Official Sony VAIO AW Series 18.4" Owners thread

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sure you can.

http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs...Id=10151&langId=-1&LBomId=8198552921665736378

 

Estimated Ship Date:
Shipping Date is unknown

It looks the 3xx is coming soon.

 

oh thats weird, when I pulled it up it didnt give me that configuration option

With one SSD the config comes in at $5118.98

Mine includes an extra battery so if I was to sell it I would probably sell in the mid to low 4k range
as they are not likely to have a high end SSD like I would.
In Order to retain the warranty I would include the original cpu in the sale as well.

 

I don't have Vista installed anymore but...I just typed "Lightroom" into the start menu search bar in Vista and there is an entry for a "Lighroom Users Manual". On page two or three is the required serial number. It's a PDF file.

This is for an Australian model so yours may be in a different location.

Gordon

 

Im wondering how many Costco AW buyers will turn in there AW160J for the new AW3 series or will you keep it.I know for me if the price jump is a big difference then I probably wont.

2. I wonder do the local stores like.. Best Buy, Frys will have something to calibrate my screen. It still looks a lil bit off

 

That's assuming the Sony technicians would not spot the notebook was 'tampered' with. As a buyer this is something I would not assume.

 

Or sony could have pulled the AW....right now not possible to purchase any AW on sonystyle.com.

 

... which might explain why costco had such a good deal on the 160J/Q model at 'closeout' prices. This model is on amazon now for about $2K down from 2500. There will always be a newer, faster and more capable model (and usually just after you purchase!)

 

Have you ever played with this? http://www.lagom.nl/lcd-test/

 

I received my AW290 w/piano black finish back from Sony Repair today. They replaced the LCD exterior cover in it's entirety. Looks like new. The chipping/peeling should not have occurred and I hope it doesn't happen again. But I must say that once I received the approval to send it in, the Sony service has been very good. The shipping box was sent to me by overnight mail. I received it last Monday. I shipped it back on Tuesday. They received it on Wednesday. It was repaired on Thursday. Shipped back to me on Friday and I received in perfect condition today, Monday. You can't ask for more than that.
Edgain, I hope you have a similar experience. Let us know.
I looked up the part number on the Sony Parts site. It is X23201321 and it costs $185.10.

 

How do I get the Webcam to work in AIM/YAHOO/GOOGLE VIDEO CHAT or anytype of video chat? It just a blank screen.

Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

 

I'm so glad to hear that this worked out for you. I goyt my laptop in Feb. and contacted them late April about the issue. The sent me the box but I had so much work to do where I needed the computer, I was afraid of being without it for too long. I didn't send it back and then realized I was not the only person having this chipping issue. Mine has almost all come off from that little strip at the top of teh LCD. Maybe I should contact them and try again but maybe they may say no this time.

 

That´s good news to hear docslm! Quick and efficient! I probably have another week to wait. As long as it comes back like yours I don´t mind! Just one question, have they updated anything on the unit regarding software or Bios. I ask this because I once sent in my old Acer for a screen bezel repair and they updated my Bios. Just curious. Hope they dont mess with my GTA IV savegames! Just kidding!

 

Yes, according to the sheet in the box they did update the bios. I would not have known if they would not have told me. I do notice that the finger print reader now works the first time everytime.

 

Will this laptop (Sony AW-290J video card: Geforce 9600M GT) be able to support 2 UltraSharp 3008WFP at their native resolution( 2560x1600 ) along with the laptop LCD (1920x1080)?

 

hi there

i was wondering if is right that the aw pumps out quite alot of heat from the right hand side where the fan exhorst is, it does seem that the air is rather warm/hot!!

Skoobys

 

Most desktop replacements do this but the AW series isn't nearly as bad as some other ones I have used that were hot to the touch.

 

Is there any word on what the new updated AW model will be like? I was told to wait until the middle of July for it to come out by a Sony rep... but he couldn't give me any other details.

Will it be just hardware? Or will there be style modifications as well?

I am at least hoping for a backlit keyboard.

 

I hate to consider this, but I may need to sell my AW290 and get something smaller. I started travelling a lot for work again and it's just too big. It's so big that it won't fit properly in one if those bins at the airport. I've had to send the thing through on the belt by itself. People look at me like I'm insane. It's 3 months old, what do you think I can get for it? Its got a 3 yr warranty.

 

The new AW in Japan got a minor bump up to T9900 (3.06ghz) and a storage upgrade. The AW92 "Photo Edition" offers 512GB SSD + 500GB HDD with 2xATSC tuner optional. The AW82 "Video Edition" offers 256GB SSD + 500GB HDD with 2xATSC tuner standard. MIMO 3x3 a/b/g/n is now standard on both models. No backlit keyboard.

Both are available on SonyStyle-Japan now, but the new SSD options aren't available yet; probably due around mid-July as well.

Of course SonyStyle in other areas may offer different configs, but I doubt they will have anything significantly different.

 

What is the new bios number?

 

Don´t worry about it, it´s normal! Let the $ burn and work hard! It´s a powerful machine!

 

Nice thing to know! Good one! Keep informed if you notice improvements or if the unit works better with this update!

 

Anyone know?

 

In order to support a single display over 1920x1200, you'll probably need a dual-link DVI video card. And I don't think you can support more than 2 displays at the same time with the built in video card.

So, I think you may need a desktop video card to support that 3008wfp, but I could be wrong. Similar dead end here.

 

Is the RAM's tech DDR3????

 

Seems like the fingertip reader has gone to a box embedded on the palmrest's surface....

 

Still DDR2 listed on the Japanese sonystyle website... but ya... looks like fingerprint reader is moved to the palmrest now.

take a look .... http://www.vaio.sony.co.jp/vaio/products/A/

 

Regarding updates on Vaio models here in Spain they´ve put out a new model but the only major improvement is the HDD upgraded to 5400 RPM where mine is 4200rpm. Here is the link: http://vaio.sony.es/view/ShowProduct.action?product=VGN-AW31M%2FH&site=voe_es_ES_cons&category=VN+AW+Series&assetid=1218032875564
Careful with getting your hopes to high, not all models come out in all countries. My top of the range AW only came to Spain with 2 units. Hope it helps!

 

For the U.S., keep your eye on http://esupport.sony.com/US/perl/swu-list.pl?mdl=VGNAW390 and mosey around -- pretty soon these draft sites will be up-to-date.

 

Now that makes sense to me (duh! how come i didn't think of that?)

(fresh from San Clemente, California USA)

 

Interested in finding out what price you'll be asking for your 290.

As posted earlier, I just got my AW @ 1st wk of May--but have been since considering my options about what to do next. There's the matter of Sony misquoting max capacity of RAM on my AW (its only 4 not 8 as I wanted); this factory-defective keyboard (spacebar is the worst!); my unwillingness & inability to go PC-less for up to 14 days to send it in to Sony for KB replacement; & now with the newest AW3x Series coming out---I got some deciding to do!

From what I've seen so far in my locale (US) including Sony retail stores, the RGB-LED screen'd AW's are gone---Even display/demos are gone. Same happened when I spoke w/a very kind Sony tech in the Philipines. Put me on hold to make reference to his AW290 demo to discover mgmt had removed it--& HE didn't know why! Since Costco (retailer where I got mine for only $1499) ran out of stock shortly after I ordered this one, I've been searching for a replacement around the web. I do get to keep using this unit (even w/it's keyboard nuissance factor, arrggh!) till end of July, so it makes sense to hold out till I see if there's ample reason to upgrade to the AW3x series.

So far I'm just not seeing that here or online (like JR.com etc). Only seeing slower CPUs (T6400, P7350 etc), same Gfx card, etc. At esupport.sony.com, I looked thru all the AW3x model #'s (loads of new model #s) but, of course, specs (owners manuals) are were not available as of last nite anyway. This past wk or so, I've have had little time to read up on others' findings @ the New AWs, but some of the "News" sounds verrrry exciting! On the edge of my seat waiting for what w/be discovered next.

At LCWAY via Amazon, I still see the same 2 AW290's (both w/3.06 Ghz CPUs --1 w/8-GB RAM & 2x320 HDDs @ 7200rpm, $2299; the 2nd is same except 4 GB RAM (8 max capacity) & 1x320 HDD, $1999--& no tax for CA residents). That's the best prices I've seen on AW290's.

From SO MUCH researching of 18.4" DTRs, I figure your 1 TB HDD might be 2x500 GB but at only 4200rpm, is that correct? I can't figure why Sony went w/the 4200's but then I can't figure why such a lack of ports provided, or (especially) why the poor quality materials on what is otherwise such a blend of Beauty & Power! But I won't even go there (oops, think I already did.

Tho I'm guessing it's unlikely, I really want to hear the new AW's w/be built better--which would only give greater value to any other internal upgrades. Other than the ailing keyboard, my AW160 (gratefully) has exhibited no other flaws in performance or appearance. However, I'm already seeing reasons for concern about its longevity w/my lifestyle.

For my purposes, this model is good size/weight. But that's entirely relative. If I was in your shoes, this wouldn't my choice, especially w/what you're describing!

May as wellmention... Tho I'm NO fan of HP notebooks---their new 17" EliteBook really caught my eye--& how! A tad over 1" thick, lightweight, serious quality build, DuraKeys, Dura-something Display (matte & scratchproof)--& most of all, DREAMCOLOR RGB-LED display (only 15.4" & 17" & I haven't personally seen this DreamColor yet). A few more 18.4"-ers have appeared lately. I've also been looking at XoticPC.com's large selection since I know some happy customers who referred me there. No Sonys, of course. Even with my gripes, it seems I STILL want another AW!

Please let me know the selling price if or when you plan to sell yours for sure. Wish you the very best, whatever you decide.

 

I asked earlier and did not recall a response of how you 'confirmed' this 160JQ model is limited to a maximum of 4GB. Did you try some 4GB sticks in your notebook? Thanks!

 

Ok, now I'm seeing this flaw in the spacebar and I find I can reproduce the issue pretty consistently. If you use your fingertip and press on the very right front corner of the space key, it will not register. In fact using the very front edge of the space bar is problematic but especially on the right side front and to a lesser degree the left front. Touching solid in the middle or towards the back edge works fine.

Hmmm, I wonder if taking it apart would help provide a clue or a fix. Has anyone located the service manual for this model? I looked a few days ago without success.

 

leave LCWAY alone. they're a shady vendor that operates under a couple names via the Amazon marketplace and eBay. Just because it's on Amazon doesn't mean Amazon is selling the product. these Vaio's are not covered under any warranty. Sony doesn't support them, as they've been opened up and modded for the performance they're getting.

 

Hey, tbNB... Sorry, couldn't get back to the forum sooner (funny thing happened on the way to the forum ) but I certainly DO recall your question... you gave me some hope that upgrading the RAM might still be possible. But then, because of the faulty spacebar/keyboard issue (repair would mean no lappy for 10-14 days), plus some $$$ issues, it wasn't an opportune time to purchase the additional RAM so I could pop in the new modules & find out for myself.

Originally, I was after an AW190 or 290 so I wasn't up to speed on the 160's RAM capacity. After I received my system & noticed the spacebar thing, I spoke w/a Sony tech overseas who gave the same info as 2 local Sony retail store techs plus 1 salesman. As I think of this now, I'm kinda amazed that I finally got Some Consistent Info from Sony even if only re: 4 GB max RAM capacity & that the spacebar is not uncommon problem & does require a trip to the hospital for repair.

Resisting the urge to preface this with "This might sound like a stupid question BUT..." --- but, short of actually installing 8 gigs of RAM, might there be any other way of telling if it would accept the additional memory? Like a secret code # hidden under the hood somewhere or in the BIOS?

There. I asked

 

You just confirmed my gut feeling about LCWAY. Prices were good but nothing else felt right. What bugged me 1st was that clicking the "About Us" link plus a websearch got me zero information @ this one company, nothing at all! And yet they appear to have a 100% (or almost) customer satisfaction rating. I tend to be suspect of such ratings since I have no way of discerning who posted them--combine with that no other information to back them up.

BTW, this place doesn't mention they're performing upgrades (like Computer Upgrade Kings thru eBay). I had to wonder 'coz in all my web travels, I hadn't seen any Sony AW290's with either a 2.93 or a 3.06 ghz processor. Wait, now that I've said that, maybe I did see 2.93 (?) - for sure 2.8 but definitely not 3.06 ghz unless the reseller clearly stated they were in the business of upgrading new computers & were also upfront about how that would impact Sony's warranty.

THANKS SO MUCH for the feedback! There's a lot more to purchasing something than price alone. This forum rocks, wish I'd come here a lot sooner.

 

Hi again, neighbor... Oh man, you're describing Classic Spacebar Syndrome (I feel your pain ). Looks like you didn't get this problem out of the box as I did (lucky you!). Well, I was quite bummed & dreading having to send my baby into the shop so I tried everything -- blew a can of air spray underneath to dislodge any debris, lots of jiggling and pressing from all different areas and combinations thereof along the spacebar, lifted the spacebar up then gently reseated it; adjusted keys repeat/delay timings in both Vista's Ease of Use & in the Sony Control Ctr settings. The settings adjustments actually did improve the keyboard's irregular spacing---but, sorry to report, the spacebar only grew worse with use---and fast.

The Costco Concierge said he ran his own notebook hardware biz on the side, explained the anatomy of a notebook's spacebar: That the spacebar is attached to the bottom on the LEFT SIDE ONLY. For sure, he was right about my spacebar being slightly lower on the right side than on the left end (when it's at rest). Plus just as you describe: the lower edge, starting with the lower Right corner is the dead zone (spaces won't register when depressing, as you noted). So, because of how these things are constructed, if a problem occurs, it will typically be the right side that is unresponsive. Since Costco had just sold out on the AW160J/Q, he suggested I either let Sony repair it, that maybe they could do it in-store (see below). Or I could continue using this unit up to the 90-day return period giving me plenty of time to find another DTR/notebook.

Sony overseas tech took a good deal of time and ended up advising me to return this unit, buy an AW290 (to ensure I got the 8 GB RAM + the desired RGB LED matte display). Said he was totally sure this was not something I could fix on my own. In-store techs at both the Costa Mesa (So.Coast Plaza) & San Diego stores both advised this would have to be sent in for a full keyboard replacement (not just a spacebar replacement). And each of those last 2 guys told me the same thing: 10-14 days, possibly a bit longer, to get the machine back. Heck, if Costco had only gotten these back in stock, it would've been an easy exchange. Yea, I still check there, hoping.

Come to think, I never did think to ask if Sony could just send me a new keyboard (instructions included) so maybe I could give it try (or somebody local). Just a thought.

Now about that SERVICE MANUAL... is that not the same as the Owners Manual? Funny thing, I think the thickest piece of literature Sony included in my package was on understanding Blu-Ray;-)

Please post whatever else you notice, what works & doesn't work in the process---and how you get the problem resolved. There are others in this forum I've read about with the same spacebar failure, too. I'll stay tuned.

 

Whoa, you have an impressive list of notebooks there! Didn't want to say till I was sure... you & I really do have the same AW160J/Q. Pardon me, it's been a while since I 1st read from this forum---but did you also purchase yours from Costco online?

I ask because if you call the toll-free Costco Concierge, they'll promptly record your spacebar problem & give you a case #, that way your issue's documented. Don't have to, of course, to return within the Unconditional 90-day Return period.

One more thing I'm totally unsure of but recall reading a while back: Returning is just a matter of dropping off the merchandise at any Costco store; no shipping back or restock fee. Someone posed that question, might not have been you, yet I'm answering it here anyway. Hope whomever it was finds this info;-)

 

i was wondering about one thing... in JAPAN the RGB model is marketed as the Photo Version... and the non-RGB model is marketed as the Video Version.

But in reality... wont the RGB model... do both Photo and Video better? SO isn't the RGB model really more of the "media" verison and the non-RGB model the "non-media" version?

 

Basically, yeah. But the market segment is way up there anyway so it's just choice of marketing terms -- I mean with such a high-spec high-price device, Sony (Japan) probably isn't keen on differentiating them as "pro" and "less-than-pro".

There is one difference that fits the "Photo" and "Video" model names: The Photo edition comes with a matte screen, while the Video edition is relatively glossy -- probably following the trend of glossy displays that make for richer blacks, most perceivable in video. And the retail "Video edition" (AW52) comes with 2x HDTV tuners, while the retail "Photo edition" (AW72) does not.

Interestingly enough, the Photo with its matte RGB-LED screen has the glossy piano-black exterior, while the Video with its glossy non-RGB-LED screen has the matte grey exterior.

 

You can read some of the AW330 and AW350 series model configurations at this site (scroll down near the bottom of the Sony page):
http://www.jr.com/category/computers/notebooks-and-tablets/pc-notebooks/n/4294562521/

 

I wonder if the price really came down? the RGB model on ^^ site is only 1599 starting. would make sense since the price of the panel probably came down in the past year.

 

still, not much of a line refresh if they're still stuck with a 9600M GT and C2D processors.

wake me when they slap a 9800M GT(S) and a Quad Core in it.

 

Yes, costco online, had it 48 hours later. And yes, returns are just a drop off at any costco. The space bar not registering is not happening all the time, just once in a while if my thumb gets lazy and wanders off the right hand side.

Good idea about getting a case number, but either way, the warranty on this through costco is 2 years instead of 1 which is another nice benefit.

I also found a youtube video that describes a repair for a similar issue on a VAIO SZ that may be the solution if it develops into a problem for me. Otherwise, I'm pretty happy with this AW so far.

 

Yea, me too---got it quick, just 1 day ship time in So.Cal. (happy happy;-)

I MUST go check out your YouTube link--even if there's a slight chance of fixing this on my own then it's worth the effort (thanx). Besides, I'll probably learn something (never hurts). Whenever I've had keyboard repairs in the past, the whole KB was replaced--tho this is my very 1st spacebar-only trouble. Also the other laptops were not new at time of need.

Hope your spacebar thing remains stable/tolerable. Think I already mentioned, mine became lopsided after a while, bar slants downward on the right side (even when I'm not touching it). Middle and left side still function normally, so maybe if I wasn't righthanded it might be less annoying (altho after typing a while, becomes more than annoying With the mousepad being so far to the left (smack in front of the spacebar), so far my only workaround is to sit off center, to the left, so that my right thumb is more likely to strike the spacebar in its middle section (trying to ignore the unresponsive right third of the bar). The things we do for love(8~7

(T.Brooks)

 

That would be one hot notebook, in more ways then one.

 

Better still, quad core and 9800M GT in SLI!!!
I´m with you on the statement! My aw is still top compared with these new line ups!

 

I hear you! This dynamic of newer-faster-smaller-cheaper is becoming faster & faster (talking advertising hype, aside from Moore's Law). And as you say--usually Right After you've labored over which one to buy then busted that move---here comes The New Stuff! Same just happened with my NEW cellphone (grrr-rrr-rr), only had it 3 mos.

Did a lot of business news reading @ Intel starting a couple yrs ago when the Core 2's (Merom) were 1st released (after the short-lived Core Duo), that Intel planned to become a lot more aggressive in marketing their C2D chips (many mfrgs not happy to go along). The only change I could find between the AW100 & AW200 was more CPU models @ varying price points--all still Montevina series. Unlike the release of the Core 2 Duo which was huge, or the Penryn which improved battery life etc, rarely are these changes significant IMO (tho never short on hype). My guess is that since you knew well enough to recognize the value of this AW160 deal when spotting it at Costco (w/few specs listed), then you already know @ this other stuff, too .

Hoping the US release of the AW300 w/also include something else new in the mix of upgrades/options like what ppl here are reporting & speculating. If not, I'm stickin' with what I have (lazy spacebar in an otherwise flawless AW160) - OR maybe go with a 290 (or 190) if returning this one.

 

Watched the YouTube video you linked to & read the 1st page of posts there. Such an easy fix, helped a lot of folks! As demo'd, prior to the repair that FZ owner's spacebar didn't respond when pressing on either half unlike what we're experiencing w/right side only. Couldn't tell from the video, do the FZ & AW have same keyboard (island-type aka isolated)? Now I just need to get over the fear of making it so this poor spacebar isn't rendered uselessl --like what if I'm unable to get the key cover thingy back on right? ***YOU TRIED IT YET?***