Official Sony VAIO AW Series 18.4" Owners thread

hi u have probably raid enabled ... 2x 500 gb together
unscrew the hdd lid and u will see how many hdd's u have ..

 

look here compatibility of pm45

 

anyone knows why webcam won't work with yahoo messenger? it works perfectly with skype or other applications. where can be the problem?
iit is not recognized by yahoo, i'm not able to choose camera source.

 

Like most other notebooks the sound coming out is medicore at best. As for an external sound system, the audio output is down-sampled to two channels so hooking it up to expensive equipment will not get you much. A budget sound system would probably serve you best.

 

Hmmmm.. I get 5.1 sound out the optical headphone jack to my logitech z-5500 system which decodes DTS and Dolby AC3 just fine for DVD's and audio. I'm pretty sure the bluray samples I have also came out 5.1 using the bluray player software.

The standard sound on the notebook is definetly mediocre. I can't say I would really enjoy watching a DVD movie listening to the built-in sound but it would work in a pinch or if it was my only choice.

 

Help. I just chatted online with a Sony advisor and I not sure he gave me the best advice. I am hoping someone here can guide me on what I should do. He told me to do a system recovery which is killing a fly with a nuclear bomb. I am not a computer guru, but I know enough about trouble shooting and computers to questions his advice. I have read the forum for past issues.

Here are my questions issues:

1) The eject button for the optical drive does not work anymore (This was my main issue). It did work a day ago. When I press the button on the keyboard, it does not work - but I can manually do it on the drive. I am not sure if it is a setting or something else. The volume keys are working, but the visual display does not show up - the volume does change but it does not show that it is decreasing/increasing on the screen like it did a day ago.

2) Blue Tooth. Can it work with a video game or I am smoking dope? For example, when I play Left 4 Dead, I use a corded headset. I was hoping to use a bluetooth headeset. Maybe I don't understand the technology enough yet so I am hoping someone might guide me. I did try to reload the drivers for the Blue Tooth and maybe this is why my eject button is not working?

3) Video Drivers. Sometimes my computer freezes/locks up. My other Sony model did not have this problem. It freezes for about 3-5 seconds. I have read on the forum that this was a problem.

System Specs:
VGN-AW290J
Memory 8 GHz
64 BIT Home Premium Operating System
T9800
2.93 GHZ Processor
Duo Core CPU

Any help or guidance would be appreciated.

 

I had that problem to, but I was able to figure it out. I asume you have a AW -290 with a built in webcam? If you could provide a little more information, I might be able to help you out. It took me two weeks to figure it out and Sony support was no help at all. You have to do some changes in Yahoo to get the camera to work.

 

As far as the sound being mediocre, I read in many reviews that it was very good. I guess I'll test it out for myself and decide if it's good for me before buying something external.

 

So just to clarify, only the 1xx and 2xx series offer RGB LED in the States?

 

For Redd55:

Nothing says you can't call Sony tech support and ask for an escalation to a Level II tech to discuss these issues. Level I's are happy to hand things off to the next level up -- usually, all you have to do is ask. Insist if you have to. It will happen.

However, you might try doing this at off-hours, like evening or weekends, because then the traffic isn't as heavy and the Level II's will take all the time you need without feeling the pressures of customers on hold.

Further, as you know, you can have Sony remotely control the computer to examine settings, etc. Again, ask for a Level II tech to have a look-see.

I'm assuming you're still in warranty, right?

Never take Level I for an answer unless it's an extremely straightforward problem...

P.S. One of my friends swears by the Philippines techs and you have a better chance of landing one of them at off-hours. They are eager to please, are monitored more heavily than the American geeks (as a friend calls the San Diego crew), and as a result, their Level II techs probably know more than many of the American Level IIs.

Cultural differences probably encourage American braggadocio and an unwillingness to say "I don't know. Let me ask a colleague" -- but the Philippines techs generally will immediately transfer you upon request. My friend tells me they have figured out things in a single call that had stymied the San Diegans for weeks.

Good luck!

 

Yes, at the moment. (Or at least last time I checked about two days ago.)

However, one forum member posted that some AW3s are now available at Sony Style Canada, and I know they are available in Europe -- with RGB LED option. So, maybe soon at Sony Style USA?

Good luck!

 

I did ask for another opinion, but was told I had to do the system restore and if that it did not work it would be a hardware problem. The problem is the computer does not move and I really doubt it is a hardware problem.

I figured their had to to be some type of level. I may try that if I don't hear anything here.

 

Good idea. By itself and compared to the thinkpads, yes it sounds GREAT. But no comparison when I flip the switch to the Logitech Z's, hence my somewhat biased rating on the sound.

 

Was the tech accessing your computer remotely when you received this command to system restore?

Did you have an American? Sounds like it...(or so that friend of mine would say ;-)).

Remember: Level I techs are the entry-level techs; Level II techs are the top techs. You want a Level II tech.

Another reason to try on the opposite time schedule of the one you originally called is that you will reach a different call center and can get a new opinion on the same case number. Inasmuch as there is likely some rivalry among the call centers, the one you get will probably try to solve it for you to have the satisfaction of "beating out" the other call center (even though they'll never say that to you, of course). And you don't care -- all you need is for the problem to be fixed.

If you get two opinions from Level II techs for a system restore, then tell them you want them to talk you through it. If that is really the correct advice, then he or she won't mind being on the line with you for an hour taking you through the whole thing. I was once with a friend who had a tech on the line for over two hours on a tricky problem -- yup, he was "walked through" the whole thing.

Good luck!

 

THANK YOU FOR REPLAY. My sony is AW290jfq model. Camera works on skype. Won't work on yahoo messenger. when i click camera source and select: sony visual communication camera, it opens, the green light on camera turns on, but the image is black.

 

See, I knew my cam worked and the Sony Support said it was a driver issue. It was not.

The way I do it is turn on the Arc cam and then I enter Yahoo chat. When I want to chat with someone, I then hit webcam and then choose source. It comes up with something like USB connection. I hit that and it works. Now, when I had my other Sony Vaio I did not have to go thru all that jazz.

Do you have Yahoo IM now? We could try to work it out over IM. I wish I could just list the steps, but in order to troubleshoot you need to have a working cam at one end. I know you can recieve probably.

 

The AW290JAH on newegg seems interesting, just don't know how the screen quality is. I've only seen a AW270YQ in person and love the screen. Just don't know what to expect in differences between the two model's display. Can anyone comment on how the AW290JAH will compare?

 

UPDATE FOR WINDOWS 7

I installed all of the utilities from the sony website and voila, the brightness keys work, zoom keys, S1 S2 keys, eject key, in fact all keys work.

That now means there is nothing that doesn't work under windows 7.

 

Please help Vaio AW User´s....

Please have a look at this and see the pics:

http://feature-enable.blogspot.com/2009/07/enable-vt-on-insydeh2o-based-sony-vaio.html

My question....
can anyone Mod and unlock the Bios for the VGN-AW ?

Please Please

 

u have to go here and study whole thread ...
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=350209&page=27

 

I downloaded the webcam driver from sony website. It comes with ArcSoft WebCam Campanion 2. i open it, see me in the cam, open YM, webcam and now it not detects my camera. When i click camera source i see just:
Microsoft WDM Image Capture (Win32), Version: 6.0.6001.18000
by the way, my yahoo id is: tolick_m (maybe you can help me there)
i left arcsoft open, closed YM and open again, now i have on camera source:
Sony Visual Communication camera and
AVerMedia Capture
i selected sony visual communication camera, the camera windows started, but everthing is black, at the same time in arcsoft webcam companion shows everything ok. if i close the arcsoft webcam companion software, in the ym at camera source dissapear: Sony Visual Communication camera and AVerMedia Capture and i have just Microsoft WDM Image Capture (Win32), Version: 6.0.6001.18000
where is the problem?

 

Just thought I'd add that I'm awaiting my AW! Ordered yesterday afternoon. Unfortunately no RGB, as I got the latest model, the 390, but that's okay. Got estimated ship date of the 13th.

 

I talked with you on Yahoo IM and we got your webcam working. What I had you do is reload Yahoo IM 9.

In order for me to get Yahoo IM Webcam to work for is on the Yahoo Box there is a symbol for a webcam in the lower right hand corner. In order for me to get the Yahoo webcam to work, I hit that and it says "Select a Video Device". I have two choice Aver Media Capture or USB Video Device. Even though I have a built in webcam, I hit USB Video Device and it works.

I wish I could give the you the technical explanation of why that works, but I can't. I just fooled around with it until I figured it out.

 

UPDATE 8/6/09 1840 hours



I got the eject button and volume keys to work after completing a second reboot. I am not sure why that worked, but it did. So I am REALLY glad that I did not listen to the tech's advice.

My next two questions still stand though? Can anybody give me some info about the Bluetooth Capabilities. I am very hesitant to talk to a Sony rep about it before I do some research. Like I said before, I am willing to learn but just need help getting in the right direction. Thanks again.

 

Has anyone connected their AW to a large HDTV? Is it a joy or a pain?

 

No RGB-LED display in the AW390 you just ordered, you say? Look at this claim at Ebay & please let me know if you think these specs are accurate.

So far as I continue to shop around, I see plenty of sellers claiming their AWs have LED displays. However, not all are RGB-LEDs. Pardon my confusion but I thought Sony used only 2 different display types in the AWs: Standard XBRITE FullHD & RGB-LED (both w/same FullHD WUXGA+ resolution of 1920x1080). Are there ANY that are just LED and DO NOT INCLUDE AdobeRGB color correction? I really really really want to know this! Would call Sony again yet the answers are not consistent from one employee to another so I figure consumers would know best.

NOTE: DON'T KNOW WHY ALL THESE SMILIES ARE APPEARING IN MY COPY/PASTE BELOW (FROM EBAY) - 'COZ I SURE DIDN'T PUT THEM THERE! ANY IDEA HOW TO AVOID THIS IN THE FUTURE IS WELCOME. THANX!


http://cgi.ebay.com/Sony-VAIO-AW-39...ptop?hash=item1c0bb57b5d&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

Here's a copy/paste of specs listed w/this AW390:


VGN-AW390 <o>></o>>

Customization Details<o>></o>>

Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor T9600 (2.80GHz) <o>></o>>
Adobe RGB Color Correction<o>></o>>
1TB (500GBx2) Hard Drive (5400rpm) w/ RAID 0<o>></o>>
Blu-ray Disc™ playback/burning <o>></o>>
XBRITE-Full HD Technology <o>></o>>
18.4" widescreen display with XBRITE-FullHD™ LCD technology (1920x1080) <o>></o>>
WLAN (802.11a/b/g/n) with integrated Bluetooth® technology <o>></o>>
NVIDIA® GeForce 9600M GT GPU <o>></o>>
4GB DDR2-SDRAM (DDR2-800, 2GBx2) <o>></o>>
Digital TV Tuner <o>></o>>
Genuine Microsoft® Windows Vista® Home Premium 64-bit <o>></o>>
Quickbooks Simple Start 2009 <o>></o>>
<o>></o>>
<o>></o>>
<o>></o>>
<o>></o>>
In-depth details:<o>></o>>
Weights and Measurements<o>></o>>
·Dimensions (Approx.) : 17.2"(W) x 1.45 - 1.56"(H) x 11.4"(D)^7,8


<o>></o>>
·Weight (Approx.) : 8.8 lbs (with standard capacity battery) <o>></o>>
Hard Drive<o>></o>>
·Capacity : 1TB (500GBx2)


<o>></o>>
·Interface : Serial ATA


<o>></o>>
·Speed : 5400rpm


<o>></o>>
·Technology : RAID 0 Technology <o>></o>>
Hardware<o>></o>>
·Camera : Built-in 1.3 MP MOTION EYE® camera and microphone with face-tracking technology


<o>></o>>
·Keyboard : QWERTY, 103 keys, 19.05 mm pitch, 2 mm stroke <o>></o>>
General<o>></o>>
·Action Buttons : S1, S2, Volume - / +, Mute, Play / Pause, Stop, Eject, WLAN / Bluetooth® on / off, AV Mode


<o>></o>>
·Computer Type : Notebook


<o>></o>>
·Pointing Device : Electro-static touch pad


<o>></o>>
·Security : Biometric Fingerprint Sensor


<o>></o>>
·Type of Use : Desktop Replacement <o>></o>>
Power<o>></o>>
·Battery Type : Standard Capacity Lithium-ion <st1>lace w:st="on">Battery</st1>lace> (VGP-BPS13A/B)


<o>></o>>
·Estimated Battery Life : 1.0-2.5 hours¹⁴Standard Capacity Battery 1.5-3.5 hours¹⁴Large Capacity <st1>lace w:st="on">Battery</st1>lace>


<o>></o>>
·Power Requirements : 150W + 10% <o>></o>>
Expansion Slots<o>></o>>
·Multimedia Card Reader : CompactFlash media slot One Memory Stick PRO™ (Standard / Duo) media slot with MagicGate functionality One ExpressCard /34 media slot One Secure Digital (SD™ memory card) media slot <o>></o>>
Audio<o>></o>>
·Sound System : Intel® High Definition Audio with Dolby Digital Live


<o>></o>>
·Speakers (Total) : Built-in stereo speakers + 2W subwoofer <o>></o>>
<o>> </o>>
·Graphics card; Processor : NVIDIA® GeForce 9600M GT GPU Total Available Graphics Memory of 1270MB(with 2GB RAM), 1790MB (with 3GB RAM) or 2280MB (with 4GB RAM or higher)


<o>></o>>
·TV Tuner : Yes - NTSC (Internal) / ATSC (External USB Adaptor)


<o>></o>>
·Video RAM : 512MB dedicated video RAM <o>></o>>
Processor<o>></o>>
·Front Side Bus Speed : 1066MHz


<o>></o>>
·L2 Cache : 6MB


<o>></o>>
·Speed : 2.80GHz


<o>></o>>
·Technology : Intel Centrino 2 processor technology


<o>></o>>
·Type : Intel Core™ 2 Duo processor T9600 <o>></o>>
<o>> </o>>
Networking/Modem<o>></o>>
·Bluetooth® Technology : Integrated Stereo A2DP Bluetooth Technology (2.1 + EDR)


<o>></o>>
·Ethernet Protocol : 10Base-T/100Base-TX/1000Base-T (Gigabit)


<o>></o>>
·Ethernet Speed : Fast Ethernet (RJ-45)


<o>></o>>
·Modem Type : Integrated V.92/V.90 Modem (RJ-11)


<o>></o>>
·Wireless LAN : Intel WiFi Link 5100AGN (802.11a/b/g/n)³ <o>></o>>
Display<o>></o>>
·Back Light Technology : LED


<o>></o>>
·Resolution : 1920 x 1080


<o>></o>>
·Screen Size : 18.4"


<o>></o>>
·Technology : Adobe RGB Color Correction


<o>></o>>
·XBRITE-Full HD Technology <o>></o>>

 

When I ordered, I assumed I was getting the Adobe RGB. I had done plenty of research on the AW, but upon researching further, I found out my 390 doesn't have it. Not a deal breaker for me.

That one on eBay is the same model I purchased. The 390 with XBRITE0FULL HD LCD. But it says RGB technology?

Weird. I am as confused as you. Heh.

 

Do you mean for playing BDs or using everyday? The HDMI output is great for movies but for everyday use the small text looks strange on my Plasma.

I was reffering to a AW170C with a RGB LED, sold out when I checked today but the CTO is still available.

 

RE: SONY CUSTOMER SERVICE

So pleased to report a very pleasant surprise. As posted earlier, I purchased a defective AW160 with an erratic keyboard (plus half-dead spacebar), plus a cluster of like Gray Spots/Specs which are neither dead nor stuck pixels (refer to image #2 ofWikipedia article posted by "chikarin").

Called Sony After-Hrs Support which routed my call to the Philipines call center (always the best), & to my surprise, the tech there arranged to send a Sony-authorized local tech to my home to perform the repairs (replacing both screen & keyboard). Had no idea I was covered for onsite service---Heck, I didn't even purchase an extended warranty, only got the standard 1-yr plus the retailer (Costco) automatically doubles mfgr's warranty (leaving me a 2-yr warranty effectively). I'd put off the needed repairs mostly because local store techs told me my laptop would have to be sent in for repairs which would leave me without for 2 wks, maybe longer.

Even tho I discovered this service last Friday night when I called in, I decided not to mention it here until I actually heard from a local field tech---just to be sure there had been no error in my case. Today the local tech called me to arrange an in-home service appointment. So now I know I wasn't just dreaming;-) Whenever I read @ someone needing service, I always hear of them mailing in their system. Haven't read of any in-home service calls in this forum (like the old days w/Dell that included onsite service as standard part of warranty). Well, this made my day. Wanted to share it in hopes that other AW customers will get the same or at least to know it's possible. Will post back @ how it turns out.

 

I forgot to put HD audio in my post which what I was reffering to when I said expensive equipment.

I am going by the Update Notes pdf file and sony online specs for the AW1xxx which state the following:

WinDVD BD for VAIO PC
All DTS soundtracks on Blu-ray Disc movies will be downmixed to 2-channel PCM for output to your receiver or surrond sound decoder device.
All DTS soundtracks on DVD will be blocked.

Windows Media Center and Windows Media Player
All DTS soundtracks on DVD will be passed through to your receiver or surrond sound decoder device. All channels should be supported.

Uncompressed PCM support for WinDVD BD for VAIO PC
All uncompressed PCM soundtracks on Blu-ray Disc movies will be downmixed to 2-channel PCM for output to your receiver or surrond sound decoder device.

Maybe the other AWs have better audio output, but I am guessing not.
As for what I mean by medicore, I mean compared to my cheapie Logitech 5.1 speakers.

 

Tell me, is the model I just listed in my posted #2828 the same AW390 you purchased that has NO AdobeRGB-LED display?

If so then this seller is not advertising the truth (which I hope is not the case but would know the facts regardless). The red flag for me is that the unit pictured is titanium gray & from months of pre-purchase research, I concluded the RGB-LED's came in the shiny plastic Piano Black exterior finish. Not 100% sure, of course, but that's what I came up with given the wealth of contradictory info I had to work with. For you, as you say, this is not a dealbreaker. Still, sure seems unnecessary & unfortunate that you'd have to just settle at all when you're buying a high-end notebook.


POST #1123 STATES:
"In case anybody is wondering if they have the Full HD RGB 3-chip LED display with Adobe colour management, there's an easy way to find out for sure! Just go into the monitor properties in the device manager and check the Hardware ID of the display. If it says SNY07FA you have the top model display."

 

I don't think it's the same. Who knows? While that one is a higher-spec'd model, mine has no mention at all of the Adobe RGB technology. Here is what I got if it helps:

No additional Photo Editing Software
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor P8700 (2.53GHz)
Quickbooks Simple Start 2009
Backstage™ VIP Protection™ Suite (Recommended)
No Engraving
No additional Video Editing Software
Blu-ray Disc™ playback
18.4" widescreen display with XBRITE-FullHD™ LCD technology (1920x1080)
WLAN (802.11a/b/g/n) with integrated Bluetooth® technology
Microsoft® Works
Standard Capacity Battery
4GB DDR2-SDRAM (DDR2-800, 2GBx2)
Digital TV Tuner
Genuine Microsoft® Windows Vista® Home Premium 64-bit
320GB Hard Drive (7200rpm)

The model no. I got is US-VGNAW390-LBOM.

 

I was thinking more in terms with everyday use. It would be cool to rack mount the notebook and use a wireless keyboard, mouse, remote with a 50+ inch HDTV. Looks like the video is good, but the text is a problem. If I could make this work I'd ditch my desktop altogether.

 

I have my AW setup that way except my external display is a LCD monitor.

Maybe a different HDTV make would get different results. Maybe you could sneakly go into a store and attach the AW to a model you want to test it.

 

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?p=5176346

anyone can resolve this issue?

 

My order status changed from "Processing" to "Your VAIO is being built". I've heard that with Sony it stays in the processing status longer than other companies. If today it went into the being built status, hopefully it'll ship after the weekend? I only customized the RAM and added Blu-ray.

Ordered August 5th and estimated ship date is the 13th, Thursday.

 

go to c: windows , system32 . look the file "BtwVdpCapFilter.dll"

and rename it to "BtwVdpCapFilter1.dll" (i add the number 1 )

good luck

 

filename changed but nothing happened. My webcam windows shows just black, but when i invite someone to see me, he can see at the same time in my webcam windows is just black.

 

is anyone selling his/her digital tv tuner? I want one for my FW490

 

Whooooooooooooooooo! My AW shipped today. Had an estimated ship date of the 13th. Now it's projected to be here on the 13th!

I feel much better now knowing when it'll be here. I am pretty impressed. I only ordered this CTO on Wednesday.

 

Congrats! I can almost feel the positive anticipation, excitement; a new computer's on its way to you, yay! And on top of that, it's arriving earlier than expected, double-yay! Not long till Thurs the 13th. After you get it & have enjoyed the discovery process of unpacking & setting up (moving into your new machine), may this brand new AW exceed your expectations. Look forward to hearing how it goes for you. I'm still jazzed that, even tho mine had 2 defects, Sony's sending a tech to my home to do the repairs (today we scheduled the appt for Mon. morning the 10th) - had been dreading having to mail the unit in then wait 2 wks or more. Till I called for service, I had no idea I'd be covered for onsite service, esp since I only got the basic limited warranty that comes standard w/all new notebooks. So this is too cool. I really want others to know about it, too (surely my case can't be unusual or otherwise special). Best of luck!

 

No, not selling but just posting a bit of simple FYI & a question... Using Pinnacle Pro (or TV Pro, I forget) on 3 different family laptops here. Its software's installed on all 3 units using, of course, the 1 tuner+antenna. In place of local, over the air TV stations, increasingly more we're watching online TV/movies like Hulu, Fox, & Netflix, Blockbuster. What we've discovered is the hardware is often quite similar; it's the software that makes the biggest diff in quality between one brand & another. I DO welcome other opinions on that, however! Pinnacle Pro is rated quite high, however it's cumbersome & can be troublesome---& works well on one model but poorly on our friend's Lenovo, for instance (go figure?;-) You in the market for ATSC (digital) only? Single or dual tuner (dual for PiP)? Using Win Media Ctr as your DVR/PVR or other recording & TiVO-like time-shifting app? I'm interested in hearing other consumers' point of view, which ones I might consider using outside of this one Pinnacle. Suggestions welcome!

 

Why not just buy one from a store? They do not cost much, I have a ATSC Hauppauge on my AW via USB. With the latest driver it works great. WinTV will not install for me but if you have Windows Media Center it is not needed, also GB-PVR works great with it.

You will need a good antenna thou for any tuner.

 

Hi people, i'm back with the RAM upgrade issue. Yesterday i asked about adding ram, to 8gb, for an AW390 delivered by Sony with 4gb (for the MOBO's lock against it), to the eBay's vendor ComputerUpgradeKings. As you can see, he offers plenty of variants for this model, and he told me that he perform this upgrade several times for the 390, with no problems to the date, now this are good news, i think...

 

so the digital tuner is just an USB digital tuner and not integrated?

 

Mine had only a NTSC intergrated tuner, other makes had a NTSC intergrated tuner and a external ATSC bundled with the AW, some makes have a intergrated ATSC tuner.

 

When I ordered, there was a pending charge for the total amount of the AW placed to my debit card. Now it's gone. I'm guessing it expired. It shipped yesterday and now says paid for on my order status page, but the money is still in my bank account.

Weird. But I'm guessing they'll charge me sometime over the weekend. The thing is, though, it's already shipped.

Doesn't matter to me when the money comes out, I just thought it's weird that the item already shipped and I still have the money.

 

I guess this is an advance question, but is there any risk of installing a more current version of the Intel Raid Storage Manager on the AW? For instance using Sony graphics driver instead of NVidia drivers.

I noticed the one Sony supplies is almost a year old and Intel has a new version out.

 

http://forum.notebookreview.com/show....php?p=5176346

anyone can resolve this issue?

 

I've been using the intel raid storage manager version for at least a month but I don't use raid. Hmm, I wonder if that is why readyboost and hibernate/sleep don't work on my system? Since disabling readyboost my hibernate and sleep have been working fine. On my thinkpad readyboost works 100% of the time.