Official Sony VAIO F Series Owners lounge

It is but you were asking what is the best Sony product, not what was best for your needs.

The Z-series is the best in terms of its build, carbon-fiber, battery life, and performance. Also given its portability, it really is the most lust-worthy notebook Sony has on the market.

If a wizard offered me any Sony notebook in existence, I would ask him for the Z-series even though I don't play games.

But I settled for the Y-series, similar to the S and Z series in design and gives me what I need.

 

You need to buy a laptop fast. Sounds as though you do not have access to the internet.

 

Looks like you made a new friend Melody If you want to be really nasty, say not and send'im to another owners lounge.

 

I don't understand you Omaroo, what exactly is it that you want.

A few weeks ago you made a thread in the "What notebook should I buy" board, now I see you again with an interest in the F11 but now that you know it isn't the "god notebook that is perfect" you want something else, which no doubt won't satisfy your too high standards.

It isn't what is the "best on the market" it is "what is the best FOR YOU" and you can't assume there won't be some small flaw with the notebook unless of course you want to build one yourself, then you can be satisfied that it fits all of your standards since you're the one who built it.

If there was a perfect notebook that could satisfy anyone's needs, almost everyone would have it.

 

Another system freeze. The eventvwr shows the following...

EventID: 41
Source: Kernel-Power
Task Category: (63)

In past 24 hours there have been 10 of these freezes. For each the only information available is:

Looking at the non critical errors..... worryingly there are also 2,419 of them.

EventID Source Occurrences (24hours)
7 cdrom 314
7 VzCdbSvc 30
7 disk 407
11 cdrom 1548
11 disk 14
13 ACPI 14
25 volsnap 2
35 SideBySide 5
1000 Application Error 11
1001 Dhcp-client 5
1002 Application Hang 8

There are a few more, but those are the headlines (and highest numbers). I am investigating these now. I think many of the cdrom/disk errors can be attributed to dirty discs and usb drive.

 

The Z serires are out of stock! in canada i think the F series with i7 720QM is good for me but after i read the F series Owners posts im suprised of what issues this unit has and till now Sony did not reveal any fix or Patch.

 

Hello again,

I received my F Series a week ago. So far it is perfect. I am not.
I don't understand WinOS. I'm having a heck of a time figuring how to
make the backup disks. As a Mac user, nothing seems intuitive. Any
suggestions or resources?

Thanks,

Mark

 

Really?? Whats the difference? If were on about the same review (4 parts one with i7 model). I've had a look on the sony website and play and they both appear the same. Might be my untrained eye then

 

Is it me or is the page for the f series down at sonystyle?

 

It's the BD sticker.

 

I'm guessing bad memory, run memtest. http://www.memtest86.com/download.html

Also check to make sure the memory is firmly clipped in (yes, remove the cover.)

 

You're right, Play.Com seems to state them as the same "VAIO Display Premium" but if you check the official Sony site and compare the models (link below);

http://www.sony.co.uk/comparison/vpcf11z1e-bi.cek/vpcf11s1e-b.cek/vpcf11m1e-h.cek

You'll see that the i5 F11M1E - the same as sold on Play.com - is lsited as "Vaio Display" and the S1E/Z1E i7 versions are listed as "VAIO Display Premium".

The main promotional page on sony.co.uk also notes that the Premium Display is only available on "select" models, indicating that not all models have the same screen.

Do you have the i5? Is it a glossy finish? if so, it's a different display. It's the same on the Sony F11 CTO website, the i5 model only lists as "VAIO Display" and the F11X the "VAIO Display Premium"

Whether it's the same screen as the US though? No clue. having said that, I haven't been to a Sony Store to actually see them side-by-side.

We are talking about the same review It posted it.


EDIT: Of course, you may in-fact be right and play.com's versions have the Premium display

 

Agreed and this is exactly why I plan to get the Sony F11. Its not the most powerful thing under the sun but it is MORE than enough for my gaming needs. (Starcraft 1 and 2, Diablo 1,2,3, Total Annihilation and Supreme Commander 1 and 2)

Where are you in the world? I personally like to buy computer parts from Newegg.com but I believe they don't have international shipping.

Can I ask why, in your opinion, you believe the Z series is better than the F series? Build quality, processor options, video card specs?

From what I have read about it, it seems to be more for power user businessmen than as an entertainment/gaming machine (not that it wouldn't do great at it). The SSD is nice, carbon fiber, as is the decent graphics card (thought the F series was better though) and switchable graphics (really would LOVE this in the F series). I guess I should ask if you are comparing it directly to the F series or just to to other laptops of its size? Seems quite a bit more expensive though due to that SSD.

Gotta admit that is a sexy little laptop especially at 3 pounds.

We have no issues with the other forum members, just with you. You ask the same question over and over again hoping we will alleviate you misgivings about the laptop and give you the EXACT answer you are looking for. We cant change your mind for you. We have answered your questions even though most have said they will stop. They want to be helpful but it's hard to continuously be polite when you don't do some of the leg work yourself or actually take our advice.

 

I tried this:
VPC-F1190 Configure-to-Order (CDN Configuration @ sonystyle.ca)

It came to $1145 w/ 128GB SSD. Does that sound right?

Not ready to buy a laptop just yet but seems like an okay deal.

My main concern with this F series is not having a LED screen and the number of posters bashing the alleged poor quality especially the LCD screen.

Please comment......

 

Hey guys, I'm a newbie - thanks for all the great info on the thread so far.

My question is: so what's the consensus on the 1080p screen in the US/Canada? I'm assuming this is the same. From my research so far I'm hearing that this is inferior to European and Asian screens, though why this would be is baffling. Why would Sony do such a dumb thing? But, that's another question....

So, is the US/Canada screen a real deal breaker? Also, is it LED backlit? - can't find this out anywhere. I'm guessing not, but seems such a dumb move by Sony I can't quite believe it. I've been looking to get a high end 16-17" notebook for a few months now for <=$2000-ish, and have looked at:

Dell XPS16 (apparently awesome screen but sounds like worrying over-heating problems)
Dell Studio17 (can't configure it with a 1080 screen anymore!)
various Asus models (esp new G73)
HP HDX 16 (can't get it in Canada with a 1080 screen)
the new sony F series...

IMO, the screen is pretty much the most important component, since a lot of other stuff you can change/upgrade, but not this. I'd be really p*ssed if I shell out $1600 on this thing and find out the screen is no good.

 

Thanks for the reply and link

I've had a look on sony's website and it's as you said...i also had a more detailed look and it appears the i7 has a larger 'Total Graphics Memory' than the i5 (i7 - 3831MB [4606MB on Play]...i5 - 2807MB). So looks like Play has it wrong.

I havent bought it yet (could have made a mistake if you didn't bring it to my attention), was thinking about the i5 but now you brought that up i may go for the i7 with Premium Display...it will definately be one or the other, leaning more towards F11 S1E i7 now.

Thanks for your help, and awesome review on youtube .

 

and/or the green dot package sticker

 

In the US, does the F have the best screen for a Windows system in the 16 to 17 inch range? I'm guessing it is not. If this is your sole criteria maybe someone can point you to another laptop. I too was worried based on posts in this thread and seeing one at BB. However, with calibration adjustments I am very pleased with it. No me, the brightness and clarity is just fine (1920x1080). But the angle of viewing is limited and there is no doubt about that. I only notice this is I am watching video and I am not in front of the screen, or when there are multiple eyes on the computer and a group is gathered around it. If you must view your monitor from an angle I would not recommend this model. If not, this laptop is just outstanding.

 

so are u saying when watching HD movies or general videos it doesnt deliver in performance like the xps 16

 

Thanks very much for the reply Fishion - just what I was looking for. No -viewing from an angle is not a requirement for me, so long as it's good from the optimum angle. I don't need the BEST screen on the market, but would certainly want it to be excellent (just OK is not good enough for a premium notebook like this) and better than my current for the cost. I'll see if I can get a look at one maybe at a Sony store.

 

Damn you guys are awesome! I just ordered my f over the phone and saved $113 more than if I paid online with a student discount! I appreciate all the help you guys have given out and can't wait to play with my new toy.

Edit: Sorry lol I subtracted from a hypothetical build I made, but did not get I actually saved $113.

 

Saved enough for a great sushi dinner tonight!

 

What did you order and what percentage did you get?

Do you remember how much you would have had to spend if you did the student discount online?

 

@DietSushi

Cool!

 

The screen of the F-series is not LED.

 

Thanks for the tip MelodyMaster. I checked the chips were sat correctly, and then ran memtest86. Interestingly it also identifies the processor as Inter Core i5 1596MHz.

The app repeatedly hangs at 7% of the first test. Looks like I am heading back to BestBuy to speak to their No Talent Clowns.

No doubt they'll keep the laptop for a week when it would take five minutes for the RAM to be swapped over.

I have heard to many horror stories about "The Geek Squad" copying files from customer systems onto their own usb drives. I am a freelance contractor and have a lot of sensitive company information on my laptop - so running that off now.

Anyone have any tips for getting good service from BB when a repair/replacement is needed? Obviously I wont be calling them no-talent clowns to their faces.

 

I have a tip, don't bring that negative attitude with you. You may still get bad service, but it can get worse if you come in feeling like that.

 

Whoops, sorry about that. I saved $113 more than student. Still a great deal. Tax murders me where I am. With student, it would have been $1639.83 vs $1527.28 (/w tax) I paid for. Plus I got a bag that I was going to get anyways.

I got the 3 year adh plan with a neoprene bag to get a 15% discount.

I had everything at default except:

320 gig (7200 rpm) hdd
bluray player
4 gig ddr3 ram
backlit keyboard
330m gpu

 

I have an Dell XPS 16 in the family and if I could put that monitor onto the F would I ? The answer is I would have to think about it. And if I had to think about it I suppose it is not much of an difference. The Dell is more matte with and angle limitation as well. Anyone agree or disagree?

 

Thanks for that confirmation Puter1 - that's a shame.

 

"... consensus on the 1080p screen in the US/Canada?" - all owners in this thread say that once calibrated & auto brightness disabled, the display's colors, contrast & sharpness are awesome. Several would like the EU Premium matte as an option & several say they are bothered by the narrow vertical viewing angle margin. Many owners, including me, love their US F.

Semi-glossy was the only point that got me hesitating about the US F but after searching like crazy for days, it was impossible to find a laptop with all the features of the F @ a similar price point AND a matte screen.

If you find one, please PM me!

See this video I made: Vai*o F Serie*s Display Video: Vertical Viewing Angles US 1080p. So you can see the gradient shift when tilting the screen.

So the best is seeing one before ordering so you can decide by yourself if YOU are happy with it or not. Images from this and this sites:





"Why would Sony_do such a dumb thing?" - because their marketing studies showed that the majority of US consumers want shiny stuff. Why do you think Apple made their 13 & 15 notebooks shiny? I would love to see their sales numbers for the Mackbook Pro 17" glossy vs. the matte option model. Yes, they have the $50 option of matte for the 17" but they cost almost twice as much as the F with a lot less CPU, GPU, DDR2 vs. DDR3 memory, etc. And that was the deal breaker for me.

Go to any US/Canada big store with a lot of laptops on display. Do you see any in the same class as the F with matte screen?

Do you think all the manufacturers & all these big stores are dumb?

None of the other brand & models you mentioned have matte screens in the US market, especially the Asus_G73 which is high-gloss & that was the deal breaker for me.

Again: I postponed buying a lappy long enough, the F is the best price point/crunching power/features for my needs @ the present. I love it and yes, the screen could be more forgiving at different vertical viewing angles but I don't do group watching.

If I look at a movie, I don't stick my nose to the screen.

If am doing critical photo editing, I sit strait up. If surfing or other stuff, I don't care if there is a gradient or not.

From the F User Manual : http://www.docs.sony.com/release/VPCF110_series.pdf



----------

>>> Guys! Stop getting sucked in by omaroo, that adds a ton of noise in the thread. See all his posts here.

You can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink.

 

Honestly, I never buy from Best Buy. I would rather deal with a technician over the phone than bring something into Geek Squad.

For a friend, I looked at her laptop she purchased at Best Buy (an Inspiron). I am IT worker for a state agency where one of my primary duties is to fix desktops and laptops, whether its hardware or software related. Pretty obvious she had a bad hard drive even though the laptop was less than a week old.

I went with her to drop it off at BB and told them all the troubleshooting I had done on it, what tests I had run and the conclusion I had come to figuring they would just open it up, swap out the hard drive, load the OS and then she would be on her way (I saved her data first btw).

The punk kid at the desk told me in a snide tone, "Well SIR we have our own tests to run on the machine and I'm sure that it's NOT the hard drive that has gone bad. Most likely its the power supply." I looked at him like he was speaking a foreign language. I reminded him that I had swapped out the bad hard drive and replaced it with a HD of my own and her laptop booted just fine. I even let it run for 2 hours after various test shutdowns, standbys and hibernations just to be sure.

I ended up calling a manager to the front and speaking with him. Thankfully he understood what I had done and got it back to her the next day.

 

Thanks for that. It is really helpful. I am really glad you took the time to write what you did. Really, thank you. I look up to you.

So that is the sarcastic response. Which I think you deserved for adding nothing of value to the conversation. It was childish writing it I know, but I feel better for it.

Here is the non-sarcastic response:

Don't mistake me venting online about a $1300 purchase that fails and the prospect of having to endure Best Buy's poor customer service.... with being anything less than professional in person. My previous post even made it clear that I wouldn't be acting in a negative way at Best Buy and you still wrote what you did. That is pure baggery.

If you have any legitimately useful information about the repair/replacement process at Best Best, then share it. That is clearly what I was asking for. Not for you to be all judgmental.

 

In my experience the "geek squad" have a dangerously small amount of technical knowledge. Dealing with Sony on the other hand has been great in the past. I just had the motherboard replaced on an FZ laptop by them and it was extremely well done.

 

It's funny. You say at Best Buy, but they are all different stores that just follow similar guidelines and design. They have different people in them and it depends on the area you are in whether you have a good experience or not. And Geek Squad isn't stealing your info, their just a bunch of underpaid twenty-somethings trying to make it through college much like most of the sales people.

 

My principle requirement for a high powered lap top is using it as a platform for Dragon Dictate Naturally speaking, which uses microphone imput. So, with all the posts about noise and mics, which I have read, I have three specific questions I hope someone can answer. If one now buys an F from SonyStyle direct:

(1) will the new F, as delivered, have a functioning microphone imput;

(2) will the F be a factory fixed F without any mic noise issues;

(3) will the overall noise level, with an i7, allow voice dictation (with an excellent noise canceling Bluetooth mike) if you work close to the machine;

(4) does the i7-720 generate less heat than the i7-820?

Thanks!

David

 

I think if you buy at these stores, just research the heck out of the laptop you might want and don't listen or do anything else. I refuse the warranty or any extra costs. I will be careful with it!!! I am already spending a lot and I'll just go with whatever manuf. warranty already comes with it.

Other people recommend this, too, and I agree with it.

 

my bro has got a dell XPS and that is LED RGB, shame this is not LED RGB, but can anyone tell the difference. Im really annoyed bout the speakers. Sony should have put subwoofers like the XPS. Excellent review on youtube btw. So anyone think the f series is better the XPS

 

I'm really annoyed about the speakers as well. I'm personally leaning towards getting a Toshiba Qosmio X500 with 4gb RAM and 500 HDD (as available on Amazon). Battery life's better on that machine than the Sony - despite it being a games machine.

There may not be as much RAM on it as the Sony F11 but I figure that the specs should be enough for basic usage (surfing the net, downloading music, watching films, etc). I could get more RAM should the need arise.

I found websites like Notebookcheck.net and notebookjournal.de (use an online translation tool to translate from German to English) really useful.

 

Wouldn't worry too much about RAM. I haven't come close to using my 6 Gigs during normal use, 4 should be plenty (assuming normal use)

 

Does the F series come with a physical DVD of a Windows 7 backup? If there isn't a physical copy, is it somehow possible to reformat the computer by completely deleting everything and doing a clean install? I'm getting Windows Ultimate, if that matters.

 

I find the Qosmio and the Studio 17 acceptable competitors within this range of computers. I believe Sony to be superior to Toshiba or Dell and the look of the Qosmio really bothered me- too plastic and gamer looking. It has a very weird screen resolution (1680x945) but it was in my top three choices for laptops.

 

I had a look at reviews on those websites I mentioned and both laptops score similarly overall despite both laptops having different strengths and weaknesses. Both brands are generally regarded as in the upper echelon compared to other manufacturers.

It might seem like a silly thing to overlook a laptop like the F11Z1E which costs less and has better picture quality (both come with Full HD, but the Sony screen is brighter), but I listen to a fair amount of music this thing with the speakers really bugs me!

Who knows, when all is said and done, I may end up getting a Sony after all. I seem to change my mind every week!

It's definitely between the Toshiba X500 and Sony F11Z1E for me.

 

1) Yes
2) Yes
3) I believe so - my SSD equipped F is nearly silent, except for the periodic hum from the fan running.
4) I have the 820 and have not noticed *any* objectionable levels of heat. During the weekend, I will be running a few RAW editing batchjobs, and other video rendering type activities and any heat issues should come to the fore. Based on my experience till date, I am not concerned at all.

 

No it does not include a physical Win 7 DVD. Once we get the machine, we will have to make our own "backup" DVDs. I believe if you spend enough time, you can get rid of the "bloatware" and get to a fairly pristine state.

 

For the F11 speakers, the problems that some of you have reported does it sound as if the audio has a filter over it or like it is coming from the other room?

Just curious if the speaker issue is the same as the Y-series.

 

okay to all with the speakers issue, I am considering these:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Philips-SHB9000...er_MP3_Player_Accessories?hash=item4a9e5b4227

Maybe that will help you out too. I wonder how good they are, they look good.

 

I agree with Fishon: "...the look of the Qosmio really bothered me- too plastic and gamer looking...".

Everything is hyper glossy on that thing and a fingerprint magnet, including the glare screen. It's great to play games in a dark basement but I don't see myself using this in front of a client. That was the deal breaker for me.



Besides it's heavier & bigger, that's why there is a bigger speaker. The F speakers sound are not bad considering the form factor. With external speakers or audiophile headphones: wow!

 

Anyone who wants to listen seriously to music via the onboard speakers must be nuts ! Squirt it into an Amp with giant speakers and chill out.
No speakers of whatever type that are the size of the ones in this machine are going to be anything other than just for monitoring, after all. If you want HiFi, get a Hi Fi, not a laptop, or squirt it - as above..
I just love my UK version - no complaints...

 

The speakers could be better, sure there are external speakers as a solution or headphones but I would like not to have to use them to enjoy my music while browsing or doing schoolwork.

HP has Altec Lansing speakers on their notebooks and those are amazing.