Official Sony VAIO F Series i5/i7 owners thread *Part 5*

I'm sure trancefreak will answer but one reason is no 5 GHz support. That is very important for me. Trance was also having other issues with it. I'm planning to swap mine out. Haven't bought the card yet.

 

So good to know. Will keep it in mind, especially if I ever get to using a network for my internet. Right now, I use bluetooth and my cellphone for internet tethering. It gets the job done at up to 200KB/s at times.

 

Hi guys, still doing research into buying a laptop, i found these 2 at pc world on offer, both are 'f12's' i think?
SONY VPCF12M0E/B at cheap prices | PC World
SONY Vaio VPCF12S1E/B at cheap prices | PC World

the only difference i can see is one has 6gb of ram and the other 4gb.
Are these a good deal? (£999 & £950)?
I see the f13 is out now but these 2 have a big discount so?
also is it true that these laptops have a suberb display? and are good alrounders? i will be on youtube, browsing, some gaming (total war) and watching movies!

p.s. sorry i should have mentioned im in the UK

 

Is Verde Notebook Release 260 the latest nvidea driver, as i did search for it.

 

Did you follow my instructions? If you did, then that's the newest driver.

 

its 290 i think for the UK.

 

Hey, I'm not the best person to answer your question since I'm in the US but I noticed the VPCF12S1E/B you linked to said it is no longer available so wanted to point that out to you. What I can say is that those are good all around laptops. The European Premium Display is supposed to be very good (different and better than the US version so I can't directly comment).

I don't know UK pricing but there are only two things different on the F13s so you can figure out whether the savings is worth it to you. The F13, compared to the F12, has USB3.0 and has a slightly better GPU - GT 425. The F12 can do all the things you require. I'm not sure about that specific game you mentioned but a poster here - mangosango - has done an impressive bit of gaming reviews on an F11. Here is a link to Part 1 of mango's info and at the bottom of the link, in the signature, you can find the rest: http://forum.notebookreview.com/5986590-post449.html

 

Ya I wanted the 5ghz channel I was use too just trying to use my router to its potential. And the Atheros card gave me some weird latency issues dropping out my I-Link port when streaming my Firewire m-audio 4/10 sound card.

In all honesty it was just more less spoiling myself because I'm picky. I had felt I would be more happier being able to utilize my 5ghz band and I'm about 10 feet from the router with a stable connection.

I would like to purchase a USB 3.0 express card eventually if and when I buy something compatible that will use the 3.0 slot also.

Thanks to everyone's support here!

 

After I recovery It run faster than before , thank you . But it still have lag and freeze while start 32bit software , after that it's run normally .

 

What antivirus do you use?
That can cause a lag.
See the tests on Raymond.CC Antivirus Performance Benchmark Test for the lightest antivirus.
Did you install the latest intel chipset drivers?
The lastest beta drivers are 10.0.0.1046.
You can get them at Station-Drivers: le site de drivers, bios, firmwares avec un forum d'aide

 

RANDOM: but i just want to know whats going on, havent been on the forums lately but i still see that joe is still banned what happened?! i thought it was temporary, did something happen again?!?!

 

AKE expresscard Express To 1 Port USB 3.0 BC618 5Gbps

AKE USB 3.0 items - Get great deals on Computers Networking items on eBay.com!
or
http://www.ditaqcomputer.com/produc...2_DeLOCK-61748--1x-eSATA--ExpressCard-34.html

http://forum.notebookreview.com/sony/513653-esata-vpc-z-s-y-series-esata-expresscard-review.html

Going to order this week unless someone recommends otherwise.

 

guys i got a problem i havent got vaio update on my laptop on my recovery disks, it happened after clean install.

 

VAIO Update should be included in your Recovery partition and you should be able to install it via VAIO Care.

If not, then you should be able to download it from your eSupport page. VAIO Update isn't terribly useful anyway.

 

With FF I just right-click on a pic and select 'copy image location'.
Job done which works for me!

EDIT...

Oh and omaroo, I agree with anseio, vaio update is a complete waste of space.

 

i cant find it on the the esupport page either

 

Then get it (if you really really want it) like Anseio wrote from Vaio Care.

ASSIST > Vio Care > Recovery & Restore > Recovery > Reinstall Applications and Drivers.

 

*Fixed. Sorry if I seem really slow; like I've mentioned I'm not great under the bonnet, so thanks for taking the time to answer.

The driver version was originally 8.16.11.8925, I'm guessing that's really out of date lol? I've now updated to 260.99. I didn't realise this was something I had to do manually- I'm such a beginner!


(PS... does anybody know of any good free anti-virus software/freeware? I'm using AVG at present but I don't really like it)

 

Hey Fishon, it doesn't look like that AKE one port includes a power supply. Expresscard can only partially power a USB 3.0, which requires 900mAh. Without a power source, it can prob handle a little flash drive fine, but not anything that requires much power. Expresscard USB 3.0 adapters either require a 5V power supply or a USB 2.0 cable that can get power from a 2.0 port to fully power the 3.0 port. I've got to go in a minute so I don't have time right now to find links for you, but wanted to post this before you ordered so you could research that.

 

For free I would use either Avira anti-virus for home and for business or http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/. For paid versions I would use http://www.eset.com/home/nod32-antivirus or https://store.malwarebytes.org/342/?scope=checkout&cart=29945

 

You can get Avast or Microsoft Security Essentials. Both are free, use little resources, and are highly praised.

 

Anyone used any RAM cleaner softwares and have thoughts on them? Last night I downloaded Memory Cleaner and it seems to be working nicely. I had edited a bunch of movie covers to turn into folder icons and my ram was stuck at over 50% when I was done. This program allowed me to reset the memory cache and drop it back down without a restart.

 

Interesting... they claim it 'uses functions built into Windows'. Is it the same as clearing system cache in Windows? Not sure but read this anseio:
How to clear System Cache in Task Manager? and note LMiller7 response. Ccleaner and a 29sec reboot for me, or kill processes with process explorer.

 

Forgot about this one and the clear memory discussion joggled the mind.

1. Right click on an empty spot on your desktop and select New – Shortcut.
2. Type %windir%\system32\rundll32.exe advapi32.dll,ProcessIdleTasks in the box.
3. Click Next.
4. Give your shortcut a nice name like “Clear Memory”.
5. Click Finish and you’re done.

 

Thanks for the link! and for the shortcut idea. Will give it a try.

I read some of LMiller7's replies, but it quickly gained a certain fanboy tone of voice that's still all too familiar.

His statement that Windows has amazing memory management may be only partly correct. I was at a friend's computer that I don't think had been rebooted in forever. It was only ever hibernated. It was using massive amounts of RAM for nothing and had multiple upon multiple instances of iexplore running. A reboot freed everything up. Were memory management as fantastic as claimed, would that have happened? I dunno. I know nothing about this stuff.

It seems a decent program. Trims up process "working set" memory as well as it does all start to creep up after a while. I'm not worried about application data purging. SSD is fast enough for that. I'm just curious to see how long I can go without rebooting. The only thing that requires it now is when my bluetooth connection to my phone (internet) crashes (too often).

 

Avast! updates sometimes multiple time a day.
avast! Free Antivirus - Download Software for Virus Protection

MSE doesn't always update.
https://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/default.aspx?mkt=en-us
You can however configure updates yourself: http://forum.notebookreview.com/5668264-post8.html

If you're almost always connected to the internet Panda Cloud AV is also an alternative: DOWNLOAD FREE ANTIVIRUS - The first free cloud antivirus against viruses - CLOUD ANTIVIRUS
For more configuration you can read: Panda releases version 1.3 of Cloud Antivirus - Security

I've used them all and right now I'm using Panda Cloud AV

 

If you have opted into automatic Windows updates and have allowed critical update named Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool with KB890830 label just a reminder it's a great tool for removing malware and is already loaded into your computer.

Run>Cmd> and enter mrt

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...e0-e72d-4f54-9ab3-75b8eb148356&displaylang=en

 

Since we are discussing A/V's, I have been happily using MSE on my PC's since not long after it came out. I have used almost all of the other A/V's through the years both paid and free version, but MSE is working for me and the price is right.

 

Memory Cleaner Feedback:

Played with using Trim Processes' Working Set a few times last night. When I went to right click on the Nokia PC Suite system tray Icon, there were no lines of text, only icons. When it was maximized... same thing. So, now know a bit about that that feature does. Was definitely worth trying out to figure out.

 

And no annoying popups to 'upgrade' or 'will expire soon' messages. This is the biggest inconvenience for me concerning Avast, Avira and AVG.

 

Well, until MSE makes it "out of the USA" I'll be stuck on Avast :/

But works for me

------------UPDATE --------------

Seems I am able to download it here in Good old South Africa Might just try it....

 

ive got avg which is great, im gona get kaspersky security 2011 soon.

 

I'd be a bit worried about AVG. They had a recent upgrade that was responsible for keeping some peoples' machines from turning on.

 

This brings up a good point. Keep up with your system backups! Losing data that you can't replace is no fun. If my memory serves me right though most of the major security softwares out there has had one or more of those moments where an update or newer version completely hosed up people's machines. I remember issues with Eset, Agnitum, Kaspersky, Symantec, Avira and there are more I am sure, but who can remember them all through the years. My advice with security software is use whatever you are most comfortable using and keep it up to date, and of course do regular backups.

 

I've been using Avast for at least 10 years now and I've never had any issues whatsoever. It runs so well that I never notice it or think about it any more and I don't get any "upgrade" pop-ups either. I do get a reminder when it's about to expire but then it's a simple process to renew it for another year. I also like that it updates itself in the background at least once a day. I've been tempted to try the paid version but what could be better than good protection with no issues in 10 years?

 

Anyone using the newer linkscanner component of your virus protection software? Like this: http://cache.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/17/2009/07/linkscanner.png for example. I never choose this option thinking it uses too much in resources, may slow things down, and not being really needed. My browser usually warns me of a bad website. Any thoughts?

 

whats the model of the sound adapter on the f13? and the mobo
on everest it says realtek unknown

 

Hi Experts,
I am looking to buy this machine from Sony Outlet and was wondering if there was anything I needed to be worried out.

I will primarily be using it for programming and other multimedia stuff. Basically, it will be my only machine.

# Base Unit : C50875503
# Display : 16.4" VAIO Premium Display (1920x1080) with NVIDIA® GeForce® GT 330M GPU (1GB VRAM)
# Color : Black
# Keyboards : Backlit\B C50875546
# Processor : Intel® Core™ i7-720QM processor (1.60GHz) with Turbo Boost up to 2.80GHz
# Software Optimization : Fresh Start
# Hard Drive : 500GB Hard Disk Drive (7200rpm)
# Software2 : No APPS C50875575
# Optical Disc Drive : Blu-ray Disc™ player/burner
# Video Software : No Additional Video Editing Software
# AntiVirus Software : No additional AntiVirus Software
# Battery : Standard Capacity Battery
# Channel : C50875590
# Warranty : C50875594
# Operating System : Genuine Windows® 7 Professional 64-bit
# Software : No additional Office Software
# Photo Software : No additional Photo Editing Software
# Other Software : None Transfer Jet C50876801
# Backlit Keyboard : Keyboard Backlight
# Memory : 4GB (2GBx2) DDR3-SDRAM-1333
# Limited Warranty Term : 90 Day Limited Warranty

Price: 1029.95/-

Any feedback is much appreciated.

 

Not sure if you guy have seen this already, but I've just had a bios update which is always welcome.

Anyone seen any improvements or know what it's done?!

 

Some claim it's keeping their fan noise under better control. No difference to me.

 

Is this a clearance or refurbished laptop? Great price. I do not like the 90 day warranty however. Are you saving approx $300-$400 instead of getting this CTO from Sony? I think the Sony site is throwing in Blu-ray reader and Adobe bundle. Clearance yes, refurbished less so.

 

See if you can get the optional 9-cell Battery.
My only regret is the bad battery life of the standard battery and forgot to ask for the "big one" when ordering from sony.nl. As an accessory it's € 199 and that is too much for me

 

It is a refurbished one. I am saving about 300/- for a comparable one although the CTO new one has a 740QM instead of the 720QM on this one.

Still worth it?

 

What version is this, because on the European support page for my model the only Bios listed is R0280Y6 from 2010/06/30

 

no one knows the realtek model of f13?

 

Does it not show up in device manager then?

 

So it's a saving you $400 or 30% savings considering the CPU- not bad. Was this just a return because someone did not like it or what there a major problem which Sony has 'fixed'? You will never know this. How would you feel if the motherboard/graphics card died on you in six months? Willing to take the chance? Small probability but it's there. You could put a sweet SSD into the laptop for the savings you are getting. Think well, evaluate you current position, and ask yourself if the savings is needed or if you willing to take the gamble.
Understand you can get a 10% discount purchasing a CTO, if you upgrade some things. Look deep into the threads and I've made a detailed post on how to go about doing so. Also know you can get $50 off obtaining a Sony credit card.

Notice you have not posted for five years. Wow! Rep+1

 

If it is included then I should leave it enabled, unless it really really slows thinks down.
A layered approach to security is always the best.
I have used Avast! 5.0 with its web shield and are now using Panda Cloud also with web filtering. I don't have problems with recourses or speed.
My browser of choice is Firefox with among others the web of trust add-on.
A nice writeup on this subject is:
Best Free Internet Safety Check and other security related articles at Gizmo's freeware. I don't always agree with them, but they have a site full of good information.

 

Ive managed to over-clock the 425GT in this thing to 430GT speeds. Makes a BIG difference when gaming.

Anyways, could anyone recommend me a laptop cooler as 16 inches is a bit of an odd size for a lappy?

A link to overclocking the 425gt for those of you who are interested:
Jagat Review | Mobile Graphics Overclocked: NVIDIA GT 425M

 

NZXT :: Unique. Unprecendented. Inspired - Cryo LX Product Detail
I paid $69 but you can buy it for $59. or others really like this:
NotePal U2 - Cooler Master - Leading Provider of Computer Case | Cooler | Power Supply

What OC numbers are you using?