Official 2012 Sony S Series Owners Thread

Hello
I just bought my S13A and I have a optimus probleme, after 20-40 second of game the graphic card just shut down, the game goes slow (I can't play borderlands with dynamic shadow, with all settings at low I play with 25 fps, at battlefield 3, with all at low, I play with less than 15 fps). If I switch to starmina mode, the game is not going slower, but if a switch again to speed. I get again 20-40 second of playing with normal fps (the graphic card is engenge during this time). And again after this 20-40 seconds optimus switch again to the intel HD4000, has somebody the solution ? or the same probleme ?


PS: I haven't found the research fonction on the forum , I haven't see on the 50/192 pages ,I read,somebody talking from this probleme.
Tank you if you have the solution !

 

Try setting the fan control in speed mode to "Priority to ventilation" in the Vaio control panel, this has fixed similar problems for other people.

 

Notebookcheck.net have released an in depth review of a very high spec S13A premium model.

Nothing that different to what has been mentioned in this thread but may be useful for further info (and to avoid trawling 200 pages of forum posts).

 

Hi Judas!

You actually only needed to read the first post of the thread to solve your issue, I've covered this point specifically under "general observations". Theres lots of other useful info in there, so i do humbly recommend giving that post a gander first. Hope this helps and that you enjoy your new laptop!

Petrov.

 

Tank you a lot

 

much thanks @ Supranium & Faceless Guru for the OC advice.

by the way for those who want to remove the stickers on the palm rests...

the easiest way is to take a plastic ruler and slide it along side the stickers while pushing (firmly) under them. almost like your slicing them off with a knife

got all my stickers off in one go. took about 2 seconds for each one

afterwards use nail polish remover on a cotton makeup removal pad to remove the sticky residue

had my palm rests clean and sticker free within 3 minutes

 

Maybe some more tips about the stickers. I heard this from others, and I did it once myself: starting with peeling the sticker with my nails and then gently pulling it off. With that sticker, while holding it just partially put it on - off - on - off - etc. All glue will eventually be on the sticker.

 

I played with both the S15 and S13. The one thing that irks me about the S15 is the location of the trackpad. I find myself having to move my thumb up to click. The S13's trackpad is closer to the bottom of the laptop so it doesn't happen.

Do you owners of the S15 feel the same way, or does your brain-hand coordination just re-adjust after extended use?

thanks,

 

I wonder, how much larger/better cooling the 15incher has compared to 13 incher. I havent seen any 13 incher disassembly video yet.

 

I've got a question about the screen of the Sony S13 Premium (the one with the gold letters, in my homecountry it's called S13P). What does the device manager say about the name of the display? In the test of notebookcheck.net it's listed as "Sony SNY06FA", but they actually don't know if it's a sony "premium" oder "plus" display. At least, everybody is confused in the forum there, and so am I.

Does anybody have the same or different model of display in your machine? I am wondering if there are different makes of display of if the sony-advertising-people are just messing around.
Thanks!

 

My wife's S13 Premium says MONITOR\SNY06FA. She has the 1600 by 900 screen.

 

The "panel id" name doesn't mean anything! Sony doesn't use the standard EDID mechanism to read panel data so what's listed is just what's in a *.inf file.
The only way to find out the panel id on a Sony Vaio is to disassemble the screen.

 

I really do hope that this is only a bad batch in displays, Sony doesn't use the standard EDID mechanism so we will never know, apparently the spyder calibration tool doesn't help very much in improving colour .etc

From what I can gather from notebookcheck and users on this forum the premium display is only marginally better than the plus display they had used last year. Also what's with the 59 Hz rate it's a little random.
The speaker's are terrible as expected.
However Sony sorts of gets away with all of this as it is marketed as a business laptop. Business laptops are used for spreadsheets and things, so the extra resolution helps but things like colour accuracy, saturation, contrast .etc and sound quality are not important in the world of business laptops.

I will purchase a s13a/premium and see what's it like, if I don't like it I will have to purchase a 13'' macbook pro where at least the screen is better (Colour wise and has none of Sony's reported flickering problems) plus speakers are miles better albeit no GPU.

 

Mine appears as Generic PnP monitor, but the EDID info reports 'Sony', 'SNY', '6FA' and a manufacture date of 2002 :/

 

That's proof that sony's not using the standard EDID mechanism, there's no way your screen would have been manufactured in 2002, but apparently the SNY06FA screen is apparently an ''eco'' screen which has mediocre colours and black levels. I believe eco would be economy rather than environmentally friendly.

I have a Sharp 17'' TFT panel from 2005 that has better colours, contrast .etc then many of the new modern stuff the put in laptops, again proof that products were better and more reliable back in the day, I still have a HDD from 1995 that still works.

 

Thanks for the coupon code! For anyone interested, it also works if your PC is less than $1000. Instead of $100 off it gives you $40 off.

 

Americans and Canadians are lucky, you get offers and free PS3's whilst in Europe we get price increases, well I suppose Sony is trying to recoup profits after a huge loss.

 

So with this coupon code, I figure I'm going to jump on the S15. I need something by the beginning of August, and I had more or less decided I was going to go the Sony route, but was just waiting for some sort of discount/promotion. This $100 is good enough for me.

Now that that's settled, I have a question about which "free" upgrades would be more worth it. I need to get over $1000 to get my $100 off, so I have a couple potential layouts:

1) 3210, 640mLE 1GB, sheet battery

2) 3210, 640mLE 1GB, 8GB RAM

3) 3210, 640mLE 2GB, Windows Professional w/ Fresh Start

4) 3320, 640mLE 2GB

I have no problems adding my own RAM after the fact, and am also planning on doing a HDD/SSD swap. I guess my primary question is, how much of a performance increase am I going to get from going from a 3210 to a 3320, and from a 1GB to a 2GB?

 

Though I don't have a camera good enough to do it properly, the Lagom contrast ratio test gives the display on my S13A a ratio of 848:1. This is on 4 blocks of brightness, subjectively the same as the other tested monitors.

Contrast ratio results for Vaio S13A 'Premium' LCD

My desktop monitors get around 1700:1 (which seems about right) from the same camera/environment - Samsung S23A750D, Samsung 2443BW

I also tested an Inspiron 1545, which notebookcheck rated at the same contrast ratio of around 200:1 as the Vaio: Contrast ratio results for Inspiron 1545, which received a result of 212:1.

So in conclusion, it's fairly likely notebookcheck got a lemon and the display is nowhere near as bad as they claim. Or at least it only performs poorly at high brightness, where contrast is fairly unimportant.

 

Add your own ram it's easy and much much cheaper.
Windows 7 Pro only if you need it i.e. your workplace, but considering sony adds a lot of bloatware I'd consider it.

2GB memory for the 640m LE isn't really worth it, the architectural limits mean that the GPU cannot take full advantage of the extra memory, in fact many games don't even require over 512MB vram.
My nVidia GT250 512MB (Yes it's old) can run skyrim at high settings, so it isn't really a problem, It also runs crisis at high settings.
If you do a lot of CAD maybe you can use alot of the 2GB memory.

Going from an i5 3210m to an i5 3320 doesn't really have any significant speed advantages maybe only 1-2%. Unless your work requires stuff like vpro or Intel Trusted Execution Technology .etc you're not really going to see much difference. Even the dual core i7 wouldn't be much faster.

My suggestion is save the money and upgrade the ram yourself.

 

Yea, this thing will mostly be used for school work (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc), movie watching, and light-medium gaming, with the most intensive game probably being Civ 5, or something similar.

And I have no issues adding my own RAM and SSD.

So I guess it looks like I can either get $40 off the base price of $929 ($889 final price), or maybe add a Blu-Ray player to bring it to $1029 ($929 final price).

What other upgrades could be useful for me? Maybe a larger HDD that could be used as an external?

 

Ok my recommended specs would be:
Base s13premium.
Extra ram from crucial (4GB)
SSD wither Samsung 830 or Crucial M4
you could get a larger HDD that always helps, esp if you have a large movie collection or a lot of music, intact a large hdd could serve as your backup. It depends on how much budget you've got to play with.

 

I am too sceptical but the results you have do say your images were under exposed, try to follow the instructions such as ISO settings, exposure .etc

Assuming the worst that notebook check is accurate at 228 candelas, and a contrast of 188:1

My Sharp 2005 TFT panel beats it, with 300 candelas and a contrast of 500:1. so in essence we're not going forwards but instead backwards to try and save cost.

The only reason I say this is that someone already had a bad experiance with the screen post is here: http://forum.notebookreview.com/sony/674715-new-vaio-s-series-premium-laptop-colors-way-off.html

Also if Sony loses sales over this mediocre screen malarkey, they may actually listen to us and fix it. But it is classed as a business laptop where screen quality isn't a priority.

 

Unfortunately the camera I was using doesn't have an exposure time setting (silly cheap point and shoot thing), may try another at some point if someone else doesn't beat me to it with a fancy SLR or something

While the results probably aren't the real values, relatively speaking they are probably reasonably correct. I can tell by eye that the contrast for reading text is much much better on the S13A than the Inspiron.

 

voyanger,

Right now I'm leaning towards the 15 over the 13.

- I've been hearing some questionable things about the quality of the 13 premium screen. On the forums and through legitimate reviews. I think I would rather deal with Orangegate than banding and contrast issues.

- The 15 keyboard has a numpad on it. It may not get used as much as I think, but my schooling is for my accounting designation, and anytime I'm in Excel, my hands just gravitate towards the numpad (past few years of accounting work will do that to you)

- If I customize a 13p and a 15 with the exact same guts, I save $70 by going with the 15.

Why would you recommend the 13p over the 15? Any particular reason?

 

It actually probably won't affect most people who are just using this machine for gaming, word processing and web browsing.

But it affect others who need a decent display for graphical work such as Photoshop.

But other issues such as flickering, banding .etc may annoy all people as mentioned earlier in the thread.
in fact even my old (1996) pentium 1 compaq laptop didn't flicker or have major banding issues, just screen response times were terrible.

The way people will look at these reviews and user experiences is - I am not going to spend over £1000 (1500 US$) on a notebook which has mediocre screen and speakers whilst the competition are offering nice IPS 1080p displays as demonstrated by the Asus zenbook prime (also has much better speakers).

That is probably what people are thinking. For me I'd like the graphical power but I'm also not happy purchasing an expensive notebook which I know doesn't live up to my expectations. The Asus is a nice machine but I cannot afford it nor upgrade it myself which rules it out. It may be mac land for me.

At this moment I cannot say as I don't have the laptop yet, I can only base it on your requirements, orange gate is not really going to be an issue for you, you can always turn up the blue/green values to compensate. If you require a number pad go for the 15 inch, the laptop will still be quite light. But if you want increased portability then it's the s13p

I agree with you a number pad is nice it makes it quicker and easier to deal with numbers.

 

Just to update you all regarding the VAIO S13 Premium banding and right-side flickering problem:

Today I went to the Sony Store (Philadelphia/PA) with my laptop to talk to the technician. After comparing the monitor to the others S13 that were there (they don't have the Premium version), I was surprised to see that the display quality was better even for the 720p version. I was also able to run the image banding test that I posted at page 190 from this thread.

So, after 1 hour waiting for the technician to arrive (I schedule an appointment for 10 am, but he was "late" and just arrived 10:50), he stated the obviously: the screen is defective. Then I tried to initiate the replacement process from there, but they said that since I bought online and it is a custom model, I was required to call customer support and do everything there.

So I start tried doing it trough the Chat Online, but there the Sony agent gave me what I consider an absurd solution to the issue. I think it is worth to share the conversation log here:

Customer: Hello. I recently received my VAIO S 13 Premium that I got from Sony Store online, but the screen is defective and I need to return to get a brand new one. How can I proceed?
Jeff B: I am sorry to hear that you have a defective screen. That is very rare. Rest assured we can help you with a return.
Jeff B: We can order you a new one now. But you would have to have enough on your card to cover two purchases. As once you speak to customer care we start the process of your return and the credit is not applied until we receive it back.
Customer: Sorry, but I don't want to have two purchases on my card. I would like to return this and get my brand new one.
Jeff B: I recommend you speak to customer care in that case. We can get this corrected.
Jeff B: Customer Care can be reached at 1-877-865-7669.
Customer: Can I solve this online? They have chat service
Jeff B: They do not have a chat system. They are only on the phone.
Customer: Ok, I will contact them.
Customer: I just want to clarify that the solution you proposed is unacceptable and I never saw any company doing that.
Customer: Considering is a defect and I'm under warranty and return police coverage
Jeff B: It is the only solution. My apologies. You cannot get a credit for your item until we have it in hand. It is common sense.
Jeff B: You can speak to customer care to see if there is anything else we can do for you.
Customer: The solution is to return the computer and get a new one without having to "buy 2 of them" and get the credit back.
Jeff B: They have all the options for your return. I can only help with new orders. For that I am sorry.
Customer: Ok, I will talk to them and be sure this is the correct procedure you proposed me. Thank you.

Looks like all he wanted was to get a new sale commission from me. And the "common sense" we talked after that it is hilarious, but very rude for a company like Sony.

Fortunately after a long call to Costumer Support I was able to get my RMA number and I will be mailing my S13P back today and get a new one hopefully by the end of the next week.

Everybody with the same problem: do the same and get what you paid for!

Sorry for the long post and the possible grammar mistakes (I'm not a native English speaker)

 

Please update us on that issue if it comes back or not, if your colours and contrast improve .etc.
I wonder if it is the bendy nature of the screen that makes it prone to develop the flickering problem, then again this doesn't seem to affect the Z series.

Don't worry your English is better than my German.

 

I am happy you got a RMA and will have a brand new S13A. I will receive mine soon and will post a thorough video review... I want to break the myth that the s13 screen is bad quality

 

I will post a new update just after receiving the new one.

I think (and hope) that this banding and flickering problem is a batch issue, so hopefully all upcoming S13P will be ok

 

yeah... if the s13 really has a bad quality screen I'm going to buy a Z series for sure...

 

If this banding and flickering is really a defect and completely nonexistent at a regular display, than honestly I don't think it is a bad screen. Not an Apple or Sony Z display, but I would give a 8 over 10.

 

Please do review the s13p I'm currently holding my breath, I'm holding off my purchase until I see that people stop complaining. Maybe sony did increase screen quality as they did raise the price in the UK by £62 within 2-3 weeks. Which tells me that there's is demand for this laptop - thus more people can give their opinions on their s13p screens.

Here's a screenshot of the price increase:
http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/9286/priceinc.jpg

My point of view may be different from yours, I'm coming from a nice Panasonic plasma screen. So if the screen is as bad as everyone think it is I man only rate it a 3/10

 

If Sony UK provides 30 day return policy with no extra fees I would recommend you to buy and see by yourself, since this is the only 100% realistic way to know if your display will meet your requirements. If not, return it.

 

True but I may just get my local Sony store to get a display model of the s13p as they only had the normal s13, which tbh looks better than average laptops but at that price it should be miles better. But I'm not very happy about the price increase, the screen had better be improved.

 

By the way, for those who are noticing the banding and other problems (apparently not all S13(P) owners are having this), when did you receive your laptops/when did they leave the factory? I got mine last week, I think it was marked as being in delivery on the 1st or 2nd.

 

I hope you are correct, I think I will hold out a while longer maybe mid/late August before purchase this gives them enough time to sort out any underlying issues, if Apple had released the 13'' macbook pro with a kepler GPU Sony would have definitely lost my custom, but Apple hasn't and probably never will.

 

Hi Guys. I am a long time lurker. Just received my vaio s15. Pretty good machine with great screen and very little fan noise. But unfortunately, I have some scratches on top.... not sure if I should return it and get a new one..

 

I depends if you had caused it or not. If you return it it could be an additional 2-3 week wait.

 

Spoiler

Common sense is that no company ever grants your money back until they have recieved their faulty product back.
He tried to speed things up by saying that you could send your faulty product back, purchase a new one right away and they will refund your faulty notebook cost after they get the notebook in theyr hands.
Theres is no other way to do this securely for both counterparties.

However, the fact that they didnt have email or live help solution and they wanted you to call them instead is rather annoying indeed. I totally get your point here. If you dont speak english as a native language, its better to type, isntead of speak in to the phone.

Im just crossing fingers, that my S15 will arrive in perfect condition. Sending it to RMA in to Germany, would be painful process.

 

Anyone using Linux in the S13? Did you face any driver trouble? perhaps with Nvidia optimus?

Thanks!

 

I was not asking for my money back before sending the defective product. I didn't mention that anytime. In fact all I wanted is a way to return my product and get other back ASAP. But the idea that the agent proposed: "buy a new one with me, double charging your credit card, and then after that go for a return. it is the only option" seems wrong to me.

You may not know, but some companies here (like Amazon) send you a new product right after you state a defect. All you need to do is send within 15 or 30 day the defective unit. Sony here just ask you to send the Tracking Code for FEDEX to start the return process, what is already good. But the customer support at the store location and website disappointed me. Totally agree with you that Chat or email is better.

 

oh my, why oil?! just warm the stickers up with a blow dryer, and gently peel up a corner of the sticker with your nail and more forward. if there is any glue residue left, just use the sticker itself to remove that. it'll work flawlessly.

 

If anyone is interested in the sheet battery for the vaio s15 and didn't order it with the laptop, I ordered it from amazon a week ago for $100
Amazon.com: Sony External Sheet Battery for VAIO SE series (VGPBPSC29): Electronics
However the price seems to have jumped to $130. It's still a savings (at least in the US). Mine is supposed to come today. If you guys want I can take some thickness comparison pictures.

 

Went to the Sony store yesterday they had a S13p for showing and the flickering problem was very noticeable.

 

Hi guys, I've been looking at the Sony s15 and the Dell xps 15l521x. I thought the dell was practically perfect, (except for the price) until i heard it has a known throttling problem. How do you guys like your s15's? Anybody having any major problems? I've never owned a vaio before and have heard a lot of contradictory advice about them, so any help will be appreciated!

 

To remove any sticker goo or residue I just use isopropyl alcohol, it works, it is also surprisingly versatile, I can use isopropyl alcohols to clean thermal paste and many more things.

 

Mblaz, went to my sony store today. The 13" regular 720p screen was much better then the Premium screen. I should have my 13P in 3 days so I can do a comparison. But i bet it has the same problem.

I wish I had chosen the regular 720 as I know I can live with the poor quality of that one over the 13P if it is as bad as the store model.

 

There's definitely something wrong with the actual panel sony is using to cut costs or sony has a bad batch of displays. Or Sony's management don't know what ''premium'' means.
The SNY06FA is supposedly an ''eco''nomy display sony uses but sony doesn't use the conventional EDID system but uses an inf system to fool device management, so the only way to tell why screen is causing the issues is to do a teardown of the s13p itself.

I don't understand why the monitor is at 59Hz rather than 60Hz. Seems a bit random.
Maybe the recent price increase means better panels? I wouldn't hold my breath though. http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/9286/priceinc.jpg

 

Does anyone have any good reviews on the S15's battery life? I heard in reality, even while running the HD 4000, people only get around 4 hours. I really need some more information before making my purchase.

If the battery life is under 6 hours with 20% brightness and wi-fi on then I probably won't get this laptop.