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So I'm looking to get some LM335 ICs to measure temperature, and I'm confronted by "LM335A" and "LM335Z" models (and possibly others). Ordinarily I wouldn't think much of it, but there seems to be a reasonable price difference (the Z is about twice the price of the A). I've tried googling and reading the LM335 datasheet, but I can't seem to figure out the difference between the two. Or is there no practical difference? Any ideas?

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The two models are LM335, and LM335A. The Z suffix indicates package type.

In this case, the A version has an "Uncalibrated Temperature Error" of 1°c nominal, 3°c max, while the non A version is 2°c nominal, 6°c max.

This is all in the datasheet, which you should read if you are thinking about implementing a circuit using this device.

The datasheet is here. The specs which differentiate the two models are primarily on page two.

Manufacturers almost universally offer varying accuracy grades with temperature sensors. This is an example.

Connor Wolf
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    Various grades and package codes are present in virtually all ICs and can often blur together becoming near-impossible to parse...unless you consult the datasheet; usually sections like "Ordering Information". – Nick T Jan 10 '11 at 17:33