, I believe the screen isn't that bad.
User Records Xperia Z LCD screen

As for the audio quality, my MH750 IEM which was bundled with Xperia T was far much better than the one bundled with Note II. Regardless of Details, Layering & Soundstage. Xperia Z will come with a brand new IEM which is driven with a 13.5mm Neodymium dynamic driver.

Camera? It's quite subjective. As Samsung using Sony's camera, Xperia's Exmor R sensor actually performs similarly to Samsung's Sony-manufacturer sensors, just that the colour production and Contrast aren't the same, which are quite subjective and non-quantitable. Xperia Z's Exmore RS is also used in Oppo Find 5, and its photo samples proved to show how stacked sensors perform in low-light & dynamic range.

Of course, Note II has much much larger battery but Xperia Z is designed to be IP57 (IIRC) certified.

Yup, iPhone 4S was once the best 8MP Shooters. While we won't be able to really test Xperia Z before its launch, Oppo Find 5 which has the same sensor, has proven that Exmor RS sensor is superior in low-light performance & dynamic range.

Of course sensor isn't everything. But my reply was pointed to the statement "Exmor is gimmick". Again, both Samsung & Sony (and many more OEMs) using the nearly-identical camera units (I believe the lenses are even Sony-manufactured). They perform quite similarly, with something that are too subjective and non-quantitable. Samsung tweaked the colour reproduction to have the images looking more vibrant. That's it.

Nikon's ISO performance? Of course they differs between models. Megapixel counts and how the OEM tweaks the sensors, are come into the calculation. D800's 36MP sensor isn't as clean as D700's 12MP in high ISO sensors, so most people get into fast conclusion like: "Based on my experience, Canon has been better etc etc."

Of course you can continue to believe that your experience serves you best and ignore the datas.

"Because you are professional what you says go?" Nope, the facts go.

Well since my Note II is still brand new. (Got it as a gift ), I'll stick with it. I own my sets of IEMs and set of photography equipment. So audio & photography will not be my first concern. I hope both Samsung & Sony can compete directly in User Interface refinement and that will be my next purchasing preference.

You can still get involved in Note II thread even what's in your hand is the Xperia Z.