Official NEW SVZ Z series Owners Lounge

Now everything seems to work, but the bluetooth. There is no unknown peripherial in the device manager.

I tried with the latest intel drivers, and also with the windows 8 drivere found here Sony eSupport - SVZ1311CHXXI - Support

No luck. The Bluetooth slider is greyed out or even not showing at all. It seems like no bluetooth device is present in my vaio z.

Anyone is having the same problem?

 

I have the same problem.

Did you disabled Bluetooth in smart network when you were on Windows 7 ?

I tried to install smart network on windows 8 but it doesn't launch ...

 

When I upgraded to W8, the installer made me uninstall the bluetooth driver. After installing, the slider in the smart network app was greyed out. Installed http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Det...8, 64-bit*&DownloadType=Software Applications (w8 offical driver) and the slider worked after that. I then upgraded to the official sony smart network W8 app, slider still works.

 

Do you have a link for the officiel sony smart network for windows 8 ?

 

i need to get vaio battery care and rapid wake app for windows 8 x64 .. any idea how to get them?

 

Just got my SVZ1311 and am having the same problem.
Any answers??

 

I thought my webcam wasn't working either until I realized that it wont show
up as a device until you actually call it to use.There is a website that will test it for you named Test My Cam : Testmycam.com - test webcam - check your webcam. No download tricks or sly sales tricks just a quick test and out.

 

The RAID0 SSD with the i7 quad performs very well.

 

i wonder if you guys get your windows 8 metro apps working on vaio svz , if you upgrade over your original windows 7 factory setting.
i tried it, i couldnt get metro apps working, it never loads.
metro apps only working on clean/refresh windows 8 install.

 

If you plan on upgrading to W8 from a clean, restored to the factory settings W7 install, you should be using the official Sony upgrade utility, which can be found HERE. I can relate to the feeling that Sony's support sites are a mess, but please, to avoid any problems with your laptops, pay attention to any announcements on their resources. Especially considering the fact, that a clean install is not officially supported.

 

USA not listed on that site. when i typed my product code and model number, it shows "WE ARE VERY SORRY: YOUR VAIO IS NOT SUPPORTED BY THE VAIO WINDOWS 8 UPGRADE KIT"
any solution?
model number: SVZ1311BGXXI

 

http://s02.download.sony.com/US/pc/SOASNW-80271937-0082.EXE

 

Ok so, I passed the evening to re install recovery of Windos 7 then use the Winduws 8 program by Sony to upgrade.
I'm now downloading via VAIO Update the updated drivers.

To people that tried clean install, did you installed every piece of drivers provided by Sony ? Sony Peripheral Metadata, Sony Wireless state driver ? I don't know what they are used for, but maybe it can help ?

Further more, VAIO Update did upgrade my BIOS, don't know what are the benefits, but, I didn't tried another clean install, and my bluetooth works as expected now.

If there are some clean installer that can make Bluetooth working, I'm here to hear !!

 

I just purchased the SVZ131190X with the 50% off sale thing and I'm wondering if these screens are IPS screens? Thanks

 

The InCase neoprene sleeve for MacBook Pro 13" fits my Sony svz1131X0 exactly with the sheet battery in place and the sleeve has a pencil wide roll of fabric along the inside upper edge to prevent the zipper rubbing the case itself.Comes in black and other colors.I got mine at Best Buy.

 

I got the Laptop Sleeve - Notebook Sleeve - Computer Sleeve - Laptop Case - Windows - Linux - Android - TSA Checkpoint Friendly | SFBags - WaterField Designs wich fits my SVZ as a glove even with the sheet battery...

 

So, installation is finished and, I'm not very convinced.
Soooo much wasted storage space, only 160GB available on my 256GB SSD (even after deletion of windows.old)
Something is launching after session opens, and aks me what software to use for launch, and then, nothing launches.

I guess Bluetooth doesn't worth this, I will try anoither clean install.

 

hi, where is the 50% off sale thing? is it on sonystyle.com or sonystyle.ca? do you have a link to the direct url? ***no, don't think its IPS screens***

 

Sony US Outlet store (online) - sonystyle.com

use code: OUTLETVAIO50

There's only one Viao Z left to order and it's supposedly backordered, but you can still order it. (it's actually new not refurbished) 2012 model (8GB, 128GB SSD) 3rd Gen Core i5, let me know if you want a link to it. I don't think you'd find it via the outlet system search since it's hidden. For me it was $931 after California tax.

 

hi, thank you. can you please pm or post a direct url to it? i couldn't find it on sonystyle.com....since i live in canada, i don't know if sonystyle.com will ship it or not. thanks!

 

Seems as though the coupon just expired, won't apply anymore

 

hi, the coupon expires on Nov 3...can you just post a direct link to it...i wanna have a look..thanks!

 

https://store.sony.com/webapp/wcs/s...TUVeFWDQHlYu Az3OzQwmi582fmP1JYPk3wzwZF0K680=

 

thanks....the coupon didn't work...i checked with SS USA, they don't ship it to Canada...

 

Hi,

I have come across a retail store which sells last years Sony VAIO Z series for $1299.99 (includes PMD)....is this a good deal? Should I get it? I want this year's model but the cheapest that I have seen with similar specs are $1599.99 or above....it doesn't even come with a PMD as well. Granted, this year's model comes with Ivy Bridge 3rd Intel Chip....

Let me know if i should just settle for 1299.99...thanks!

Specs below:
Model: Sony VAIO VPCZ212GXB

Intel® Core™ i5-2410M (2.30 / 2.90GHz)
Genuine Windows® 7 Professional 64-bit
Features: 13.1" LED backlit display, 4GB RAM, 128GB SSD, Power Media Dock (DVD, AMD graphics).
VPCZ212GXB | VAIO 13.1" Z Series Laptop | Sony Canada

The only thing I don't like about is that RAM is maxed out at 4GB....

i am currently a proud owner of Sony VAIO SZ780 with T8300 2.4Ghz and 4GB RAM which I bought 4 years ago....it is running perfectly without any issues....should I buy the 2011 model Z or just go all the way up to 2012 model Z?

 

finally, i restored my original factory windows 7 (an hour of installation..) and then upgraded to windows 8 .. it worked perfectly... and ye.. that vaio utility upgrade kit didnt do anything..
im afraid of installing the latest updates now.. as it may cause problems again.. i do not want to loose battery care / rapidwake..

 

Yes, the current Z model has the new Ivy Bridge processor. Another thing to remember for this computer is that RAM and SSD are soldered on the motherboard and is not upgradeable. Normally I would get a smaller capacity SSD/Hard drive and memory but in this case I opted to max out both on my Z.

I suppose each person has their requirements for a computer. I wanted a platform I would not have to upgrade in the next 3 to 4 years so I went for options that would allow me to have a computer that exceeds my requirements. I am happy I went this route.

 

Anyone have any luck getting the PMD graphics card to work. I haven't really had time to look into it.
I am still getting the white noise issue and am wondering if anyone knows how to get the noise cancelling headphones working again? What program do I download?

In windows 7 I could set my computer to sleep and then it would resume when I open the lid, with windows 8 I have to press the power button and it appears to come back from hibernation, I have checked the power settings but nothing seems to work. Any suggestions?

 

Just got the following with the 50% outlet coupon. Combined with $600 I got for two old laptops trade-in it only cost less than $500.

Processor: 3rd gen Intel® Core™ i7-3612QM quad-core processor (2.10GHz / 3.10GHz with Turbo Boost)
Color: Premium Carbon Fiber Black
Display: 13.1" LED backlit Full HD display (1920 x 1080)
Operating System: Windows® 7 Home Premium 64-bit
Office Software: Microsoft® Office 2010 Starter
Warranty: 1 Year Limited Warranty with In-home Service
Memory: 8GB (4GB x2 fixed onboard) DDR3-1600Mhz
Docking Station: Power Media Dock™ with AMD Radeon™ HD 7670M (1GB ) graphics and Blu-ray Disc™ player / burner
Hard Drive (Storage): 128GB (64GB x2) solid state drive with RAID 0
Battery: Internal (4000mAh) + sheet (4400mAh) lithium polymer batteries
Total Price: $1,004.97

My question is if an extended warranty is worth it. I passed on the warranty from Sony so its too late to get it (plus it was really expensive). A squaretrade warranty will cost me $270 after coupon with accidental coverage. I've had great experiences with Squaretrade in the past but I'm not sure if it's worth it in this case. One thing about squaretrade warranties is they only cover repairs up to purchase price. So if an initial repair cost $700 and it fails again they will repair it only if it cost less than $300 or just give me $300. I can't get a warranty for the full value of the laptop ($2000+) because of the discount I got. I only plan to use the computer for basic tasks but bought this to make it future-proof and expect to use it indefinitely and end my cycle of something new every other year. I don't get any kind of double warranty with my credit card since I used a gift card for part of purchase.

 

thanks for your comments. yeah, i don't mind the cpu processor clocked at i5, but i was concerned about the lack of ram and ssd...since they are only at 4gb and 128ssd...if they were 8gb and 256gb ssd, i'd pull the trigger...i guess i will wait until this year's model go on clearance and buy it...thanks again...

 

holy crap, such a good deal on such a powerful laptop....i wish i could buy it from sony style usa and have them ship it to canada...congrats!

 

For real?
That spec costs 2150usd.
+ pmd bluray burner 500usd
+ extended sheet battery 100
= 2750usd worth of laptop... for 1004.87?

you got to be kidding me oO

i paid the premium price over 2k+ without pmd / extended battery and got only 1 year warranty for my laptop =/

 

Please stop confusing people by saying SSD and RAM are soldered on, as they are NOT. Sony uses proprietary connectors and form factors, but it's not soldered on.

 

"My question is if an extended warranty is worth it. I passed on the warranty from Sony so its too late to get it (plus it was really expensive). A squaretrade warranty will cost me $270 after coupon with accidental coverage. I've had great experiences with Squaretrade in the past but I'm not sure if it's worth it in this case. One thing about squaretrade warranties is they only cover repairs up to purchase price. So if an initial repair cost $700 and it fails again they will repair it only if it cost less than $300 or just give me $300. I can't get a warranty for the full value of the laptop ($2000+) because of the discount I got. I only plan to use the computer for basic tasks but bought this to make it future-proof and expect to use it indefinitely and end my cycle of something new every other year. I don't get any kind of double warranty with my credit card since I used a gift card for part of purchase.[/QUOTE]


Well, I did not purchase an extended warranty because it was very expensive ( around $350)

I have the feeing that an average repair would be around $500. So if it breaks I will just pay for it.

I do not think it is worth to pay almost the price of a repair in advance......

According to Square Trade, Asus, Toshiba and Sony have fewer issues that the other brands..... crossing my fingers.

 

I installed W8 a couple of days ago. Win Pro without keeping any programs or files. My conclusion, so far, is that W8 sucks compared to W7

I have the i7 with 8 GB ram, 256 GB SSD. Compared to W7 my computer is slower, browser lags sometimes, SSD performance (according to AS SSD) is worse, the computer keeps waking up from sleep when i click the usb mouse, fans are a LOT more noisy, battery time is worse, Vaio Control Center is more basic and does not allow additional fan control, bluetooth switch does not work and the damn antimalware is using a lot of cpu power now and then.

Anyone else with similar experiences?

edit: as I'm writing this the computer is very noisy. The only thing I'm doing is writing this post, with W7 I could barely hear the fan, even with moderate workload.

 

I thought I had read that they were soldered on. Sorry about that (as this was my first post regarding this .... ever).

 

Check Task Manager and see if your CPU is running close to 100% pretty much all the time; if so, you may have installed a Wifi driver from Sony's officical update page which for some reason maxes out the CPU pretty much constantly. If you see it in Add / Remove Programs you can try uninstalling it and see if that helps. I've not seen any increase in fan noise or CPU usage in Windows 8 on my machine at all, if anything it's quieter.

For all the stuff that you're missing (Control Centre options, Bluetooth switch etc) have a look at my Z21 Walkthrough guide here (should apply to your model too): http://forum.notebookreview.com/son...4552-vaio-z2-owners-windows-8-experience.html

 

I upgraded to Win 8 (not clean install). Everything seemed to work fine, although I haven't messed with Bluetooth since I don't need it/

However, I tried playing one of the games, specifically "Reckless Racing" and I am getting a nasty flicker. Has anyone else tried playing any games? I did upgrade to the latest Windows 8 intel drivers.

Update: Happens on all the games I tried, even something like Fruit Ninja. Flickers even while at the initial menu screen. Really annoying. I have played around with the graphics settings and nothing seems to help.

 

This sounds abnormal to say the least. I have the same specs as you, and if anything my computer seems much faster on Windows 8. My fan has also been just as quiet as with Windows 7, and I haven't even installed Vaio Control Center. Battery life is about 8-9 hours with sheet battery for me, probably around 4 without.

I haven't touched the graphics drivers since I clean-installed Windows 8 and Cut the Rope is working fine for me.

 

Could we create an "SVZ owners window 8 installation" thread? This one seems to be filling up with Windows 8 installation issues.

____________________
Sent via TapaTalk

 

It's no problem at all. It wasn't really directed toward you, it was said in general, I hear that "soldered on" quite often. So, I'm sorry if I made you uneasy.

 

That's interesting. Cut the rope works fine for me as well..I don't know what the difference is between Cut the Rope and Reckless Racing (and the other I tried), but something is different.

Can you try Reckless Racing and see if you get a flicker?

 

OK, to answer my own question, I ran Windows Update and the flicker problem went away. Hope this helps someone else with the same problem.

 

stupid question but how do i go about getting the new Win8 os?

 

So I am looking into buying the Vaio SV-Z13. I heard that the display might be not as bright as the ones from predecessors.
Can someone confirm that the screen is not very bright or darker then on a Z21?

Thanks!

 

Not sure about the rest, but I keep the brightness at 52%, as higher values are eye-gougingly bright. I would say the SVZ is brighter than the VPCZ1.

 

This is the easiest way: Upgrade to Windows 8 - Microsoft Windows

Or you can buy it in any Office or Electronics store.

 

That sounds great! More comments on this by others?

One more question. Is it true that external screens can only be used up to 1900x1200 pixel? Both with Z itself and PMD?

 

Since SVZ only comes with 1920x1080 96% aRGB screen, it would be less bright than the 1600x900 screen on Z2, and maybe the 1600x900 on Z1. The 1920x1080 in SVZ should be brighter than (or about the same as) either Z1 or Z2's 1920x1080.

This is a comparison of full brightness. Most people do not use the full brightness anyway.

 

Well,probably you are talking about the only review that points out that the z3's screen is dimmer than it predecessors..... ( Notebookcheck-Germany).

Well, I contacted Lisa from Mobiletechreview, that reviewed this notebook and this is what she said in this regard:

"It measured close to 300 nits brightness, which is better than average among notebooks, though not shockingly bright. It was plenty bright enough for me! "