Official Sony VAIO F Series Owners lounge

@melodymaster

will you get the F again or will you choose something else?
I 'm on the fence on reordering until I know what's going on.

 

But the question is what is the % of products with defects? All mass produce things have some duds, that's why there is a return policy & a warranty. I did not see any other report of bad screen yet.

The Asus has a zero dead pixel policy and the warranty is for 2 years vs. 1 for Sony. BTW Newegg will not exchange a laptop with less than 8 dead pixels. That would drive me crazy!

 

Finally ? Any news ?

 

If my F1190 IS a goner, then I'll be looking at the G73-series ( I always liked Asus products) or the newest Toshiba Qosmios.

 

Looks like spam to me. If you have something to say, say it... not "I will say something soon" and meanwhile drive traffic to your website.

 

Heheh, you read my mind... Since I'm dealing with a fellow in Sony Corporate, bypassing the sales network, it's repair, replace, or refund. I don't have to wait for turnaround.

 

I am also looking at the new 1080p Qosmio but the model with 2 HDD drives is b/o (8-9 weeks) and if you get the one drive model now, Toshiba removed the connectors in 2nd drive bay and also removed the extra sata connector on the motherboard of previous models, so you can't add one yourself unless you weld a connector on the motherboard! They do this to promote their 2 drives model, they don't want you do be able to do it the cheaper way. This was confirmed on the Toshiba message board. Besides it's quite a step-up in size & weight and the video card is the 330m. But I agree, it's one of my contenders, mainly for the bigger screen & lower dpi:

18.4 Display size: 16.04" × 9.02" (40.73cm × 22.91cm) 120 dpi
17.3 Display size: 15.08" × 8.48" (38.3cm × 21.54cm) 127 dpi
16.4 Display size: 14.29" × 8.04" (36.31cm × 20.42cm) 134 dpi

 

Sonystore in Toronto said I couldn't return mine because it's a CTO. I checked the website and it was confrimed.

All Customized Computers

* All sales are considered final. We offer exchange or repair on defective CTO models.

http://www.sonystyle.ca/commerce/servlet/StaticView?storeId=10001&catalogId=10001&contentpage=CustomerSupport/ShippingNReturns/shipping_returns.html

I have to say I am disappointed with the quality of the build. I thought it was just mine that had a tiny rattling sound when I typed. But I checked the one on display at the Sony store and it makes the same sound. I told the Sony rep that my VGN-FS660 doesn't make that sound and I've had it for over 4 years. He responded by saying that the noise is normal and it is due to the new construction method Sony uses to make the laptop lighter. Laptop seems cheap to me now. I hope it's only this series and not the entire Vaio line that has this noise. Sometimes I think that I should have waited for the 15" MacBook Pro with i5.

 

The problem is light bleed, the lighting is not properly placed for minimum polarization of the LCD control gates, so the effect of changing viewing angle is extreme, it looks likes there's a hot spot through the centre of the screen yet the edges are a negative image. I wouldn't MIND one or two stuck pixels, that's far less of a problem.

I didn't take a picture of the problem because I had the chance to immediately pack the machine and courier it to Sony TODAY, and I've already heard back from them..

 

Here's a little good news amidst all the worry (for me at least, and hopefully a few others may benefit as well). Since I originally placed my order with Sony Style USA on 1/14/10 I've managed to receive two separate discounts totaling $465. The first discount was because someone else on this forum noticed a price drop that happened after I placed my order. I called, and they cheerfully applied the discount to my credit card ($200). The second one was just today. I noticed they have an educational discount program. I have a university faculty affiliation but I didn't even think about that when I placed the original order. Turns out the educational price is $265 cheaper than even my discounted price. Anyone who is either a student or a teacher at any level can receive the discount. Once again, Sony Style customer service happily refunded the difference to my card. Now lets hope I receive a working laptop tomorrow.

 

I'm sorry but I agree with Sony, a lot of people play the order & return game with no defect reasons. This drives up the cost for all the rest of us. I understand a 30 days satisfaction guaranty on preconfig models but not for CTO's.

The lesson here is that if you want to return because you don't like it, don't engrave and don't choose CTO.

Go to a store & check-it out instead of playing the order & return game.

To be able to keep prices down, Newegg also has a return policy of if there is no defects, you are stuck with it so make sure you really want the thing...

 

Do you mean SonyStyle? US SonyStyle policy is to accept return for refund on CTO's. The Canadian Policy seems to deny that, but if you invoke the US policy and say "well it's a new model that I had no chance to preview and I hate it" then you can probably still generate a return RA.

 

Sorry for my lack of technical proficiency, but does anyone know whether I will be able (through HDMI or VGA or both) be able to connect to a 16x10 external monitor without any display issues (i.e., will the video card support external display for 16x10 or only 16x9 since the laptop's display is 16x9)?

 

I agree about the try for a month then return thing being bad. You could have a bunch of free computers for years, like driving a new car every month which you never have to pay for.

However, the F-series actually seems to have documented problems, which would constitute a return for defect. Sony doesn't want to off thousands of customers with access to online blogs and forums.

 

Yes, and there's even a nice external monitor control panel in the Vaio software which allows for all sorts of options. It's actually one of the taskbar and primary menu icons.

 

I agree that people shouldn't be able to return their CTO Vaios just because they don't like the look of it or how it feels. In my case, I want to return it because the quality is not up to standard, in my opinion, for a Vaio. I haven't had a laptop or used one that makes this rattling sound when I type. Even my sister's $700 Dell Inspiron doesn't make this sound when I type on it. I don't play games when it comes to buying laptops. This is the first time I've ordered a Vaio online. I bought my older one from the Sony Store. I'm going to be moving to Korea for a job next month and I needed to get a laptop quickly. I originally wanted a 15" Vaio like my VGN-FS660 but there wasn't one available so I settled for 16.4". I ordered the F1190S with the expectation that it would be of the same quality as the VGN-FS660. Sony is a premium brand and I expected more than what I have at the moment.
No one else here is bothered by the rattling sound that is made when typing and tapping the palm rest? It sounds like metal components of the blu-ray ray drive are hitting against each other.

 

As obviously in all other European countries, the Sony F for configure-to-order have been removed from the Sonystyle website in Germany today. The Sony live chat person said that it's due to supply shortage. He coudn't tell when it will be available again. Given the fact that other posters evidentally got the information that the removal is due to technical issues (regarding the Core i 7 ?) I wonder what is going on here and if some of the early adopters have experienced problems with their F- model so that it's better to stay away from a purchase until further notice. Sorry if I overviewed any comments on this problem in this long thread.

Wolfgang

 

I sold some travel websites I used to own and there was a minority of customers reserving a number of different hotels for the exact same dates in high season but since we were in charge of all of them, we could spot the culprits. That is bad because it penalize other customers by reducing availability and was costly in employee wasting time.

I also worked for a department store on a delivery truck when I was younger and we knew we would have to go back to pick-up the returns a few days later from the chronic "order and return" people.

If returned because defective, no problems. If it's a sport, it's messing up the system and driving up costs and other users have to wait lounger to get their stuff or get legitimate servicing on their defective products...

Chronic "order and return" people are either selfish or sick IMHO.

 

Yea I will do that ASAP.



Question for you guys

Under power options, I see options for
-Balanced
-High Performance
-Power Saver

Would it be a good idea to keep it on high performance, as I am gaming quite a bit and using photoshop and video editing software?

 

It's not a fact, there is no proofs or quote from an authoritative source yet.

It's pure speculation so far.

 

So if I'm reading correctly, they decided to stop selling the F series? . Makes me nervous I love this laptop though so far.

 

They seem to have run out of stock, there's no indication that the model has been withdrawn.

 

It also matters where those dead pixels are. Even if it is only one dead pixel, and if it is right in the center of the screen, it will drive any one crazy.

 

I basically got the runaround--Support told me to contact the Sales department for more info.

 

Guys, do you think Sony will issue a permanent fix to the whining issue in the future? My F series is fine apart from that. But if they are having some technical issues and have to revise the laptops then what does it mean for those who have it?

I don't want to have apply this temporary fix every time I restart or turn on my computer for a couple years... Thanks.

 

Agreed. So is this only fix pulling up the recording tab under control panel/sound? Or is there a fix I haven't read about yet. Honestly, I have not read through all 120 pages of this thread and don't have the time

 

Well, all the problems one has heard so far, are fixable via firmware fixes (except the one case where the screen had a defect). So they will figure out the appropriate firmware patch needed, apply them against the laptops already in their possession, before shipping them out.

In the situations where the laptops are already with the customers, the patch can be installed by downloading from the Sony support site - where it should hopefully be available for download, within the week.

The key here is to settle down and enjoy the laptop as is, and apply the firmware patch when it is available. Of course if you are not otherwise satisfied with the product, and you absolutely don't want to keep it, then return it.

 

I don't remember the exact steps perscribed earlier, but it seemed to me that there must be some sort of feedback loop between microphone and speakers. So just mute the microphone somewhere in Windows. Or do a ctrl+F on "mic" or "microphone" in the last 50 pages of this thread...

Edit: Noone can be served with having to keep some settings window open while using the computer, obviously...

 

It could be that there a lot of people who have the whining issue who don't come to forums like this, are unaware of the temp fix, and are returning them as defective quite innocently. I don't believe there are many people who are willing to go through hours of pain loading all of thier programs, setting up email, deciding they don't like it, then wiping the hd clean, boxing the laptop, and returning it for sport. That's a hell of a cynical way to look at it, imo.

 

It's the same fix I am talking about, yes. It works but it's annoying to do every time.

I love this laptop. I can't find any other deal with similar specs for the same price. If they'll issue a firmware upgrade then I'll keep it. I just hope they don't ignore the users who have already bought them. Anyways we have a 1 year warranty...

 

In that case if the warranty is over or does not cover only one dead bright pixel & everything I try to fix-it does not work, I would not hesitate to use a Sharpie if it's a stuck bright pixel!

The ASUS ZBD Guarantee: "...the promise of the ZBD Policy. ASUS is the first to stand out and make a promise to users worldwide that guarantees LCD panels with zero bright dots in selected notebook series. Even if only one bright dot is found, a free panel exchange is guaranteed within 30 days of original purchase".

I hope the other makers will follow the lead...

 

See post #546
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?p=5748529#post5748529

 

No need to do it every time:

See screen grabs:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=43553&d=1263761173

http://forum.notebookreview.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=43554&d=1263761173

Guys, stop whining about the whining noise. It's like complaining about the cup holders in a new car.

@ MaxieHQ: I see that you beat me to the punch by linking to your original post. So, is the fix permanent?

 

Does anyone know if this makes a difference?

 

But the mic "unmutes" itself every time I reboot or shut off the computer.

 

Agreed. I personally find situations where I have to return a product, to be VERY embarassing. And people who return something like the F-series, will essentially have to spend the time to pack the whole thing up, drive over to the shipper (FexEx, UPS etc) and spend the $30 or whatever, to send it back and keep on tracking the progress of the package till it is delivered. Then wait the month or so for the funds to be returned.

I would not consider such a step a game at all and treat that as something I personally would not do lightly. I am very aware of the expenses all around, including the expense for the manufacturer, who has lovingly put together the CTO model, exactly as wanted by the customer, and expeditiously shipped it out. If I do such a return, I will ensure that I will make upto them for my action, by buying a product of higher value.

 

It seems obvious that especially for the applications you mentioned, one would choose performance. Same for disabling Aero & other eye candy crap. Updating, cleaning & optimizing for performance is always my first tasks with Windows OS.

Maybe you could try some benchmark applications with the different settings & tell us?

 

Thanks for the help. I guess I was asking if those settings simply allowed you to set brightness/contrast presets or if they actually affected computer performance.

 

The mic shouldn't unmute itself after reboot unless maybe you start software that utilizes it.

Joe Bleau, the fix is a temporary fix, but it works until you need to use the mic again and then you can just reverse the steps. I still hold hope that Sony can come up with a permanent fix.

 

I mean do you have to re do-it every time to re-boot the F?

Edited to add: I think your already answered in post #1239. So if it fixes the problem then it's a minor issue & probably Sony will offer a permanent solution. It could be also Win 7 related but there is so many more important aspects of the F to talk about... this recurring subject seems blown way out of proportion considering the simple workaround.

 

ok reading some of the posts around is here is a little concerning. Well, especially for me since I live in Australia, and most likely wont have any warranty. So an expensive exercise to send back to the US.

Ive got the next 10hrs to tell me friend to get me the one from best buy or not. Really undecided now.

Or do i just go for the high end CW series from Best Buy???

argh i really dont know what to do.

 

It's normal for any product to have a minority of buyers with some defects, small or big. If you read this board or the customer reviews on Bestbuy, you will see several positive reports.

Can't your friend have the item checked in store before paying for it? You could make a list of things to check for him. I do this all the time since I live in Costa Rica and have stuff brought to me by friends.

 

I purchased a CTO and within the first two days of receiving it it started "blue screening". It even blue screened in safe mode. When they tried to help me restore to original image from the hidden partition it blue screened. When I tried to restore to system from the DVDs I created first thing it blue screened. I asked to return the unit rather than have it fixed and there was no problem. I got the return label within about an hour and took it to FedEx. Sent Sony the tracking number and they have already credited my account, minus the shipping.

I really liked the machine, when it was running. The fix for the noise worked like a charm. Video looked great. But I am reluctant to reorder until there is a reasonable assurance I won't go through a similar experience again.

Has anyone looked at the Alienware M15x? I know it has a smaller screen and weighs a bit more. But it's been out longer and may be safer.

 

Mine does not unmute itself, and the temporary fix works.

I'm another one that has a noisy fan while it idles intermittantly "whistling" or "whining". It's not that noticeable when there is room noise, I don't know if this can be fixed by a Bios or Firmware update? When I'm putting more of a load on the machine the fan increases in speed-noise but the "whine" only happens during low RPM idling.

 

Well yes i could do this, but then wouldnt that require the system to do the initial setup. Although guess it could just be powered off before that step.

What would be the things to look out for? Dead pixels, fan noise (not really an issue if can be fixed via an update), keyboard issues? (only seen one person complain about that here though. Any thing else?

 

Well the friend can go ahead and buy it, take it home, then try it. IF it has a problem then it can be taken back to the store, rather than being shipped back from Australia..

 

Sorry for your troubles, both Dell & HP do not charge for shipping; they refunded 100% of the purchase. I was able to avoid the re-stocking fee since each machine had legit issues.

Everyone has a preference but I think that the Alienware is..."ugly". Have you looked at the Sager/Clevo - solid gaming machine.

 

Why not start-it and play with it, play a Blue-ray disk, etc? You can always do a factory state restore & start like new once at home.

The winning noise (again!) from the mic is not to be confused with the fan. It's a quad core i7 after all & some need to evacuate the heat is to be expected...

 

yeah may just get him to do that. although its always good 'breaking the seal' your self

regarding the charger. what voltage is it? 110 only? or 110-240v or something along those lines?? cheers

 

Except if you are 14,000 km away from the store, that could be stressful...