Official NEW SVZ Z series Owners Lounge

yes, both are usb 3.0

 

Yep both USB3.0 tested with an external USB3.0 HDD

 

Anyone in the UK found a decent sleeve that fits the Z3 nicely?

I'm not shelling out £100 for the leather one, and there are no other options here.
The US get this which would be perfect as long as it was a snug fit;
Laptop Computer Bag | VAIO Laptop Sleeve | VGP-AMN1C13/B | Sony USA

 

Go with Toshiba Dynadock U3. Nice dock for everyday docking. Supports 2 external monitors and usb3 bandwith is enough for it. I did the same with my S15.
Its a shame that other than envy 17" and alienware 14"+ there is no notebooks in the market which support 3 external monitors.
Z with PMD can have 3 external monitors but with limited resolutions under 1080p. Thinkpads with dock support 3 external monitors too but those are way too expensive if you want a decent CPU+GPU setup.

 

I know of these:
iPad case Kindle cover MacBook sleeve iPhone slip case: Sony Vaio Sleeves

Ordered one today, so cannot tell you if it fits nicely, but I've only seen positive reviews.

 

I'm very happy with the new SVZ13 except for one thing... it's an inch too wide!!!

I can't believe that Sony decided to make it wider - so now it does not fit into those 13" laptop sleeves *sigh*

Eventhough it now sports a smaller volume it actually feels less handy now than my old Z11

For the next generation I wish Sony would make it the same width as the Z11 and reduze the screen bezel likewize. I mean - the size of the bezel is almost ridiculous!

And please Sony, don't start thinking about putting in a 14 inch screen - the Z series should remain _small_ package and powerfull (13 inch!!!).

 

I just ordered the waterfield sleeve referred to elsewhere in the threads from sfbags.com

 

For some reason my search isn't working so I did my best to find if there was ever a solution posted about the PMD dock working with windows 8. The best I could find was this thread regarding the drivers for the graphics card ( http://forum.notebookreview.com/son...er-set-all-switchable-intel-ati-graphics.html)

The official sony site has a disclaimer at the bottom right of the overview section saying "Power Media Dock accessory is designed for use with Windows® 7 and will not function properly when used with Windows 8." Will sony/AMD provide a fix for this once windows 8 is officially released? I would expect them to but wanted to see if anyone had heard otherwise.

Link: VAIO Z Series Laptops | Sony Store USA

Thanks!

 

Can't boot from USB stick!
Has anyone got it to work? Whichever bootable stick I insert, it just bypasses it.
External boot is BIOS enabled, and top priority. Fast boot was disabled in Windows.

 

Thanks matt5784 and AdamsVibe for your detailled responses! Now I know what the premium black means. I think I will go with the matt black that is only available online. Seems to be clean in regards of design and not so prone to fingerprints.

 

The Z isn't much wider than other 13" laptops...
Z: 13.0" wide
S: 13.04" wide
Zenbook Prime: 12.8" wide
HP Spectre: 12.88" wide.

I'd be quite surprised if they didn't release drivers once the OS is actually available. That being said, they are working on (or have finished) a new dock with new hardware that hasn't been released in the US yet. It's _possible_ if that dock gets released before Windows 8 they may not release new drivers for the old "obsolete" hardware. But I don't think that's very likely.

P.S. the search function on this forum is just plain broke. Not a problem with your search.

 

Have we seen actual proof that Sony is working on a new dock for release soon? There was confusion when Sony US had the old dock listed only to be shipping the revised dock that was release everywhere else.

Obviously, they will always be working on something new, but I have not seen anything pointing to a revision to be released soon.

Perhaps I missed something the last week or two.

 

There is indeed some kind of difference between the 2 USB ports. I tried a clean install using an external USB 2.0 disk drive. I could boot from the external drive without any problem but as soon as the Windows installer started, the drive was no longer detected and I got the error saying no install media could be found. This was when I used the port to the back.
When I did the exact same routine with the drive connected to the port to the front everything went smoothly.

I did a clean install using your routine. But the device manager gave me several errors and notifications afterwards, mainly on Bluetooth devices.
I compared the device manager and installed software list with screenshots taken before the clean install and the factory defaults never mention the Atheros Bluetooth installation. They are also not on the original recovery media I created before.
Then I uninstalled the Atheros package and all errors in the device manager were solved. The device list now more resembles the original one.
So I don't think this package is needed on the SV-Z.

I now have only one problem after doing a clean install. I installed Windows using the EFI boot method but I can't get an hibernation partition to enable fast boot. I tried creating an 8GB partition using diskpart but I can't set its ID to 84 (hibernation partition). EFI requires an GUID for the partition types but that doesn't exist for the MBR partition type with ID 84.
Any ideas?

 

I think your boot problems have more to do with the fact that the back USB is not a USB but actually a light peak port that happens to support USB than anything else. Is definitely possible both ports are 3.0, but mine hasn't even shipped yet.

 

Another difference: the front USB port provides power while the rear does not- particularly important when using some external optical drives that need more power.

 

I know Lisa has posted 3d mark vantage results for the Z3 (thanks Lisa!). The problem it is very hard to find comparison numbers from other laptops. Can somebody please post 3dmark 06 results from your Z assuming its a i7?

Thank you

 

You're welcome We do have a comparison table in the full review so you can see how it stacks up against 4 current notebooks.

 

I was just wondering if anyone had any more information regarding the possible upgrade to the PMD and when it might arrive. I don't think I will order one if it sounds like it is going to be upgraded soon. Where did this rumor originate since I can't find any articles online about it?

 

Thanks Lisa!

Somehow I missed that table the first time through.
Couple of questions.
The Vaio S in the lineup, i'm assuming that is the 640mle quoted with the score of 5611?

As these numbers don't mean a whole lot to me without a good refrence (i'm a 3dmark06 guy). Would you be willing to run the 3dmark vantage again with the S model using only the HD4000? That will give me a good benchmark for how much faster the Z version is.
thank you Lisa!

 

Yes, when the score was done using dedicated it's mentioned along with CPU after the notebook's name. So GT640M LE it is for the Vaio S. The S is away with an editor on vacation, so I won't be able to benchmark it again terribly soon.

 

Woah, are you sure the rear port does not provide any (charging/operating) power at all? From all I know, the front one does also supply power when the notebook is shutdown / in standby, which the rear one does not - but that does not implicate the rear port beeing unable to provide power when the notebook is powered on.

 

When the notebook is on, standard USB ports output 5v, with 500 mAh to the internal hub (there can be several USB ports on the internal hub in a notebook). The sleep and charge ports often provide more mAh, which is handy for USB optical drives and smartphones that won't charge or run from low mAh sources (it doesn't share power with other ports/hubs and thus isn't fractionated).

 

I just ordered my Sony vaio z! Can't wait for it to get here. Skipped the power media dock, going to see how I like it for gaming and use without it and order one if the update it later. Or buy a used one (If anyone is looking to sell). Thanks for this thread, looks like a great laptop and can't wait to use it for college next year.

 

I had similar problems trying to install from an external USB 2.0 BD-RW drive but in my case it did the same whichever port I used. I decided it was something to do with the fact that the ports are actually USB 3.0 and half-way through the installation Windows 7 suddenly decided it needed drivers for them. I disabled XHCI in the BIOS and the installation went fine and I could re-enable XHCI afterwards.

 

You can use any headsets designed for cell phones, use a USB headset, or use one of these: Amazon.com: StarTech.com MUYHSMFF 3.5mm 4-Pin to 2x 3-Pin 3.5mm Headset Splitter Adapter - M/F: Electronics

 

Interestingly enough, I just found this PDF in the manuals section of sony's support for the SVZ that states BOTH USB ports support usb 3.0.

http://www.docs.sony.com/release/SVZ1311_series_QSG_EN_FR.pdf

"USB port (Compliant with the USB 3.0 standard, and supports USB charging.)
Docking station port (Supports USB 2.0/3.0 compliant devices.)"

So I guess Sony sort of tells you they are both 3.0. Yet they don't.

 

Benchmarks for the 7670m are very close (and even sometimes below) the full power Intel HD 4000 (non-ultra low voltage) this thing packs. However, the dedicated vram may give you slightly better performance, but not really for gaming. The biggest current advantage I can see of the power media dock is the ability to support 3 extra displays instead of just 2.

 

any feedback on the fan noise from the owners? also when heavy task like lightroom development or ps is running?

thanks!

 

Under heavy workload, new SVZ (quad core SKU) is noticeably less loud compared to the VPC-Z2 (i7 2620M based).

It is not just less loud, but the noise spectrum is different - as in "less annoying".

 

Finally got my SVZ, too

So, here go some speed tests on the 512GB SSD model. Write-back cache enabled, on a clean Win7 install.
Reads seem a little slower than the 128/256GB models, but write rates are just top.

 

Hi,

I am wondering if Z3 is completely identical to Z2 for keyboard, touchpad and audio.

The local Sony store doesn't have a Z3 on display yet, so I couldn't really test it out myself.

 

After a one week honey moon with my new Vaio Z I7 512GB, I just noticed that one of the USB 3.0 ports ( the one next to the power jack) is loose.
The whole port , not just the blue plastic tab moves back and forth a bit.....

The bottom line is that the USB cables still fit snug in the port so the connection is OK, it is just that the whole port is not solid like the other and wiggles......

I am just asking you to try that particular port and let me know what you find.

I will be calling Sony for in home service......

 

So is the PMD with the 7670 card the newer updated PMD or is there still an update rumored to be coming soon? I read earlier in the thread that there was an update that the US didn't have yet. What graphics card is in that version (if it exists).

 

Have got the I7 version and can advise the following (which may be of help)
1) Internal screen 1600x900 skyrim auto video detect sets quality to low.
2) External connected screen via HDMI resolution 1920 x 1080 skyrim auto video detect sets quality to low.
3) External connected screen via PMD HDMI resolution 1920 x 1080 skyrim auto video detect sets quality to Medium.
Other advantages of the PMD for me are the DVD rewriter, ability to connect ethernet, vga and HDMI screens, USB external drive, USB hub and only have one simple connector to the laptop which makes it suitable for office set up and then simple disconnect to allow it to be a portable laptop

 

Hi guys, can anyone tell me what fresh start means? I've seen a list of included software from sony vegas, office, karspesky e.t.c on the vaio Z page. What will be removed from my VAIO Z if I choose fresh start?

 

Hmm.. Why am I getting 7.6 Ram Score on WEI?
I searched everywhere and found that every other SVZ on the internet has 7.8 Ram score. (i7QC + 8GB model)
Is there anything I can do to make it improve?
Thanks!

 

I had an issue with the new Z laptop and was told Sony will replace it. Was just curious before re-ordering and noticed that there are lot of clearance Z on outlet store... more than any I ever seen for other Z models or Sony in fact...

Not sure if the customers are cancelling orders or are their problems with the laptop making people return it!

Can folks list their problems/experience ?
Question is for those on this forum who have returned their Z13 and not taken a replacement (this category could include people who have gone for a different sony laptop). I am aware of the multiple displays and display resolution problem some had... want to know if there are other issues to be aware of making people change their mind about keeping one...

 

I'm pretty sure the 7970m is the new dock. You cannot buy it by itself from the sony store yet, only bundled with the computer.

 

Clearance SVZ's are CTO cancelled before shipment, so I don't think there would be anyone here telling you why he/she returned it.

Last time I checked, all the clearance SVZ's had PMD, though, so maybe people upgrading realized that they don't need the need PMD or can use their old ones and decided to switch to PMD-less configurations.

 

I tried to add the PMD to my order from Sony but they can't do it since its listed as being a component of the computer itself, when it really should be listed as an accessory. They didn't know when the new one would be available to order separately, or if it would be at all.

I know that the 6650m is the same card, so can a software update change it into a 7670? I want to get one before I leave for college in August (not just for the gaming boost but also for the ease of hooking up to a mouse, hard drive, etc at my desk). I might wait to see if they update it and decide between the 7670m and the 6650m (which would probably be on sale). If they don't I will look at finding a used one of the 7670m (although there are none online that I can see).

Anyone on this forum live in the US and want to sell their updated PMD? I ordered the premium black, will the color be any different than if I had ordered it with the computer? I know the gold and blue versions had different colors but hadn't seen anything on regular CF vs premium CF.

 

I have one for the Premium Black. It has a black band instead of the silver one found on other models. I might sell it off if your interested. Its the Blu-Ray/Burner version. It performs better and overclocks to 875/1100 without issues.

 

Has anyone tried playing GTA San Andreas?
Frame rates are terrible, and the mouse doesn't work....

 

Remove please!

 

Frame rates could have been a problem with drivers or the laptop, but because your mouse doesn't work as well you probably have a corrupted game installation. Try reinstalling it.

 

I've done that, both on Steam and from my DVD.
It was running alright on the Z1 with the Nvidia chipset, and the mouse problem has never been an issue before.

 

Has anyone tried using the MS pro slot to expand the storage of the Z? (Yes, I know it is slow...) I just ordered mine (one of the clearance models) and I was thinking I could use a MicroSD->MS Pro adapter ( like this) to expand the storage a bit. As per this thread I know you can make this work on a PSP (with up to 64gb of space). Has anyone done this on a Z?

 

I have one of those adapters that I never ended up using on my PSP. I can try it on my Z and let you know what kind of transfer rates I get with it, although the biggest microSD cards I have are 16gb.

This could be another option for you if you're willing to give up a USB port.

Amazon.com: SanDisk Cruzer Fit 32GB Flash Drive - SDCZ33-032G-B35: Computers & Accessories

 

Yeah, I already have at least one 32gb microSD card I'm not using, so spending $1.99 and being able to use it on my computer is pretty attractive. If you do test it, could you also try and see how far the MS card sticks out from the port? I'd probably want to just leave it in the laptop - I've been looking at 64gb UHS-1 SD cards for a similar purpose.

That flash drive is very intriguing, although I am not sure I would want to permanently give up a USB port for it (and I feel like I would probably lose it if I was constantly taking it out). If only there was a USB 3.0 version for that price...

 

It barely sticks out, but is still not quite flush. I fixed this by taking the plastic casing off of my Sandisk UHS-1 and covering the slot with some black tape. Looks fine to me.

 

I was asking about a Memory Stick card. Are you talking about an SD card?