Official Sony VAIO AW Series 18.4" Owners thread

You have to install utility in certain order.
See below.
Good Luck!

-------------------------------
From Mujja's AW driver & utility thread.
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=379870

Notebook Utilities

•1. Sony Shared Library (5.4.0.05200)
•2. Setting Utility Series (5.0.0.07300)
•3. VAIO Event Service (5.0.0.07010)
•3. VAIO Event Service (5.0.0.07130) ** NEW **
•4. VAIO Control Center (4.0.0.06120)
•4. VAIO Control Center (4.0.0.07130) ** NEW **
•5. VAIO Power Management (4.0.0.08240)
•VAIO Battery Checker (4.0.0.05260)
•VAIO Control Color Setting (1.5.0.06300)
•VAIO Launcher (2.3.0.15090)
•VAIO Launcher (3.0.0.07150) ** NEW **
•VAIO Presentation Support (2.0.0.05270)
•VAIO Smart Network (3.0.0.09080)

Note : Install the numbered Utils in the order listed and reboot when prompted or the Fn buttons may not work.

 

Thank you!
I'll try it tomorrow, for now i have a big headache because of this

 

Is the AW screen series matte or glossy?

 

Is this AW-350J/B a good deal?

Hello: I have read scores of pages hereon and still cannot get myself to commit to any particular AW model. I want to stay below $1300 and don't mind refurbished by Sony. Anyway, I can purchase this AW-350 new for $1,050. Is it a good deal or should I look for a deal on an AW-290?
Thank you.

Intel® Centrino® 2ProcessorIntel® Core™2 DuoProcessor Speed 2.0GHz
Display TypeWidescreen LCD with XBRITE-FullHD (1920 x 1080)
System Bus 1066MHz Cache Memory 3MB on die Level 2
System Memory (RAM)4GBSystem Memory (RAM) DDR2
Hard Drive Type SATA (5400 rpm) Hard Drive Size 500GB
Optical DriveDouble-layer DVD±RW/Blu-ray Disc/CD-RWOptical Drive
NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT GPUVideo Memory2280MB (total available)Operating SystemWindows Vista Home Premium 64-bit
Included SoftwareMicrosoft Works SE 9.0; VAIO Multimedia Suite

 

Depends on which type of display & which model AW you choose. The RGB-LED screen is matte or anti-glare, anti-reflective (AR/AG). The regular CCFL LCD type is shiny. From the ton of research I did before & even after deciding on my model, I think Sony stopped producing the LED screens on the AW line after the AW290. Haven't yet seen or heard of any AW300 or AW400's that have a matte screen.

 

I can only speak for myself---BUT SINCE U ASKED---
I find the AW300s & AW400s to be pale in comparison to the some of the "older" AW100 & AW200 series (bought a new AW160 7 mos ago). After the AW290, many of us were looking forward to what Sony would come up with next, as if that would be an improvement (it wasn't). Looks like Sony stopped offering the options that made me so interested in the AW in the 1st place. Personally, I'd no doubt shop around for a good AW290 or models prior to that # (also be aware that display types differ from one model to another, i.e. not all 290's have the LED screen). The only diff I recall between the AW100 to 200s was a modest bump up in CPU speed (same CPU)----hence, the diff between the AW170 & 270, AW180 & 280 AW190 & 290.

Which model # CPU is in that AW350 you listed? I see 2 Ghz but no model #. If you plan to run Windows 7, some of the lesser CPUs (like T4200 & (?) up to maybe T6500 or so) don't support XP VT mode.... that's a matter of features & power consumption, not just speed alone.

The choice depends on what's most important that you wouldn't want to do without (according to your budget), how long before you plan to replace or upgrade, and how you plan to use it (personal/entertainment, specific work purposes, more or less battery-dependent, etc). Essentially, in this case, newer does not mean better. Hope that helped answer your question. If not then ask some more!

 

Would you please re-upload this file again?
It is limited to 10 downloads.
Thanks in advance

 

Would you please re-upload this file?
I have problem with flashing bios.
Need ROM file to flash from DOS.

Thanks in advance.

 

Hi: Thanks for your replies. The CPU is Intel® Core™2 Duo mobile processor P7350. I'm not computer savvy, but I'm learning what makes seemingly identical computers quite different from each other. The deal for the 350 is in the bestbuy.com outlet. I almost pulled the trigger on a 290 that Sony has in their outlet store, but now it seems I need to do more homework. I thought pricewise(% off of original price) that the 350 was the best deal I saw. I guess I wasn't comparing apples with apples.

 

You can download BIOS R1054Y2 from Sony support page.
Check "See all applicable models and operating systems." to see if your model and OS is supported.
Come with utility to flash from Windows.
Good Luck!

http://esupport.sony.com/US/perl/swu-download.pl?mdl=VGNAW290J&upd_id=5196&os_id=45

 

Well guess what? Adios no more AW's coming out of Sony for the forseeable future. They sent me an E-Mail listing their new products out of CES-clicking on computers there are no more AW models. What's being introduced is an F model with a 16.4 inch screen similar to the FW's. The neighborhood of $1500-1700 will get you an F with comparable features to the better AW's and 8 GB of memory standard-that part's an improvement. For that price you'll also get a BluRay read/write drive. The difference appears to be a 500GB hard drive or a 640GB hard drive. Of course the RGB screen is nowhere to be found. Of course the OS is Windows 7 Home Premium.

As to my question can anyone suggest easily implemented and reliable programs to burn BluRay discs?

 

Yes, a rep at Sony told me there were no AW's mentioned in their latest press conference and no new ones are available. I guessthat helps my buying decision a little. The AW 350 that was available at bestbuy.com is sold out, so I guess it was a good deal at $1,050.

 

Even the old FW-series had the 8GB RAM (DDR2-800 like the AW series) and the Blu-ray burner/player, along with the Full-HD (1920x1080) screen.

However, the new F-series goes 2 steps further down by leapfrogging over even the DDR3-1066 RAM and onto the DDR3-1333 RAM....of course a whole 8GB of it for graphics intensive applications.

This is of course in addition to the brand-new generation of multi-core, multi-threading processors (quad-core options in case of the F-series) and the Full-HD screen and higher-end graphics card with 1GB of GDDR3 memory.

The F-series also gets a numeric keypad that was not available in the prior FW series.

 

It did? Because I don't recall that being the case a year ago when I ordered my AW290? And I'm pretty sure the 4GB of memory I got was an upgrade from 2GB. I also upgraded to BluRay write, 640GB hard drive and 2.66 GHZ processor.

The 8GB memory option was pricey, and the deal was 6GB of memory meant an uneven configuration-i.e, 2GB of memory in one stick and 4GB of memory in the other. Which apparently wasn't real useful from what I read and was told so I stuck with 4GB at maybe $500 less. Still with the option to upgrade to the RGB model, the three year extended warranty and discount with two accessories (I chose three-an HP J6480 printer, a dual pack of printing cartridges and the cheap polystyrene case) the bill came to around $3000.

I'm considering also buying the new F model when it becomes available although I would still have preferred they had added an HDMI input for watching premium cable. My script, Cutting Confessions, is starting to see some positive action so I may be able to do just that:

www.myspace.com/370392338

Oh and there's also the complete jerk hacker/criminal who keeps trying to break in and damage my AW290. Part of his garbage and stalking is written about at my blogs there. Recently he's apparently been targeting people with threats and theft of phone service using a Skype account with my number unauthorized in an attempt to get me in trouble. The jerks at Skype don't have anything representing a customer service E-Mail. I finally found a Skype person on Twitter and he followed me back-if they don't take care of the problem and it continues to escalate I would love to find an aggressive attorney to sue the living crap out of Skype. I don't have a Skype account, never have and if this is what they really are-I never would.

I love this AW290 except for the bubble in the wrist pad and the paint that scratched off the upper lid's very top oblong panel. I'm sure if I'm able to buy the F as well I will also love that and it's slightly smaller size is more ideal for portable use.

So no one has any idea what BluRay burning program I could use to efficiently and reliably burn BluRay discs? As in putting up to many thousand files on the same BluRay disc without having to reburn each file separately every time I add files to the disc (which can easily be done with Click To Disc using DVD+RW but not BluRay)

 

AW was introduced few years ago.
On the paper(spec), it can not compete with low priced model from other maker.
Only $50 over your budget you can buy Acer 18.4 inche from here.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834115679
or here
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...07_Aspire_AS8940G_6865_Notebook_Computer.html

It has latest Core i7 CPU, Nvidia GTS 250M GPU, LED back light display over BB outlet 390.

But if you want one of the best RGB LED back light notebook display, you have to look for 290.

 

The new F-series is available right now via Sonystyle CTO. I ordered one yesterday with the new i7-820QM Quad-core chip, Full-HD screen, 8GB DDR3-1333 RAM, 500GB 7200rpm Hard-drive (Solid State drive also available), Windows 7 ultimate 64-bit, Blu-ray burner, Nvidia GT 330M graphics card with 1GB GDDR3 RAM etc. Should be shipping out on the 14th of Jan.

 

What do you folks think is the right price for a clean Sony AW290?

It's crazy to think that I basically have the best Sny large screen product available and it's almost a year old. It's great to carry around a small screen, but when it comes time to actually use the thing, dang the AW just feels nice.

I have 2 yrs left on my service plan, I wonder what Sny would do if mine fails?

On a sad note, I snapped off the Compact Flash push in button when I was putting it in the case. Bummer. Don't know if that can be fixed.

 

Well, one just sold on eBay for near $1,300.

 

I sold my AW130 just recently for 1200$

 

Someone let go of an AW290 premium for $1300? That was a mistake.

Seriously think about it-this is now a computer that is impossible to find and should therefore increase in value until a replacement becomes available at some time in the future. I ordered the Adobe professional graphics upgrade because it was the only way to get the RGB screen-I don't use that particular feature but now this becomes a somewhat rare one of a kind computer and I live in Hollywood-there are people here who really have a use for that now unavailable professional graphics screen and program. Like a fine car, this computer should actually increase in value until the technology is simply outdated-and I don't think that's going to happen for some time to come.

Now I'm more glad than ever I splurged for the premium model.

 

that was my AW that went for $1300























just kidding

so I finally have an update regarding my problematic AW: I spoke to Tech support, who's repair center received my AW back on December 30th. Supposedly they had tried calling me. I'll be calling them on Monday, as the repair center is closed on Saturdays...but the gist is they want to go over my options with me. the letter I enclosed with the laptop stated that I didn't want the machine back and that I'd require either a new AW290J (not one of these new stripped down models) or my the full purchase price back. the woman on tech support mentioned a "buy back" that they want to do.

anyone have an idea what the hell a "buy back" means, exactly? Obviously I know it means they want to give me money back for the machine...but do you guys think it would be for the entire purchase price? Or are they going to try to offer me some sort of "market value" amount, which I would imagine would be significantly less than what I paid?

The tech support woman didn't have any insight to give me on that level, but she did mention that was in the notes. I'm hopeful now that I might be able to get all of or at least the lion's share of my investment in this clearly overpriced laptop back. though I suppose if they try to offer me some ridiculously low figure for it, I'd rather they repair it. I really have a hard time thinking about going back to a typical laptop with an underwhelming screen again after enjoying this RGB LED display for so long. But I'd rather have a good laptop with an above average screen that I can rely on rather than a laptop with a great screen that I cannot have access to 28% of the life of ownership.

 

It went for $1,230. I didn't know it was a Premium and I had sent the seller numerous questions regarding it. They never replied and I never bid. I told them they had done the seller a huge disservice by not answering the questions.

 

unusual that someone would sell a device that expensive and not answer questions. I wonder if it's hot.

 

The "premium" 1920x1080 Full-HD screen of the F-series covers the entire Adobe-RGB color gamut. That is one of the points that Sony has been stressing in some of their marketing materials, where the F-series is projected as a multi-media/graphics powerhouse.

 

ajreynol - What notebook are you going to get next?

 

at this point? I don't know. Frankly, I'll be really disappointed if they don't have another new 290JFQ in a box somewhere to give me. I miss the screen already. at the same time, I'm not oblivious to the reality that the hardware inside the AW290 is and has been grossly overpriced. even when I bought it, it was too much (cost) for the hardware being paid for. I knew that even then...but that LED Adobe-certified screen was too nice to pass up.

so if Sony's "buy back" price is around what I paid for the machine back in March, I'm probably going to have to take my money to greener 17"-18.4" pastures. that means I'll be looking at the HP 18.4" strongly, as theirs ships with an i7 (something the AW's should have had already if Sony were serious about them) as well as Toshiba's Qosimo line (even though I'm not a fan of the styling of those). On the outside looking in would be Apple. I have a passing interest in a MacBook Pro, but wouldn't buy into those until I see their spring hardware refresh which is destined to include i7 processors and more powerful GPUs.

I'm extremely disappointed that Sony didn't keep the heat on in the 18.4" space. These are beautiful machines and the AW was easily the most beautiful 18.4" in the market. and those that have the AW290J know that the screen is second to absolutely none. especially for those of us who do design work. and yet, I know I can put that $2,600 (the price my company paid for my 290J) towards any of these i7-based laptops, which are now half this price....and I could put the rest of the money (probably $1000 left over) into a real nice IPS external monitor, which would beat that nice Sony screen anyway.

We'll see what happens on Monday. If they do have another AW290J in a box somewhere...I'll be inclined to take that. If they don't and my only options are to (a) repair my current AW for the 6th time in 10 months, or (b) get a full or (mostly full) refund...I'll most certainly take the money and buy another machine of superior performance for 40% less...and spend the difference on a 160GB SSD drive, a pro external monitor, and put the rest in a kitty for future upgrades.

 

I was going to purchase the HP DV8t, but a Sony rep told me the difference between the Sony and the HP is similar to the difference between a Ford and a Lexus with Sony supposedly being the Lexus. The fact is, I have spent many hours reading about all 18.4" laptops available. There are people who swear by all of them and people who curse all of them. There will always be those who have problems like you. Even new Mercedes have problems. You just never know, but you can certainly try to make an informed buying decision. I did purchase an AW-350J/B that is on its way here now. I wonder if I should have gotten the HP DV8t for even less money since there are discounts and coupons readily available for it. I could have used a stackable $300 coupon on one yesterday.

 

My work laptop is an HP/Compaq 8710W with a 1920x1200 resolution 17" screen etc and a whole bunch of other options, but I agree that the equivalent Vaio-F-series is something I would classify as a Lexus/Mercedes (Vaio) versus a Pontiac/Chevrolet (HP).

The HP is what I would call as an "assemblage of parts", while the Vaio is a ground-up slick design with a well matched group of components designed to work as a team.

 

Does anyone have any insight as to whether there will be a new 18" model coming out in the near future? I've been looking at the AW line for a couple months now and was hoping Sony would update the line about now. Much to my disappointment it is no longer available.

Thanks!

 

Managed to sell my AW for what I paid for it in view of the new core i5/i7 lineups and Sony's unwillingness to refresh.

I was really happy with the machine, better CPU RAM and SSD's and I would have stuck with an AW.

 

I doubt Sony would cede this large screen market-space to the other players completely. Regardless of the merits of the new F-Series, it nevertheless does not fully serve the purpose of a no-holds-barred take-no-prisoners type of power/capability that a well-built 18" screen brings to the table.

I believe they will come out with an AW replacement, (maybe as an A-series) probably with the new and max performance version of the i7 quad-core chips (the i7-920XM) and probably have a 16GB DDR3-1333 RAM option for it, along with things like SSDs. And since the AW has completely disappeared from the sonystyle site, I believe (if they are coming out with a replacement), that a new A-series would appear over the next month or so. If a new A-series does not appear over the next month or so, I would say that Sony has no plans to target this segment, and has dropped it.

Bottomline, having such a bigger frame that an 18" screen would have, will release the designers from some of the design constraints that they have to work under, when working with a smaller frame. They can now fit a FAR more efficient cooling mechanism in the frame, they can fit the larger CPU with a better ability to be cooled and so on.

I would say if you can hang on for a month, then you should and see what Sony brings out. Of course if you need a high-end large-screened laptop (larger than 16.4") this very instant, then you will have no option but to look elsewhere.

 

I'm totally disappointed by what I've read on the last few pages about AWs discontinuation I've heard that true RGB-LEDs were performing even better than IPS monitors... OK, I'll have to wait a month more, as my old SZ-3 is almost dead and I've been looking for replacement/upgrade for the last 2 month...

 

The big annual PMA show begins next month, which is when high-end graphics products for professional photographers are revealed. I think that would be a perfect venue to take the covers off the A-series (if Sony is coming out with a replacement for the AW series).

 

And as for the AW290 - what is the European analogue? Or, finally, how to tell whether it has an RGB-LED screen? So far I could only find AW2XRY/Q left in Moscow, but I'm not sure if it's the same as 290...

 

AW is pull out from US Sonystyle web site but still listed and selling at Japanese and UK web site.

From UK site, AW with RGB 3chip LED display models are
http://www.sony.co.uk/comparison/vgnaw41xh-q.cek/vgnaw31xy-q.cek

 

Near-final update:

I spoke with the Sony Service Center today and they're issuing me a full refund.

I'm happy and sad at the same time. I'm happy because I can get 2x the computing power for about 50% of that money ($2,700). I'm sad because I know that no other laptop display I've seen to date matches the glory of the AW290J RGB LED display.

Does the DV8t (HP) brightview LED display come close? I don't know...never seen one. Apple? Nope.

Since I have a new i7-based desktop and a small travel laptop, I can get by for awhile and see what hits the market in the 18.4" space. I'm not a fan of HP and I'm pretty sure I don't want a Mac...though at least with a Mac, you can recover most of your investment money if you want to sell it (they hold their value because Apple doesn't do a million refreshes and offer 15 different laptops).

At the end of the day, I'd love for Sony to man back up and offer an 18.4" with the RGB LED display again + i7 + legit GPU. Chances are good I would buy it without hesitation, as that display was simply to die for. But I'm not going to stress myself about it. I'll see what's being talked about in March and go from there.

 

So does RGB 3chip LED display really exist on AW3 and AW4? Cause after reading the previous 4 pages I understood that AW290 was the last one...

 

AW290 premium is the last US model with RGB LED back light display.
AW3XX or AW4XX did not have option to select RGB LED display.

But other market you can buy RGB LED model.

 

I'm not sure if Sony would warranty the machine here in the USA.

but really...$1999-$2500...

in late 2008, you could argue that as a fair (but high) price. in 2010 with i7's, i5's, and quad's on the market...and 2 whole generations of GPUs since the 9600M GT...

the machine shouldn't be more than $1600, tops.

Sony can do better.

 

just remember: Sony USA might not honor the warranty of an imported computer. (and when I say "might", it's because I'm 99% sure they won't, as opposed to 100%). different power and visual standards in the UK as opposed to the US. It's not really an option for us.

the RGB LED dream is dead in the US for all intents and purposes.

those who have them...I hope yours fares better than mine did.

 

Hi ajreynol,

I am glad to hear that Sony stepped up and do the right thing and refund you full amount.

My 2 above posts are response to qBot's questions. I think he lives in Europe some where because he mentioned about AW in Moscow. ( I hope that is not Moscow, Idaho )

I think for you there are 3 options. (You don't need decide now you can wait till March)
1. Refurbish 18.4 inch RGB-LED display with up to T9900 CPU.
2. New 17 inch RGB-LED display with i7 CPU.
3. New 18.4 inch LED display with i7 CPU.

I went option 1 and bought AW290 premium from Sony outlet last November and since then I did not have any issue with Notebook hardware.
As of today there is one AW290 premium in Sony outlet for $1741.95.

Option 2: there are few models from Dell have RGB LED display. forum member tomcom2k sold AW and bought Dell M6500 (see page 363).
price is $2700-$4000. very expensive.
I think you can buy studio16 xps 16.4 inch around $1500.

Option 3: you can buy Acer for $1350 from NewEgg.
http://go.notebookreview.com/?id=52...com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834115679

Good luck!

 

HT2, but we can't be sure in option 3 as it all depends on whether Sony is going to continue its 18.4 series or not.
The AW2 costs $2 700, AW3 - $3 300 and AW4 around $4 300 here in Moscow, so one should rather go for AW2 or wait for anything new with i7 from Sony, as there is almost no difference between the AW2 and AW4, taking into account the + $1 600 price!
P.S. Yep, I'm from Moscow, Russia. Not Idaho

 

thank you! I'll wait and see

 

In High tech world, you always wait to buy until you need it or you find the great deal that you cannot refuse.

SSD is getting bigger, ESATA port is very popular and USB3.0 is around the conner so not only i7 there are lot's of good stuff are coming to notebook.

So wait until you need it or you find the great deal that you cannot refuse.

And when you need new notebook and there is no new model to satisfy you then look for refurbish AW2 model from Sony. Most likely you can buy it cheaper even with extended warranty.

Problem for me is I am not always followed this advise.

 

Hi guys

I have a problem, and i'm sure you can help me.
I have VGN-AW120J model, and fan is always in full speed, and all the time, left side of my notebook is hot...cooling is not so good.

i tried to open my notebook, to clean dust from fan, but i don't know how to open it. does anyone know how to open it and clean the dust from fan?

is there any other solution how to decrease temperature of CPU or to stop overheating?

 

See above post for how to open the notebook.
This is for replacing CPU but open the notebook part is same.
Go to this site for picture.
http://www.jaykeller.com/vaio/

You can undervolt your CPU to decrease the CPU temperature.
See this guide for How to do.
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=235824

Good Luck!

 

A notebook cooler like this might also help with the temperatures. I have this one for my AW190.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834998686

 

thanks guy for help...i'll try to open it and clean the dust from my fan.
have anybody did that jet? no more overheating?

i want to know, can my AW120J use more memory than 4GB?
and i have P8400 processor and i would like to know what is the most faster/better option to upgrade that?

 

New InterVideo WinDVD BD® Software Update with 01/08/2010 date.

 

Hey Everyone!!

Does anyone know if Sony has stopped their AW line or not? It doesn't seem like they will be refreshing it, the top of the line model is the 16.4 Inch F series now. So will they be releasing anything in the future?