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

I have searched the user guide and no where does it mention about the ability to replace the HDD. This could only mean one thing, that Sony doesn't want users to replace the HDD on their own. I might be mistaken but i will send them an email to verify.

Now does anybody have a clue how can somebody change this stupid HDD?

 

There is a HUGE difference between what is considered an "end-user" task and what voids the warranty!!! There isn't a manual how to install your OS either, but doing this yourself does not void anything!

You don't need to send anything - done that already, here's the official reply:

Trust me next time, will you

(Now let's someone ask me again why I didn't buy MacBook!!)

About replacing:
1. Remove the HDD compartment cover (2 screws)
2. Remove the 3 screws holding the HDD
3. Remove the drive
4. Remove the metal casing attached to the HDD (4 screws)
5. Put it on the new HDD
6. Plug in the new HDD
7. Put back the 3 screws fixing the HDD
8. Put back the cover

couldn't be more easier.

 

You are a star!

Now decisions decisions, i've looked at SSDs but for the size i want, my pocket is just too small. Therefore, i will go for a regular HDD.

I'm in between two drives, the hitachi travelstar 7k500 and the seagate monentus xt, both 7200rpm and 500gb. The former is almost identical to the toshiba currently in my VAIO S, except that it has better performance. The latter is a hybrid HDD with 4Gb of flash memory.

I was inclined to go for the Seagate until i read its power consumption which is almost double the Hitatchi!

 

Had a Seagate Momentus (normal 500GB 7200 rpm) - great performance, BUT vibrating like a washing machine. That's the reason I could only live with it for 3 weeks and bought the Hitachi 7k500 - fastest 7200rpm on the market - absolutely silent I personally can't feel the difference in speed between the Hitachi and the Seagate, but there is a huge difference between the original Toshiba 5400 rpm and any of them

 

The Hitachi it is then! that was my first choice by reading reviews but i was tempted by the hybrid technology of the Seagate Momentus XT.

As i said before, i value silence equally to speed...i want the right balance. If the Seagate vibrates and makes noise I would regret spending double the price of the Hitachi drive.

The Hitachi also has shock resistance, does that mean that the Hard Disk Drive Protection in Sony VAIO Care will work?

 

Media Gallery is this software of Sony:
VAIO Software : Media Gallery : Sony

I'm also looking for picture motion browser:
VAIO Software : Picture Motion Browser VAIO Edition : Sony

 

You can find he Picture Motion Browser here:

VAIO : Sony Europe

all downloads marked with PMB are related to the software. As for the Media Gallery i have no idea where that would be.

 

The Hitachi is just as silent as the original Toshiba ---> I hear absolutely nothing unless I put my ear on the trackpad... The speed boost is really noticable though!

With both the Hitachi and the Seagate I had the Vaio Shock Protection active and working - I think this has nothing to do with the drive - it is integrated in the notebook.

 

Update on my Frankensony.. one of my screws was in so tight that it took me this long to get it out. Drills, and some kind of circular saw that I used by hand to create a new groove in one of the screws so I could finally unscrew it after I completely wrecked the original!!! THankfully it was a screw that is usually out of sight... and not 100% necessary.

It turns out the connection for the 2.5" SATA HD and DVD are slightly different - SATA vs Mini SATA or something... doesn't seem like I'll be able to get a full SATA connector in the DVD area for a 2nd HD unfortunately... the space there is perfect though!!!

If I'm feeling brave I will see how it's connected to the motherboard in case there is a chance of feeding the right kind of cable to connect a 2nd HD... but right now I'm just glad it's all still working after my butchering!!

 

I've got a Momentus XT.. I hope it isn't a loud as Gracy says.. going to give it a try shortly and do a clean install (Windows 2008 Server R2). I wonder how much of the Sony stuff will work on this OS e.g. drivers, fingerprint... only one way to find out!

 

The noise wan't the main problem - it was a result from the terrible vibrations!! My whole desk was vibrating when the laptop was on it - first I thought I can get used to it.... but soon realised this is impossible!

 

I downloaded all PMB files, but it is impossible to install them, you will get an error. Does anyone know how solve this?

And does anyone know anything about a new 11"inch series of Sony?

 

So it's time for me to get a new laptop

I like small laptops (13 inches) so anything bigger is out of question for (14" is pushing it)

I used Macs during my undergrad and I liked them but since Windows 7 I'm mainly a PC guy again and I prefer Windows 7 to OSX (I have Snow Leopard installed on my Mac Pro)

Unfortunately in Canada it's hard to find quality 13" PC laptops. The closest I could find is Sony VPCS111FMS which is 13.3', core i5, Intel HD Graphics and according to the reviews it gets about 3.5hr of battery life. Another choice I have is MBP 13.3 but it only comes with a C2D processor but battery life is superb

Here are my needs
-------------------------------
Microsoft Office (I use Office alot)
Email
Web
Youtube
Watching Videos
Manage my Photos
My Music library
Some light Video editing or photo manipulation every once in a while but nothing serious

So all in all, what do you guys think of Sony VPCS111FMS? How's the battery life? Is it rally that poor?

 

It looks like you do want to use the notebook for the same needs as which I do. I'm very satisfied about my notebook. With some office work the battery wil take 4-5 hours. With some video watching it will take 2-3 hours.

So I think this notebook will suite you bests!

 

Does anyone know a solution how to wireless stream videos to your tv? My tv doesn't has a hdmi or VGA port, and previously I used s-video with my Vaio FZ, but now this isn't possible anymore. So can someone help me please how I can show my pictures or videos on my Sony Tv?

 

there are converters (USB / HDMI ---> S-Video / A/V / etc.). Cost about 30 €.

I have the same problem - used to use S-Video with my previous laptop. I just gave up now... using my USB-DVD player to play media on the TV.

 

But this is a converter, isn't it possible with a cable? Like you also have a cable for s-video to s-video or hdmi to hdmi, but then Hdmi to s-video?

I looked on the internet, but can't find any cable.

 

No, it is not Have made a research already. I bought a simple VGA to s-video but it turned out it only works if the VGA port supports TV-Out, which ours don't. So the only way is a converter box. As I said - ~30 €.

 

The S refresh sounds like its going to be sweet. And no more best buy exclusives

 

For those wanting HDMI wireless, WHDI technology is becoming available. The specs are awesome. The reality? Don't buy without seeing upcoming reviews. May well be subject to stuttering and blocking. We'll see.

ASUS WiCast EW2000 $199. Now shipping.

 

link please?

 

Hi
I have Sony Vaio VPCS11V9R
Video driver is the same (Nvidia 310M - PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_0A75&SUBSYS_9069104D&REV_A2
)but i need t oinstal 32bit driver. Could you provide me with modded inf-file to install this nvidia driver on Windows 7 32bit?

 

I talked to a store manger after a tech ruined my notebook. They would have swapped in store if it wasnt for best buy selling the S

 

In connection to the HDD replacement and warranty, the guys from the VAIO Link have sent me an email to state that any hardware changes (even RAM) would void the warranty!

Obviously, that was just an incorrect statement so i gave them a call to clarify. The person i spoke to on the phone was a lot more helpful and he said that changing the RAM and HDD on the S Series is absolutely fine and it will not void the warranty.

He suggested i keep the stock HDD drive in case i have to send it back to them at some point as usually the guys in the Service Centre will expect the stock HDD. I've asked him to confirm all of the above in an email.

In light of this, I've ordered the Hitachi Travelstar 7k500.

Do you have any tips when replacing the drive as I haven't done it before. Are the interface cables very sensitive when unplugging the old drive?

 

Well... told ya

I also asked them to confirm this once again and I had an email from different guy saying the same

Replacing HDD? Really? Never seen/done? There are no cables... just a plug ---> Slide out... slide in.... put the screws back... enjoy your new, much faster HDD..... Of course don't do it with the hammer and it will be fine!

 

Nope...i am an... HDD replacement virgin!

new, much faster and more importantly...silent hdd!

 

Please, have somebody news about Vaio S series successor? I am looking for a new 13,3" notebook with backlit keyboard and athe Vaio S series best fits my requirements. But in three shops they told me, that S series ends and is not possible to order.

What will be the successor of S Series? I looked on internet, but after three days on intensive search I found nothing. S series really ends? It was introduced in january 2010.

 

Copy whatever lines I have added in the 64-bit nvszf inf to the 32-bit inf. You can use the program Examdiff to compare the two inf's.

 

Bye bye Sony S forum, it looks like I am going to the EA forum. Sony is replacing my S for a new EA.

 

Ha? EA Sucks!! Why!? You really don't mind? I wouldn't take EA - totally different concept, which I don't need/want.

S series doesn't end Maybe they were out of stock which is normal, because it is really wanted Order online or look for another store.

 

Just been chatting to SonyStyle rep and they have been told to expect new models/specs this friday for both S and Y series. I was asking why the build time on BTO's was like 7-8 weeks and he said its because of the refresh this friday. Couldn't get anymore info out of him though.

Sonystyle UK btw.

 

S13 already announced in Germany!!

S Serie : VAIO & weitere Computerprodukte : Models : Sony

 

The same S13 models appeared on the Sony Style UK page. Does anybody know what are the differences? I've scanned through the specs but nothing pops out as a major update.

 

The CPU isn't specified... I suspect they'll release i7 on them... no other difference found - well 6GB RAM just like S12, whereas S11 has 4.

 

Hi, I have a VPCS111FMS that I bought from Best Buy.
Does this S model have the same Magnesium casing as the Y series or is it all plastic? kind of hard to tell with Magnesium.

 

i7 was already released on S12. I am sure the S13 will have something new but what!?

 

Yes, I also found the new S13 series, but I could not see any improvement. But all black models have backlit keyboard and It seems, that BluRay DVD optical drive.

For example here they write, thet the CPU is i3-370M.

And here they have more models of S13 series. But the procesors are only i3-370M and i5-460M. And the price for i5-460M is like for Z series Are they stupid?

 

No - i7 was only offered as an upgrade-option, even since S11 (for a few days offered for free). There never was a pre-configured model featuring i7.

No - S was never offered with BluRay, since this is no multimedia notebook (the screen isn't full HD either). BluRay is absolutely useless.

P.s. Sorry for being so confident... I've been researching this model ever since it was announced... weeks before S11 was first on the market

I now noticed that in the short description of S13V9E they mention i5 CPU...:

Leicht und leistungsstark: Intel® i5 Prozessor, 6 GB Speicher, NVIDIA® Grafikkarte,VAIO Everywair 3G

 

I'm not sure if I have the original HDD. Is there any way I can use the S11's original Window 7 key with a stock Windows 7 install? Otherwise, I presume, I'll either buy a Windows 7 key or Sony Window 7 reinstall disks.

 

I assume you are talking about preconfigured models, as (in Spain at least) blu-ray was until very recently an option on CTO models (crazy expensive though and totally not worth it IMHO!). No longer available, presumably because of the refresh which (hopefully) is about to happen.

Looking forward to the full details on the refresh... No apparent changes so far though. I’d like to see a lighter, thinner S series with no optical drive, like a Y series on steroids!

 

I did a clean install on my partner's Y series and activated windows no problem. Had to call the activation line though, but it's a 3 minute job. Can't see any reason why the S would be any different.

 

The non-updated S13 update seems a pointless move. There is no development (beyond a possible processor change) so it's just an empty marketing ploy. The trouble is, the longer the S series stays the same the more uncompetitive it becomes and the less sales there will be. This might result in Sony dropping the line, which would be unfortunate.

Worthwhile updates which would have retained the S series edge yet could still have been fitted in the same chassis include:

Optimus graphics card switching to extend battery life (and quieten the fan).

USB 3.0 ports

Dual band wireless card.


I suppose we owners of older versions can feel happy that our machines are still current, but really the only good news here is that there might be some new drivers for us to make use of.

 

The wireless card is already dual-band! What do you mean?
S12 wasn't different either. Some reported better build quality, but the S12 I had in my hands, wasn't any different than my S11. And I don't feel S11 is/was badly built - only the loose battery, but I solved that ages ago.

Curious what might be new about S13.

And the idea about being thinner and lighter without optical drive - that will never happen as if - it will be a different model. And there is already something like it - called Z!

If I would change anything about the S, it would be to put a more stable and robust LID cover.... This one is metal.... but way too thin and plastical. I would love to have it thicker like the macbooks.

 

These things are relative, so while the Hitachi will (hopefully) not whistle like your Toshiba, it will certainly not be silent.

I bought a laptop* on behalf of friends that has the 320Gb version of the Hitachi 7200rpm drive installed. It doesn't whistle but you definitely do know you have a fast HDD whizzing round in comparison to a 5400rpm device. It's not intrusive as such but you do notice its absence once it's stopped. You can feel the drive is alive through the wrist rest, and when I placed the PC on a large wooden table a sympathetic resonance began that was quite audible.

It's not bad in any way and I only mention it so you aren't disappointed when you discover the drive is actually governed by the laws of physics . It's possible the S chassis will dampen things better.

The silent and safe operation of an SSD was an important consideration for me along with the speed. A laptop is a very appropriate home for the technology and I don't regret taking it out of the desktop wherein it lived initially. If I hadn't gone with that I would have been happy with the 7200rpm Hitachi, albeit treating the S even more carefully.


*HP G62 with Core i3 330M, 3Gb Ram and the fast drive. Very good value at £399

 

You are approximately describing the behaviour of the Seagate 7200 drive I had... Especially the resonance and vibrations... terrible!!! but I can with 100% certainty say about the Hitachi that:

* I hear absolutely nothing
* I feel absolutely no vibrations
* Even when it stops spinning... well I actually have no idea when it stops spinning
* And resonance - no way...


Of yourse if you look for those things and put your ear on the notebook and listen carefully - you will hear it working and spinning silently.... but I hear and feel absolutely nothing when working even if the environment is absolutely silent - all I hear is the FAN in the background but no single noise from the HDD.

And this is no exception - most 7200 drives nowadays are like that.... just not that Seagate I had - that one was absolutely terrible. The first and most likely last Seagate drive I had.

The only clear advantage of the SSDs is the speed.... but I feel the price for that speed, considering the huge disadvantage of the smaller capacities, is unrealistical and will drop dramatically very very soon...

 

2.4Ghz and 5Ghz operation. If it is already thus configured then that's pleasing news.

I'm told there is an active 5Ghz access point in the building (should be in range) but nothing shows up on a scan (only the 20+ 2.4Ghz networks ). Since neither reviews nor specs mention 5Ghz, the lack of 5Ghz connection here led me to believe it wasn't fitted.

I'm happy to be corrected on this, especially as I'm researching a new wireless router for home.

 

Yes it is - you can switch between both from Vaio Smart Network's WLAN settings.... By default only the 2.4GHz option is enabled! But both are available. I've used 5GHz.

 

Bit early for this kind of statement when no one knows for sure the actual specs of the S13 in my opinion.

 

I said what I'd like to see, not what I'm expecting... And anyway the Z is a very different machine: screen size, resolution, switchable GC, materials, quad raid etc etc. So, like I said, a Y series on steroids rather than a Z which is a completely different beast (and price tag!)

 

If it's your opinion that the actual specs listed by Sony on their actual web pages for their actual S13 are inaccurate; then yes, I could be said to be jumping the gun a bit.