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

No. At least not according to the specs. How much lighter do you want a metal based laptop to get? Look at MBP and others - they are all heavier. Z is lighter but not metal.

So what exactly is better about the quality? The battery - good to know, but I never considered it an issue as it is very easily solvable for good.
Wow you pay much attention to that damn adapter )) I sometimes think you play more with it then with the laptop itself ))

Would you take/upload some close pictures of the 12? Haven't seen it live yet.

 

No, the unit weight still the same (~1980), but the AC adapter is nearly 85g less.

 

No scratches on the palmrest (I've seen them on at least 3 notebooks), no dancing AC connector when in place, no moving DVD cover, no loose battery. Not huge problems, but annoying all together. About the adapter, if you use to move with the laptop it does matter, you have to consider the whole laptop+adapter (moreover you pay for both).
However I'm afraid I'll have to send it back once again since it keeps freezing with no reason. I've also found they sent me a little bit worn battery. But I'm tired...

Have you ever seen a S11?

 

Just to sum up... isn't this at least the third one you return??? And people say women are picky....

 

Gracy, did you get to the bottom of your BSOD issues? (yes, I have read the whole thread )

I’ve had some on my S and I’ve narrowed it down to one repeatable scenario for this unit. I get BSODs when the device comes out of sleep with the optical drive turned off. In other words, the optical drive is switched off (usually by the power saving routine) and the laptop goes to sleep (either by timeout or lid action). Upon wakeup the system is unstable and crashes. This is on both battery and AC.

With the optical drive enabled before sleep there are no problems upon wakeup. So far I haven’t identified any other instabilities.

Is this anything like your situation?

 

Just to sum up:
- it's not your own business
- I returned two notebooks due to production issues and poor quality monitor (I'm buying a 1200€ notebook, not nuts)
- SonyStyle (aka Sony) kindly agreed: this means that the issues were present. Moreover they have to pay for the shipping (for sure they don't like to waste money with UPS for defects that are not there)
- I'm happy with my S12, but unfortunately sometimes during the day it freezes
- I'd like to solve the issue, if possible, without returning the notebook, but it seems impossible to find the origin of the problem (so, no solution). What should I do? Should I keep a laptop that is going to freeze many times a day for the next 3-4 years? Sure, because I'm not "picky"!

And some people want to say something even though they have nothing to say.

 

Sheldon, you're having the sort of purchase misery I usually get. You have my sympathy and understanding. I think it's just "your turn".

If the freezing and worn battery are the only issues with your new S_12, perhaps you should try to resolve them without returning the unit. Sony should be able to replace the battery without taking the laptop back, and the freezing might be something like a software clash we can solve here.

Be a shame to have an otherwise fine unit defaced by techs or couriers.

 

Ahh, sorry, crosspost.

Was the freezing present from the start with the completely default installation or did it develop later with driver / software additions?

 

I'm shootin' for something around 3.5 lbs... and 3.2 lbs (to match the Toshiba R700) would be excellent, thank you. To be honest, I don't really care if it's all metal or not. I just want it to be lighter.

Thanks.

 

Thanks
I know, I've just been unlucky, sometimes happens. But I'm sure I'll manage to be satisfied in the end with this beloved S

It's the same I thought, so I contacted "vaio link" asking for help and for a battery replacement but I'm still waiting for a reply. At the very beginning I believed it was a driver issue but I'm unable to find any correlation with actions, programs and so on. Nothing useful in the events register too. Usually it freezes for just a couple of seconds but a few times it doesn't recover and stays locked. No BSOD, but nothing moves on. It occurs randomly, even when doing nothing. However once it got frozen doing the POST, when showing the BIOS Vaio logo, so I started thinking it could be a HW problem instead. On the other side I've never seen this problem when using linux (but once again I'm not sure because I'm using the notebook only when necessary and since it's unpredictable I don't know if everything is fine there too. And I can't stay all the day staring at the computer looking for 2 seconds crashes).
About the DVD drive, I used to leave it turned off with both S11s and never experienced instability, but I'll keep an eye. However I already tried to recovery the system but still the same. Made many HW tests but everything is ok (ram, hd, usb...). I'll keep on searching but no more than a week, then I'll send it back (hoping again for a decent one).

Yeah, the second S11 I received had the box a bit broken but the unit has not been damaged, luckily.

 

Heh, thanks for reading the thread and really paying attention! One of the less!!

Yes, I think I solved my problem. Fortunately it wasn't the electro-shock as I suspected - it was a coincidence I guess.

I googled a lot to find a solution or at least a possible reason - it turned out to be the ZoneAlarm Firewall!!! I used to really like it - have been using it for years on my previous laptop with XP, but apparently it has LOTS of issues under Windows 7!!!! Somehow it did not give me BSOD for weeks, then did it like 15 times in 2 days, then it was ok for another week and again one BSOD. I have not had a single issue since I removed it!!

It isn't much time though, but still - over a week now. Hopefully for good.

Additionally - it solved another small problem I was having - The PC used to not go to sleep properly like every 3rd or 4th time I wanted to send it to sleep without restart. What used to happen is that the screen was going off as usual, but the PC wasn't. The HDD led was blinking but no matter how long you wait - it was remaining like that - PC working, screen off. Even if you press a button - it remained like that until a hard-restart.

Haven't had this issue either, since I removed ZoneAlarm

So - although I really like it and find it very user-friendly - DO NOT put ZoneAlarm on a Windows 7 machine! No good can come out of it it seems.

 

Does that imply a dual boot arrangement? Other than a hardware fault, that's the only thing I can think of that would cause a freeze during post.

If you have the luxury of another hard drive (or can be bothered to image your current setup for copying back) it would be good to do a totally default Sony install and see if the issue remains.

 

That's a shame. I like ZoneAlarm because of its easy way of stopping programs "phoning home", and the similar way it handles changed programs. Still use it on the work XP machines although it's getting really tough to find ways around third party anti-virus programs from interfering with it (which is half of ZoneAlarm's problems is my guess).

At least Norton are back on their game now. Internet Security 2010 is a great balance. No problems with that on the Vaio.

Regarding the optical drive / sleep issue on my unit, it could well be due to having installed the latest Intel Rapid Storage app and drivers (to ensure TRIM operation on the SSD). The little Intel app takes an interest in the drives so I might unistall it and just use the Iastor SATA AHCI driver. Will report.

 

Exactly!!! It does a great job, really user-friendly and efficient! I would still recommend it to any XP user, but I am done with it on Windows 7!

There are many complains about issues with ZoneAlarm and 7. I think I can add my problems as well.

To sum up - any of you who have BSOD issues - always roll back to the original manufacturer's configuration (restore the system back to square 1) and check!!
I did the mistake to restore to MY basic configuration I had as system image, which unfortunately did include ZoneAlarm and the BSOD continued! That's why I was scared that there is something wrong with the hardware!

Hope you solve your problem soon as well. What you say could be the reason.
I had another HDD related problem until recently - my new 7200 RPM HDD was vibrating as hell the whole laptop was dancing and moving! Unbelievable!
I had to buy another one from a different brand and now this is fine too - a great speed for a non-ssd HDD while at the same time 500GB storage space... and NO vibrations Finally

I was considering SSD but now that I see how much space Win7 + Programs take... I don't really know where to start with less then a 200GB storage space. The speed is without a doubt great, but the price per MB is still ridiculous, while at the same time even if you would invest a fortune in a HDD - there still isn't a large enough SSD to meet nowadays's needs.

I used to have a 80GB HDD on my last machine and it was fine... I can't imagine a HDD less then 250GB on a Win7 machine anymore though

 

Having unistalled all the Intel Rapid Storage stuff and rolled the AHCI driver back to the default item, the Vaio still BSODs after sleeping when the optical drive is powered down.

When I return home next week I shall put the original HDD back in with a standard setup. This should rule out any interaction with the Crucial SSD.

 

whats a bsod? i have not seen one yet and I customized my install like in my sig

 

BSOD = Blue screen of death.

Best Case: driver issue
Worst Case: Seriously hardware damage

 

I would say best case is software interference! Driver doesn't have to be involved.

 

Well

Update on my broken Vaio....

Received it today
Seemed all good. no scratches and stuff...
They changed the mainbord and the palmrest
I called with the guy who repaired it, to get know what happend but he also had no clue.

Edit: So bad luck comes too.
Called Sony right away again to send it in again
The WWAN isnt working anymore.
The card is still in there and working, but the SIM-Card-Loader seems not to be present (it stays not inside, and when i put it and tape it its says theres no SIM-card
Second, the keyboard backlight under the "space" isnt working either.... not tooooo bad and not a reason for sending in, but the other sure is.

Really annoying the hole thing, hope it doesnt take another 3 weeks ;(

cheers

 

i know what a bsod is I never get them though now that I use the best drivers out there

the people at Answers Home Page

can tell you what is causing it. just use your minidump

 

Oh damn Sorry to hear that! I guess they forgot to return your WWAN module back.

BUT - there NEVER was backlight under the space bar!! So nothing wrong there!

 

No backlight under the space? mmm didn't realized that.
Well Dont care either

 

Btw why did they exchange the palm-rest?

 

Maybe they change it always, just that its new service

 

highly unlikely But well. nothing to complain about

 

Does anyone know where to buy an extended battery for the S series. 5 hours is not bad but I would like to approach the macbook pro at 10 hours. I just can't seem to find any accessories for the S series. I'm in the US so I am planning to buying the S series as part of Best Buy's blue label line. Also does anyone know if there will be an updated version of the S series like Sony did with the Y series. Any help/info would be appreciated.

"The moment you start to become embarrassed of who you are, you lose yourself" ~ Reuben Tishkoff (Ocean's 13)

 

I noted a lot of discussion in the thread about the screen on the S, so I thought I'd pass comment.

Before purchase I felt it was entirely average. It benefited and suffered from the effects of LED backlit screens (bright, natural colours and poor viewing angles). It seemed better in those regards than most HP screens I saw, and worse than all the Apple screens.

But having used it for a few weeks now I feel the screen is actually above average. It has a certain subtle fineness that I find missing on many laptop screens. Since purchase, I've spent (too much) time in computer stores with my head bobbing around looking at viewing angles, and persuading staff to switch to a normal desktop. Really, apart from the Macs and a couple of specialist screens, I feel the S is good.

Having said that, my general feeling is that useful laptop screen development has stalled lately and maybe even taken a step back. The marketing demands of shiny HD widescreens have caused a diversion. Screens technologies from other devices will soon leap into this world, and laptops will suddenly catch up. Then all these displays, including the Apple efforts, will look poor.

This was typed whilst sat outside on a bright sunny evening accompanied by a beer. While I wouldn’t want to assess photographs on this screen in these conditions, it is perfectly usable for document work and reading text on the web, etc. It is not the mirror horror of some glossy screens I’ve tried outside.

The biggest disadvantage to being here is that I’m en route to a blackbird’s nest. I’m worried about a sudden installation of crapware.

 

Hi, the part you require is VGP-BPL21. This is available on this page of the Sony_USA website:
Sony | SonyStyle USA
for $249.

Hunting on the web may get you the genuine part cheaper.

Check out the S series on_Sony's worldwide sites. You can see the accessories listed there and then check the US site to see if they're available. The battery is shared with other models like the F, so is easy to come by.

It's a pity that Best Buy has an exclusivity deal on the S in the US; you guys are missing out a bit. I can't help feeling that the arrangement suits Sony_well, because the higher range S could well take customers for the lower range Z. And judging from these forums the Z is very successful over there

 

OK.... it's my turn Today the G-key popped out while typing. I noticed one of the clips underneath (the backside of the key) is broken. I was able to return the key and it does work now, but it is only held by the rest of the clips and if pressed on the bottom left part reacts differently than the rest of the keys....

The real shock though came from the below found on Sony's support website:

Individual keys have become detached from the keyboard:

If one or more keys on a keyboard has become detached the cause is typically physical damage, which is not covered by the warranty.

.................

 

bad to hear :S
I still would try it for the warranty... still if they say no on the website

 

Yes but do you know that:

"Payment will be involved only if there is no problem found or if the VAIO is physically damaged. In this case should you wish to send back the VAIO unrepaired there is a flat fee aprox 148 GBP incl vat."

 

yes i know,
for that try to phone someone on the VaioLink, and ask if they will cover it
or you can try to go directly to an vaio repair service, shouldnt be that expensive

 

I just emailed Sony Support explaining the situation...

Where do I find a vaio repair centers list if this is what you mean? I guess they only have one repair center per Country.

 

I don't think Sony writing something on a webpage (nor a lavatory wall for that matter) changes either the guarantee that was included in your package or your basic consumer rights.

Sony guarantees the unit to be free of faulty parts / workmanship for a set period of time. A clip on the back of a key breaking comes under that heading (unless there is sign of abuse on the key itself). Sony saying that the F 'n G key breaking is "typically" physical damage doesn't get them out of their responsibilities. They could say the same for failing hinges on the lid or the power button falling out - anything they liked.

Give Sony the chance to rectify the fault under warranty and be politely firm with them if they try and wriggle out.

Sending you a replacement G key is the obvious solution - suggest it to them as the simplest, cheapest way of making the whole issue go away.

 

You are of course right. I see it the same way. I will keep you up to date.

My previous laptop had cracks on the LID cover around the hinges. The manufacturer did not want to repair as "This is a result from faulty usage" - I then asked - "Excuse me but would you please send someone to teach me how to open and close the screen of a laptop - obviously there are a few ways? I thought that's what the hinges were for - to allow opening and closing!?" - after many conversations they agreed to replace the cover "as exception" .....

I really hope Sony have better service!!

What they've written on the website regarding keys is absolutely ridiculous as I don't actually know many ways to press a key of a keyboard!!!!

It really happened while typing - it just popped out and when I turned it around I saw that one of the clips is broken and I think another 2 are slightly cracked (too small to see them good enough to tell for sure). The key is now on its place and working but if the other top clip breaks as well it won't be usable anymore.

Let's see.

 

Hi SheldonCooper and other owner of a model S12,
is there any difference (improvement) in the display quality (brightness, contrast, colors, reflections) between S11 and S12?????????
I'm looking for a new notebook with an excellent display, hp Envy 14 little bit to big, Vaio Z-Series a lot expensive, S12 could be a good compromize.
Thank you!

 

I'd say no.
I'm officially a new squeaky spacebar club member! Great!
About the broken key, Sony have to pay.

EDIT: BTW, your PCH temperature?

 

PCH?

I posted my solution to the squeaky keys some ages ago. I haven't heard a sound ever since. Of course, now knowing that the keys do break, you have to be more careful when doing it.

 

The Intel Chipset temperature (well, both the PCH and GMCH).
About the squeak, I tried removing the space bar but since it was not that easy I abandoned the idea (especially if I'll send it back soon). But anyway I'd rather have it solved by Sony, I prefer not to risk.

Let us know about your problem with the keyboard as soon as you have further news. Thanks

 

Here my current temperatures as shown by Everest:


The outside temp is about 25 today and the pc is on for about 4 hours now and in use.

 

Hi,

I have just bought the S Series with 128GB SSD... however if I want to change it to a larger capacity SATA drive is it a simple process? not sure which drives are compatible..

could someone witha 500GB version please post their drive specs..

Thanks

 

It has been quite a bad idea to spend so much money for SSD and then realize it is too small for your needs, instead of the opposite, but you can put any standart 2,5" SATA HDD instead... either 5400, 7200 or 10 000 RPM...

 

Yes, it's a very simple process to swap the drive in the S. There is a large hatch in the centre of the bottom of the chassis that is held by two small screws. Once you've removed those you need to slide the hatch out toward the front a little; then you can lift it away. The drive is held down by a thin bracket which is secured by three small screws. Once these are out, the drive (with bracket) can be pulled toward the front and free from the SATA / power connectors.

Fitting a new drive is the reverse procedure, re-using the same bracket.

Remember to completely power down the notebook before this task. Switch it off, disconnect it from the AC/DC power block and remove the battery. Also take anti-static precautions to protect the electronics. Keep the screws secure whilst working, otherwise you might lose them or they might roll under the upside down notebook and scratch the lid.

The standard 500GB HDD that Sony _fits to the S is the Toshiba _MK5065GSX. The specs for that unit are here:
MKxx65GSX Specifications

As Gracy123 points out, you can use any standard 2.5inch SATA notebook drive. Bear in mind, though, that the 1TB drives that have recently come on the market are not "standard" in this context - they are 12.5mm thick and won't fit (the S needs 9.5mm drives).


If you want to keep the high speed of the SSD but also have reasonably handy extra storage that operates at regular hard drive speeds, you can get an adaptor for the ExpressCard _34 slot; either eSATA or USB 3.0. This will enable the use of portable external hard drives that won't add too much weight to a laptop bag.

 

Thanks guys.. will look into it..

The laptop was brought through my place of work.. so hasnt cost me any money

I actually wanted the 500GB version.. but there was no stock available..so had to go for the SSD version.. CS5 Master has taken a huge chunk of space..
down to 52GB free at the moment..

 

Here the answer from Sony:

" Dear Sir/Madam,

Thank you for contacting us.

I understand you are having an issue with your keyboard. Please be advised that missing keys are considered to be physical damage, and therefore are not covered in the warranty.

There are two options available, either repair your VAIO out of warranty, or purchase a new keyboard, which will be considerable cheaper. The keyboard for your VAIO amounts to 102.31 Euro inc VAT and transport. Please contact one of the numbers below should you wish to proceed with the purchase. "

 

I understand that Sony is a crap. I'm still thinking about having my money back and buy the Toshiba R700 (but haven't seen it yet).

About the temperatures, which version of Everest are you using?

 

Oh don't buy Toshiba - BELIEVE ME! )) No matter whether we consider Sony good or bad - Toshiba and most of the rest are just WORSE you know my bad experience with different brands As the only real competition Sony has, I consider Apple. Too bad they offer such outdated configurations for lots of money. Just not worth it.

I use Everest Ultimate 5.30.

 

I installed it recently so it's the last version, 5.50.blabla... which shows the chipset temperature too.
I'm thinking: is the squeaky keyboard covered by warranty?

 

The question should be - which keyboard features are actually covered by warranty!? Buttons obviously aren't! So IMO basically the keyboard isn't covered at all it seems! w.t.f. !

I will look for and install 5.50 whenever I have some more time (maybe this weekend) and let you know. Remind me next week if I haven't done so.

 

The Sony response to the key failure is pretty much boilerplate. This must happen a lot and they are simply avoiding their responsibilities. Most of the time it works for them but I suspect that those customers who persist, including legal action or promise thereof, will eventually receive proper attention (probably "as an exception.")

My reply to that email would hit the ball back into their court; something along the lines of:

"Thank you for your reply. Unfortunately you have misunderstood the situation.

There is no physical damage to the product and there are no missing parts. One of the keys has failed during proper use (typing). The faulty but otherwise intact key is present and available for inspection, whereupon it can be established that the failure point is in an area not accessible to the user.

I am happy to accept a replacement key but if you prefer to supply (at your cost) an entire keyboard for the repair, that is also acceptable."


They will then have to respond outside of boilerplate. They will, of course, repeat their wriggle but they will have to explain more clearly that they regard the failure of the primary user interface of their product as being outside of warranty - which is an interesting legal perspective.

Even if you win (and I still think you will if you are tenacious) the procedure will take ages. In the meantime it would appear that you can rectify the inconvenience yourself by purchasing a key for less than 10 euros, to your door:

Sony VPC-S (Black) VPCS111FM Laptop Keys

As far as I can tell this is from the backlit keyboard, but you should contact them to make sure.

Pursuing Sony over this should be a relentless sport. If you have good consumer protection laws, trading standards organisations and TV consumer "watchdog" programmes in your country, then there is plenty of reserve ammunition...