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

Of course, it can.

 

Is that as high of the extended resolution as it goes?

 

I don't think they have yet started dispatching the 12. Besides that, I don't think there have been made any constructive changes - just 2GB RAM more... for about 100 extra bucks.

The loose battery of the 11 is easily fixable though. I submitted a short guide some time ago. Mine is still OK since I fixed it.


P.s. I had to restore the PC again... don't know if it is the computer or Win 7 or some other software, but I started getting blue screens yesterday evening - I restored back a few times (with a few days back when there was no such problem) - I thought I fixed it but it started again this evening. Now I restored it back to a fresh installation of win + Programs.... I really hope it will be ok for good now!! I am getting sick of restoring the PC every couple of weeks!

 

Restoring didn't help (( Blue screens keep on coming! Twice already today ;(((


Update:

Looks like a hardware problem - the crash reason is according to the Microsoft Error Data Base most likely provoked by defective RAM or Mother Board.

I checked the RAM using the windows utility - it did not show any errors.

 

with the new gpu, the this new sony s notebook could be very interesting for me.

I still wonder if they managed to increase the battery life somehow, cause 2,5h of WLAN Surfing with the previous model was inacceptable for me.

Does anyone has information about the battery life of the S12?

 

What new GPU !???? There is no new GPU.

WLAN surfing is around 4 hours on mine.

The 12 has the same battery.

 

I am pretty set on buying the S series S12V5E. I wanted to ask all your advice about whether it is suitable for music production? I will fit it with 8gb ram and the i7 processor so it should be powerful enough, can you guys tell me what the fan noise is like and any experiences with producing music sound with it.

Thanks so much.

 

The new S12 has a NVIDIA® GeForce® 310M

 

I don't think this is a good idea! The S is no multimedia notebook and especially the version with dedicated GPU still has NVIDIA driver issues which could lead to audio/video distortion.

So does VPCS11V9E buddy nothing new about the GPU! the only difference (according to the specs) between VPCS11V9E and VPCS12V9E is the extra 2GB RAM and the higher price

Be better informed...

 

Hi!
I was wondering if Vaio S has security slot for a wire lock.
I downloaded the manual, but it does not mention it at all, yet when I saw the zoom picture on Japanese Sony's website, I saw something like it right next to the vent on the left side of the PC.
Can someone confirm that?
Thanks!

 

Yes there is - on the left next to the HDMI port.

 

you don't really have any use for the kensington lock. You can open it with a toilet roll.

too bad to hear about the hardware malfunction. I really hate happening with laptops as you don't have much options if it is out of warranty.

how did you stop the battery from being loose? and is there software to change the fsb or is it still not avaiable

 

Yes... still observing the PC behavior - I think it might have been damaged from an electrical shock - the installation in the Hotel I am currently in was/is faulty.

About the loose battery:

Go to page 120 of this thread.

 

well i just been jolted my a ungrounded delllaptop so i sure as hell can believe that

 

I have a VPCS117GG (This is the Hong Kong S Series) and have found an interesting 'bug' or feature.

Occasionally after waking from sleep, the resolution seems to have changed. Everything looks smaller on the screen, and NOT in a bad way! Things are still very clear, and there is simply more screen real estate.

Control panel still shows 1366 x 768 even in this special 'state'. Then after waking from sleep again it goes back to normal. I have no idea how to get back to this 'nicer' setting.

Has anyone seen this? I really hope i'm missing something simple here...

 

This might be an individual "feature" of your model. I have no such issue.

Regarding sleeping mode though - I usually am unable to put the notebook to sleep more then 2-3 times without restarting - occasionally when I press the button to send it to sleep, the screen goes off but the PC does not go to sleep - the HDD led blinks now and then and no matter how long you wait - it never goes to sleep, but can't wake up either - the screen remains off. One needs to restart the pc in order to use it.

I guess this is a Windows problem though.

 

Has anyone disassemble sony s series laptop yet?

 

Hi

I know that 8GB RAM is the maximum officially supported, but I would like to increase this (running a really beefy SharePoint 2010 VHD..) - does anybody have any suggestion about what would happen with an 8GB and a 4GB SODIMM stick? i.e. 12GB in total? This would be ideal for me.. expensive but necessary if at all possible. Is there a chipset limitation does anybody know?

Thanks
Gus

 

http://download.intel.com/design/processor/datashts/322812.pdf
look up the chapter on system memory interface. I guess it's a limitation of the processor but it doesn't seem to support so dimm's larger than 4 gb

 

An 8GB stick exists?

 

No, it doesn't indeed

 

I read on BB review and read some complaint about the cheap plastic and the paint coming off on the mouse button. Is this true?

Then can I say the SR is a better built than a S?

 

My S is 3 Months old - the only spot I have with paint off is a 1 mm edge on the front, which I think I might have hit or scratched with my bracelet a few times when moving my hands towards the keyboard. It is hardly visible as it is 1 mm.

I don't use the left mouse button as some people are used to constantly do and both left and right buttons look as new here.

But yes - I do believe that if not transported as supposed (sleeve, special bag, etc.) the paint around the edges could come off.

The only way not to have this happening to any laptop is IMO to buy a notebook that has no paint - for example Lenovo. Ugly, heavy, boxy.... but more durable.

 

I've had mine for 5 months and yes, the paint on the left button is worn off on the spot I use the most. It started less than 2 months after I purchased. Not a big deal, but annoying none the less

 

Why do you guys use the left button I know nobody who uses the left button of a tracking pad...

But I can easily imagine the paint wearing off there.... you probably hit it a few thousand times a day....

P.s. Could you upload a picture of that? It would be interesting to all of us I think.

 

I think some people like clicking the left button on the trackpad instead of tapping mainly because they like the tactile feel.

The Sony S's I've seen at Best Buy and used have been very disappointing. Poor specs in my opinion and the fit and finish is VERY un-Sony. I can see so much cost cutting.

 

I actually dont use the mousepad or the button. I use a bluetooth mouse.

I still have my SR, and since I dont use the button and mousepad, so I dont know if it is better built than the S.

 

Strange opinion (about the specs) from someone who bought a macbook - it doesn't even feature i-CPU unless you buy a >15" .... no WWAN either.... I find macbook 2010 specs way outdated.
And quality... hmm... macbook has it's own problems. I was about to buy one instead of the S, but after some research... decided to go with Sony.
I do agree that the pro is more robust... but also heavier, which contradicts the idea of a compact notebook.

 

Is the S series at bestbuy worst than the S series offered around the world? (in terms of quality)

 

status update to my broken S.

Still not there after 2 Weeks.
But some things i realy appreciate..
Sony called me twice already (always the same guy) asking if my machine is there and called the repair company to make some pressure (which is called Comdat in Switzerland), and he gave me the number.
So I called the number and landed (really surprised) actually at the guy who is repairing my laptop
Status: They ordered a new Mainboard, which took one week to arrive. Build it in and it works.
Odd thing: they have to configure something on the bios or board, and because this is a CTO laptop the serial number seems not to be valid and need some more information from sony. Waiting till 4-5 days for that information.

Well who cares, i hope it arrives next week...

Cheers

 

Thanks for the update! Keep us informed. This is valuable information.

 

That is why I referred in my post that it is a Best Buy only option. And spec wise, the CPU isn't everything. The GPU in the Vaio S is pretty poor in the US. As for quality issues, I haven't experienced anything in my 2009 and current 2010 Macbook Pros. They seem new like the day they came out of the box while a friend's Vaio S has poor paint quality and lots of creaking when held.

And the S is only .3 lbs lighter. I could hardly tell the difference. When holding both side by side.

 

You are right - the US version of the S has quite limited specs indeed.

Regarding the CPU... it isn't everything, true... but only the heart. Buying a 2010 MBP 13,3" is like buying a new Audi.... with a 1.2 Engine......

And creaking?? don't think so I definitely feel the weight difference... as the "only 400g." are actually 20% of the weight of the S.

How about connectivity options, like WWAN, which is becoming a standard nowadays? Don't u guys use 3G Internet in the US?

Don't understand me wrong - I was also considering the MBP, I do like some of its features.... but I was

1. Not willing to wait 4 months, while all other manufacturers already presented i-CPU based solutions
2. Very disappointed that even with 4 months delay, Apple didn't update their product to a 2010 level. What is currently offered is a tuned 2008-2009 notebook... which isn't bad... but shouldn't cost more then 1000 bucks.

The S does still have the best features+quality/price ratio.

 

Apple doesn't want to abandon Nvidia-based chipset + graphic, however Nvidia doesn't have a license for making chipsets for Core i CPU, that's why they still have Core 2 Duo MBP

 

I know...

but as we see this is not an excuse for others....

At the same time MBP 15 and 17" do feature i-CPUs. Not to say that even with a Core 2 Duo to get a decent configuration of MBP 13, one has to pay around 1400 euros.... even the new S12, which has 6GB RAM, i5, 500GB HDD, WWAN, etc. costs 1250.

Among the small notebooks (14" or less), MBP is not at all competitive this year.

No bad feelings though plz... I am not against MBP... I would probably have bought one myself. It is just that the 2010 13,3" MBP cannot be compared with a Sony S - not by specs, nor by price. And the quality is still comparable with the difference that MBP has no paint to come off (although I still have no paint problems on my 3 Months old S) ) I'd say the S' keyboard is better and the S is also mainly metal. Design - I like both equally. MBP has kind of a clean touch which I like, whereas sony is slightly more innovative design-wise.

 

The US market hasn't popularized using WWAN yet I think. And you must have gotten a good batch because the one my friend has is pretty poor still after 3 exchanges. I also think Sony downgraded materials from the Vaio SR. I have held both together (SR vs S) and the SR materials are so much better with less noise when holding it (less creaks).

 

I'm thinking Sony has 2 quality lines for the S from what I hear... maybe 2 or more different factories...
It is also VERY much user-dependable. I must admit I am careful with my notebooks - you will never see me carrying it around in the air just by holding it with one hand for the LID for instance ... It is still electronics and I don't think any notebook would resist an ungentle user for very long

But to avoid confusion for any future S-owners - The S is VERY robust, BUT not as robust as some other brands/models such as Lenovo T! We use Lenovo T exclusively where I work and what should I say... it's a military machine Big, heavy, ugly, noisy, creaky.... but it never breaks down

Btw creaks - I really have none - I used to have some when opening and closing the LID, but I found out a few screws on the bottom have gotten a bit loose - now it is like new! Maybe you should tell your friend to check them out -could be the reason.

 

I went to BB just now and saw the new model Toshiba R705. It look nice! It is only $799.

It look almost like the S on the keyboard.

Now S has to come down in price.

 

Why not just get the R705?

 

I am thinking. One thing I find on the R705, the HDMI output is too near to the edge. I went to Toshiba website and they got one for $999 with 3 yr warranty n bluetooth also. It looks almost like the S or Y. Go to BB and check it out.

Sooner or later, somebody is going to copy the Y and S look.

 

Just had a look at the R705 - Sorry but it looks NOTHING like the S (apart from the keyboard, but many other manufacturers use this kind of layout as well)

It looks boxy as a..... Toshiba.....

 

It is also not a fingerprint magnet like other laptop. At 3.3lb with a DVD drive.

 

true, the Vaio S is a much better looking laptop. But the Toshiba R700 series is definitely worth a look.

 

Sony S12 is already available (since Thursday)!!

I am looking forward to find out whether they changed anything else besides adding 2GB RAM!!

 

Is it available in the U.S. ??

 

No idea, but in Europe it is.

 

There is a refresh of S out already? I hope not exclusive at BB again.

 

Yes... that's what differs Sony from Apple It took just 3 Months to update a 2010-Q1 product to 2010-Q3 ... whereas it took an year for Apple to update a late 2008 product to ... early 2009

According to the specs of S12V9E the only difference compared to S11V9E is that the 12 has 6GB RAM instead of 4.

But I am curious whether they made some other changes too (construction-wise... maybe even paint-wise, or maybe fixed the loose battery...)

 

Gracy123 can you please advice on the battery settings you use? I only squeeze out 2.5 hours on mine as well

Thanks in advance.

 

I was thinking of the S or Y, but now I might get the Toshiba R705 at BB:

Toshiba - Portege Laptop / Intel® Core™ i3 Processor / 13.3" Display / 4GB Memory / 500GB Hard Drive - Blue - R705-P25

Wait till Aug when tax free day is here.

At 3.2 lb, i5 processor and DVD drive for $799.