Official Sony VAIO F Series i5/i7 owners thread *Part 3*

You can turn off the touchpad in Vaio Control Center.

Squeaky palmrest could be a loose screw.

Try tipping your display back farther than you are used to. Sony has illustrated that the angle of the display should point towards the top of your head, not your eyes. I have bleed at lesser angles, but when tipping the display back as shown by Sony, I have none. black is black and colors are fantastic. On 1600x900 displays, this helps less as the sweet spot on those displays is narrower than the 1920x1080 display.

 

Regarding the touchpad, is there a way to auto-disabled it if I plug an external mouse. I have this function on my 4 year old LG laptop.

 

thenotebooksucked ,

Unless that's a used one, return that thing right away!

Scratches? Bent screen? Squeeky?

No, no. None of these are issues with the laptop. Someone has mistreated that quite badly in transit.

You can't fix the screen issue, it's just bent. Probably dropped. Probably the same impact that has lead to the squeek, and possibly the scratches.

No-one should have to accept something like that as a new product.

 

urgh I typed up this whole reply and my fingers brushed the pad and it messed up my post

If this is the box that appears in the lower right taskbar after I click the arrow pointing up, then despite saying "touchpad", it only allows mouse options when I double click it to open.

In this case, I think it's just the plastic material making a noise when met with initial pressure. The way a leather chair can when you seat yourself in it. I only mentioned it b/c others had spoken about "squeaky" palmrest b4 the way they did about the "whine".

I tried that and using it tilted further back now but it doesn't feel natural to me. It feels like the bottom of the screen is more pronounced and there is a slight expansion type distortion. I will try viewing movie playback this way later on to see if it improves the bleeding. Btw, where did you see this illustrated by Sony? If possible I would like to take a look myself to see if I'm even doing it correctly.

Thanks for the replies/tips.

 

The option to turn off the touchpad is here :

 

thanks do you really think it's kind a heavy? I've checked and it's okay for a 17" screen laptop

 

The squeak is very very minor. I only mentioned it in case others wished to know so I had to be honest about it. It's more of a crack actually. Like I stated above, I think it's a natural noise from initial pressure when you first rest your palm on it. Not a deal breaker by any means.

Scratches I was disappointed in since the laptop really does look quite nice and well put together. Very slick design. I would assume such asethetic defects would exist in all models in some way or another? I know when I purchased a Ipod Nano, Playstation 3, etc that some sort of cosmetic damage was always there. Hair-like scratches are fairly common during manufacturing. Am I wrong about the VAIO? If others don't have any scratches anywhere I'd be more inclined to try an exchange. Though I'm not sure non performance "defects" would even qualify for an exchange. Although CTOs can be refunded in some instances, I'm not sure complaining about these would be enough in this case.

I'm sorry if I explained it confusingly. Nothing is literally bent. If anything, the display is centered incorrectly or more likely, the bezel was cut slightly off. This occurs on an Nintendo DS I purchased some years ago too. Basically, for example, I'm typing in IE right now. The IE screen is maximized to take up all the display real estate. Now if I look at the upper right and move along to the upper left at the very top of IE, I can see a black horizontal line between the IE browser box, and the bezel of the laptop. That black line is part of the display that does not get used in displaying an image.

Now in the upper right, the line is fairly narrow but even. On the upper left, as it progress more left to the corner, it widens a bit more. So there is more of the black area shown in the upper left compared to the upper right. As a result, when I look at the display, the wider black on one side causes the IE image to look lopsided slightly. Now if I were able to adjust the image up a bit, it would make this difference less pronounced. I can do that on other monitors, I just haven't figured out how or if I can do it on the VAIO yet.

This is was a manufacturing stage type defect and not from mishandling. The scratches I'm not sure about but I'm guessing they're from manufacturing or assembly too. Not from shipping.


EDIT: Interestingly enough now it looks like the right side has more of the black gap than the left. Not quite sure what to make of this now.

 

I just got my F12 yesterday, and the box it came in, all the packaging, and the PC itself were all in mint condition. The PC itself was completely devoid of any marks whatsoever. I went over it with a fine tooth comb, trust me.

 

I actually had to go into help to find the VAIO Control Centre Thanks. Too bad there wasn't a easy button to do this on the fly. Same with the cumbersome volume controls.

 

I actually just noticed one more thing now that the power button is glowing. There are several tiny black dots inside it so I can't wipe them off.

 

Volume can be changed with the volume control in the taskbar (by the time), or can be changed by pressing the function button and either F3 (DOWN) or F4 (UP).

 

this is what I'm talking about. I wish you didn't have to Fn it.

 

does anyone know when the F12 is out in the UK, as im not sure what the date is.

Also can anyone tell me how good the speakers are compared to the F11 when listening to music and movies, is it really good or not

 

omaroo, you keep posting this, and I'm always confused by it. The F12 has been out in the UK for some time now.
It's the only model shown on the website, and is in the store.

Please see : F Series : VAIO and Computing : Models : Sony for the 3 pre-configured models.

To answer the question again .. it's already there!

 

Yeah sure, fine for a 17" (or 16.4" ) but heavier than the other two models you have up there.

 

Or you can install a program called 3RVX.
It allows you to control the volume control with for example the win key and a mousewheel: 3RVX Software Informer: Latest version download, news and info about this Matthew Malensek program. 3RVX is an application that emulates the on-screen volume control of Mac OS X.
I use the Vista 808 skin.

 

did you try touch freeze?

 

Guess I'll get one at the end of the summer when I'm going to move to Vienna. The only thing bothers me is the gaming performance. Hope I can play fluently BC2 Multi with 32 player maps.

 

Thanks for that link.

It got me thinking that few laptops have decent speakers anyway and so if I want good sound, I'm going to have to have portable externals.

I'm currently considering FoxL. They're pricey but the reviews are strong.

On a related point, I note that the Sony F-series supports Bluetooth A2DP but I don't think Windows 7 provides the necessary drivers so I guess Sony does this separately.

-----

Does anyone here edit AVCHD files? That's one reason I am particularly interested in the F11/12. I plan to get one with the Bluray burner.

 

Put together, it's POSSIBLE your computer has had a bash in shipping. The display should not be off-centre. I wouldn't sweat the marks around the switches etc. though because it may just indicate the laptop was randomly pulled for production line quality testing. Or it was field updated.

And the fan in my microwave made an irritating in and out grinding noise, opening it up I found the wiring had slipped and was just slightly touching the boss at the base of the fan nearest the motor. Therefore I'm suggesting a shift in the surroundings of the fan due to that bash in shipping is adding an unexpected noise signature..??

You'll hate me saying this, but you may yet again want to call Sony.

 

Hello guys,

I recently bought a VPCF 1290X. When it arrived, I created the recovery disks for backup. Then I found out that the screen had a light bleed. So I returned it to sony and got a replacement.

My question is do I need to create the recovery disks again or the previous ones would suffice?

 

can anyone give me information on the speakers and how good they are.

 

I put my Volume controls onto the multi-media keys, along with the windows calculator.

See my post.

 

They are typical laptop speakers, weak and tinny. Good enough for casual use but if you seriously wish to listen to music, use headphones or external speakers.

 

I'm assuming you'd have to redo them because you'll have a different product key, tho I am just guessing.

 

but speakers in other laptops have sub woofers

 

Thanks.

Anyone else with suggestions?

 

< I just got my f series today. It was pre-installed on win 7 home premium 64 bit system. I did a clean install with win 7 ultimate 64 bit and when I try to install the Atheros AR9287 Wireless Network Adapter driver, the device manager does not recognize this adapter. I've tried sony online support and they didn't solve this issue. One of them told me that the driver is incompatible with the retailed version of win 7. Did anyone manage to get this driver working? If so, can someone help me solving this issue. I am really in a desperate, and I do appreciate all the help. >


Hey kirara:

Is this display LED backlit? I was under the impression that these were CCFL backlit. However a Sonystyle chat person just now claimed these (and ALL new VAIO's) are LED backlit but could NOT provide documentation. My understanding is that LED's are a superior lighting, in energy consumption and viewing angle. Forgive me if these are erroneous assumptions...I am clearly NOT in a league to defend these beliefs like some of you all defend yours here! haha.

All I know is that the VPCF126FM/B I saw at Best Buy the other day looked ATROCIOUS. Vertical viewing angle was SO BAD, the "sweet spot" was miniscule, and even then, the edges lost brightness. Otherwise, this line of PC's has features that are UNMATCHED for the price. I think most of us agree on this. That's why we're here chatting, RIGHT?

Thanks

 

Bubblepuppy,

Simply do a search for any questions and you will most likely find illustrated answers. The US displays are not LED at this time...they are single lamp CCFL.

I answered the question about the Atheros card sometime in the last 24 hours with a link to the Sony site where the Atheros AR9285 driver is listed...it works on all of the F11s I have done clean installs on.

EDIT: Here is a link to the post. On the bottom is a link to the Sony site. This driver SHOULD work...it has worked for me several times.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/son...7-owners-thread-part-3-a-200.html#post6476598

 

Willscary:

I've read ALOT of the posts in this thread. But here's the chat, as of a little while ago...


info: Please allow a moment for an agent to respond.
info: You are now chatting with 'Angela D'
Angela D: Hello and thank you for visiting Sonystyle. How may I help you today?
you: Can an F series 1080 display be gotten with LED backlight?
Angela D: It does have LED backlighting. The keyboard is also LED Backlit if you'd like as well.
Angela D: Were you looking at configuring a laptop or did you like one of our ready to ship models?
you: That is NOT what I've been told before. I thought they were CCFL backlighted.
Angela D: That may have been the old computers, but all of our current models are LED backlit. We have released new computers over the last month.
you: Can you provide documentation, either by email or a link from your web site verifying this?
you: I can find NO mention of this.
Angela D: If you'd like I'd be happy to connect you to a technician who can confirm this for you. We do not have this listed in the specifications on this computer, but several of our other ones list it. I'd be happy to give you the number for technical support if you'd like.
Angela D: The number for our extended technical support is*****. During regular hours you can contact them at 1-*****
Angela D: I have not heard from you in a while. May I assist you with anything else?
you: I need hard proof. If I buy one of these, and it's NOT LED, I want recourse. The internet blogosphere is rife with complaints of Sony CCFL complaints. But I really like the other features you offer.
Angela D: Then I recommend speaking with our technicians so they can assist you further with your concerns.
Angela D: Is there anything else that I can assist you with today?
you: I would think the LED backlighting would be a NICE selling point. Why no documentation?
Angela D: I'm not sure why they haven't provided this information. I apologize.
you: Can you ask your supervisor for docs?
you: This doesn't seem like asking TOO MUCH.
Angela D: Unfortunately, I cannot. We only have access to what's listed in the specifications. The technical support specialists can access our e-support link and they may be able to find documentation on that portion of the website.

So I was lied to, eh??

 

No, I could be completely wrong. What I do know is that there have been people here who returned an F11 and got an F12 and claimed no difference in the display. I also can tell you that the write-up is the same and there is no mention of LED displays.

I have said that companies have the right to change parts and specifications without notice, but many here who are more knowledgable than I am claim that the change comes in a refresh, such as from F11 to F12.

My display looks very good. I thought that perhaps my (very late model) F11 had a different monitor because it is SO good. I have been assured that this is not the case, but I am not willing to take the machine apart to remove the panel so it can be checked. I know that it is not matte finished, so it can't be the superb EU model.

Bill

 

Willscary:

I had read ALOT of the back and forth banter in regards to the F's display. I am familiar with the firm opinions on both sides of this issue. I can sympathize with those who dished out nice $$$ for unsatisfactory units. I do not wish to join the ranks of the unhappy. But I DO like the features/cost of the F series units. However, I CANNOT settle for what I saw in BB. Completely deplorable display. That unit's display had a virtual laser pinpoint "sweet spot". Any minute deviation from that point, and darkening of image (esp. vertically) and inversion resulted.

I've read alot of what you posted, and would LOVE to be as pleased with a new F as you are. But I need reassurance...more than just a sales associates chat gives.

Wouldn't the LED backlight be a NICE selling point? So why the chat person could not provide documentation leaves me suspecting something fishy.

But boy, do I like the listed Sony features, esp. for the price!

Thanks for responding.

 

@bubblepuppy

The F12 screen looked the same as the F11 to me when I saw them in person. It still has the narrow vertical viewing angle and because of that you'll see the inversion much more frequently once you're out of the sweetspot. It seems though that the sweetspot slightly varies for each unit (or a batch of units?). My F11 display is a much better screen than what I saw in the store.They are not LED displays as far as I know.

My Sony 3d tv arrived yesterday.. Now that screen I wish was on my F11.

EDIT: you could buy the 2 lamp CCFL screen and 2 lamp inverter used for the FW series and switch it out. The FW HD screens are amazing. However, that would basically void your warranty.
That's what i'm getting someone to do by the end of the month.

 

Yah, your next F12 will also have bleed. Unless there's actual inversion your screen was typical and the computer didn't have to be returned, especially if it had no operational problems.

All TN panels have some bleed, with a few exceptions laptop displays are TN.

 

I thought I read something about Vaio's having LED backlit displays a few days ago...unfortunately sonystyle.ca is down again...how convenient, but here is what I get from sonystyle.com.

VAIO F Series PC | Sony | SonyStyle USA

If you click on the "WHY VAIO" tab and then look at "ECO" it says this:

"CHECK THE LABEL. VAIO notebooks are built with the planet in mind, with available features such as mercury-free LED backlights, PVC-free casing and packaging with up to 95% recycled content. To make sure you get important environmental info about your VAIO® PC, we created interactive eco labels that explain it all. Just click on the Specifications tab to find out more."

Now the picture on that particular page shows "EPEAT GOLD" so not sure if it means only the GOLD has the LED or not. If you then go to the specifications tab and look at the green box about environmental facts and look at "Sustainable lifestyle management" it lists the Vaio F Series as Silver registered.

Try to look up what this EPEAT silver registration means...it seems to me that it is LED backlit.

I am not 100% sure here...I am no expert and just going by what I read on the Sony site and a quick google search. Perhaps somebody else can do some more extensive research and confirm this?

I am no computer expert, but I must say that my F12 screen looks pretty good to me, yes of course if you MAJORLY tilt the screen there is shading/inversion...that is normal. But if you look at it and use it like normal, looks great to me! Colours are definitely washed out/faded out of the box, but add a monitor calibration colour profile and bam! You got yourself a pretty awesome looking monitor. I have no complaints about my monitor AT ALL.

 

I'm guessing F serie doesn't have LED backlit. Why? These are the configs form Sonystle-europe:

E Serie:

43,8 cm (17,3") VAIO Display Full HD (1920 x 1080) (16:9) mit LED-Hintergrundbeleuchtung + integrierte "Motion Eye" Digitalkamera (0,3 Mio. Pixel)

F Serie:

41,6 cm (16,4") VAIO Display Premium Full HD (1920 x 1080) (16:9) + integrierte "Motion Eye" Digitalkamera (0,3 Mio. Pixel)

 

Dont know about the USA models, but my European F12SIE/B bought one week ago was 100% dual CCFL with fatal bottom light bleed/clouds and 14 bad pixels. In Europe, VAIO are sent in 3 diffrent repair centers:

- Czech
- Germany
- England/UK - Colchester

Mine was shipped to the Colchester what surprised even VAIO Poland support person on the phone who said that 99% of notebooks usualy goes to the Germany.

 

Sorry Poohkie but 'checking the label' says it all.

Unfortunately, if we were to look at the ECO label then the F11/12 does not have mercury-free LED displays. The specifications page under 'Display' also does not mention it at all. Check the Z, X, and Y series. The display specs and the features in that ECO label specifically mention LED backlight. No LED info stated as well in the Europe/Asia 'Premium' F model with matte display.

I think the difference has already been stated in paper. Also, the wording used in the paragraph below is tricky. They are not stating that 'all' Vaios come with LED. They are saying that it is an available feature and that you should check out the specifications tab if it is available for that notebook. This paragraph below read like the words came from their marketing department but spent some time in their legal department.

"CHECK THE LABEL. VAIO notebooks are built with the planet in mind, with available features such as mercury-free LED backlights, PVC-free casing and packaging with up to 95% recycled content. To make sure you get important environmental info about your VAIO® PC, we created interactive eco labels that explain it all. Just click on the Specifications tab to find out more."

 

Hello everyone.

This is my first time on the forum and my main reason for joining was really to ask you all a question. I recently bought Empire: Total War and I was under the impression that my F series Sony Vaio would able to handle it no problem. The campaign maps are fine, but when it gets into a battle, if there are large amounts of units, it really lags like hell.

So logically, I would turn down the settings down to low. Still, the problems are still there and I really just need to know, is it the developers at fault here or is it my hardware specifications?

Here is a link to my laptop's specifications. VPCF11M1E/H (VPCF11M1E/H) : Technical Specifications : VAIO and Computing : Sony

The only difference here is, is that I have 6GB of RAM not 4GB.

Could anyone shed a bit of light on the matter, because I am a bit clueless at the moment. I've managed to run Call of Duty 4 and Left for Dead 2 on max, no problems asked. However, I do recognise that Empire: Total War is a bit of a graphic hoarder hence why I put it down to low.

Any help is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

 

you should be able to run it as other people in other forums are able to run it albeit at low settings (with lag) with more or less the same specs..apparently its a very demanding game so dont be surprised if you cant run it.

 

Do you know if there is anything I can do with the laptop's settings to increase performance by any chance?

 

your best bet would be to overclock the graphics card but thats about it..there were settings etc. listed in one of the f series owners threads but cant remember which one..try searching for it..

http://forum.notebookreview.com/hp-...overclock-nvidia-gt2xx-gt3xx.html#post5749575

and

http://forum.notebookreview.com/gam...n-i-overclock-nvidia-gt-330m-pros-cons-3.html

those two threads should be of some help..

 

Thank you very much Egemenbor; I appreciate that you took the time to find me the information.

 

Well on my European F12 box it printed lamp contains mercury. So its a confirm non LED backlit.

 

Do the backlit keyboards bought from ebay fit perfectly on the F11? are they OEM parts or third party?

Thanks!

 

Hey guys,

How can I disable AHCI mode through BIOS? I haven't found any option, only one for enabling VT. I heard there is needed a BIOS modification, but is possible to do it with the F series?

Regards

 

I have a stuck pixel on my screen ... this laptop is less than 30 days old ... Vaio F12...and it won't go away. I've tried all different methods.

 

I can't see any difference to the original keyboard. Even though there is no sticker saying OEM on it, I believe it must be the same.

I'm comparing it to my dad's F11. I want to replace it in my F12, but it's not there yet. Must arrive any minute.

 

Ok...As my curiosity continues (I REALLY want an F, and REALLY want to be happy with it), I see on the US Sonystyle website, on the F series page, where the 6 rectangles detail all of the F's features, if you HOVER over the "16.4" screen size" box, it says "Size is measured diagonally. LED backlit displays are instantly on and ultra bright". After hearing feedback here and then seeing this, I don't know WHAT to think.

Sigh...

On the OTHER HAND, if some of you all are disappointed with your displays (on your BRAND NEW UNITS), and KNOW that yours are CCFL, this MAY?? provide an OUT for you, in getting REFUNDS??

As this info only appears when hovering over the box, I can't capture a screenshot of this. Maybe someone else can, as I'm only a NEWB!

Just a thought...

 

Yea there's no reason not to believe those keyboards aren't legit, I'm impressed with how cheap they are!

Tempted to grab a silver one to mismatch for lawls.