Official NEW SVZ Z series Owners Lounge

Was away all weekend, sorry for the long post...

I just picked up a 1TB usb 3.0 passport from amazon for $89.99. It's super light and seems very quick. I have the 256gb but this will be a good way to carry all my media (tv shows, movies, etc) with me. I think it would have made having the 128gb doable for me, but I'm not _too_ concerned about having bought the bigger SSD.

I am having (maybe) a similar problem, except that I haven't done anything to my recovery partition. My webcam isn't working now, about two weeks after getting my computer. I haven't deleted my recovery partition (or any partition) or even burned discs. However, I'm not sure my camera did work out of the box as I didn't test it until a couple days ago. I'm currently waiting for sony tech support to call me back, but if I learn anything I'll let you know.

I found them too! I sent them an email since they didn't say what version of the Z chassis they had cases for (I assumed it was the old one with the circular power button in the hinge) and they got back to me very quickly saying they would just handmake it from scratch using the dimensions of my device. Seems cool, except I was looking for a padded one.
I initially purchased this: Crater Laptop Sleeve - Timbuk2 Bags
I got a black/red edition which I think was old as it was on clearance and appears to be gone as of right now.
I didn't like it as it wasn't very well padded and wasn't QUITE wide enough for the Z to slide in easily. The zipper would close, but it took a little work.

I eventually ended up buying these two cases:
Nylon Sling Sleeve for 13" MacBook Pro by Incase
Heathered Protective Sleeve for 13" MacBook Pro by Incase

Got both for $70 incl. shipping on amazon (price of the heathered has since increased). The nylon sling sleeve is great, but the extra pockets/handles on both sides make it slightly thicker than I'd like for a straight sleeve. However, it has a shoulder strap which makes it much more versatile than a sleeve - should be good if I just need to carry laptop/power adapter somewhere. Also, the inside is very soft (won't be scratching my laptop) and has good padding.

I haven't received the heather sleeve yet, so I can't comment on that.

Also, I'll post some pictures later of the non-altered SD card and MSPRO card sticking out of my laptop.

 

Regarding sleeves for you Z3, this company does a pretty good case (though styling options are limited). It fits it pretty well. They make cases in every 1/2 inch increment so you can find one who's HxW matches your case quite well:

Laptop Sleeve - Notebook Sleeve - Computer Sleeve - Laptop Case - Windows - Linux - Android - TSA Checkpoint Friendly | SFBags - WaterField Designs

- Tim

 

How are the speakers on the new SVZ? I noticed Sony has a different name for it. It it better, same, worst?

Also, I got to see the new SVZ's at the SonyStyle Store. Looks like Sony did away with the Basic carbon lid. All I saw was Premium - XX and Glossy -XXI on display. The glossy has a high mirror finish. I prefer the Premium overall.

 

Hey folks...

I bought a Sony Memory Stick for use in my Z1311 (instead of a micro-sd adapter), and I am wondering if it is a legit Sony product. I bought it from Fry's (big US electronics retailer), but the model number on the package doesn't match the model number on the Sony website, nor even in Fry's catalog.

Fry's has said they will look into it, but the support drones at Sony said:

1. Yes it is a real Sony product, since I bought it from Fry's, and

2. They CANNOT verify that it is a real Sony product, because the model number doesn't match anything in their catalog.

WHAT THE FRIG??

I have written to the Sony "Brand Integrity" email address, where they deal with questions of "is this a real Sony product", but haven't heard back from them.

Basically, I got an MS-HX32B/M card, but the package says "MS-HX32B/KQ2" on it. Sony says there is no such thing, but not to worry, which doesn't make sense. There is no mention anywhere on the web of a "MS-HX32B/KQ2".

I could bring this back to Fry's and order one direct from the Sony website if I wanted to be sure, I guess.

Has anyone ever had this problem before? What would YOU do?

Here's a pic of the package I bought:



I noticed it doesn't look like any of the MS-HX32B/M packages one can find online, except for some on eBay, of which some are listed as "MS-HX32B/KQ1".

Very suspicious, especially since there have been a lot of 'fake flash card' dealers on eBay.

- tim

 

The speakers are still pretty bad. They are about as quality and loud as the speaker in my iPhone 4. However, you can surprisingly easily tell the differences between the two channels, and if you're buying it in the US, then the included noise canceling headphones are quality. Still, I am currently looking into the Beacon Audio Phoenix portable bluetooth speaker to give it a bit more punch; it gets excellent reviews but still are only available for pretender. You can still order the normal carbon black, the premium black glossy you saw actually costs $50 more. However, I really like glossy machines and went for it, but be careful. It scratches pretty easy; I already have a few noticeable ones on my week old machine.

 

Does anyone have trouble with their space bar? Mine doesn't work if I press anywhere on the right edge or the right third of the bottom edge. Basically exactly where my right thumb naturally goes. Is it easy to replace the keyboard? The last thing I want to do is send this in for repairs, but it's driving me mad.

 

It looks legit. I've purchased many Sony Thumb drives, SD Cards, and Adapters from Fry's and never had any issues. I'm almost certain your fine, but if you feel more comfortable having a model no# that Sony can verify, I guess you can return this and just purchase from Sony.

 

Repairs might be worth it; that's a pretty major issue. My spacebar works fine no matter where I press it, and I always press space with my right thumb.

 

I ended up deciding the peace of mind was better than not, at the small cost of a little more wait and driving down to Fry's.

I just wish Sony would know more about their own supply chain, so they would know what a clearly Sony-branded product WAS, by model number. The last time I talked to Sony third-level support, they were very nice, but unable to help me, in the end. I didn't want to wait another hour on the phone to see if they could find the answer.

*sigh* I know these are small numbers of issues compared to the hugh numbers of easier to answer ones they deal with, but I wish they'd take them more seriously. I hope against hope.

- Tim

 

Thanks for the feedback. And Tim as well for linking to the website where you can get cases too.

I am very curious in seeing how the cards stick out. I'd be very gratefull if you would post that. I have seen how someone has taken his card apart, but I don't intend on doing this so it's less relevant for me.

 

Finally i had placed the order for SVZ SVZ1311BGXXI.

Anyone using the following sleeve/cover: VGP-CKZ3 / VGP-CKZ4 / VGP-CVZ3?
im planning to buy VGP-CKZ4.
but im not sure whether i should get VGP-CKZ3 or VGP-CVZ3 as well. are they worth it?

 

I finally managed to delete the recovery partition with vaio rescue, I had to do a cold boot and not just a restart/f10 from BIOS.

I have noticed a BIOS update in vaio care that supposedly fixes a battery issue, I have not noticed any problems with my battery so far, is the update recommended?

 

Tim, thanks, I will probably try I true fresh nstall with the official w8 is released.
Let's have a beer then

 

Justin, I successfully managed to "recover" the recovery partition space , however, I did not the option to disable hibernation to get those extra 8 GB.....
Pardon my ignorance, but what do you mean with "reduce the size of your pagefile....

Thanks

 

*CLINK!*

- Tim

 

I think that any Sony accessory is overpriced. On the previous page there were some links to other websites where you could order sleeves or cases for your Vaio. You should look into that.

 

thanks for the suggestion.
i'm also planning to buy razer orochi chrome edition to match with glossy panel
anyone using razer orochi?

any suggestion on external keyboard?

 

Hey guys.
Just bought the new Z yesterday, already performed a clean install today. Is there any way to reenable Rapid Wake without the recovery partition?

 

Has anyone who had webcam problems managed to resolve them? I just was on chat with tech support. He tried reinstalling the driver, which didn't work, and then he basically said I should do a factory reset and if that doesn't work I have to send it in for repair... something I'm not keen on doing. Anyone have any other suggestions or better ideas?

 

I feel like we're both out of luck here. I wanted to be ridiculously thorough, so I reinstalled windows 3 times. First with the recovery partition removed from recovery media, didn't fix it, then factory reset with the recovery partition, didn't fix it, then a clean install with windows 7 professional. Nothing. Scouring online, I see that the only chance to fix it would be to open it, take of the motherboard, unplug the tiny webcam cord, reboot, and then plug it back in. I opened the thing up and it uses these oddly scored japanese phillips screws, all my computer toolkits just strip them. Besides that, it feels like they put loctite on a couple of the motherboard screws or something, they're stuck on ridiculously tight. I'm sending mine in Monday unless someone finds a miracle cure, even though I don't use the webcam whatsoever and possibly never will, I won't have a part on my brand new $1,800 notebook broken. It still kills me though, because I know the webcam worked when I took it out of the box.

 

Hey guys just got myself a Z and noticed that the two Fn keys on the keyboard are not backlit...is this normal? Or do I just have defective Fn keys?

EDIT: Never mind it appears that they are backlit but that they are just dim.

 

They are backlit, or at least should be. However, they are blue instead of white, so the greenish backlight doesn't show up as well. In a pitch black room mine are still visible though when the backlit keys are activated.

 

See, the first time I ever tried to use the webcam it didn't work. I'm not sure it ever worked... unless it mysteriously broke in the first week and a half without me trying to use it. I guess I will send mine in... do they have any guarantees about not losing your data/not scratching your computer if you send it in for service?

 

Hey, I just got my Z today and I'm having trouble with the fingerprint reader logging onto websites. I swipe my finger and it opens Facebook or Twitter or whatever, but it doesn't log me in even though I have my username and password set up inside the program. Any help? Thanks.

Edit: Never mind, I updated the program to work with Firefox 14. I had to download the trial version... But hopefully it noticed it was an update and is not actually a trial.

 

Hi there:

Open CMD and write in the following line:

powercfg -h off

Check my computer, and you will have just recovered 8GB.

as for changing the size of your pagefile.sys - Although I recommend that you totally get rid of it altogether, since you have 8 GB RAM. Dothe following:

1. right click my computer - then properties
2. click advanced system settings
3. hit Advanced (Tab)
4. hit Settings button
5. hit Advanced Tab
6. hit change button
7. either chose Custom size, and put in your preferred size, or use NO PAGING, Which I like best.
8. Reboot

 

to the sv-z owners who are running photoshop cs6. does it perform well? is there a big difference when the pmd is attached? thanks!

 

Been thinking about getting the new Vaio Z, and was wondering if anyone can comment on the quality of the 1600x900 LCD panel? I've done a bunch of searches on google and on this forum and can't seem to find much information about it.

I know the SA 1600x900 panel isn't the greatest, so is it the same one in the Z or have they used something better? I had a Vaio Z11 or Z12 (i5 version) and the standard 1600x900 panel on that was pretty good

 

I can't say, I have the 1080p panel; for some reason I thought the Z3 only came with that.

As for the 1080p, it's fine; maybe slightly above standard panels coming out these days. Still, since my first laptop was a Thinkpad A31 with an IPS panel (years and years ago!), I don't understand why they can't use IPS panels on all high-end laptops. I just feel so let-down when I move the panel up/down or side/side and its clarity fades.

- Tim

 

I also have the SVZ with the 1920x1080 screen. The viewing angles are more industry standard for laptops instead of great. There is a noticeable reddish tint when you view from either of the sides too far, although you could fit 2 people around it to watch a movie. I can say however that when looking at it straight on, it is one of the best LCD panel's I've used. The color representation is amazing, colors are accurately represented and displayed. Great for photo editing. Also, it is mostly Matte and very bright so it is easily viewable outside. White's are also very accuate; they make the whites on my samsung 24in flat panel I have plugged into it look downright yellow. I would highly reccomend the upgrade to full 1080 if you can, the pixel density of it on such a small display just blows everything that isn't a retina macbook away.

 

I think I get especially spoiled since my desktop monitor is a NEC PA241W (IPS, one of the best out there for the price). Switching to the laptop it's very obvious.

But you are right, it is a great little laptop monitor for anything non-IPS.

- Tim

 

here is a comparison between the 900p and the 1080p screen.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/sony/648959-z-1080p-vs-900p-once-more-feeling-data.html

i got the 900p screen and it is amazing!

 

I remember that discussion and couldn't remember were I read it. Turns out it was here the whole time. Shame search doesn't work.

I have the Z2 1600x900 panel and, other than being a bit limited on vertical viewing angles, it's a great display. Great black levels (for a matte display) and the color seem about the same as on my Retina MBP. Certainly if I put the Z2 next to my boring work laptop that difference is striking!

 

For my Z3, the wifi signal is painfully weak. Compared to my linksys dual band converter for my desktop, it is significantly weaker...is this normal?

 

Having a little issue with DPI stuff... I changed the display settings to 100% DPI scaling and obviously everything ended up way too small to see. When I changed it back to the default 125%, everything is fine against except for Firefox. It seems that all the text and menus in firefox have become TOO big and it looks really silly. Before, when it was originally 125%, it was fine. 100% was too small. And now back to 125% it's bigger than it was originally! Any help?

 

Did you close Firefox and then restart your computer?

 

Actually, it just fixed itself. No idea how. Oh well, lol. Thanks.

 

Meh! Why are the HD 4000 drivers so sh*t?
Gta 4 doesn't start.
Battlefield 3 shows a small picture, whn resolution is set to smaller than native, even when I set the desktop resolution lower.
(((

 

I too have noticed, especially since the new Z is quite a bit more silent than previous generations, that once the speakers are activated, they produce something similar to white noise or static. It can be noticed when the mic is active, too. Once the program which activated the speakers is closed, the noise goes away. Can be quite irritating. It can be dealt with muting the sound with the Fn keys, but it's still weird. Not sure if it's a defect or a "feature". Can anyone check theirs?

 

only noticed this when coming out of sleep mode with headphones in.

 

Just curious, does anybody else hear a hissing sound from the right side of the laptop when the 4000 graphics are being used? When playing a video or using the webcam, etc.

 

Hey, could you please check whether your webcam works or not?

--


I am having the most ridiculous story ever. At July 30th I got my Vaio Z and did a fresh install the same day. I posted on this forum that my webcam was broke. I installed all drivers from Sony, without any success. The next day, I started up my laptop, tested Skype, and it said "Congratulations, you have video!". I was like jay, and the camera worked! Yesterday I tried to use the camera again, and it does not work.

When the camera worked, I could see it in Device Manager, as Imaging Devices (USB 2.0 Video). Now, there is nothing left there. I used DriverMax to see whether there where any drivers that need an update. DriverMax recognizes the webcam, and says it is working properly. Now when I read this forum, I know I am not crazy, since the camera does not work for many people.

Let's work this out guys! Sending in the laptop to Sony won't help I guess..

---

Edit: Isn't it possible to extract the drivers from working webcams of you guys?

Edit 2: The only day my webcam worked, was on 31-7-2012, the day after I received my laptop. I can see that when I started up my laptop, the system had made some changes to the drivers. Maybe this can help us figuring out what the problem is. The usbvideo.PNF file is marked.

 

I'm a college student that just got my Z3. What's a good laptop backpack to carry books and my laptop around in?

 

I happen to be a big fan of Tom Bihn bags, especially his "Brain Bag"; it has a thing in the back compartment that lets you attach a "Brain Cell" to it, which protects the laptop. They are a bit pricey, but top quality.

Take a look here:

Laptop Bags, Laptop Cases, and Laptop Backpacks made by: TOM BIHN

Brain Bag: The Brain Bag Laptop Backpack by: TOM BIHN

Vertical Brain Cell: The Vertical Brain Cell Laptop Bag by: TOM BIHN

I use the size 6Z vertical brain cell. It's not a perfect fit, but pretty close.

- Tim

 

My webcam also only worked the first day. It has not worked since. I am sending my laptop back to Sony for repair, the only thing I can think of is that the little webcam cable got damaged or unplugged. Unfortunately my laptop was a custom model (i7 but only 128GB ssd) so I can't just get a replacement... still, I've only owned it for 2 weeks! Having to service it and probably having it scratched in the process is a joke.

 

I just went through all the instructions and flyers that came with my Z3, and noticed there was something that advised that the cleaning cloth always be stored on the keyboard to protect the screen.

I lay the cleaning cloth on the keyboard, but now when I close the laptop, it doesn't close all the way; the cloth keeps it somewhat open, just a crack.

Anyone else able to lay the cloth on the keyboard and it closes all the way? Any trick to that?

- Tim

 

My camera works just fine, just checked Skype. It shows as a USB2.0 Camera in the device manager. I didn't install any drivers or software for it whatsoever. It's just there. I hope those having trouble with the camera get it working.

 

Get a good matte screen protector on Ebay (~$12) so you won't need to use the cloth.


Sent from my Galaxy Note

 

Anyone have any idea why the Z3 is not available on amazon.com or bestbuy? Only the sony store. Prefer to buy from amazon because of lower tax et al.

 

Do people really put the cloth down or use a screen protector? How many of you guys use either of those two things and is it really necessary? Will the screen protector affect the brightness or viewing angles of the screen?

 

does anybody know part number of new external graphics docks ?