Official 2012 Sony S Series Owners Thread

I know for a fact that the S15 has a backlit keyboard. I'm also fairly certain that Sony has them across the Vaio S line, so the S13 should have it as well.

 

I ordered the 13.3" S Premium (Carbon Fibre black) on 20120604, and it was delivered today. I was able to get the free ps3 deal added later on by Sony.

Pometheum5: It does have the backlit keyboard.

I have put Kingston ValueRAM 4gb stick [non ultra-low-voltage] and it works just fine.

Any other questions, or concerns, feel free to ask!

 

Can you please tell us something about the screen quality and how it compares to other laptops?

 

If you have any games, I would love to hear the performance you get. Which video card and screen did you order? Thanks a lot!

 

I love the 1600x900 resolution! I have been using 1366x767 forever, and this is a refreshing change. The screen is matte [not a matte-glossy hybrid], so it does feel a bit "subdued", but personally I prefer that. The colour reproduction is perfect, only, they may not be as "vibrant".

I don't have any "latest" games that might stress out the computer, but I'll try tf2 in a while I ordered the default 1gb nvidia video card. There were no customisation options in the screen -- only the default 1600x900 panel.

 

Some more observations:

- The top and palmrest are VERY prone to fingerprint and oil. My laptop already looks worn
- The keyboard is very silent and comfortable.
- The screen lid is very thin, and feels like it'll break if I lift it from one corner.

 

Noise and heat? Maybe GPU temps while running games...CPU temps while doing Prime95 or some sort of stress temps? Would be awesome!

Thanks!

 

Well I've never lifted a laptop by picking it up from its screen.

How is the screen hinge? Does it feel loose, or fairly solid?

Also how is the noise level? After you game with it, or watch some movies/have multiple applications open, are the fans noticeably loud?

 

Can you please clarify what you mean about not as vibrant? And can you please talk about the viewing angles? Is it a narrrow sweet spot or do you find yourself moving the screen a bit to get the best spot. Does it get dark on the sides at the slightest off center view? Thank you.

 

TF2 is good enough. If you could test it on a few different levels that would be great (low detail to high detail and such).

 

Oh and about the palmrest and the fingerprints+oil, do you think this is only because of the carbon fiber case? Will the normal S (not premium) suffer from this?

 

Thanks for the confirmation on he keyboard. No backlight would have been a minor annoyance, but I'm much relieved to hear it has one. I ordered the 2GB GPU on the Premium model, so I'll try a few games when it comes for sure. I pretty much just play TF2 and Plants Vs. Zombies, tho, but I'll see how STALKER and Metro 2033 work.

With cheapie netbooks, I do all the time. Will have to break that habit.

 

Is there some standard benchmarking utility I could use? I am really not that big of a gamer.

Neither have I -- I meant actually opening the lid. I have to use two fingers on each corner to open the lid, otherwise it feels fairly flexible.

The hinge itself feels solid.

I've not heard any noise from the fan, but then I haven't really done any kind of stress test. The cd-rom initialise noise on startup is a bit jarring though

In my opinion/experience, a glossy screen is always going to feel more "bright". Matte on the other hand seems a bit subdued and muted [I know I am just throwing synonyms around, but I'm really not sure how to explain].

The viewing angle is very nice -- it does get darker, but only when I move to an extreme angle.

 

I am not really sure. For comparison, my previous Sony Vaio CW was completely plastic, and it didn't show any oily smudges.

The golden embossing looks really, really neat on black

 

About the heat: I have been using the laptop continuously on a carpeted floor, and I don't hear any fan noise. The bottom and right side of the palmrest felt slightly warm when I was upgrading windows [i.e. intensive disk read/writes].

One more thing I noticed: Whenever I pick up the laptop [to change the position], I hear a noticeable click and a notification pops up: "Hard drive protection has been engaged". Maybe the sensor is too picky, or I am too rough with my laptop But it's nice to know I'm covered.

 

To rohandhruva:
Oh, I am not sure if it's been asked, but how are the built in speakers? Sony refers to the speakers on this laptop as follows:

Experience full-impact surround sound anywhere with Dolby® Home Theater® v4 technology on your PC. Whether you listen through headphones, the speakers in your laptop or a connected home theater, a more captivating entertainment experience can be yours anytime. Dolby Home Theater technology offers total control over audio settings, so you can customize the sound for the maximum impact. Plus it makes audio levels more consistent: set the volume once, and that's where it stays.

I know not to expect much but do they have at the least some volume to them or has Sony continued their way of making them barely audible? Thank you.

 

Lucky!

Nice to see different voltage RAM is working.

Can you check to see if it is a 7mm or 9mm hard drive. I bought the Sandisk Extreme 240GB SSD hoping that it would be ok.

 

@rohandhruva - OCCT's cpu test is a basic utility for stressing the CPU

Software
Core Temp

CoreTemp is good for monitoring temperatures.


For the GPU, GPU-Z is a good tool to monitor the GPU temperatures, and OCCT also has a GPU stress tester built in too

EDIT: Are you planning on installing a SSD? It would be nice to know if the SATA 2 lock is confirmed.

 

I'm happy to hear that even on a carpeted floor the laptop fan doesn't make much noise.

It's also good to know that the Hard Drive protection feature is working well, haha.

I'm feeling more and more safe about my purchase each day.

 

I am interested in this as well. I didn't try them at the Sony store.

Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk 2

 

There are two options for configuring the sound: xLoud and Dolby Home Theatre. I have kept it on the default [xLoud] and the sound is good. It is not going to rock your house but maybe the room.. Again, I compare this to the Vaio CW which had horrible on-board speakers, so ymmv.

I am not sure how to check -- do I need to open up the laptop? The drive is a Hitachi HTS727564A9E364, if it helps.

I played TF2 for a solid hour, and the GPU temp was between 58-63C. The CPU temp was around 53-57C. The laptop did not feel hot at all -- only the right palmrest got marginally warm.

I'll try OCCT in a while.

I am not planning to install a SSD for now -- I am not even sure where the additional slot is.

Yes, the fan noise was not noticeable even after playing TF2 for ~1 hour. You might hear the noise in a very quiet, small room, but under normal conditions it shouldn't bother you.

One crappy thing -- when I received the backplate (which houses the battery, RAM, and hdd) was half-undone. As if the person putting it on did a shoddy job of it. I had to unscrew and screw it back properly myself.

 

I have the stock [no-upgrade] Intel Core i5 3210M 2.50 GHz CPU. I am running the OCCT test in infinite mode, and the CPU Utilisation is on 100%. The fan is now noticeable on a carpeted floor with the TV on too.

CPU temp is still at 61C and 58C for the 2 cores respectively.

Even with the test running full fledged, the multi-tasking is top-notch. I don't see any lag.

 

Those are very good temps! It's comparable to the desktop I'm currently using which is awesome. Mobile chips are also spec'd to handle higher temps so that's really good.

Also, the Hitachi HTS727564A9E364 is a 9.5mm drive! It means standard sized drives shall fit, and 7mm drives will need spacers.

About the fan noise, is it unbearable? Or alright? On another forum I read ~43 dB which actually isn't that bad...

 

The fan noise is noticeable only if you actually sit very much near the laptop [and have OCCT running from 15 minutes, lol].

Under normal circumstances [i.e. even after an hour of gaming], the fan is hardly audible, and definitely not distracting.

BTW, are you referring to installing the SSD in addition to the HDD? Because the BIOS shows 2 drive slots [1 empty], but I don't see it when I open the back plate.

 

After ~20m of OCCT, the CPU temp reached 69C and 61C for core 0 and core 1 respectively.

 

So how was gaming? What were your specs in game and what was the average GPS (or was it very playable and you don't want yo find the GPS).

Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk 2

 

Good! You have the S13A right? I hope the S15 is similar.

And I'm referring to replacing the HDD with the SSD. The BIOS shows 2 drive slots open because there are two sata ports on that certain motherboard, i think (?). So that's why there's one drive slot "open". Theoretically, you could fit one drive in the optical drive if you get a caddy, and get two drives, but I think that mod is unnecessary for most of us.

That's still reasonable and wonderful! I think the CPU doesn't start throttling until 80C+, but I may be wrong. On the topic of throttling, if you have the CPU maxed out and the GPU also maxed out, is there any throttling happening?

 

For those who purchased a S13A, how does the default black feel? Does it have a texture like the black S13? Also, could you take a picture of the gold Vaio logo? Thanks!

 

Were those tests run with the STAMINA/SPEED switch? Does that switch even do anything, anymore?

Also (for anyone) there really is no silver/white 1600x900 option, is there?

 

The Canadian website has the option, I guess the US doesn't...

 

!! We got gunmetal (black), CF Black, CF Gold. Though, being Sony, they'll probably offer Silver in a refresh about 2 months from now (they finally did, for the Z2), so I'm not going to worry that much (come to think of it).

Thank you!

 

I didn't actually try to find the FPS [is that what you meant? because I don't know what's GPS] -- the game was very smooth and playable.

Incidentally, the tab-switching with game running was also very fast, almost instantaneous -- on my previous laptop, it took a few seconds to switch.

By throttling, do you mean the "TurboBoost"? I was nowhere near to maxing out my CPU, so I didn't see that. If you can tell me how to, I can check

It looks very elegant and chic, but unfortunately, it's a fingerprint magnet. Like I said, my laptop already looks worn

Pics: Photo Album - Imgur
[If you look closely, you'll see some fingerprint smudges around the 'SONY' lettering in the second image]

I would have much preferred the laptop in white!

EDIT: BTW all of this was done on the switch in "Speed" mode. Pushing it to "Stamina" did not really do anything obviously visible except reduce the brightness

 

Alright, thats all I really need to know. Don't know why my autocorrect said GPS instead of FPS...

Also, I don't really see anything in those photos, although thats probably just my eyes.

 

Thanks for the quick reply! So I'm guessing this is more or less a "flat surface" black? Also, could you please take a macro shot of the Sony logo? I'm seeing if it's like a sticker in the previous SA...so if I could possibly remove it and spray paint it a flat black.

Thanks in advanced!

 

Hello, I just wanted to ask few things to pople who bought s series already or if you have knowledge...
So im planning to buy S13.
1) how long does the battery lasts without sheet battery? I know the sony says 7hours, but in daily use, how long does it lasts?
2) Is there ssd options? I could not find ssd options for s series on the sony online store. If not, how hard is it to replace hhd with ssd?
3) do you like it? Any tips? Pros/cons?

Thanks in advance!

 

I too would like to know if it's possible to fit in an OBHD in the optical drive slot... My local Sony center wasn't sure if i could change the optical drive (they didnt understand what's an OBHD, so i just told them i wanna change into a slot-load bluray drive)... oh and Sony Style Malaysia does not provide custom made systems...

anyone can help verify this? still considering a S13A or S15

 

I just ordered a black S13 with the GT 640M and the premium 1600x900 display.

I don't like the gold lettering on the S13A and this saved me about 150 euros as well. Only difference is that the lid isn't a carbon finish I guess. Does anyone know if it differs in weight?

 

I am not sure what you mean by "flat surface" black.

The Sony [or the VAIO] logo is definitely not a sticker: they have been embossed onto the surface.

1. Frankly, the battery life is not all that good. Definitely not as good as Sony claims. In the "speed" mode, on about 1/2 brightness, the battery lasted 3h46m. In the stamina mode, on 1/4th brightness, Windows claims that 5h19m of juice is remaining. Definitely a downer.

2. There were ssd options while customising the laptop, but they were crazy, crazy expensive. Not sure about the second part of your question.

3. Yes, I definitely love it. Biggest tip I can give you is open the screen using two hands
Pros:
- The sleek, svelte look
- The golden embossing of the logo!
- Touchpad and backlit keyboard
- Matte screen

Cons:
- Mediocre battery life
- Very pliable screen lid
- The body is a fingerprint magnet

 

Yes, the official sony specs say that the S13A is 0.05lbs [22.68gm] lighter

 

I guess I can live with that

 

does anybody have a s15 already, if so, could that person please post what screen is in there(model number) and maybe compare the screen to another notebook.

 

rohandhruva, if you have the time, could you take a few pictures of the display head on, slightly above and below (a few degrees), and fairly high and low (say 45 degrees)? If you have an image that has vibrant colours but with blacks too that would help.

 

Thanks!

I'm wondering if there was any kind of simple protection sleeve/bag included in the box. I don't need serious protection, just something to keep it from dust and scratches.

If there wasn't anything included, I'll save time by looking for a solution right away.

 

I'll do it today evening [EST].

No. I remember reading that someone on this forum was able to get a free sleeve by calling the customer service number, but it's not included in the box. A microfibre screen cleaning cloth was included, but that's it.

 

Thanks, that's good to know! I think I'll look for something else, as I already mailed costumer support once today, trying to get a free Vita (I'm not holding my breath though).

In the meanwhile I really got hooked on this Philips sleeve, that's able to redistribute airflow, while used as a solid surface. Quite an overkill jump from my previous simple 'dust/scratch-protection sleeve' needs, I know.

It's just the same though. It supports 13.3" notebooks up to the size of 325 x 241 x 41 mm.
The S13 is 331 x 224.6 x 22.8 mm.

 

Any S15 owner, could you kindly post your Windows Experience Index please? I would like to get an idea on how fast its gonna be over mine, especially the Nvidia GT 640m LE

 

Call them, instead. I was able to get my free PS3 approved in ~10mins. Number: 877-865-7669

Wow, that sleeve looks really nice. How much does it cost? Do you have a link?

 

I never link directly to stores on forums, as I can never remember how every place goes about it. Just google 'Philips notebook sleeve', and it'll probably be one of the first hits.

I haven't actually found any local webshops that have them in stock (I'm from Denmark), but I'm gonna visit a store on my way home. If they happen to have it, I'm going to bring my S13 when I get it, and see if I can cram it in there.

 

Hi, i am interested in the new s series but not sure if the new macbook pro (announced yesterday) would be the one. Not sure this is the right place, but I have the old SZ Series and love my VAIO but if I did go for the S Series than cant decide between 13 or 15". Decisions! I hate them! btw i am a web programmer so any advice would really be helpful.

 

New memeber here, had used a lot of the discussion points on these baords to help me with my first laptop purchase in 10years.
Last week I ordered up the S13a with the i5-3320m (the middle choice in the US)
12gb ram
Win7 Professional with the Fresh start.
Blu-ray player
640m LE with 2GB

Everything else standard (1600x900, 500gb)
Carbon Fiber Gunmetal

Original epxcted ship date was 6/14, but I just got notice this morning 6/11 that the laptop has been shipped.

Thankfully to the users on here I became aware of the PS3 special and called last night and they quickly ordered me up my free 160gb unit(backordered).

As I am projected to receive it this Friday I will be happy to run any tests this weekend that can help others with their decisions.
Additionaly I will be looking to swap out the standard hd for an SSD.