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

You might want to describe the problem as I don't think anyone here knows what you mean by "dark images/ colours for video playback".

I keep on wondering how you guys manage to only get 2 hours battery live!? Heavy load?? My battery lifetime is between 3 and 4,5 hours depending on the load and I have a dedicated video and usually use WLAN.

Thanks

 

Actually, I found out that Sony offers a bigger battery which extends the chasis by ~2cm.

 

You're most welcome Gracy.

I usually get 4 hours and that's with the 80% battery saver (charges to a max of 80% battery), wlan on, and nvidia gfx. i do have an ssd which helps save power though.

 

Anyone having the same problem? I went back to Best Buy and exchanged for a new computer and it's still doing the same thing.

 

I guess the bug is in front of the PC then Don't have such a problem.
It of course always takes a few days to get used to a new keyboard.

 

The person at best buy told me that it's a keyboard design - if you type at a face pace, they keyboard doesn't think that you lifted your finger off the key yet, so it won't type out the 2nd character. But shouldn't sony account for people who type at fast speeds?

 

I consider myself a fast writer (I started my active PC experience in the mIRC and ICQ era...), but don't have any unusual problems with the keyboard. So I don't think there is any design mistake.

I think you are just still not used to the keyboard - every single keyboard is different. I make lots of typing mistakes any time I use another PC... at least for the first couple of hours or days.

According to all reviews and IMO too the S has a wonderful keyboard that is perfect for fast typing. I had a broken key (don't know if it was just a defect) but still think it is awesome! Apple and Sony are considered to produce the best notebook keyboards.

Why don't you play with the keyboard settings from control panel a bit if you still find yourself not able to type on it after a week or two...

 

VPCS13V9E vs. VPCS11V9E and VPCS12V9E

Finally it is clear what the difference between VPCS13V9E and the previous models is.

S13 features the new i5 460M CPU which was launched Q03, 2010, instead of the i5 520M.

There are 3 differences between the 2 CPUs according to the Intel Website:

1. Higher Clock Speed (2,53 GHz instead of 2,4 GHz)
2. Lower Max Turbo Frequency (2,8 GHz instead of 2,933 GHz)
3. "Intel® Virtualization Technology for Directed I/O (VT-d)", "Intel® Trusted Execution Technology", "AES New Instructions" are not supported by the 460M.

The rest of the configuration seems the same as S12V9E (2GB more RAM than S11V9E).

 

Just thought I'd clock in with a hearty hello

New Sony VPCS12C7E owner here.

I've been spending a few days getting the perfect clean install on this baby. The default has the DPC Latency issue with the NVidia 310m & a bunch of crapware.

I followed this guide (and made alterations where necessary + 258.96 NVidia drivers):
http://forum.notebookreview.com/sony/431357-guide-installing-w7-64-vaio-z.html

It runs nicely after a lot of work! Now to find a SIM with decent 3G signal.

Oh and I recommend BatteryBar for an accurate reading of the battery left (learned after a while):

Osiris Development - BatteryBar, the most accurate battery meter for Windows

 

I am also using Battery Bar, I like it very much.

My average power consumption is about 16W and it means, the battery life is about 2:30 on fully charged battery. And in my oppinion the 16W average consumption is not high (i5 + nVidia + HDD 7k2 rpm). I ordered one backup battery. For me is 2,5 hour not enough.

I dont know, how to lower consumption of my notebook. Windows indexing is on battery off, defragmentation SW also off on battery. LCD backlight on auto, mostly used in dark. No heavy work, mostly internet thrue WiFi + bluetooth mouse. Power management set to Ballanced mode.

 

Thanks for the tip - just installed Battery Bar. It is kinda like the Lenovo one that's pre-installed on Thinkpads etc. I'm discharging at 13.62mW (nvidia, i5, 128GB SSD), which is pretty good!

 

battery bar is a joke draind your battery down faster than it should

 

Battery Bar drains your battery? Is that true?

 

don't think so Boo Boo just likes to do everything "the old way" I'm sure he'd rather have a multimeter attached between the battery and the pc to "have more control"

 

nope ive used it before and it keeps sucking juice and tells wrong readings. the stock windows one works way better

 

I dont think so! Battery bar works for me fine and I used it on previous notebook with WinXP and now on Win7. And dont forget, that the dsplayed remaining time on battery is computed from previous average power consumption. It means, if you are using your notebook allways on power, its consumption is higher and the calculated time is shorter (even if you are once on batteries).

I recommend to use BatteryBar v 3.4.2, which enables to show in task bar not onli remaining time and remaining battery capacity, but also current power consumption. This helps me a lot to lower actual consumption, when I am on batteries and need maximal running time on battery.

 

Just got my sony vaio back from repair (3 months total) and every seems to be working great and better than before. However, I noticed on my LCD it's missing the rubber feet, any suggestions on what to do? How would I get a replacement?



Uploaded with ImageShack.us

 

I'd ask Sony to send them to me by post! They are not only decorative but important for when you close your lid - they are the contact points!

 

VAIO Gate patch - 2.2.1a

Vaio Gate update available (once again after it was removed hours after it was released on 05.10)

The older (removed) version was 2.2.1.09130, the new one is 2.2.1.09131.
No visual difference.

 

is that why my screen wont sleep when i close it or is that a driver issue

 

What do you mean with "sleep" ? turn off? The screen should turn off automatically when you close it - there is a sensor for that! If it doesn't there is a hardware problem again :-/

 

It depends on power management settings. You can define, what happens, when you close the lid. On my notebook I have set, that the closed lid hibernates the notebook. And the green power button on side works only for turning on my notebook. Then it does nothing (I have small daughter and she likes to press the green button verry much at my work).

 

I have a good news about backlit keyboard. Who has standard keyboard and wants to have backlit one, there is no problem to buy it, and exchange it at home. The keyboard is held on its place only by 3 screws (2 of them unter battery and one under HDD casing). After connecting it to motherboard everything works OK and in Vaio Conrol Center appeared item for setting the keyboard backlight properties.

 

That's why I asked what he means - I'm afraid he means the display doesn't go off when closed! That's not a setting!! It must go off even if the PC is set to remain on!!

 

Yes, the display doesn't turn off at all. I'm trying a reformat now to see if that will fix it, if not then I have to resend this laptop for repair AGAIN

Update: looks like the sensor is broken or not connected. does anyone know where this sensor is in the sony vaio s?

Argh, thought I was pretty happy with the repair but after I had time to look at it

The scratches that were suppose to be fixed from the original issue STILL exist.
The screen will NOT turn off when I close the lid, the reed switch was not reinstalled properly.
LCD Screen is missing rubber feet - causes scratches when the screen is closed
The speaker grill is bent in 2 spots

 

JEEEAAAS!! Why don't you just ask for your money back and buy a new pre-conf. one or even another brand.

 

I wish I could, I purchase the computer from bestbuy so my options are pretty limited to a repair only.

Edit: Looks like sony is going to replace my laptop because they can't seem to fix the cosmetic issues that they caused in the first place. I looked at the laptop some more and realized that the keyboard is warped and it looks like they put the wrong screws in the wrong place thats why the keyboard is warped and the grill is bent =/

 

Wow lucky you. That is a pretty good outcome.

I bought my laptop 2nd hand and i have been trying to find out how much warranty is left on it, but can't find anywhere on the sony site where i can find out. i have registered with them, but that doesn't show it either...

 

If you have your warranty gone, lot of spare parts are on e-bay for buy (f.e. keyboards, touchpads, LCDs, ...). Maybe it could help you.

 

My video clips tend to look darker when I play them on my vaio. I've tried adjusting the video setting but there's no difference. It's ok when I use my office desktop com to play them. I read somewhere that it has to do with the nvidia setting or compatibilty with newer vaio models. I'm not very sure. I hope someone can help me.

 

Are you playing them on battery or mains?

 

As far as I know Sony offers only 1 year warranty in UK (shame on UK law!! Hilarious!), so you have at least 5-6 Months warranty left (S11 was first released February/March 2010). If it was bought elsewhere in Europe you should have an additional 1 Year (2 in total).

 

i play the videos mostly on main.

 

Has anyone opened their S yet? I need info how to get to the FAN - I'm afraid it might need some cleaning soon - I found a reasonable amount of dust on the inner side of the RAM compartment cover... can only imagine what the FAN has or will have in another couple of months...

 

Is European law different then? I bought it in the UK and it has a £ sign on the "3" key, so I guess it's a UK model. It's a shame the Sony site is so crap with warranty info. The Dell and Lenovo sites provide information very easily.

 

Try to remove keyboard and you have acces to the fan (but not hwatsink). The keyboard is removable after removing 2+3 screws.

 

Yay! I now own a Sony S Series VPCS13V9E..sO faR So gOod

I want to know which antivirus to go with?

I have subscription for Bitdefender 2011 Total Security already for 3PC's, the Vaio came with and recommends the McAfee but this is only for 60 days. Is it worth me renewing the McAfee or sticking with the Bitdefender?

I was also meant to receive a free BullGuard when I purchased the laptop online, but didn't receive it so I will be chasing them up on that.

I know it’s probably a personal preference but wanted your views

 

Microsoft Security Essentials, or AVG Free

 

The best antivirus I know is being aware what you open and run. I don't use any as it always gets in the way and bottlenecks the system. Last time I had a Virus was in 2003 I think....

Don't know any other country in EU that allows manufacturers to offer only 1 year warranty on new computers! That's absolutely hilarious!! 1 Year is nothing! The minimum warranty on new electronic devices in Germany is 2 Years by law! Excluded are batteries (sony offers only 6 Months warranty on the battery pack). Similar is the situation in a few other EU countries I have info about.

 

You can access the FAN just under the keyboard !??! How is that possible.... Are you sure?? Wouldn't one feel airflow around the keyboard??

 

Just wanted to state what someone has mentioned before:

For the model with integrated Intel Graphics, to prevent the laptop from turning off the screen for a split second when switching between batt/ac power, make sure that the refresh rate is the same for when you're on batt or ac mode.

Right click desktop > Graphics properties > Display > General Settings

 

Anybody know what the Best Buy Blue Label Vaio S have been going for used lately? I checked ebay and only found one person trying to sell for $810 shipped(new ad), and didn't find anything in the price check/for sale ads. Thinking about selling mine with the PTV to go back to Dell.

 

I have yet to get the setting to stick. I tried that a few months ago when clean installing with same result as now. It works once I do it, but soon as I unplug, and unplug(and vise versa) it automatically changes back to 40hz. Yes, I hit the apply button as well(because that would be the next Q someone to ask me LOL) Thats using the intel graphics properties. Which is what right clicking would bring up. There must be a Sony driver/software overriding it. Iv'e done a clean install and only added the necessary drivers from using the CW i series clean install guide(using our drivers)

I still have a PCI simple communications controller missing under other devices, but haven't had an issue with it being like that.

 

best buy has a 2 year at home warranty and you can always escalate it? or take it to a sony style store and see what they can do

 

Thats right, the fan is accesible after removing keyboard. I can send you photo, if you want. The cold air is sucked thrue both sides of cooler (front and back), but from bottom side is sucket most of air.

 

Read very carefully, what is written on e-bay. I almost bought in one auction on e-bay empty box for VPC-S.

I am affraid, that under 1000€ is almost impossible to buy new VPC-S13. But if it does not matter on keyboard layout (you plan to exchange it for another, backlit), you can look on some German e-shops, the prices are better then in UK (official pricelist price on Kameras, HD-TV, Blu-ray, MP3-Player, Notebooks : Sony of VPC-S13V5E begins from 979€).

 

might get 600.00 for it

 

Ya, I was thinking $600-700 high side.

 

1)Issue regarding the flickering screen between plug in/out of charge - as in my previous post i did state if you set both the refresh rates to same same it should stop. unfortunalty sony has a pre set somewhere in the system where it will not allow the settings to stick.

sony is working on resolving the issue for me...

2) do any of you with the 500gb toshiba 7200rpm hardrive experience a whistleing sound when its very quite?

 

I haven't.