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

ZOM! I just purchased my S116 in White!

I got the VPC S116/W version with Core i5-520, Nvidia G310M and 320 (5400rpm) HDD

accessories included an HC (Japanese brand and made) screen protector, bag and USB mouse (not VAIO tho)

I got it for a total of around NT$40,000 (from Taiwan) which is almost $1400 in Aussie Dollars after some minor haggling =]

it's charging atm, but i shall be testing the battery life soon and will post it up for all ya fellow S11 users!!!

to confirm a previous post, the backlit keyboard is only available in Black coloured S11's in Taiwan, but then again, only the outer ring (i.e, letters themselves don't light up). I think this is because Taiwanese models have BoPoMoFo characters on the keys

I got the white one cos i was sick of all the black laptops around; plus, it looks quite classy

my requirements were around 4 hours battery life, good cpu and gpu for some gaming and HD movies AND most importantly, good mobility (weight/ dimensions etc)

other laptops I considered included the ASUS ul80vt and Sony's own SR series
after heavy consideration and a lot of research (almost a year), I got the S11 tonight...and i must say i'm extremely excited!!!

watch this space

 

Can you say me what kind of bag is included in your order? the model number?
I would buy a sony laptop bag, but i don't know what model is ok for S series.
Thank you.

 

I've got a bag for the Z, the expensive one in leather, it nearly works but not quite perfect for a S.
I would have thought that any covers/bags for the previous SR would work.

 

it was a run of the mill SONY business bag, not one of those soft inner pocket sleeve things.

the construction is very sturdy tho (pity i won't be using it HAHA, i already have too many of those; plus i prefer backpack style ones - i got a swiss army brand one the week before in anticipation of my new VAIO ^^)

they were supposed to give an inner sleeve, but they ran out, so i made them lower the price of the screen protector, throw in a mouse and burn (using their DL dvds) me the 2 disc backup (4 if using normal dvds)

 

I just compared my laptop to my friends, she bought the Sony (I don't know what series) 16" laptop at Best Buy for ~$1350. Our screen simply pales in comparison to it, I'm guessing it's the nVidia video card compared to my shared memory but the colors/contrast on that laptop were near perfect... not to mention FULL 1080 resolution.. which IMO is what he should have, even on a 13".

This laptop is just like a woman, there's always someone hotter
Without even realizing it haha.

Nevertheless I think I'm in the market for a new one, anyone know of any >14" switchable graphics, 1080 resolution laptops? i5 or better.. perhaps with SSD?

Or of anyone who wants to buy an only 30 day old Sony S?

 

With such high demands you'd be looking for the Sony Z.

Then again, the Z doesn't look to have the new realtime switch technology nVidia introduced the other day. (there is no definitive answer to that yet though)

Perhaps the expected (because it is over due according to historical trends) Apple refresh will present an alternative to the new Z.

Something from Panasonic could be an option too, but you'd have to be willing to import from Japan. If you find another model meeting your demands, please let me know.

 

I am really curious how bad this screen could be!? Let's not forget that:

1. This is a business series notebook and is not intended that much for multimedia (movies etc.)
2. this is a 13" machine.... whoever wishes a full HD, multimedia laptop - this is really IMO the worng choice!! For that purpose they have special 16"-17" desktop replacement "notebooks" but it won"t be metal, it won't be mobile it will be heavy and so on!

All I am looking for in the Sony S is a tough, durable construction, mobility and good engineered cooling system. I really hope I would get all of that with Sony S.

Regarding the screen - come on - it's 13"!! I am a hobby photographer and do care as well, BUT as a 13" can never offer enough anyway - I would probably go and buy a 19 or 21" desktop screen for the times I need bigger screen and problem solved while at the same time I'd have my mobile thing always ready to fly with me

Don't take it personally but a 16" notebook...... not a notebook - it is a desktop replacement with all advantages and disadvatages mentioned above.

I would love to hear what others have to say about the screen.... is it really that bad???? Is it really a deal breaker?

 

thats exactly what I want. But if it's 14 or under I'd be fine with a 1600x900 screen.

 

You're joking right.. a laptop this size SHOULD, IMO have 1080.. They have a Sony netbook with the same resolution we have on the Sony S.. I mean cmon.. and I'm an amateur photographer and the colors on this screen are just off. It looks like I'll have to buy a colorimeter just to get even close.

 

check out the ASUS Ul80VT series...
i was really tossing up between the ASUS and the VAIO for quite a while

the ASUS has 12 hour battery life and i think the screen is HD (well, theres an HD sticker on the palmrest)

your major concern with the ASUS would be CPU power
the SU7300, while designed to overclock to 1.73 ghz from 1.3, isn't quite enough for some multimedia applications or gaming

HOWEVER!!!!
if ur willing to wait...ASUS has announced the UL80JT
pretty much the same skin, but underneath it all there's gonna be a CULV core i7 that can overclock to over 2 ghz (according to speculation)
add the Nvidia Optimus auto switching between gfx card function, and you have quite something there (between the intel HM55 and Nvidia G310M)
mind you, it does weigh in at 2.15 kgs and has a 14 inch screen

but still, i got the SONY and am extremely impressed with the battery life it has been giving me (mine is white with core i5 and Nvidia G310M):

with WiFi on, DVD rom off on Power Saver mode (i.e. underclocked CPU)
it has given me around 5 hours of light internet surfing (checking out news, downloading the odd mp3 file and application)

given that my need for long battery life is in the context of uni lectures, with wifi off and moderate MS word use should return similar results (yet to be tested)

 

forgot to mention:
screen brightness was set to around 30% which is very sufficient indoor

i believe that the 'grainy looking' screen and/ or bad colours can be fixed by adjusting/ calibrating the contrast/ brightness/ saturation as per a previous post

 

Any pictures of the laptop with the acessories? i bought mine with the same deal as yours, but a black model, but it won't arrive here in two weeks time.

 

i don't have my camera with me (i'm in Taiwan atm)
i don't intend to bring the box back to Canberra either

but if you don't mind me using my 2MP camera phone, i'll be happy to post them up =]

 

Managed to swap the HDD to a 7200RPM before I fully switch to the SSD.
For info, the drive is underneath the central trap at the bottom. As I couldn't move I started unscrewing every other screw until it was too late and noticed the trap comes off by sliding it and not by lifting.
Anyway, installed a 320GB WD Black and it's working well.

Warning : if you ever dismantle your S-Series, make sure you're extra careful with the 3 screws underneath the battery, they ought not to be fully screwed in otherwise they will start damaging the grill thing above the keyboard. I've learned that to my detriment.

 

Well, I've been bringing my laptop to school this week for projects and seriously its light. The power brick is miniature as well, and even when tossed into my backpack with just the thin-sleeve cover, it's perfectly fine.

Battery lasts the whole day (occasional note taking, typing up report, web, and music, many on/off standbys) if I don't fire up a game.

The lid is pretty sturdy, you can grab one corner with two fingers and open/close it without feeling it will snap off. The screen isn't that bad as some claim, yes who wouldn't want a higher resolution? However keep in mind this is a 13.3" laptop, watching HD films on this is nearly pointless as it is so small... I even complain when I'm using my 22" desktop screen. Also, sound. Speakers are weak, meaning headphone usage is a must (no sharing then). I'm not complaining though, you buy a S series knowing that it IS a business orientated machine. It looks smooth, is decently fast, and has great build quality. you can pick up the laptop from a corner and it will not creak or warp. The screen (frame), like I said, is a huge improvement over the older SZ and current Z series (never really played with the SR or other larger ones). Resolution might not be up there, but any higher resolution would tire your eyes out after a period of time, text + small screen + high resolution = bad. For photo manipulation, this is simply the wrong machine. Though I use Photoshop (Fireworks and Flash as well) often, it is still manageable on the laptop though definitely not optimal. If you want screen estate and a small laptop, shell out 1.5x the money for a new Z. Otherwise get a desktop replacement sized laptop. Alternatively at a cheaper or similar price, go for the new CW. It's a full plastic construction and lacks the cylinder hinge design as well as an hour on battery life but is faster (G330M) and with a higher resolution screen.

There is no way they would upgrade the S any more though, it'll compromise their Z sales.

My complaint is that it should have an ESATA port, I don't have an external drive right now, but I was going to get one. The Sony guy said by changing the HDD I void the warranty. They should have offered a SSD or at least a 7200RPM model (I was going to replace it with a X25M and use the original as an external).

The loose battery issue is on nearly all Sony laptops. This is already much much much more sturdy than my old SZ, which literally rattles.

The only other thing that bothers me is that I can't find the Realtek Audio Manager... Also, Stereo Mix is missing from the recording page. A few Sony apps (not the update/media/analyzing service) are hogging 10%~20% CPU for no reason even hours after I boot up.

Small issues aside, it's a great laptop for travel or work or for school. Keyboard is extremely nice (though the protection sheet kind of ruins it) Catches many people's eyes too vs others .

Accessories that mine came with (I think someone asked to post this?)
- USB Mouse (your average optical mouse)
- Keyboard protector sheet
- Conductive-type (the non-sticky ones) Screen Protector (+1600NTD ~$50 USD)
- Laptop sleeve
- Laptop carrying case
- Standard XP-Downgrade disk, a few manuals, warranty card.


Just wondering, I can take the stickers off without voiding the warranty right? I mean the mess of logos on the front. Just making sure since these days changing anything seems like a way to make your warranty invalid.

 

If it should - pay the price for it! I don't think it should as I don't intend to wear glasses to see the icons on the desktop!

All I'm saying is that

1. This is a business laptop!! Not a gaming one, neither a multimedia one! You obviously wasn't aware of that!
2. everything has it's price! You want way too much from a 1000 euros Sony. Be ready to invest 1500 euros and you will get some more


I should admit I still haven't seen that screen, but I can't believe it is so bad. Let others report please!

snip3r_3 thanks for that wonderful review!! Is the screen really below average?
I'm not concerned about resolution that much, but the rest?

I'm currently using a 14.1 with 1280x800
The sony is 13.1 with 1366x768

So the resolution would be even better and that's more then enough to me! Once again - that is a BUSINESS class notebook kids.

 

@snip3r_3

I don't think Sony can tell if you've replaced the harddrive.
I've done it myself and I can't see anything that could get Sony to know it.
This is really annoying that some manufacturers don't allow customers to do this, ok I know they make near 50% margins with those upgrades but still it feels so mean.

 

True. Store person said there were stickers or something that ripped if you opened it, didn't know it was true or not.

@ Gracy123

No, I find the screen is quite adequate. Vertical viewing angles could be better, but otherwise it's quite good (maybe I'm lucky?). I have modified some values for Contrast/Brightness/Gamma across the channels in the Nvidia Control Panel so it somewhat resembles my desktop monitor now. However I don't think I had to change too much of anything.

Also, please do not say the lack of vividness or contrast is a bad thing. Sure it might not look as "pleasing" at first compared to many laptops who have dynamic contrast software solutions at work (I had it side-by-side with a friend's new ASUS G70), but those aren't accurate colors.

No, it is 1366x768. ASUS claims it is "HD" since 720p is considered HD.
http://www.asus.com/product.aspx?P_ID=oJ2UcCTkGd6GG7Rs

There is actually limited selection for 13" laptops with resolutions higher than 1366x768. Therefore, they are usually sold at a large premium (Z for one...).

 

My SR had a 1080p sticker on it, even though the display is 1280x800..!! I asked the guy in the Sony Center, and he said it was because it could output 1080 through the HDMI port... lol

 

There is at least some stiff plastic band sticking out when you remove the HDD trap but I didn't check if it's a sticker or not.
Apart from that removing the drive is super easy, you've got to unscrew about 6 screws and you're go.

 

As a Z series owner, I have ordered an S series because of the lower resolution. The text is just too small to read for extended periods of time at 1600x900, it was starting to make my eyes ache. I think 1366x768 is a very sensible resolution for a 13" screen if all you want to do is browse the net and use a few standard applications.

Although as an amateur photographer, I have absolutely no idea why you chose the S series. You'd have been better off with an F series or AW series if you are serious about your work.

 

To answer your question - it's all up to priorities! My priorities are:

1. stiff, durable construction
2. small size
3. quite powerful

Yes, I am a hobby photographer, but this is not the main reason I need the laptop for I've been using a 14.1" screen for photoshop until now and yes - it is not optimal, but it is managable.The 3 things mentioned above are what I am looking for and expecting from Sony S.

For those who occasionally need a bigger and better screen - a small hint - a 19-22" desktop screen starts from 100 euros

A 16" laptop is definitely nothing I'd like to be carrying with me - it is as mobile as my TV set no thanks.

Thanks for your opinion about the resolution. It really is what I was thinking too, but have no experience with. 1366x768 is quite optimal IMO for those of us who spend 6-10 hours daily infront of a pc.

Cheers

 

I too am a Z series owner and I wished the S series resolution was just slightly higher than it is, maybe 1440*something would have been better.
Ratio is 16/9 which means we're losing quite a lot in vertical resolution.

 

so, from what I got reading the second half of this thread..

S series in the US is only available at Best Buy with no discrete graphics?

Is there a supposed date in which the S series can be ordered in US with customization i5/7 CPU and GPU?

 

Hi, I finally managed to play a little bit with the vaio S in a shop yesterday. What to say... I'm impressed, I really like it. It's definitively a business oriented laptop, a good one even though not high end as the Z. I completely agree with both snip3r_3 and paul0509ster, the screen (the only "downside" I can see) is not that bad as someone told.
I'm going to buy it, but I have a huge doubt. The question is: since I'd like to use a SSD, is there a way for Sony to notice the drive replacement by the customer? Are any stickers present? I do prefer the Intel SSD over the Samsung one provided by Sony in their CTO, but I don't want to void warranty. Can anybody, please, provide infos about this and, if possible, show a couple of shots with the lower panel removed? Thank you very much!

 

I sent my Z twice for repair and they never mentioned anything although each time the drive got replaced by another one (7200rpm and then SSD). And the drive in the Z is way harder to get access to than on the S with the dedicated panel.
I will have open again the panel in a few days to fit in the SSD but as far as I can tell there is nothing Sony can see that the drive has been replaced.

Maybe you're mentioning my comment re the display. Its quality is pretty good, that is when you turn off auto-dimming, but vertical viewing angles are definitely a pain, if I'm on the train I find myself quite often adjusting the screen angle.
Apart from that the laptop feel pretty solid.

I'm probably picky but there is something else I don't like too much, it's the very smooth surface of the keys, the Z had a much better keyboard (ok, it's more expensive) in that the keys had a slightly rugged feel to them, greatly improving typing.

Another thing I'm finding slightly frustrating is the trackpad, maybe it needs using for a few months but I'm finding having to do a lot of small adjustments to move the cursor where I want. The Z had a fantastic trackpad IMHO. It could be a driver problem though on the S.

A wild guess but I reckon the first thing that will start wearing out will be the paint of the trackpad keys.

 

In Europe they will release a SSD version of the S-series:

http://www.sony.co.uk/product/vnp-s-series/vpcs11j7e-b

 

Good to know! If you can or remember, please show a pic of the notebook during the SSD installation.

Don't get me wrong, I agree with you too about this aspect, the vertical angle is indeed limited, but I can live with that (and probably many other people as well). No doubt the screen isn't stellar, but reasonably good. That's the only significant downside I've noticed. Overall it seems a quite good laptop and worth the price (while the Z is far too expensive for my needs). Moreover, really good looking and solid. My 2 cents

 

Yes good looking.
On the design front the two things I don't agree are the mesh thing above the keyboard, no idea what this is for, and the two buttons, VAIO and Assist.
Apart from that it's pretty spot on I think.

 

Well you know... statistics showed that most amis have trouble understanding and remembering that F1 is "Help" so they dedicated a button...
Be happy they didn't put a "Ctrl-Alt-Del" one next to it
Joke

 

Hi there! I'm considering one of these as an upgrade alternative to a 13" MacBook pro, as being an engineering student I'm finding that having a Mac just isn't really suitable. I've got a few questions if anyone's got a couple of minutes to help me out...

I'm currently running a white late 2008 MacBook with a 2.4GHz core 2 duo and 2GB of DDR2, both running at 800MHz. It's running Intel GMA X3100 graphics on a CCFL-backlit 1280x800 glossy screen.

The model I'm considering has the i3 330M at 2.13GHz and 4GB of DDR3, both running at 1066MHz, and the Nvidia GeForce 310M graphics through the 1366x768 LED backlit glossy screen.

The 'equivalent' MacBook Pro has a core 2 duo at 2.26GHz and 2GB of DDR3, also at 1066MHz, and an Nvidia 9400M running through an LED backlit 1280x800 glass-front screen. It also costs a chunk more, but let's not go there

So what I'm basically asking is how does the S Series stack up against the MB Pro, and how much of an improvement would it be over my current MacBook? Not just in terms of performance, but also battery life (I'm expecting it to be around 4.5-5 hours like my current MB) and general build quality (the MB Pros I've handled have been exceptional).

Ta

 

It will be better in almost every way. It doesn't run macosx which is the only reason you would go for the mac.

 

Not really I'd have gone for a macbook pro because of the alu unibody if only they had i5 or i7 and the price was more or less in the same class Besides that Apple have a much higher technical service rating

But compared to what apple has to offer right now - no doubt that performanwise the Sony S can offer more and for less

 

IMO 'normal' users can't give opinions on the screen other than viewing angles. I say that because I work with prints [photoshop, lightroom], graphic design [flash, dreamweaver] and I can honestly say that this laptop sucks for those purposes. Would prob be better with a 310M. [Normal users typically don't have "color correct" calibrated screens

Add to that, many notebooks in the $1000+ price range have better resolutions. The display wouldn't bother a typical BUSINESS user [but def. would for any serious photographer/graphic design], but even then there are better deals for business laptops:

http://slickdeals.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1842601
[would replace 120GB HD with SSD, ULV gives up to literally 'all day' battery life]

and

http://store.microsoft.com/microsoft/Dell-Adamo-Pearl/product/D0288FB9
[This was $750 with coupon]

Intel WiDi is nice, but I'm more often in a situation where pluggin in through HDMI is easier.

I LOVE this laptop, because there's things this has that other don't [magnesium alloy, backlit keyboard, ambient sensor] but there are probably better deals out there. True BUSINESS people should prob buy ULV, there are even i5's with it I believe, unless you have some demanding programs you're gonna use.

For everybody else I would order one with 310M, maybe hold out for a laptop with a better res. $1050 retail at Best Buy is on the pricier side, especially when they just had a Gateway [16"] with the exact same specs for $500.

And if anyone finds a laptop under 14", i5 or better, min. 1440 x 900, dedicated and hopefully switchable graphics, and SSD keep me posted.

 

I need to say something about this S series notebook. I keep hearing, " this is a business laptop, business this business that, or for business use, blah blah. " First off, this is supposed to be replacing the SR series. That notebook was not and is not being marketed just towards business users. This is being marketed as a multi-media notebook. Sure, it can be used for business just like any other notebook can. It's being touted as a notebook to enjoy internet tv, videos, photos, and more on a big screen tv. Sounds like multi-media to me. Secondly, it really is a sub par replacement for the SR series due to a poorer quality screen than the SR, and while it has a different video card it has not improved in performance. And lastly, stop calling it a business notebook. Rant over. I'm going back to the other threads while carrying my 24 inch monitor under my arm, because a 13.3 might be too small to use for anything other than business use.

 

So the screen on this below average? I am debating this over the (i5) CW. I don't play games on my computer, but I do have to watch high quality videos for medical school. Therefore, I need a laptop with a good screen...and as far as I know Sony makes (or at least did in the past) the best screens along with MBPs.

How's the screen quality (contrast ratio, color, etc) on this laptop compared to the 13 inch MBP (that screen is one of the best screens for a 13 inch laptop) or the CW?

 

I thought many laptops in this range have better resolution!?
Then you know better, why ask.
I'm sorry but please filter those with under 14" inch screen and let us know how many with a better resolution you found!? Now add a filter for an "i" CPU as both of your suggestions above feature a CPU thechnology from yesterday! How many are now the " many notebooks in the $1000+ price range have better resolutions"?

Don't bother actually - I have that narrowed down for you (you're welcome):
Here are the active filters. All in bold are selected criteria - a screen between 13" and 14,1", resolution higher then 1366x768 and i5 or i7 CPU to be up to date (no one wants to buy an oldtimer as you suggest!).

Validity - included are ALL offered up to this very moment models on the European market, except Dell who sell exclusively.



------> And now let's get to business! Here are the results.... all 3 of them with their prices:



And here's my own comment about them:

1. The HP is pretty much in the same price category, that's true. But have you seen it? Not even cylindrical hinges. But they say it's stiff. Ok, let's say it is and call it an alternative. (I noticed a small mistake in the description - the CPU is actually an i7 620M - 2 cores - there is now 620QM)

2. Lenovo T410. First of all it starts at nearly 1600 euros which is not the same price category anymore as it is 1.5 times the price of Sony S. And second - have you seen a lenovo T series screen?? I use a T400 every day at work. Apart from the resolution - there is nothing good about it, especially in terms of color balance and all other features an advanced photographer should be interested in.

So... there you go - now you know your options. Or go ahead and buy a Core 2 Duo if you wish, why not even a single core CPU - but you will have your resolution.

P.s. Did you notice that there is no other 13" notebook with higher resolution? Don't you ask yourself why? Maybe because it is unneeded and even bothering as some reported here?? I guess if there were more pros like you to demand it they would have offered.... hmmm

And don't take it personally - I wouldn't ocnsider myself "ordinary" user in terms of photographic and graphic experience and truly - the resolution is the last thing that should bother you in a 13 inch screen !! I'm wondering reading your lines how could I ever edit photos on a cheap 1280x800 screen for couple of years now Come on - wanna be as you say a "serious photographer/graphic design" - you definitely have made the wrong choice starting with it's size.
Once again - it is a business oriented class laptop!!

You are mislead my friend! S is not a replacement for SR. They used to have a strictly business series called SZ. Now they made 2 out of it - S and Z which are both still business class, whereas the Z is so to say the high-end.
Don't believe? Go to Sony.com and choose "Business Notebooks".... You will get all business series listed, incl. S.
There is no such thing as multimedia laptop with 13" and metal casing
Go and buy a 17" multimedia HP... put it on a desk and enjoy - just don't come back here crying when it breaks in 6 months. But you will save on Kensington lock - can't believe anyone could run fast with that or hide it

And last but not least - both of you, please do not be offended by the above please. All I'm saying is that if you are unsatisfied with anything, you should be able to offer an alternative - if there is none - you are obviously either wrong or way too special... !

 

Calm down I'm not trying to argue with you, I didn't have the time to read all that [nor type a response for a cyclical cycle of it's a good/bad screen business/multi purpose laptop], but thanks for taking the type to check on those laptops.. that's a nice HP! The Sony F is virtually the same laptop as the S but 3" larger , has it all too.

PS. the i5 on the S is a DUAL core, 4 way processing

 

Just what I was thinking...

 

While I appreciate your thorough analysis and notice the work you put into gathering up that information, I only have a couple things to say.

The SR series most certainly is being replaced by the S series. You can no longer buy a CTO SR series notebook anymore on Sony Style U.S.A. and the preconfigured model is down to 1 choice now, thanks to the S series now being sold. It is understandable because the SR series debuted around June of 2008.

http://www.sonystyle.com/wcsstore/SonyStyleStorefrontAssetStore/pdf/VGN-SR190 Configure-to-Order.pdf
Note the date on the bottom of the pdf of June 13, 2008.

I did use the words " not just marketed towards business users. " That means it's not JUST a business notebook like you keep saying it is. And I am aware you will find it being sold at Sony Business sites. Perhaps I have the exclusive multi-media version of the SR590, being that I didn't buy it from Sony Business.

You said there used to be a strictly business series called the SZ. Yes there was. And you said now they made 2 out of it, the S and Z which are still business class. Really ? Read the link.

http://vaio-online.sony.com/prod_info/series1/z/interview_Z/index_01.html

Sounds like that the SZ was replaced by the Z. I mean, the VAIO developers even said so. Yes, the SZ series was marketed towards business users, just like the Z is.

Now, I do know that this new S series just released a few months ago exclusive to Best Buy as far as U.S.A. retailers are concerned is being marketed as a notebook geared for multi-media use.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Sony+-+...uId=9999124400050012&childSku=9701289&count=1

Hopefully this link for Best Buy works as they tend to be erratic. So, it looks from the description it's for multi-media use. Yeah, it can be used for business as well.

I don't need to buy a 17 inch multi-media HP to put on my desk when I already have a far superior 18.4 inch Sony VAIO AW190, with it's 1920 x 1080 Full HD screen, Blu ray, and Windows 7 Ultimate in all it's multi-media glory. And I do enjoy it. But thank you for the suggestion.

I appreciate your thorough contributions to this thread and please continue, because it makes us all more knowledgable and informed. And I'm not special, but my Sony VAIO's certainly are.

 

As far as I remember nobody here said it's just a business notebook, instead I'd say it's a general purpose laptop that certainly looks business geared. But I realize now much of the misunderstanding: in Europe Sony is proposing many simple (i3 based) and connection oriented (BT, Wi-Fi, WWAN) configurations, expecially here in Italy. For example, even when buying from sonystyle you have WWAN by default, no i7, a simple GeForce 310 as option, no high resolution screen, +500€ (!!!) for a optional Blu-ray burner. I would not say it is multimedia oriented. If you want something different CW2, E and F series are there. So, to me looks like 10JQKA made the wrong notebook choice.

 

Really ? Looks like someone kept saying it is.

 

Virtually... not - it does not have a metal body

Regarding whether it is a business laptop or not - I also never said it is a business one ONLY and who is to draw the line??

But here's the official presentation/advert :

" Easy to carry to and from the office or between rooms at home. ... Your precious work files are fully protected by advanced security features..... Write reports and presentations in outdoor environments such as cafés, gardens and parks or while away on business trips.... Powerful Business
Speed through everyday office tasks using the might of new Intel® Core® i5 or i3 processors"

Does that really sound to you like an entertaining unit?

And while all of you continue to argue how bad of a multimedia one it is (believing it is), no body yet offers an alternative from this size and price? How come?
Excuse me to keep saying it but a 13" notebook can simply be nothing else then a mobile, working (if you don't like the word business) machine!
I have been researching for months now, as I also wanted something small, durable but at the same time a bit more multimedia orinted but believe me - there simly isn't!!! If you want a multimedia one - forget the 13" and forget the metal construction! Those are just more important to me though.

 

Ok, she is exagerating a bit but IMO she is still right: this laptop is not well suited for multimedia and gaming. Instead it comes with many features and details you would expect from a business machine.

 

Sony s series laptop is for business or "pleasure", i hope everyone will be pleased XD. Beside, on Sony UK, they advertised the screen with "high contrast and vivid colours"....false Ad?. Oh does anyone knows about Tourist Limited warranty?

 

Do you know what "pleasure" for an average business man is? A porno movie!! yes - I believe it is good enough for that

And before we turn the whole thread into "is it a business one or not" I suggest that we sum up that some of us would have expected a better (in terms of multimedia) screen. At the end of the road everyone is free to have an opinion and choice.
I just hate it when people tell off certain feature so badly but can't suggest a direct alternative. As we can see there doesn't exist a 13" with a higher resolution yet (while at the same time featuring i5 or i7).

For those unhappy with the resolution - you obviously have to go for a bigger laptop. If you go for a bigger laptop - it most likely (especially over 14") will not have a metal body as because of the bigger size it will not be travel-oriented and believe me - as an owner of 3 broken and sent to the trash laptops so far - this is way more important then a few more dots per inch!

At the same time if you don't move it around so often as I do - I ask myself why you chose a 13" on first place? If I were you, I'd go for a ~15" not worrying that much about durability and being robust if it is to be on a desk most of the time. To me though a computer bigger then 15-16 inch is no longer laptop, but a desktop replacement.

 

Here's some really unimpressive build quality news. I already have a distinct wear pattern on my left mouse button. I've only owned it for four weeks! I've seen this happen on my other notebooks but it takes a year to show.

With this feeble quality, I can guarantee that nearly everyone will have a similar unsightly wear pattern on their left mouse button. I just hope it doesn't wear enough to impair performance.

 

huhhhh??? , the left mouse button?, did the colour rub off? permanent marks of fingerprint or it is the click that become less tactile?

 

Huh???

I don't really use the left button, but still? do you mind showing us a picture??

 

I suspect it's the paint coming off.
Happened on my wife's FW series although it took 6 months IIRC, the left button is now nearly white for 80% of the surface, but not on my Z.
I think I will take a picture of mine this weekend and if the paint's coming off early I will get Sony to replace it as this is unacceptable to have a product to deteriorate that quickly.
I've taken a 2 years extension warranty and if things are wearing out this quickly I can tell you I will be on the phone with Sony pretty quick.