Official Sony VAIO AW Series 18.4" Owners thread

So is this to say that you purchased the AdobeRGB spec'ed machine? If so, a question. Did Lightroom come pre-installed for you at that price shown?

 

It's the adobe rgb machine. I really don't know if lightroom was on there or not. I booted it up for a just long enough to create the restore disks and then pulled the hard drives and put them in storage. I use aperture so I really wasn't looking for it either.

 

Ok, no prob, thanx anyway. Was just curious if they'd uninstall if for Overstock.com, as they refused to do so "for me". I know "buying in bulk" (wonder what stock count they got) can change this, certainly. So was just curious if that was indeed the case, as them not uninstalling Lightroom and making me pay for an older license, as I purchased own newer version of it already, was a major factor in me not pulling the trigger with them.

 

What do you all think about this in my AW-290Y....

2 of these Hitachi 500 gb, 7200 rpm drives;

Hitachi Travelstar 500 GB Internal hard drive - 300 MBps - 7200 rpm

along with this

FILEMATE 64GB EXPRESSCARD/34 SSD MLC W/ MINI USB 2.0: 3FMS4U64M-WR

to put the OS and programs on? The mechanical HDDs will be used for data storage...music pictures and videos....

 

Well, that wouldn't work exactly for me. I don't have the 2 sata connector for the right hdd bay, and I use the bluray disc burner for lots of stuff, burning and watching movied and discs. The configuration I suggested comes to just over 300 bucks for 1tb of 5400rpm storage and 64 gb of ssd, without sacrificing my optical drive.

 

Not sure if this is your fix, but it did solve my web cam and some other usb problems....

Click on the "start" button on the task bar and type power options, or right click on your batter icon in the task bar and get to power options from there.

then "change advanced settings"

for ALL your power schemes, scroll to the 6th option, "USB Settings"

"USB selective suspend setting"

DISABLE THAT STUFF!!!!

Restart, and see what happens. Solved all the problems I was having with fingerprint reader not working and motion eye not working too.

 

How about get Intel SSD and 1TB HDD.

Intel SSD
Newegg.com - Intel X25-M Mainstream SSDSA2M080G2XXX 2.5" 80GB SATA II MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) - SSD

HDD 1TB
Newegg.com - Western Digital Scorpio Blue WD10TPVT 1TB 5200 RPM 8MB Cache 2.5" SATA 3.0Gb/s Internal Notebook Hard Drive -Bare Drive

Total around $400.

One AW user reported here he installed 1TB drive with modified caddy.
I will search this thread and get exactly same model.
Or play safe and get largest 9.5mm thick drive.
750GB 9.5mm
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136546

I think Intel SSD is faster with very good review.

 

See this post for 1TB HDD.

 

thankyou replying to my question.
but it seems that you didn't understand my question.^^;;
the thing that i was worrying about was the continuous functioning of the
cooling fan. when i turn the power off, or put it into sleeping mode
definately the fan stops working.
i am talking about while the laptop's power is on. the moment i turn on
the computer the fans starts to work from the booting point.(i use win7 ultimate)is this normal? the fan doesn't make a super loud sound like when
playing heavy 3d games or recording a dvd. But i can notice that the fan is keep running.

 

Thanks for the post...
I've been running that way (disabled USB selective suspend) for 3 weeks and until yesterday, I did not have lost USB ports. But yesterday, had to pull the plug to reset everything, so while this may help, it is not a cure.

 

On my AW (with win7), while on, the FAN is running all the time, mostly quietly.

 

Hey guys, I reinstalled my Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit two days ago and my DVD-ROM is not showing up in Win Explorer just like the first time I installed Win 7 Ultimate.
I downloaded the Intel SATA Driver Registry Patch for 64-bit from Sony`s drivers webpage ( INDOTH-00208328-1042.EXE) and it gives me an error saying it wasn`t a valid Win32 application. Interestingly enough the file I download is 260KB, while on Sony`s site it says Size: 604.29 KB.
I also downloaded the 32-bit version ( INDOTH-00208328-1041.EXE) which correctly downloads to 604.29KB and installs properly but it doesn`t make my DVD show up.

Any ideas?

EDIT: Apparently only Google Chrome couldn`t correctly download the 64-bit patch. Internet explorer managed it and I installed it but it still doesn`t fix my problem...

EDIT2: Deleting LowerFilthers from HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Class\{4D36E965-E325-11CE-BFC1-08002BE10318} in regedit did the trick

 

Anyone have problems with a loose power plug on left side of computer? This has been an ongoing problem for me. Any suggestions? I wish I could take apart the computer and run the plug outside of the computer.

Are there any disassemble / take apart instructions for the AW?

Also, I do have the monitor profiles for the AW RGBLED screens. Done with my professional equip... to 6500 / 2.2. Makes all the difference in the world. (Obviously for evaluation purposes only, please.)

PM me with email address and I can forward it. Note: this is only applicable to RGB LED screen.

Correct setting for white luminance for the RGBLED screen = 120 = one bar showing in brightness level.

Gamut map does in fact encompass 100% Adobe RGB.

 

I have a problem with a loose power jack on my AW.

I have a VGN-AW11z.

I have stripped it down previously and found that there is nothing i can do with it, with resoldering etc.

I have sourced a part that came from a VGN-AW21s, exactly the same as mine, but of course from a different model. I doubt that this will cause an issue with it?

The part is with me now but my laptop is at home so hadnt had chance to fit it. Just a bit worried that it will cause problems? Anyone see any problems with this?

 

One of the hard drives in my AW290 just died. I wonder if it was due to heat. I noticed recently that the fan is blowing air that seems to be much hotter than before. I have 2 500gb 7200 drives in the unit. Anyone else notice extreme heat? Anything I can do to reduce the heat?

 

I had this problem with a previous AW. The power plug is part of a subassembly which is screwed to the main chasis. In my machine the subassy was cracked so the plug could rotate back and forth around the screw which was now it's only connection to the frame. Replace the subassy and the prob goes away.

Opening the case is not too tough. See me post here to get started. NOT complete disassembly instructions but it will get you started.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/son...ny-vaio-aw-series-18-4-owners-thread-386.html

Can't say for sure but I think all AW power plugs are the same.

______________________________________________________
AW180Y/Q T9900 9600MGT OC'd 2x64GB SSD 1TB Seagate HD

 

Any word on new models in the AW line coming soon? I really like the form factor and stunning RGBLED screen of my AW290 but my C2D T9550 and particularly the 9600M GT are already pretty pathetic pieces of hardware.
A Linux using friend commented a few weeks back about the slowness of my machine and we`re talking freshly reinstalled Windows 7 while the Linux friend uses at least 5 year old tech.

 

Hi I don't thik there will be a new VGN-AW unfortunately ..
Sony discontinued this series .. (sadly saying)
But that doesn't mean this laptop is bad
If you upgrade this laptop as far as is possible then its great machine still
This laptop has got ExpressCard slot (Peripheral) where you can connect USB 3.0 card to use external USB 3.0 Drives (SSDs or HDDs)

CPU: T9900 <--maximum
GPU: 9600 <--maximum
RAM: 8 GB <--maximum
Wi-Fi: 5300 <--maximum
SSD: 4x SSD <--maximum
(depend of config.)
1x SSD drive normal
2x SSD drives normal or can be great in RAID
3x SSD drives very good can be in RAID
4x SSD drives !BEST! 3x mini sata SSDs using optibay RAID + normal SSD

UPDATE
4x SSDs : nice configuration : 2x 2.5 SSDs + 2x 1.8 SSDs all 128GB = 512 GB Cool
You will need these items :

 

I recently bought a aw -390 refurb on sony style and it has the same monitor (SNY07FA) which I believe is the adobe rgb as my 170y nice suprise , please correct me if I am wrong or mistaken . Also is thier anything special i must do to enable this on the 390 . thanks

 

Hi,
can you send me the profiles for the test? I have a VGN-AW31XY/Q.
I have a Service Manual (PDF) for AW series. If you write me your email address I can send you.
Regards,
[email protected]

 

I desktopped my MBP 13 and took out my AW290 again for B-Ray movies on the go. Quite a shock Wow, this screen is really nice. Now, where did I leave that portable hole

 

does anyone know where to buy a 2nd hard drive connector and the hard drive caddy as well. It turns out after opening the hd case there's no extra connector to plug my 2nd hard drive to.

 

Hello NXH
I might help you with that 2nd FPC if you interested

 

Has anyone had problem with their Windows Media Player stuttering/skipping when playing a song? It seems to happen when I am playing an audio file, not a DVD. The skipping occurs with every song and it is just a blip. I had this same problem with Windows Vista. I thought I had fixed it when I upgraded to Windows 7. I am not sure if it has to do with the drivers. I have tried to lower the settings (in regards to the speed - I am not the sure technical term). I have read on other forums where owners had the same problem, but cannot decipher what they did to fix it. Any advice or help would be appreciated.

My computer info:
Windows 7 OS/64 Bit
8 GB Memory
2 DUO CPU
T9800 @293 GHZ
Sony AW 290

 

Is the video card causing audio drop outs. Update the driver from laptop2go.com.
I was using 257.21 and had no audio issues but I updated to 258.69 and had audio issues

 

I am not trying to be rude, but I have no clear idea what you are saying. Are you saying that when you updated your drivers you started having a problem? How do I determine what drivers I have now?

 

Hi minux_MDL, do you have hint for me which cables i need to connect another SataHD (SSD) in my Vaio VGN-AW31 S/B ?

 

I`m thinking about polishing the palm rest surface of my AW290 to remove fine scratches. Not only does it increase re-sale value, it will simply look better to me.
Can someone tell me if this is a good idea? The palm rest has a very finely textured matte surface and I`d hate to destroy that, but on the other hand this texture has been already removed just by friction in the exact places where my palms rest...
I`m thinking about using some Novus polish paste.

 

Having some trouble with DPC Latency on my AW11Z/B.

I've been suffering dropouts in online games and streaming audio/video. Been trawling forums and this is the best place I've found for this sort of user-orientated support, so I hope I'm in the right place.

These latency spikes were first clearly noticable to me after a fairly severe virus attack (caused by a rogue megavideo site my sister visited). Now, I am pretty computer literate, but I have no idea where to start with figuring out which device is causing these spikes let alone how to fix it.

I recently updated the system with all/most of the available updates from VaioUpdate, but the spikes still persist.

I am using a VGA-AW11Z/B system with Vista SP2

Help much appreciated.

(DPC Latency screenshot below, hopefully)

 

I'm thinking about upgrading to Windows 7. Right now I'm using Vista 64 bit on my aw290. I was wondering if I should go for just the upgrade or buy the full os. I heard there were problems with the upgrade from vista 64 to windows 7 64 bit.

Also I'm thinking about upgrading my hard drive. I noticed there's an space for a second hard drive but I didn't see any ports for it. Where can I get the appropriate wires/connectors for a 500gb hard drive?

 

I would recommend buying the full version even if you plan on running it as an upgrade. That is what I did and boy am I glad. There is a bug that occurs on some computers where the upgrade process fails. I spent several days trying the upgrade over and over after trying various suggested fixes. Finally, I had to bite the bullet and perform the full install from scratch. I purchased my AW290 with 2 hard drives. There is some hardware required in order to install the second drive after the fact. Others can address what is needed. Good luck.

 

I have needed hardware avaialble...it's a ribbon cable with the SATA connector attached and a drive caddy with the appropriate screws. You MUST open the case to install the ribbon cable & connector! Also don't expect to be able to put the drives in RAID unless you have RAID option visible in your BIOS! Costs about $120.00 from Sony...from me $60. PM me if interested!

 

WOOOW woow wooow slow down ..
Please can you tel me what cost are you talking about ???
What exactly cost you 60 dollars? visibility in BIOS ?

 

Does anyone have solutions to solve the low brightness issues from the Dual-CCFL AW Series ?

 

Hi,
can you send me the profiles for the test purpose? I own least two AW laptops.

Thank you and wish you have a good weekend.

Regards

[email protected]

 

Hello

Could you send me the ICC profiles for the testing purpose?

Thank you

Regards

[email protected]

 

LTN184HT03/01---> 1920X 1080 ->90% Color gamut( 2-CCFL) or higher(RGB-LED)

LTN184KT03-------->1688X 945---> 60% Color Gamut ( 1-CCFL)

 

@LTN184HT
Dual-CCFL what is it ?

 

Dual CCFL Lamps--> one of the backlightings for LTN184HT.

 

Could somebody share the pre-installed ICC profiles from AW non-premium series ?

I just reformatted the disk and forgot to backup this ICC profile.

Thank you.

 

is there possibility to watch 3D movie on 3D TV from a BD disc in AW series? any HDMI upgrade?

 

alright - yeah dual lamp has lower models AW series and higher level models of AW has X-Brite .. it's the same as bravia sony TVs

 

definetely not ... u cannot upgrade HDMI in laptop ..
there is latop asus with 3d support
http://www.google.co.uk/#hl=en&sour...=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=&gs_rfai=&fp=aa28b066c2dac80e

 

why I can't upgrade HDMI?
PS3 is older than AW series and after software update PS3 has 3D support...

 

tha's a good question for long polemize

sony released firmware that after upgrade ps3 can handle 3D
its about politics they want be still perfect on marked with PS3 so they implemented it in. They call it ''3D'' but it is not REAL 3D .

The hdmi port is still 1.3 BUT the chip in Graphic card doesn't support 3D
so they made it as a software 3D .. the PS3 will struggle with 3D because for overheating , it needs better hardware so sony restricted 3D just for 720p no 3D with 1080p
For full proper 3D you need HDMI 1.4 version and even 1.4 hdmi cable and ati and nvidia needs to support it !
1.4 HDMI has two more wires inside cable ..
(info about HDMI is on bottom of post)

And for Vaio AW they wont make any bios or firmware upgrade because no many people has vaio AW and was discontinued this model no further upgrade will be made !
AW even doesn't support 1.3 HDMI it's only 1.2 or 1.2a and AW was designed in 2007/2008
BUT
there is still BIG BUT !!
Of course you wont watch 3D ON your vaio AW because display is not 3D
BUT you will need New 1.4 HDMI cable and of course 3D TV
Go on here on cyberlink and download BD Advisor
Install it run it and Check what it says about your AW


The Best 3D, HD & Blu-ray DVD Player- PowerDVD 10

I put here some links and pic below that may be useful about PS3 3D

How and why the 3-D HDMI 1.4 update is possible for the PS3 - PlayStation.com Forums

http://www.gizmodo.com.au/2010/02/how-the-ps3-will-playback-3d-blu-ray-without-hdmi-1-4/

Sony restricts stereoscopic PS3 games to 720p 3D -- Engadget

 

Hi All,

apologies if this question has been posted before.

I upgraded my laptop to Windows 7 64 bit about 6 months ago. I must be honest it was a battle to get everything up and running and then to end it all I experienced small issues that I have not been able to sort out even after months of trying and researching.

One of the most notible issues that I experienced was that Blue-Ray playback was not what it use to be under Vista, it's so bad that its imposible to watch a movie since the upgrade.

I have also in recent months noticed that applications that ran under Vista are also not running as smoothly as it once did. I was able to run GTA IV without major issues under Vista but it won't run properly under Win7.

Which brings me to my question. I'm considering going back to Vista but due to the fact that I forked out for Win 7 Ultimate, I was wondering if it wouldn't be worth trying to run Win 7 32bit before downgrading again?

Has anyone experienced similar issues on the AW-11SB?

Thanks in advance
J

 

J, I had no issues running Win7 Ult x64 on my AW11Z. It was smoother and faster than Vista x86.

The AW11S comes with a 4,200rpm HDD if If I remember correctly. If you haven't upgraded this already I suggest you start here. Lambdatek are selling the WD Scorpio Black 500gb 7,200rpm for just over £60 delivered. I installed one of these myself yesterday.

I'd also suggest a reinstall using drivers from my AW thread in sig below. There may be newer drivers but these are stable and give good performance. Even DVD/BR playback was smooth.

 

Thanks for the advise Mujja.

Will give it a shot. Saw that the drives retail for about €64 here in Germany. So well worth a try.

One more question. Do you perhaps know if it is possible to replace the BD-Rom yourself or is that something that has to be done through Sony.

Thanks again
J

 

Hi Mujja What's Up

I Have AW11Z and i install clean windows 7 on my computer
i install the drivers like your aw thread and the av mode button not works
what should i do ?

p.s

i did not install the •VAIO Launcher because i did not find the driver on sony support ( i download all the drivers from sony not from your thread)

VAIO : Sony Europe

 

Has anybody got PhysX to run on a AW with Vista or even Win7?

I have the NVDVID-70205973-64.EXE installed on my AW170C but that does not seem to install PhysX and installing the latest PhysX driver does not seem to get demo programs like FluidMark to work either.

I just get the 'PhysX Engine initialization failed' error.