Official 2012 Sony S Series Owners Thread

Hey forum,
I just upgraded from windows 7 to Windows 8 pro today (UW students get dreamspark premium, which provides us with Win 8 keys and RTM .iso). The upgrade process was very smooth. I didn't have to do any reinstallation of drivers or software, and windows 8 is incredibly snappy. I'm getting better battery life, and boot time is about 5 seconds off my SSD cold boot.

Just figured I'd let you guys know with the release right around the corner. I'd recommend it, especially if you want a fresh feel for windows.

 

It looks like you did an upgrade rather than a fresh install. Any reservations about doing it that way?

 

Nope. It meant I didn't have to mess around with drivers/reinstalling programs.

 

Any idea why I can't get Windows 8 to dual boot with my current Windows 7 build? I apparently can't install Windows 8 on a GPT partition. Any ideas? I don't really want to switch my partition table to MBT.

 

unfortunately, you probably have to do a reinstall

 

Ugh, I was afraid that was the only option. It's weird though since Windows 8 64bit should install on GPT without problems, I wonder what the actual problem is.

 

Hello All,

Glad to have found this forum. I just ordered the S Series 15 which should arrive Oct 18.

Question: Can anyone tell me the exact outside dimensions of the laptop. I can't seem to find this info anywhere on the Sony site. I'm buying a laptop table and would like to know the exact length and width of the 15.5.

Here's the specs of the laptop I ordered. Once I've used it for a while I'll post my comments. Thanks!

Blu-ray Disc™ player / burner
15.5" LED backlit Full HD IPS display (1920 x 1080)
3rd gen Intel® Core™ i7-3612QM quad-core processor (2.10GHz / 3.10GHz with Turbo Boost)
NVIDIA® GeForce® GT 640M LE (2GB) hybrid graphics with Intel® Wireless Display technology
640GB (7200rpm) hard drive
12GB (4GB fixed onboard + 8GB removable) DDR3-1333MHz

 

By the way: If I were you, I'd order my S13/S15 now. Windows 8 sucks, especially on traditional notebooks like the Vaio S. Touch and hybrid devices: different story. But even on a tablet I wouldn't install that confusing piece of junk with its 200 redundant applications and menus.

And: No, I'm not a troll; please refer to approx. all reviews by (semi-)independent tech journalists, that haven't been paid off by Microsoft.

 

That's a valid point. Worth thinking twice about it.

 

Hi All,

Have had my S13P now for a couple months and love it. However the fans are a little bit loud occasionally so I decided to have a look at the temps with GPU-Z and CPUID HW montior. I am getting the following on IDLE (0-1% load - no BIOS MOD):
ambient: 24C
640M LE: 46-52C
HD4000: 50-56C (jumps around quite a bit)
CPU (i7 3520): 50C

Do these seem normal to you guys? I have read some previous threads where the temps were around the 35C mark for GPU so wondering if I have a slight issue here? Under reasonable load, the CPU tops 80C and the GPU under 80% load hits 67C which doesnt seem too bad to me.

Any thoughts appreciated.

PS I'm running in SPEED mode on BALANCED (oh and another thing, the CPU never seems to dip below 2.9GHz - I thought it was supposed to go to 1600MHz or something?)

 

those are normal... i used to run about that or a few degrees cooler but my ambient temps are usually pretty low. it shouldn't stay in turbo boost all the time especially if there is no load. try changing the minimum cpu in the advanced power management settings.

 

Hmm, I was installing a caddy into my S13A and forgot to remove a Memory Stick Pro Duo. Ended up breaking the reader and having a spring and another piece come out of it. I emailed Sony and they said I could send it in and have a quote for the repair.

I know it's far from the most useful thing, but I wonder how much it'll cost. If it's not too bad then I wouldn't mind. However, paying shipping just to have them quote a high price would be a shame.

Does anyone know if they need to just replace the slot itself, or would it require replacing a whole board?

 

My notebook suddenly started shutting down from yesterday.

Some more info: doesn't matter if:
- laptop is plugged in or not
- I'm running any high demanding CPU/GPU tasks
- if the screen is on or off

I don't get any blue screens, the laptop just shuts down without any warning. After 2-3 seconds it reboots automatically.

In case this happend before and I didn't find it in thsi monster thread I'm sorry.

 

Thanks for the info. I forgot about the processor management settings. I now have it at 5% minimum. However CPU-Z still hangs around 36x (3500MHz) on idle but when loaded it does seem to drop to x25 now but no further. I'm not too worried about it but it does seem a bit high:

 

Hi, any help/comments on my battery problem?

 

I almost sure it will be a board change. They don't really do repairs...they just change assemblies or in this case the affected board. I don't remember whether the Memory Stick slot is on the motherboard or a daughter board. The best you can hope for is that it's on a daughter board and that the price for that is not too high. If it's directly attached to the mobo...it's gonna cost big bucks!

 

Uncommanded reboots are nearly always software related. You can try restoring to a previous backup/restore point if you have one....or just rebuild the software package from scratch. Identifying the offending software is hard unless you JUST installed some new program and want to uninstall it to see if it helps. The good news is that if you are using the Sony factory software build re-imaging the drive from either your restore partition (through VAIOcare) or from your restore media (you DID create them right?) is pretty easy. Don't forget to backup your data cuz it's gonna erase the whole drive!

 

If your machine was more than a few months old I'd say the battery was worn out....as it is I'd say it's defective....get Sony to replace it under warranty! And if you don't normally need to have a fully charged batteries (and if you mostly use both batteries this is probably the case) for what you do with the lappy be sure and use the battery care function in VAIO Control Center. Keeping the normal charge of your batts at 80% or better yet 50% except when you NEED the extra run time will noticeably extend their life!

 

Hey all,

Just ordered a Sony S13P today (i5-3210m, completely stock except free blu-ray and graphics upgrade) and also a Crucial M4 256GB SSD.

I'd like to also purchase either a 4GB or 8GB RAM stick to include in the machine. Would anyone be able to link me to one on Amazon as I'm not really too sure what I'm looking for?

Thanks!

 

Get a 1.35V 4GB stick (for fast synchronous dual channel):

If you're from the US (save 5%):
CT51264BF1339 - 4GB, 204-pin SODIMM , DDR3 PC3-10600 from Crucial.com

Amazon.com: 4GB 204-PIN Sodimm DDR3: Computers & Accessories

EU:
CT51264BF1339 - 4GB, 204-pin SODIMM , DDR3 PC3-10600 from Crucial.com

Good deal - and free shipping no matter where you're from.

 

Hey everyone, I had the time to take apart my S15 yesterday, and despite some hiccups everything is back together, and it booted fine first try which was a big relief.

I put the HDD that came with the laptop into the optical bay, and it is recognized. I put it in as was, so it has a second installation of windows on it. I did this so I could buy a 32gb usb key and create the backup.

1. I was wondering if there will be any problems once I need to format it? Will it still list two windows 7 boot options in the BIOS?

And to the main point, I was unable to add my second stick of RAM. I am including a picture because I think I broke something that I may not be able to fix. In Petrov's video (and thank you Petrov, I really appreciate that you took the time to do that for us), I couldn't tell where exactly he was pressing to get the RAM to pop out, and I was never able to do it. I pushed too hard in the end, and broke one of the metal clips off, and the other one is bent. I was hoping that like the rest of the process, even if it felt like it was going to break, that that was how it was supposed to go. I have included a picture of the aftermath, and would really appreciate any help.

2. Have I done irreparable damage?
3. Can I still get the RAM in and out?
4. Also, I am thinking there is no way to hide this from Sony should I need to send it in?



Thanks everyone.

 

Idk about how repairable it is... but the rule of thumb is if you have to force it your doing it wrong... and you should stop.

Anyways it looks to me that the stick that's in there is the one that's soldered on. That one cannot be removed. To add another stick. You place the gold contacts in first then push the back down. It will click. To remove you push them to the side(outwards from the center of the stick of ram) and it will pop out. Shouldn't be harder than pulling the headphones out of our computers.... or even the USB ports. Actually a little easier than those two.

I honestly don't know how you would fix it. But if you can't and don't want to return to Sony. You can live on 4gb of ram that is permanently attached

Sent from my SGH-I777 using Tapatalk 2

 

Hey thanks very much for taking a look. You know, once you wrote soldered, I realized it was my fault. This was the first time taking apart a laptop like this, and it took me a long while. I was going to do the RAM last, and by the time I got to it, I wasn't thinking properly, and saw him snap out the RAM in the video, and was trying to do that to the soldered RAM. Completely my fault, I must have been on autopilot.

I don't need to send it back now, I was just thinking in the future, it would seem pretty obvious if I have a warranty type issue, that I had been messing around in there.

Also, in terms of forcing it, I should have listened to myself. I think at that point I had been surprised by how much prying I had to do to get the keyboard off, during which I thought I was breaking it to, and just barreled ahead. All that is to say, my fault. Oh well, I will put in the 8gb of RAM this afternoon and screw everything back together.

Thanks again.

 

Hello there :hi2:

I appreciate very much the job you are doing here. First post is awesome and did help me very much.

I am about to buy a brand new s15 this week. I found it to be the really best compromise for my needings (fortunately there is the sheet battery I will buy soon too). I won't explain why my "history of decisions" (Dell 14z, HP dv6, Samsung 7 Chronos, Samsung 9, and then here) unless somebody asks me.

I just wanted to ask a couple of questions:
- I read about the s15 standard battery life (around 4~hrs for light office and internet use), does anyone can give me a feedback for s13 at the same continuous usage? I believe it should be more.
- Will I need an empty dedicated device to make and keep a media recovery disk as suggested (before I format it all)? How big must it be at least?
- I am totally buying the sheet bat. Unfortunately, the offer I found for s15 is on a silver model (which gives the pro look I like though). Am I doomed to have a black sheet under a silver laptop?
- Any convenient way for having it for less? I am from Italy, and here it's about 170$

Did some research so hope I didn't asked for something was already in this thread Thank you!!

 

i also posted in wizzards thread.. the keyboard shouldnt take any prying either... there are clips but they pop out very easy. the reason you were having to pry really hard is (and this is an assumption) wizzard didnt know about the clip in the battery bay. if you look where the batter sits on the side towards the back of the laptop there is a tall hole with a black nib in it. it needs to be pressed in then the keyboard practically falls off. often times though it "slips" off instead of breaking so it is probably fine.. but next time i guess.

as the the sd card slot. it is deceiving as the usb ports are not on the keyboard but the sd reader and the Ethernet is as well. once again. these are delicate machines as soon as you start taking it apart... you cant force things. as to replacing it. it will probably be expensive. it really isnt worth it for them to replace just the slot as it really is a pain to solder on (probably done by a machine) they will end up replacing the board... luckily the labor should be too bad and the board has cheap components... i wouldnt be surprised by $100 all tolled with shipping and all. but would guess as low as $50.... but dont bet on $10 or even $20 to fix it

 

Thanks very much for the replies, it has been great. You are right again about the prying, the part where I had difficult was nearest to the battery. I never felt I was in danger of breaking it, I just knew that there was a clip there, and had to work for a while to figure out how it needed to be finessed

As for the part that broke off, I think you are right, it most likely isn't worth sending in for that. What I am wondering though is let's say I had an issues with the motherboard, while still under warranty. When they look to replace, will they not do it because of that broken part indicating I have been messing around in there, or is it possible they will just assume it arrive that way and fix that as well? Obviously you don't have the answer they would give, but I just wonder about your opinion, and that of anyone else who has more experience with Sony and its returns. Thanks again.

 

I'm a new owner of an S15 (got it today) an I immediately took it apart to swap out the optical drive and add an SSD. I found this thread from this helpful disassembly video: Sony Vaio S15 Disassembly and ODD Replacement Tutorial - YouTube

one problem though, as I was putting it back together I was careless with the one long ribbon cable and pushed a screw through it. any idea where to get a replacement?

 

Man bad week to take apart your computer huh.... there is another guy who had ribbon cable problems you can pm him. Search this thread for it... honestly idk if any one has them. Except Sony repair and I don't think... and this is just a guess... they can just send them to you.

As to them thinking you got it that way is doubt full... there is some level of quality control. And I've never delt with them and cannot comment on if they will repair the other broken part and charge you for that one or if they will just charge for it all.....

After I looked at it on my PC ( blowing the picture up) you might take some channel lock pliers ( or anything with a flat jaw) and straighten the part out... if its bent just clamping down on it will make it straight and if the tab is bent bend it to match the otherside.... then it looks like it is held in by the little feet just fitting into the plastic... can't break it worse...

Sent from my SGH-I777 using Tapatalk 2

 

thanks for the reply, but there's nothing to straighten out, I punched a hole through the ribbon and about 4 of the wires are inevitably severed. fortunately I noticed right away and didn't power it on, who knows if it would have shorted something.

Here's what's printed on the cable, if anyone might be able to help me locate one. Or if someone could just tell me how to order parts like this direct from Sony, it would be incredibly appreciated.




thanks for the suggestion on searching this thread for ribbon cables, I found this post with a Sony parts number: http://forum.notebookreview.com/son...y-s-series-owners-thread-421.html#post8842877

I'll give them a call in the morning.

 

does any1 else get this annoying high pitch voice from the inside of the laptop???? its killing me how do i fix it!????

 

It looks like they regularly have offers with a battery sheet for free (sometimes it's a HDD, sometimes graphic card upgrade, sometimes Blu-ray, sometimes battery sheet, ...).
So if you have a bit of time, I would wait a few weeks for an offer with the sheet. If say, after 3 weeks, it did not appear, then I would buy it.

 

Thanks. Actually there is an offer, which is a free graph card upgrade. But the truth is I found a way better offer (about 260$ off a preassembled s15) on a very reliable thirdy party site.
Unfortunately, this offer will last until this saturday. That's the reason I started thinking about the silver one, because this is the only one in offer.

Does anyone can tell me s13 battery life in office and internet use?

 

Hi. Would anybody answer my question please: Is there a noticeable whirring fan noise during normale usage of the S13 (office, web) in a quiet surrounding, a library for instance?

I have a S13 standard here and gotta know if this is normal or not - otherwise I'm gonna send it back.

Thank you!

 

Got the S13P. Absolutely quiet on stamina mode and common task (web surfing, video, music,...)

 

Thanks! When you put your ear to the upper right corner of the keyboard: Can you any low-pitched humming?

 

Nop, the only thing I hear when my ear is getting closer is the ventilation. But this is normal as it is very close of...
But yes, in normal use and stamina mode (and normal position...), it is absolutely inaudible.

 

Great - that's what I needed to know. Compared to the low-pitched humming of the fan bearing the ventilation itself is almost inaudible. Bad quality control, I guess.

 

Well, I got the 8gb RAM stick in, however without the one clip, it is just being held in on one side. It is staying put while the laptop is immobile on my desk, but I would think a jostling would dislodge it. Is there a safe way anyone could suggest to secure this RAM stick that I don't know about, or that someone could cobble together?Thanks!

 

I get about 4 hours with my S13P on Stamina mode with display brightness at about 30% and wifi on.

On Stamina mode I only hear it if I hold it right up to my ear.

 

Thanks! Just the ventilation or a low-pitched humming aswell?

 

Is it recommended to buy the S13P now or it's better to wait until the Windows 8 upgrade? is it planned a hardware upgrade of vaio S series?

 

See my previous posts. Most probably, there will be no hardware upgrades except the i3 option.

And:

 

Hi All,

Just wondering about the WiDi function on these laptops, the intel centrino wireless card used in my S15 should support WiDi (Wireless Display) but I don't see any software installed on the laptop to enable that function. Does the Sony Vaio S15 or S13 support WiDi? If so what extra software do you need to install to enable it?

Thank you

Regarding the new models coming out at the end of the month, I was told there will be very minor hardware changes on only a few models so most of the S line-up will simply be getting Windows 8 and in Australia the S15 will be dropped and only the S13 will be available so if you want an S15 in AUS you are best to get it now.

 

My Crucial M4 SSD has arrived and the RAM you suggested (though I ordered from their Amazon store to save registering to another website) is due tomorrow - thanks!

...now just to wait 3 more weeks until I get the laptop!

 

I am very curious what the s series will have with win 8. After all, the T series was announced today to come with a touch screen for 8. So there may be a surprise after all.

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

 

Where did you see that news about the T series ?

 

When you opened your lappy you will have seen (& hopefully not removed and discarded) pieces of black tape holding various wires in place. There are two of them in the bay underneath the hard drive. I have never found these tape trips to be really necessary for their original purpose. Carefully remove one or two of them (without damaging the wires!!) and use them to secure your RAM module. The nice thing about this tape is that it can be stuck to a printed circuit board without leaving residue or damaging the board.

DO NOT use Scotch, adhesive or other PCB safe tape for this purpose. I have no idea what the effect (or damage) might be....but I'm sure it wouldn't be pretty!

 

It's all over the Web. But here is a post from cnet.

http://m.cnet.com/reviews/sony-vaio-t13-ultrabook-touchscreen/35483939

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

 

Sony Web Page us shows the new vaio line with win 8 and I must say I am disappointed. Very little has changed (hoping for a better screen on s13). They also greatly reduced battery life expectations to a more realistic level.

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

 

Thanks for the link