Official NEW SVZ Z series Owners Lounge

Noticed some guys are about to receive their SVZ soon, so I created this owners thread.

Do not use this as a chat thread please. Discuss only order and shipping related info here until the units start arriving.

 

My Z3 (SVZ1311BGXXI) was ordered 6/3 and shipped today (6/6). Note that the estimated ship date is pretty meaningless - it won't actually ship until you receive the email with tracking number... mine was estimated to ship 6/5. I should have it tomorrow and will post up some pics and maybe a quick review.

 

^
Can't wait

 

Ordered mine(SVZ1311C5E ) 16/05 according to the status it finished building.
No idea when it will be sent though

 

Have ordered my SVZ1311C5E today, current order status "scheduled for manufacturing".

 

I just got mine. Unfortunately I don't have enough time to write up a review at the moment, but if anyone has any questions just ask and I'll try to get the answers.

 

Passmark Performance Test 7 results.....



PassMark(TM) PerformanceTest 7.0 Evaluation Version ( PassMark Software - PC Benchmark and Test Software)
Results generated on: Thursday, June 07, 2012


Benchmark Results

Test Name: This Computer
CPU - Integer Math: 2215.0
CPU - Floating Point Math: 4183.3
CPU - Find Prime Numbers: 981.6
CPU - SSE: 34.0
CPU - Compression: 9617.9
CPU - Encryption: 26.4
CPU - Physics: 418.2
CPU - String Sorting: 5141.1
Graphics 2D - Solid Vectors: 2.0
Graphics 2D - Transparent Vectors: 2.1
Graphics 2D - Complex Vectors: 125.4
Graphics 2D - Fonts and Text: 197.0
Graphics 2D - Windows Interface: 88.0
Graphics 2D - Image Filters: 375.0
Graphics 2D - Image Rendering: 615.0
Graphics 3D - Simple: 556.0
Graphics 3D - Medium: 161.9
Graphics 3D - Complex: 52.5
Graphics 3D - DirectX 10: 7.3
Memory - Allocate Small Block: 5812.9
Memory - Read Cached: 2416.3
Memory - Read Uncached: 2345.2
Memory - Write: 2256.0
Memory - Large RAM: 4020.6
Disk - Sequential Read: 933.0
Disk - Sequential Write: 588.7
Disk - Random Seek + RW: 315.5
CPU Mark: 7892.9
2D Graphics Mark: 420.6
Memory Mark: 1783.1
Disk Mark: 6644.3
3D Graphics Mark: 512.1
PassMark Rating: 2248.7

System information: This Computer
CPU Manufacturer: GenuineIntel
Number of CPU: 1
Cores per CPU: 4
CPU Type: Intel Core i7-3612QM @ 2.10GHz
CPU Speed: 2095.6 MHz
Cache size: 256KB
O/S: Windows 7 (64-bit)
Total RAM: 8089.3 MB.
Available RAM: 4959.6 MB.
Video settings: 1920x1080x32
Video driver:
DESCRIPTION: Intel(R) HD Graphics 4000
MANUFACTURER: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
BIOS: Intel Video BIOS
DATE: 4-14-2012
Drive Letter: C
Total Disk Space: 209.6 GBytes
Cluster Size: 4.0 KBytes
File system: NTFS

 

Congratulation on the new machine, you are luck to get it so quickly. My shipping time is 2 to 3 weeks.

Hope you don’t mind answering some of my questions, as I ordered the same quad core CPU as you, and the machine in Sony store I played around with is a dual core Sandy Bridge with 1600X900 screen.

How are you finding the fan noise for normal web browsing, MS Office work and watching 720P/1080P video?

It might be too early to ask, but any idea on how long the battery last with web browsing on 2/3 brightness?

Do you find text on the screen too small when browsing the web, of using MS Word? Can you fit a Word page with 100% zoom on 1/3 of the screen?

How long is the start time? Also how much RAM does Windows 7 consume after start up (my machine only have 4GB)?

Finally, how is the build quality, the shop model seem a bit flimsy to me coming from Lenovo Thinkpad and Apple macbook. The screen and hinge are my main worry as it flexes a lot especially compared to strong hinge on the Thinkpad.

Many thanks

 

Thanks! Some questions:

1. What's your Windows Experience Index score?
2. How loud is the fan noise under load? Temperature?
3. How's the keyboard? Is there flex? What about the depth/travel of the keys for typing?
4. How's the trackpad?
5. Overall impression of the build quality? Any flex in the case or wobble in the hinge?
6. Does it slide at all on a flat surface with the screen open (w/o battery sheet)?
7. Any other impressions you'd like to share?

 

No lag at all. It's pretty hard to understate that. The RAID0 SSD with the i7 quad performs very well.

I havent had a chance to put the battery to the test, but I'll follow up and let you know.

The DPI is a little high, so I have Firefox set to zoom 125% default (kind of like how IE zoom works) with a plugin. I'm running at native resolution with no Windows zooming. I can read menus and such just fine but it may not be for everyone.

The quick boot literally takes seconds. I havent timed the normal restart but it's very fast.

The screen feels a little flimsy but it's not going to break. Hinge is tight enough but I prefer them very tight, but thats not a big deal for me. I think if they made it tighter it would put more stress on the screen when opening.

1. 6.5 (cpu 7.5, ram 7.8, gfx 6.5, game 6.5, disk 7.9)
2. Very silent, I was surprised
3. No flex that I can tell, feels solid although the keystrokes are short and the keys feel spongy, almost like there was a piece of foam under each key if that makes sense. It's way better than my SZ but it will take some getting used to.
4. Trackpad seems alright, but I haven't used it much... I always carry a mouse (Logitech Anywhere MX darkfield)
5. Build quality is awesome, everything is solid and well put together. I've never seen another laptop as nice IMO. The screen hinge isn't as tight as I would like it but it's not going anywhere. The premium glossy carbon fiber back is very unique and looks awesome.
6. No, there are rubber bumpers on the bottom that holds it solid.
7. I'm very impressed with this machine so far, and that's a pretty hard thing to do. It's easily worth the price. Can't wait for the upgraded PMD!


Sorry for the brevity, I'll have more time tomorrow to post in more detail.

edit: one other observation, the power connector seems "loose" when plugged in. Not loose like it slides out, but loose like you can wiggle it side to side. I'm not sure but I think that this might be by design to prevent stress on the motherboard from a typical adapter plug.

edit2: the free case they give you sucks. I was hoping that it would be the folio style case but its more like 2 pieces of leather stiched together with a zipper on top. It adds a lot of bulk and I think that I'm going to look for something else. Also, if you order the extra adapter I think it's just a universal one because it's twice as big as the included adapter. I'm just keeping it at the office anyway, but there ya go.

edit3: The included noise cancelling headphones are a nice touch. They work pretty well.

 

I also have a question vmspionage:
Are there any new VAIO themes on the SVZ13, or the same ones like on the Z2 (see attached screenshot)?
I really don't like the ones on the Z2 and am looking for something nicer.
Thank you!

Points 3 to 6 are probably the same as for the Z2 (please correct me if that's not the case), so I can answer you based on my experience with my Z2:
3. No noticeable flex. The keys have a very short travel, but this is not bad at all. Typing is very convenient and fast. Overall, the keyboard is very good in my opinion.
4. Many people don't like the trackpad, but I am satisfied with it. Everything works well for me and I really like that two-finger scrolling is supported by default. The texture of the trackpad is something that many people complain about, but I'm ok with it. The button area has a shiny surface that is a fingerprint magnet and the narrow gap between the trackpad and the palmrest collects dust and dirt.
5. Overall build quality feels good and solid. The screen does not wobble, when the laptop is placed on a desk. If you carry it around in your hands with open lid, then it does wobble a little.
The lid has lots of flex, this is a concern for some, but many people say that it is designed that way and it makes it sturdier. Btw. I just noticed 2 bright spots on my screen, not sure if the panel is defective or if they got there because the lid is flexible and does not protect the screen (though I am always careful with my laptop).
6. There are rubber feet on the bottom of the laptop and on the hinge. This way it does not slide, when it is placed on a desk. Though I think it tends to slide more easily when you push it from the side, e.g. when you try to plug something into one of the ports.

 

Same themes as the ones you posted. I usually use a simple dark background anyway, like one of these

Browsing Minimalistic on deviantART

 

Many thanks vmspionage, did you order the Z with 15 year anniversary collector's edition?

 

Thanks for both of your feedback!

I'd be interested in seeing pictures of the premium carbon black whenever you have a chance to post--it looks like that option is $50 extra, but probably worth it

Picking up the entry-level model Z looks pretty nice with the upgraded graphics built-in for $1600. The other option, however is to pick up an outlet Z2 with 256GB SSD, sandy bridge i7, and PMD instead. I'm trying to decide if the ivy bridge upgrade is worth going down to 128GB/no PMD for around the same price.

 

It is. I'm not sure if they are all engraved with that or not, but mine has it.

I'd say go for the carbon. I haven't used a Z2 personally but if you can get one for the right price I'd say go for it. Otherwise get the Z3 with no PMD and wait for the upgrade and buy it later.

 

Would love to see a picture of the lid, as the UK site don't show it clearly.
It is something like this?

 

That's it exactly.

 

Do you mean the Premium? The standard is called Carbon Fiber Black. The glossy coating looks like the main difference. Does it show fingerprints?

 

Good catch, I was referring to the glossy premium carbon that I got, which looks pretty awesome. It does get fingerprints though.

 

^
Pics please
Also if possible can you run PCMark 7 and tell us what score you get ?

 

Mine has just been shipped, no e-mail yet though with the tracking number, but hopefully it will be here early next week

 

I ran PCMark Vantage on the Core i7 model for our review on MobileTechReview.com and got 17,000. It managed 4,000 with the Intel HD 4000 integrated graphics. Very pleased! Hard not to adore this machine.

 

can anyone post about the uefi options? anyway to force it on? What partition comes with the default install? MBR or GPT?

 

@pdagal

You reckon the Z3 with AMD7670 could reach 18000?

 

Yep, might just reach 18k

 

@pdagal

Thanks for the wonderful review though . Also you mentioned in your video review you would be posting some other videos like the Z playing skyrim at 1080p. When can we expect that video ?

 

The gaming video should be up on Monday or Tuesday. Skyrim and Diablo III will be two of the titles. The Vaio T video review comes in before it on our schedule for Monday morning.

OK, change of editorial plans: reverse that. The gaming demo will be up tomorrow morning and the Vaio T video review will hit Tuesday. Games are: Diablo III, Skyrim and Modern Warfare 3, all on the Intel HD 4000.

 

Hey,

Are you able to confirm if the factory images come with a MBR or GTP partition?

 

The SSD uses MBR.

 

thank you - one last question - is there anything you can see in the bios/uefi that allows to boot to uefi?

afaik all sb/ib must use UEFI...but I know sony rip the customer with what they can/can't do.

 

For students and faculty with a .edu address, Sony's education website offers a free PS3 with any of the new ivy bridge laptops, including the new Z. I'm starting grad school in a few months and ordered the base config today. I added on express shipping, so I'm hoping it'll ship this week.

 

Just a quick question regarding the new Vaio Z13.
Does the lid get flex and eventually get bent just as previous Z? This is what concerns me the most.
I know that Sony did this intentionally on previous model, but I wonder if they did it the same for the new one.
Thanks!

 

The lid has flex, it's too soon to tell if it would eventually get permanently bent. My Z2 didn't err, get bent though.

 

Thanks for the swiftest answer! Please do let us know if it gets bent or not later when you find out.
Cheers!

 

Hi,
I am thinking to order this model, too. But I wonder if anyone order other color(Gold, Normal Black) and recieved? Do they have "15th Anniversary Collectior's Edition" on the back, too?
Thank you very much.

Fox

 

My normal black model doesn't have the 15th anniversary engraving.

 

Pretty annoying, the ship date on my order says 6/28, despite choosing express shipping. My PS3 is coming tomorrow. LOL.

 

One week after Sony cleared payment, my order has changed to " Production of your unit has started in our factory."

Anyone who already have their Z3 can tell me how long it takes from production to shipping?

Many thanks

 

3 weeks for me, but it depends on the options you picked.

But that is the initial shipping to your country, seeing as mine has been in "you order has been shipped" for 5 days now and I've yet to see a tracking number.

so I'd take their dates with a grain of salt

 

Hi

Does the Z2 PMD work on this?

 

Its a same dock. Dock did not get update, only drivers did.

 

2 questions

Can anyone help with purchasing in the UK
Ordered mine last Thursday via telephone. Received one instant email to show order number, then nothing, no money taken yet (5 days later), no other info. Is this normal for uk purchasers?

Also - can anyone recommend a good case? What are the options - dont particularly like the rigid leather sleeve from sony

Thanks

 

That sucks, I was hoping for some new hardware. Will any USB3/Light Peak/Thunderbolt? dock with a discrete GPU work with the vaio z?

 

There is only one dock. Thats sony PMD. Hopefully it gets upgraded soon, but thats only hope for now. No any rumor.

 

Thanks for the dock answer. UK online sales guy said yes too.

 

Hi

This first post, ordered the new z series today, 2-3 week estimate for shipping, status saying order has been sent to the factory, I just wanted to ask any sleeve recommendations, the Sony leather one seems a bit steep at £100!! Any info much appreciated

 

Well, I was considering buying one of these new Z3 laptops, but I just got off the phone with a Sony customer service rep who tells me that at this time, it will NOT come with a mobile broadband option. He said he voiced his concerns about this to the higher-ups, and he's still waiting to hear back on what they have to say.

If the Z3 doesn't come with a mobile broadband option, I won't be buying it.

 

doesn't look to be a way to disable wireless?

 

Japan version do have a mobile broadband selection(LTE), so there must be a way to add it, but they didn't give international version this option.

 

Exactly the reason why I didn't buy it. Sony seems hell bent on screwing their loyal customer base (7 vaios in the last 2 years... 0 from now on)