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

Dave, the Realtek drivers package is unified meaning it's one package for different systems and it installs only what is relevant to your system. Just like the Nvidia video drivers that are now unified under the same package for both desktops & laptops and supports different video cards.

It does not mean that it installs all the same stuff on all the different systems.

Realtek R2.50 does not install a "orange speaker shaped icon in system tray" on the Vaio_F Series nor does it show a surround tweaking tab because the F is stereo only.

As I posted a few pages back, the OEM Realtek HD audio driver on the F already includes the Realtek HD Audio Manager. The more recent versions added the graphic equalizer. See Vaio_F Series Realtek Audio Manager with screen captures.

What Fishon & I would like is a way to create a shortcut to go directly to the Playback > Speakers > Enhancement > Equalizer tab instead of the current few clicks needed. Maybe there is a programmer in this thread that could write a small script for our taskbar?

 

Tried the new Nvidia drivers and everything seems good so far. My windows Aero index went from a 4.7 to 5.0 the graphics stayed at 6.0.

 

"windows Aero index" or Windows Experience Index (WEI) is baloney as a benchmark. Too bad you did not test before & after with Furmark, Cinebench and other benchmarks or games like Willscary, Mangosango, I and others posted in this thread and in the VAIO_F - NVIDIA Drivers Update thread.





As I reported before, I upgraded my HDD from 5400 to 7200 rpm and it shaved 38 sec from the booting time & made programs, file transfer & other stuff noticeably faster. Well the stupid WEI rated both drives exactly the same contrary to all other HDD benchmark utilities I ran.

 

what`s the differences between F11 & F12 series?
Is it worthwhile to pay extra money for F12?

 

The F12 is the successor to the F11. Side by side, the F12 versions/pricepoints seem to offer more powerful options than the F11 did. If finances allowed, I would have waited and gone for the F12, but I got too good a deal to pass up.

@raincity - I'm in agreeance that the side by side comparison at the Sony Style Store between the 900p and 1080p didn't yield honest results. There have been quite a few posts that the default color profiles on the 1080p displays were awful. Once calibrated, they showed their true potential. I would recommend you go back to the Sony Style Store (U-Village, right? I love that place so much! It's where I got my great deal.) and download/install some of the HD 1080p color profiles from The Unification Post and see what the displays REALLY look like side by side. I'm sure you'll then see quite a difference.

 

Thank you very much for informative answer and for pointing me into the right direction (thread). I, too, plan to edit high resolution RAW photo files; it looks to me like 1080p is the way to go. Also, I would like to backup large RAW files to a single or dual layer Blu-ray disks. Have you tried to do this?

 

I have a 7200rpm hard disc, on another laptop and i want to put it in my F11. I have the 4 recovery discs, but i want to make a clean install this time. What should i do?

 

Please mention the main differences between F12 & F11.

 

You can easily search the two online and compare them to eachother. It's great to ask questions and get help, but not fair to ask others to do ALL of the research for you.

 

You are welcome. I am grateful to some F owner photographer who nudged me towards the 1080p.

Nah, I did not get the BD burner because the blank media is too expensive & not flexible compared to the external HDD's these days. I have a bunch of them, all connected via the the fast eSATA & a Power Over eSATA pocket enclosure. I also swapped the ODD for a second HDD. See links in my sig below.

*****

F11_vs_F12

+1.

Basically besides fresher mobo revision, BIOS, drivers & different software package, some CPU & HDD specs are different depending on model & your country's variations. There is already several posts in this thread about it. Search this Thread!

 

Does anyone have the i7-840QM? If so, could you post some Cinebench R11.5 CPU render scores?

 

Joe, Thank you for the information. I'll bear it in mind when I get my F12. I'm hoping to order a CTO version tomorrow, which is the last day for the free blu-ray writer in the UK. (unless they extend it again). I am not a programmer so I can't help with your last sentence. Dave

 

buddy I searched,for example we have F11 series the same as your F12 specification but with lower price!!
I didn`t notice any hardware diffrences!
If u know anything pls help.

 

Uncovering Windows 7's 'GodMode'

I see in one of Joe Bleau's last pics the Godmode icon in the taskbar. I've posted about this before, but for anyone who has not tried it, it's quite convenient.

Uncovering Windows 7's 'GodMode' - ZDNet


Extra:YouTube Easter Egg: Play “Snake” Game While Watching a Video

YouTube Easter Egg: Play "Snake" Game While Watching a Video

 

In Italy the only visible hardware change was the Blu Ray writer. The F11 had one made of black plastic and the F12 has one with metal parts. The F12 has more choises in which processor you want.
Other changes were an other Bios and some minor changes on look and use of some software.

 

Holy Crap!

This "Godmode" thing rocks! Just did it on my Vista 32 bit desktop, and I really dig it. Thanks much for the tip.

PS: I ordered a F12 CTO late on the 19th, and it's already shipped, on the 23rd. I consider the purchase something of a gamble, considering my doubts about display quality. Hope I'm happy with it. Thanks to ALL who responded to my questions and other contributors to this message board. Info is NEVER in overabundance.


Product: US-VPCF1290X-LBOM
Component: No Engraving
Component: Adobe Bundle ($448 value.)
Component: Norton Internet Security™ 2010 (30 Day Trial)
Component: Gray
Component: Microsoft® Office 2010 Starter
Component: Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium 64-bit
Component: 320GB Hard Disk Drive (5400rpm)
Component: Large capacity battery
Component: Intel® Core™ i7-740QM processor (1.73GHz) with Turbo Boost up to 2.93GHz
Component: 16.4" VAIO Full HD Premium Display (1920x1080)
Component: NVIDIA® GeForce® 330M GPU (1GB VRAM)
Component: No Fresh Start
Component: LED Backlit Keyboard
Component: 6GB (4GBx1 + 2GBx1) DDR3-SDRAM-1333 (Reg. price $150.00)
Component: Blu-ray Disc player
Per Unit Price: $1,236.74
Quantity: 1
Total Price: $1,236.74
Description: VPCF1290X Configure-to-Order
Ship Method: Standard
Estimated Ship Date: 07/27/2010

 

For the VPCF12JFX/B vs. my VPCF112FX/B, I notice that the F12 comes w/ the i7 740 and the NVIDIA 330m vs. the specs listed in my signature. The F11 model retailed for $1199 and the F12 is $1259. I'm not savvy enough to know the BIOS/software differences mentioned.

 

Hi all, I know some light bleed on the Canadian/US 1920x1080 is to be expected but is there some way to quantify when there is too much and the laptop should be repaired? I find the light bleed is very noticable when playing movies and in general the top of my screen always seems darker than the bottom regardless of the angle I tilt it. This is only noticeable on darker images such as PSE's dark gray layout or a darker photo used for desktop background etc.

When checking with a black background it seems like roughly the bottom 20% of the LCD is affected to some degree when tilted at a reasonable viewing angle (I can make it less if I pretend my eyes are on the top of my head but then the top becomes even darker in order to make the light bleed less noticable at the bottom).

I can try to post some pics if this would be helpful.

 

I have a 7200rpm hard disc, on another laptop and i want to put it in my F11. I have the 4 recovery discs, but i want to make a clean install this time. What should i do?

 

Give this a read and see if it works for you:
Vaio F Series Windows 7 64-bit Clean Install Using OEM Recovery Discs

 

Because no one here could help me, i walked the hard way. I downloaded an iso image of a Windows 7 Home Premium DVD from Microsoft, saved my windows activation data (you can't activate the delivered/installed Key online!) and installed from the DVD i got out of the iso Image. I have to install some drivers and some of the Sony stuff yet, but when this is done, i will write a short tutorial how i've done it.
So, if you can wait a bit, i guess i have a soloution for you.

Best regards

--- Lars ---

PS: sorry for my bad english, it's not my native language and scooldays are long ago!

 

Are we sure of this? The pic shows three plugs. I'm interested as well since I have approx 1500 vinyl discs which I eventually want to copy into digital format. I'll be using Adobe Soundbooth but it has been a decade of procrastination. Just looking at the info provided it's not obvious to me. Confirm?

 

I believe there is already a very thorough guide on how to do this (anseio was kind enough to link to it on the previous page).

Vaio_F_Series_Windows_7 64-bit Clean Install Using OEM Recovery Discs

You can also check the unification post link in my signature for more information.

 

I have bought a european F12S1E yesterday. I have tried to follow Joe Bleau's walkthrough for the F11 series but to no avail, as some others have also reported. The procedure with the recovery discs is just not the same for the F12.

Anyway, after installing my own ultimate edition of windows 7, I installed almost every driver found at the sony vaio official site ( VAIO : Sony Europe, except the ethernet driver (not needed, cause win7 had this detected) and the display driver (chose to install the nvidia latest one). Couple of things I noted though:

1. BT had been detected by windows installation. Although I installed the broadcom driver, I believe that nothing changed. I think that the windows drivers are still the ones running the BT.
2. VAIO care just won't operate. Although I have installed every sony utility on that page and although I have also installed the VAIO care update (alson on that page), this application will not work properly. I had no warning message during its installation and the startup process runs ok (according to the task manager), but when I try to open the application for my use, nothing comes up. Moreover, the ASSIST button does not work either. Trying to use the recovery DVD didn't help either.
3. As another friend reported, VAIO button now just mutes all sound. Would it be possible to appoint it another function?

Regards, and nice to meet you!

 

Thank you mangosango, but this Tutorial did not work for me. I've the european F12 and i could not make a 'clean' install with the recovery discs.

Best regards

--- Lars ---

 

Ah, I see. Perhaps you guys could make a European F12 guide . Best of luck!

 

Hi froulis,

i'm not as far as you are. The Sony stuff is still on the todo list. I can verify your statement for the bluetooth driver.
Since i do not have an legal ultimate license/DVD i'd have to deal with a copy of a Home Premium DVD which could be downloaded from Microsoft, but i think i'll get to the same problems.
I'm shure we will solve these problems and can make a tutorial for a clean install Tutorial for all the (european?) F12 Vaios.

It's nice to meet you too !

Best regards

--- Lars ---

PS: If anyone else can contribute some hints, it will be very appreciated !

 

The F11 CTO had more software bundle options, such as Premiere at a REALLY good price, and Vegas, and other things. Advantages also lay in Fresh Start being an option, one didn't have to have unwanted software rgardless of other options. Also the F11 had better pricing on SSDs.

The F12 has no additional software except a cut-down version of Premiere with which you have to accept additional crapware, and more antivirus options. The memory is cheaper though and the CPU slightly faster.

For me, since I included Premiere CS4 and a 256 Gig SSD, the F11 was a better deal for me than any current F12 configuration could be.

 

Melody- any input to this questions? Or is it better to get a USB audio interface anyway? Need a pre-amp as well? Any info would be appreciated.

Maybe: The output of the turntable should go to the phono booster amp. from the phono booster amp to a pre amp. use the line level output of the pre amp to record on the line input of the sound card.

 

Wow, that a lot of information to discredit a personal opinion. I'm buying a machine for my use (which I haven't described) and for my eyes. This test was perfectly sufficient for me to make my choice and I'm sure I'll be happy with it. Obviously your use, eyes and mileage may vary.

 

If you're looking to record vinyl to digital then it's worth grabbing a USB soundcard - one of the good ones that will support 24/96 recording. Even if you're sticking to 16/44 moving the sound capture to an external pickup can reduce noise.

I've not been able to find a satisfactory way of making the F-series produce a line-in through the (red) mic port .. if anyone can post where they think you can reconfigure this, let me know.

 

Yes I'm sure. You were in the right place but was looking at desktop instead of below: laptop.

Did you try to tweak via the Levels, Enhancements and Advanced tabs?

*****

 

I bought an F11M1E a few months ago, and got hit with the infamous whining fan issue (of which I knew nothing before I bought the laptop). I sent it in for repairs three times in a row, but never did Sony manage to solve the issue. They even replaced the fan during one of the repairs, but that didn't help.

So, after the third time I was offered to replace the whole laptop, which I of course accepted. Now, the F11M1E was no longer available, and I was instead offered an F12M1E. I didn't have any problems with that, since it is a bit nicer (7200 rpm HDD instead of 5400 rpm, etc), and I didn't have to pay any extra even though it's a tad more expensive than the F11 was when I bought it. I also figured for sure that the fan issue would be solved on this updated model.

But NO, my new F12M1E has the exact same issue! The whining noise is still there when the fan hits certain rmp ranges. I can't believe it. (And no, this isn't the issue that can be solved by muting the mic, I've never had that.)

Is the fan used for the F series simply badly designed? I really like the laptop in every other way, so I would be sad to have to give up on it completely, but the whining fan annoys me severely. Can anything be done? Has anyone had Sony actually solve this issue for them?

(First post, BTW! Hello!)

 

Maybe you can try to exchange or send for "repair" for a fifth or sixth time or finally come to realize that it's a characteristic of that mechanical device that when it's going through the gamut of rpm changes, it does at certain points produce for a short time some resonance & some minor transitional whining or whistling?

Maybe you could downgrade to a lesser computer with less powerful CPU & GPU if you want less fan work? Computing power produces heat & that heat needs to be evacuated.

You could also simply prop up the back of the laptop or get a cooling pad as Willscary & I recommended many times to reduce internal fan work. Our posts includes data & photos.

 

The fan noise in general doesn't really bother me (I get that the fan of a powerful laptop will make noise - though the F12M1E is the least powerful model in the F12 range), it's just that annoying whining/whistling sound that does. I've never heard a laptop fan make sounds like these before the F11, no matter the performance. I had a similarly powerful laptop from another brand (which I returned for other reasons) before the F11, and that one didn't make that kind of noise. Whirring and rushing air I can take, that's normal - this isn't.

Is this something that every F11/F12 model suffers from, or have I just had extremely bad luck?

 

I got my F12 from sonystyle USA about 3 weeks ago and I got the
vgp-ac19v45 brick...

 

No and no.

Maybe you just have exceptional hearing or very high standards?

Could you make a recording & attach it to a post?

Check this with photos: Cooler Master U2 Laptop Cooler. He also posted fan rpm & temperature data tests using it.

 

I got my F12 from sonystyle USA about 3 weeks ago and I got the
vgp-ac19v45 brick...

 

Thanks for the info.

Could you comment about RadioactiveLightning's F12_fan noise question above?

 

hi again lol, now is it true that the resolution on the 1600 x 900 is better than the full hd, as i want to get the full hd and i can view everything on that resolution.

 

lol nope. the resolution on the full hd screen is 1920x1080.

1920 > 1600 and 1080 > 900, so no, the full hd screen has a much higher resolution. Mind you resolution is just the number of pixels on the screen.

 

Despite everything I read on this forum for the past three weeks I just ordered my Sony Vaio F12 in USA, did not go with Mac Book Pro....

 

Looking at your posting history, I think that you are just playing a never ending questions game and are not really in the market for a laptop.

You are the only user on my Ignore List.

From this FAQ search:

I see your never ending questions only when somebody replies to you with a quote.

 

Nah, you'd pretty much have to be deaf not to hear it! I'll try to make a recording tomorrow.

 

I have access to both MBPs and F11s. I would gladly take the F11 for 2/3 the price of a MBP. The MBP is very well made and has a very good display, plus is has a very good battery run time. The F11 is a Windows 7 machine with exceptionally powerful and fast processing components. Not just the processor, mind you, but the entire system is very fast, save for the GPU, which is quick, but not class leading, by any means.

The F11 has a tremendous keyboard (I have decent sized hands and this is the first laptop keyboard I have liked) and a number pad. Both are backlit...a cool feature.

The MBP is a very well-built machine, but you pay a lot more for less processing power. Also, you are somewhat forced to use the apple OS. Some may like this. I do not. It is not practical in our situation.

I hope you enjoy the F12 (and I think you will!).

 

You know, I debated this option SOMETHING FIERCE before I ordered my F12. The never-ending Windows Updates (& resulting gradual slowing down of the machine) & the need for antivirus were 2 considerations in my mind against MS. The desire to experiment with the vaunted MAC experience, Garage Band, battery life, etc, were tugging in the other direction. So the question I have is this...has anyone tried to Hackintosh this machine? Either dual boot or emulation of some sort? Forgive me if there is some obvious reason against this, it's just that I've always wanted to play with a Mac, but just couldn't talk myself into springing the extra dough for a lesser spec'd machine. I will say that I ALMOST pulled the trigger on the 15.4"MB PRO, but compatibility with my desktop & MS office software caused me to chicken out. Thanks to all again for great info on these machines (Joe, do you do ANYTHING ELSE besides help people on this board?)

Would Snow Leopard even support Blu-Ray drives??

 

I can't help you as we do not run Snow Leopard on our F11s. I can tell you that Windows 7 Pro gives you the option of running a VM, so if you have 7 Pro, theoretically, you should be able to run Snow Leopard.

 

I haven't but I've heard of others having success with sony laptops. However, I doubt that wifi will work (a common issue) and I think I remember hearing about resolution issues for newer nvidia cards as well. So basically, yes, OSX will install, but it may not function to its fullest.

THAT SAID, it is TECHNICALLY ILLEGAL to install OSX on a non-mac (says so in the end-user agreement somewhere). That doesn't mean the feds will come knocking, but its not legal, so I would probably think that the mods would discourage discussion about it in this forum. However, you can probably find people who tried installing on computers with similar hardware on the OSx86 project page.

IMO Windows 7 is *better* than Snow leopard. Most of it is for personal reasons - I'm much more used to the Windows filesystem and how the system works. Maya and other applications also just work better on Windows than on OSX (the MOST frustrating thing is to have Maya crash after hours of unsaved work ). Plus, reshacking and customizing is MUCH, MUCH easier on Windows.

More broadly, however, you can disable Windows updates if you want and select which updates to download (as I have, because I have a some modded system files, like shell32 and others), and vaio care (which cleans and defragments the registry and keeps your temp folders clean) keeps your computer running quickly. Free Av programs like Avast!, AVG, or Avira do a great job of securing your computer, and windows firewall does its job as well. IIRC, the main reason the OS starts to run slowly is the junk data in your system registry. Periodic cleaning should negate that issue.

 

Technically, it is against the EULA to install OS X on a computer that isn't "Apple branded hardware," but in terms of installing OS X on the Vaio, there is a very long thread on insanelymac about it. So far, it runs and works, but not without an external monitor at full resolution.

As someone with a few Macs and the Vaio, I'm not about to get into the stupid OS X vs Windows stuff.

 

At the Vaio Control Center>Display >Color Mode Setting I can choose different modes as standard, dvd, etc. When I connect an external monitor this function is automatically disabled. So far so good. My problem is that it stacked to disabled even when I have no monitors connected! So I have the dvd/bd option permanently which is not optimal. Anyone that experienced the same?