Official Sony S11/S12/S13 (2010) Owners Thread

Tried the settings. It's faulty because when I move it around there's lots of static.. Called PC World (where I bought it from) and there's no stock. Could take a week to replace so they're going to refund and I'll need to buy another elsewhere.

Today was the first time I'd messed around with iTunes and the sound - got to say, very poor output from the internal speakers. To be fair though, I listen through headphones 95% of the time anyway.. Just as well!

 

Oh don't say that You obviously haven't used an ACER
I do admit my Fujitsu-Siemens speakers were way better, but definitely heard much worse as well I'd say they are "average".

 

and the spring is the way the notebooks are made. provides an air cushion

 

I really don't know what you are talking about but know that when I press the back of the LID, it very easily (despite any spring, air cushion, airbag or whatsoever) surpresses the screen which directly leads to image distortion!
The back of the screen is not protected at all - you can easily damage it!
No plastic cover can be curved that much and so easily! Just press the cover in the "Vaio" area with one finger and watch the effect!

Correct me if I'm wrong but please proove it.

 

There's a button under the battery cover, for improved audio capability, mine now sounds the local disco on a friday night...

 

its to protect the lcd, its called curvature to deflect damage. if you push so hard to cause image distortion maybe you should't do that.

its a protective bubble shell.

 

what button are you talking about?

 

Would you explain how the "curveture to deflect damage" will protect the screen if I put a bigger book on top of it or if being accidentally hit on the backside?
I know that a normal plastic cover would resist..... and I personally don't know another notebook that is using this "system" but know lots of (take MacBook Pro for example) that protect by a hard plastic or allu. cover that doesn't curve... !

How does the "curveture to deflect damage" help transportation? I am now afraid to put too many stuff in my backpack as if I do - the back cover is being pushed down and this might and will damage the screen!

I'll be thankful if you submit any link that explains or prooves your thesis... Google certainly doesn't know anythink about "curveture to deflect damage" or I didn't find any information about it.

Here's how other brands protect screens...:

 

maybe you should return it then and get something that doesnt have so many issues with it

 

All I'm saying is - don't allege something you are not sure about and can't proove - others may get fooled and make a wrong decision! Your airbag thesis is ridiculous.
Nevertheless if I'm wrong - just post some links that explain it. If not - now would be the time to finish this discussion...

 

I know about it. and have talked to sony about it. you may want to research it. you seem to have alot of free time so why should I waste mine explaining it. common theory explains it.

 

SonyStyle stores

I popped into Sony Style store today to see if my ordered S113 in white had arrived I was told it hadn't

They then informed me that since I didn't pay for it when it was ordered I would not be entitled to the additional 1 year warrenty [for a total of 2] as that offer expired the day I ordered. Furthermore policy states they cannot discount

I told them I have no intention of paying for anything I have not received. I cannot believe their poor sales techique. As soon as they have stock of the S113 so will the JBHiFi retailer downstairs who always discount to get a deal.

I failed to see what value the Sony Store adds.

I checked a S117 black and yes the reflective screen viewing angles are not wonderful

 

SonyStyle stores

I popped into Sony Style store today to see if my ordered S113 in white had arrived I was told it hadn't

They then informed me that since I didn't pay for it when it was ordered I would not be entitled to the additional 1 year warrenty [for a total of 2] as that offer expired the day I ordered. Furthermore policy states they cannot discount

I told them I have no intention of paying for anything I have not received. I cannot believe their poor sales techique. As soon as they have stock of the S113 so will the JBHiFi retailer downstairs who always discount to get a deal.

I failed to see what value the Sony Store adds.

I checked a S117 black and yes the reflective screen viewing angles are not wonderful

 

Sorry if this has been answered :

1. Was this the sucessor to the SR?
2. When is the S going to be on sale at other store and Sonystyle?
3. Is there any battery drain on the S when its off?

 

in the US maybe mid year, unless you like best buy.

I have left my battery out of the computer and it does lose charge

 

1. most likely
2. It has been on sale in most PC stores since end of January! (maybe you should specify where...)
3. haven't tested it yet but it seems to me there might be some.

 

shud i get a laptop skin for my vaio s???? dun wanna get it scratched man =x
if i shud get one which shud i choose garskin or gmask???

 

I think the flexible lid has its pros and cons. Its good for the occasional bump that it wont damage the internal screen, but the S isn't designed to be a extremely durable laptop in the first place. If you want to run a car over a laptop.... I suppose Vaios aren't right in the first place. Otherwise, you can press it down with certain force, but if you stick it in a protective sleeve and keep it in a backpack with textbooks, its still fine. I've been carrying it for around 2 months or more (since late Jan) and I haven't gotten any scratches on it. I keep a cloth nearby, since this laptop attracts fingerprints like crazy, and that some people always love to poke your screen....

Regarding the self-wakeup issue, my Windows Update is already disabled.... weird as it wakes up after a few hours whenever I Hibernate/sleep it regardless of afternoon or at night... Kind of annoying.

 

I see the S and the Z are almost the same design. Its just that the S is 0.9 lb more and cost half as much without the hybrid graphic.

 

Except the Z also has a 330M which is nearly 2x faster than the 310 as well as the insanely expensive/kind of pointless "quad" SSD options. Zs also has GPS and a few more features, but seems like some users with the cellular wireless modules could enable it (or not?)

I watched a movie (720p 1280x720 x264) yesterday using headphones and the sound difference with SRS Audio Sandbox is phenomenal. I really suggest giving it a go (theres a trial, and theres always an alternate method ) since I really dislike the built in Realtek chip (there isn't even the audio control panel!). Video quality wise, it was excellent, I use Media Player Classic - Home Cinema edition (free) though, which works like a charm. If you watch DVDs like some earlier posts mentioned, you lose quite a bit of quality in the upscaling of the video unfortunately. Nothing can really help it since the video clip itself is of low resolution (720x480). I can't stand viewing those anymore, 720p is the lowest I try to view for movies/tv shows/ etc.

 

I did install SRS Audio Sandbox (full) but it made sound worse for me. I tried setting it up but it was worse then the original no matter what...

About GPS, I tried this method but it did not work for me:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=303456&page=9

 

Because it is not enough for the S. I removed the WWAN drivers that came with the S and installed the ones from the Vaio X (here in Italy it comes with GPS working out of the box), then installed SmartWi (it is not necessary to remove Smart Network, which I consider still necessary, mostly) just to enable the GPS switch (than you can use Smart Network). I installed Location Search too (not necessary though). See if it works for you too.

 

Are you sure that you used the X...? Which model do you have in Italy? VPCX11S1E-B doesn't seem to have GPS (enabled) here...: http://www.sony.de/product/vnp-x-series/vpcx11s1e-b

Neither does any of the italian market models either...: http://www.sony.it/product/vn-x-series/tab/models

So is GPS functionality working then?

 

Hi all! Well after your info about the webcam being no problems. I went and bought myself a S series!
I have the basic i330 and GMA HD model. And it's been great! The battery lasts like forever (~5 hours)! And the back-lit keyboard is unbelievably cool.

One Q though, I seem to have a "weird" mouse when using the touchpad. It skips a lot and even after the Vaio Update of the BIOS, it's still the same. Any ideas about this?

Thanks in advance!

 

Sure! I have screenshots but I'm not going to post them here, publicly, I'm afraid you to drop a couple of bombs here at home.
Trust me, the drivers from the S series come with the GPS disabled/not supported even though the receiver is present (the Gobi 2000 module is identical for every VAIO, as far as I can say).
Have a try:
http://support.vaio.sony.eu/computing/vaio/downloads/info/info.aspx?l=de_DE&url=VAIO/Original/Wireless_WAN_Driver_Qualcomm_1.0Z2Q309_1.1.11.zip&m=VPCX11X6E&ip=Preinstalled_Drivers.htm
And if you want:
http://support.vaio.sony.eu/computi...000210495.exe&m=VPCX11X6E&ip=EP0000210495.htm
(it is a sort of plugin for both IE and the Vaio Control Centre)
You should see the NMEA COM port now, but you still need SmartWi to turn on the receiver (unfortunately I haven't found yet a Smart Network with the GPS switch - I've seen it in maybe japanese language but I can't find that image anymore).

EDIT: I forgot you use an english windows copy, so:
http://support.vaio.sony.eu/computing/vaio/downloads/info/info.aspx?l=en_UK&url=VAIO/Original/Wireless_WAN_Driver_Qualcomm_1.0Z2Q309_1.1.11.zip&m=VPCX11X6E&ip=Preinstalled_Drivers.htm
http://support.vaio.sony.eu/computing/vaio/downloads/info/info.aspx?l=en_UK&url=VAIO/Updates/EP0000210495.exe&m=VPCX11X6E&ip=EP0000210495.htm
BTW, it doesn't matter the exact X model.

 

I tried the german one you linked to (ver. 3.0.0.9) but it did not enable any additional COM (visible is just Qualcomm Gobi 2000 HS-USB Diagnostics 9225)...!?
or did I miss another step after installing it?

P.s. is this how the SmartWi should look like...?

 

You have to remove the original WWAN drivers... then install the german/english drivers for the VAIO X. Reboot. That worked for me.

PS:
No, I downloaded SmartWi in the Z download page from the US site and looks like:
http://vannhi.svlyon.fr/img/forum/hardware/smartwi.png
Unfortunately I cannot post images as I no longer have the my (old) S. I'm waiting for a new one to arrive on Thursday-Friday.

 

Check your driver version?

I did uninstall my 3.0.1.6 version and installed the 3.0.0.9 you linked to.
No additional COM appears neither does it when switching from SmartWi (check the screenshot above)

 

In my (backupped) "Download" directory I have Wireless_WAN_Driver_Qualcomm_1.0Z2Q309_1.1.11.zip so that's the version I used for sure. Try installing the Location Search software. Maybe something else is needed since you're using a clean windows install... I can't tell.

PS: about SmartWi I think I used this installer: SOAOTH-00211768-0040.EXE

 

Btw does anyone know whether the keyboard keys are removable (by pulling)...? I'm wondering how to clean the keyboard in the future... Normally the keys should be removable by gently pulling them... has anyone tried yet?

Not using a clean install just a "cleaned up" one
Still the stuff you linked to doesn't work here. Anyway - I was just curious. Have no application for it.

P.s. HAPPY EASTERN to everyone !!!!

 

Epic fail
Ok, which firmware are you loading into the Gobi card? Check it through One Click...

 

sony told me they replace the keyboard, which mine is getting done. since i have a couple loose keys.

they don't come off from what i understand.

you can unscrew it and pull it apart and clean i would guess

 

PC World in the UK gave me a refund - after lots of trouble as they didn't want to do the refund. For those who don't know, it had to go back due to a faulty ear phone socket.

Anyway, finding it difficult to locate another online - I managed a price of £1070 from PCWorld UK. Nothing in stock now.

 

Use WOW if connected to speakers, turn the 3D space level down and adjust Focus level to your liking. SRS is really hard to setup, but most of the time, I find that when connected to speakers, it may distort (I tend to turn it off if connected to my speakers). However, while connected to headphones (which I use more often with the laptop), it sounds great with Headphone 360 mode (or just use Auto, it should detect headphone/speakers). I use large earphones, so I'm not sure how earbuds would sound with them. Switch between on/off with headphones when playing a movie, the difference is extremely noticeable.

I can't say for the GPS function as my S117 does not come with WWLAN (Taiwanese models do not carry the feature). I'm wondering, where can I purchase one? I'm moving back to the US in summer and would really like having GPS/wireless.

 

following the comments of other people in this forum, I have installed a SSD Intel X25 in my Vaio-S.

The change has been very easy. Now the boot speed is faster and there is a general improvement. I dont' see battery issues.

Migration process of partitions have been very quick and easy, using the Acronis 2009 Image software. Just pluggin a USB HD with the partition images and then booting the Acronis CD to write images unto the SSD. No problems for the size difference.

Only problem has been with the Intel SSD Tools optimization software. I have need a previous version of this software.

Old HD now is inside a nice Icy Box case to make backups, etc.



If somebody doesn't need more than 40GB it is really recommended.

 

Just a quick question to anyone who ordered their Vaio S from SonyStyle UK (a CTO model), how long did they take to verify your payment?

I already had the email about 3 weeks ago saying that they will send out an email when the payment is verified and another email would then be sent when the model is shipped.

Thanks
Stefan

 

Hey guys
im almost an S owner.
I have a question. My S will have the 320gb 5400rpm drive.
I was wondering if it was possible to install an SSD drive.
Is it a hard process? Is there a DIY on this forum?
Can someone tell me if the notebook is compatible with
Intel X25-M Mainstream SSDSA2M080G2XXX 2.5" 80GB SATA II MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...016&cm_re=notebook_ssd-_-20-167-016-_-Product

Thanks appreciate it!

 

you unscrew the bottom and slide out the drive. other than that not sure

 

You will save us and yourself some time if you would just quickly read the thread!!! You will find an answer to your question almost on every page! You can also use the "search" bar. And it is all free of charge!

 

can someone advise what the WiFi adapter is in their S ?

Then I'll know whether it has WiDi

 

Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6200 AGN

 

Gracy

Thank you for the prompt response and answer. All this adapter allows is more bandwidth i.e. 300Mbps to help with streaming HD content

http://www.intel.com/network/connectivity/products/wireless/adapters/6200-6300/index.htm

This appears to be what is constituted as WiDi

My ordered S115 White still has not arrived

 

Taiwan spec S series' also have the Centrino Advanced-N 6200 AGN, but no mention of WiDi capability (nor WWAN for that matter) in any brochure or SONY website, despite the models being the same as their Hong Kong counterparts (which advertise WWAN)

 

per intel

http://www.intel.com/consumer/products/technology/wirelessdisplay.htm

then you just need to buy a netgear widi device

 

as per the website, it says Intel HD Graphics are required

are models with the G310M chipset supported for WiDi?

given that the GMA 55 chip is integrated with the CPU (i5-520) but not configured for use on Nvidia models,any possibility that WiDi still works?

 

The intel widi works on my laptop, you need to custom install intel proset wireless, but i can't test it because i don't have the adaptor, also does this laptop support sata II hard drives?

5400rpm sata hdd is slow , my boot time is 1min 31 sec, shown by vaio care

For intel WIDI http://www.intel.com/support/wireless/wlan/mywf/sb/CS-030009.htm

http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Detail_Desc.aspx?agr=Y&DwnldID=18754&ProdId=3200&lang=eng

Yea, my laptop is with the 310m graphic card

 

THANKS! thats great to hear...beats trying to find an HDMI (or VGA) to Avi cable

i did a clean install with Win 7 Ultimate and for some reason, re-installed all the SONY bloatware, not to mention photoshop elements + countless games...

the boot time is CONSIDERABLY faster (just over 1 minute) compared to before

also, there seemed to be some laggy buzzing noises (esp when multitasking) when playing video files and music; all of which have disappeared after the clean install

another thing: i tried to manually install the newest Nvidia driver (v 197.16), but the wizard said it couldn't detect any applicable hardware. Anyone else come across this problem? perhaps the device has been digitally signed, so that only when SonySupport release the update would it install?!?!?!

 

I hate sony bloatware except for the vaio care,control centre, smart network

You need to go to this website http://www.laptopvideo2go.com/
and download the nvidia driver from there and follow the instruction.

 

WHY IS NOBODY READING BEFORE ASKING?

Read the last couple of pages here - I have already written about this and if you had read the driver description on NVIDIA's webpage you would know the answer too!!

 

Mine is going back, full refund via amazon

After a cracking start things went downhill

Major buzzing noise from the speakers when playing back audio/video
Ambient light sensor on screen has a mind of its own, mind blowing watching the screen constantly change the backlight
Keyboard has this irritating squeak
Keyboard backlight goes on and off even in the dark
Speakers are woeful, on par with my daughters netbook

So the love affair has ended