Official Sony VAIO F Series i5/i7 owners thread *part 4*

Rep given, good article/guide Joe. I can see a lot of time and effort went into producing it. Well done.

Tho I won't personally be replacing my keyboard ever, (unless it go's mammary glands up!) I will at some point want to clean the fan and with your guide this'll be a doddle.

 

Well Done!!!! I'm waiting for keyboard from China

 

Hi all. I have a problem here hope you can help me out. I have my battery care setting is to the 80% option. I came to work and it drained overnight from 80% to 72% .

I looked at Joes guide but I am really lost. I couldn't even find the calibrate feature he was talking about. Please can someone help me and explain it in the most simplest way possible. I greatly would appreciate it.

Thanks

 

The battery drains overnight when turned off without power plugged in. For ways to minimise the draining effect you can search this thread and the previous threads, I think there was a lot of discussion in thread 3 about it. Once you've taken those steps some of which may not apply to you, your battery will still drain overnight a bit. I can't remember what a normal battery drain % would be but maybe you can reduce yours from 8% a little. Good luck in searching the threads, just use the thread search feature with keywords such as, battery drain.

_______________________

Very detailed and clear guide JoeB the pictures are great, the kitten is very cute.

 

yea I saw joes guide its a little confusing and also the calibrate feature in power options is not there. Im not usre if it is because i have a F12

 

Not sure which guide you're saying is confusing. About calibrating I'm again unsure what you mean, but if you mean calibrating the batteries charge meter so it's more accurate, then that's done by performing a full charge and discharge cycle. Meaning charge it to full and leave there for a while fully charged and plugged in then use on battery and discharge the battery. That should ensure accuracy in your batteries readings. If that's not what you meant then sorry but the post wasn't explicit.

 

F and Z series refresh is coming soon.
VPCF137HG : F Series : VAIO Notebook : Sony Asia Pacific

 

Something is wrong, I am on 80% Battery Care setting @ the present & it does not drain from 80% to 72% overnight.

I posted this yesterday so I guess it's like it was never posted :

What's confusing about it? Maybe too much info? I've been known for that.

The problem:



The solution: VAIO_F Battery Calibrator Plan Creation. Make sure that all peripheral devices (including internet cable) are disconnected overnight.

+1 for this post:

BTW, thanks guys for the feedback on the Vaio_F Series - How To Replace the Keyboard & Clean the Fan

*****

 

Microsoft Fix it Solution Center

Quite impressive list of problems.

 

Fishon, I tried that a few months ago & it suggested some incorrect drivers!

Maybe one can use it as a road map & check manually for updates, dunno.

Why not use tools already on the F instead of an online wizard?



One can also run: ASSIST > Vaio_Care > System Care > One Click Care as the report links to some of the tools above.

 

Here is their claim: This program is a whole new way of launching programs and applications on your system. Starting programs from shortcuts on desktop and start menu is an obsolete and cumbersome process. Now it is made precise with categorization and graphic options. All your programs can be easily identified from the groups and the icons displayed. The art panel design and the graphical interface make your desktop much more viewable and useful than all your wallpapers and shortcuts put together. You can maintain a less icons desktop and access any program with a single click. Clear, useful groups replace the clutter of icons on your desktop. Even the menu is better than the standard start menu.

8start.com - May 8start be with you



I'm currently only using the Start menu, but maybe this is a nice app launcher and desktop icon organizer. Used Launchy before. I'm going to give it a try and see. I hope some of you may like this.

 

I agree. I would first go to Vaio care and the Windows wizard as well, but there are some specific problems which seem to have a very specific applications here as well. For example. Playing video files crashes or freezes Internet Explorer or Windows. What is does: Automatically disables codecs that are found to cause Windows to become unstable or to stop responding, and offers additional resources if the problem is not fixed. It this different than the Microsoft wizard? I think so.

 

Yea you do right alot amigo but you give good info. This is what I did let me know if this is correct

1) I created a power plan called calibration with the settings you stated
2) i charged the battery to 100% then I unplugged it and used the pc until it shut off at the 3% mark
3) I removed the battery and held the power button for 10 seconds
4) plugged in the power and now its charging and im not using it as you stated until the battery is full charged.

After that the battery should be calibrated? Will it work even though i didnt do this the first time I got the computer? I had the computer since Friday.

 

Ok I I did the OEM install on the new 650GB HDD I bought for my F12. I runs a little slow and I wonder if its because all the software sony added to the machine. I used the backup dvd I created so it is basically in stock version as if sony sent it to me with the new HDD i added.

Is there a way if I chose to completly do I fresh install of win7 with my windows cd and then can I pick and chose the software and drivers I want from the sony backup dvds?

I have a strong feeling sony loaded this notebook up with software is whats making it slow. I would expect a machine of this type to be blazing fast.

 

Yes.

*****

 

Can you please tell me how? I really need to make this computer as fast as possible it is for my job and I start on thursday.

thanks in advance

 

Check JoeB's signiture and search the threads. After reaching 4 threads something like a fresh install to avoid a sluggish system will have been covered. The depth to which it has been covered for the F is very thorough. I don't want to seem out of order but the information is there, if you need help further than the guide and information out there then post about your problem or question .

 

If either the driver (v.8.16.11.8925) from 2/22/10, or the WinDVD were out of date, would this then also NOT work on my other TV? It works GREAT on the Samsung.

When I connect the HDMI cable to the Samsung, the F12 display immediately goes dark, while with the Bravia, it does not. Interestingly enough, I DO see the cursor, but with a blank screen otherwise. That is why I thought it may be DRM related. I also didn't know if in Blu-ray's infancy perhaps the TV manufacturers (& in Sony's case, content providers/movie studios) were trying to eliminate piracy or copying of movies, and causing the result I am seeing.

The Bravia in question also has a "Theater Sync" feature that is supposed to work to control other Sony HDMI devices, with one remote control. I don't know if this may be related or not.

Having said all this, do you STILL think an update of either driver or WINDVD would help? I just tried updating the NVidia GT 330 driver via Device Manager & it said it was up to date. Then I went to Nvidia & it said there was an updated driver. 143MB?? WOW.

I am downloading it now, and will have to see if this fixes things later.

Thanks for the ideas.

 

Hey guys,

I'm a noobie here, but wow! There's just sooo much information here regarding this series. I can't wait to get my hands on one and start reading everything. It seems as though the F12 is being discontinued and isn't easily found for sale these days. That said, I'm looking heavily at these two at B&H.

VPCF123FX

VPCF127FX

The only differences between the two are the screens and the HDD. The first has the 500GB vs. 640GB and it doesn't have the full HD screen where the second one does. I'm hoping that I can swap out the HDD at some point for an SSD of some sort, so that's not a major issue as far as choice. That then leaves the option of screen resolution.

The main purpose of this machine will be photo editing with Photoshop and Lightroom. Movies and games aren't all that important to me, but are nice features to have, no doubt.

So, it boils down to a $135 difference for the screen and 640GB vs. 500GB. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Oh, and I'm upgrading from a Vaio VGN-Fe770G.

Thanks,
Chad

 

One has to know it's limits & that's why I don't run Marathon's.

If you have a hard time calibrating a battery, you will have a really hard time doing a clean install.

Here is a tip that can answer your many questions: Search this Thread (top right of this page). In this case, search for: clean install.



You probably missed it because it was not a direct reply to one your questions but it was posted TODAY. Tools to speedup your system w/o a clean install: http://forum.notebookreview.com/son...i7-owners-thread-part-4-a-87.html#post6698976

If you insist, check Ilfuca's F clean install guide from generic Win 7 discs.

Good luck!

 

No question get the 1080 screen. Do a monitor calibration and away you go! If you can get your hands on the European Matte premium screen all the better. Do search this thread for further discussion on screens and look at Joe Bleau's poll on the topic as well.

 

My suggestions for the updates were meant to rule out the possibility of them being the culprit. The NVIDIA driver pack is large because it's a bundle of drivers (to my understanding) for different GPU's.

I'm still curious about the display settings each TV goes for. When you press Fn+F7 you get 4 display options for external setups: Computer Only, Duplicate, Extend, Projectory Only. Press Fn+F7 when you connect to each TV and see which setting is being used. Then change the setting and see what happens.

I don't know the solution to your problem. These are just things I would play with if I were in your shoes. The first time I connected via HDMI, I was using Duplicate and couldn't understand why I couldn't get 1080P on the TV. Found out that I had to use Projector Only for 1080p, since my Vaio is 1600x900.

Gotta fiddle with settings to see if anything changes for you. If not, then change back. That your samsung connects easily is at least good news that it does work. So, have to find out why the Bravia disagrees. Also, go into VAIO Control Center (S1), while connected, and see which resolution settings you can get.

 

"...The main purpose of this machine will be photo editing with Photoshop and Lightroom." - Me too so... 1080p & GT 330M for fluid zoom in/out & fast visualization of filters, etc in Adobe's stuff.

Interesting videos: NVIDIA graphics with Adobe Photoshop CS5,

Adobe TV: Photoshop CS4 OpenGL Optimization and Photoshop CS5 OpenGL.

Use your calculator and multiply 1920*1080 & 1600*900. For a given surface: the more pixels, the more details, the more sharpness available. Just like print: compare the image of a magazine to a newspaper.

You need sharp & details to edit photos & a powerful GPU to process the data hence 1080p & GT 330M.

Spend the money!

 

Thanks for the quick replies! Well, it's only $135 so it seems like a no brainer. Any suggestions on where else to shop? As much as I'd love that euro sceen, I just don't see that happening. Not at this price point anyway. Anything I'm seeing in stock anywhere is a lower end unit. B&H is looking to me like my best option.

-Chad

 

Out of (last weeks) experience I can tell you that the clean install method of Joe ( Vaio_F_Series Windows 7 64-bit Clean Install Using OEM Recovery Discs) results in a faster system with less processes running than a fully clean install using Ilfuca's guide ( http://forum.notebookreview.com/sony/460685-win-7-fresh-install-guide-vaio-f-series.html).

Some tweak guides to make your Win7 even faster:
http://www.tweakhound.com/windows7/tweaking/index.html
http://www.askvg.com/master-tutorial-to-make-your-windows-7-super-fast/

These are in my opinion the best guides on the web right now.
BUT read them carefully; I don't agree with some options like disabeling UAC and the Security center...

 

There is a new driver available from Nvidia:
NVIDIA DRIVERS 260.63 BETA

Have not tried this release yet, because I'm not at home at the moment.

Be sure to create a system restore point first!

 

Downloaded and installed fine, 3-5 FPS improvements in Company of Heroes: ToV, Halo 2 Vista, and MW2. Usually no improvement, but who cares No problems and I like updated stuff

Got 330M btw


Still no OpenCL support, whatever that is

 

I remember reading somewhere on this forum that "no opencl support" could be a bug in gpu-z.
You can try GPU Caps Viewer instead:
GPU Caps Viewer: Graphics card and GPU information utility, OpenGL, OpenCL and CUDA API support, NVIDIA GeForce, ATI Radeon | oZone3D.Net

 

Ooooooh... downloading as I write this. FurMarked 258.96 and will post comparisons to the newer driver. Thanks for the find!

UPDATE: FurMark score went from 763 to 767 for my 310m GPU. Nothing significant like the 258.96 driver, but I like updated things too, so will keep it.

 

In Belgium you can order the new F13 already at the shop "Vandenborre"
SONY VPC-F13M1E/H.BE1 bij Vanden Borre
Same specs as mentioned before. There is the M (previous link) and also the S and the Z

 

thanks for your help. Sorry to bother you its just I spent money on this and I want to make sure its works great and this site there is a lot of help. I know I ask a lot of questions but isn't that the purpose of being here?

 

HI all is there a way to recover the power options from windows 7? I SEARCHED and could not find anything on this.

When I did the battery calibration test and created the power plan calibrate I think I erased the power saver plan by mistake. How can I get my power plans back?

 

Have you tried System Restore?

I suppose you could always create a power saver plan and match someon's settings. Ugh

 

For those of us with SSD's. These are a few good threads to look through. I made a few of the changes recommended and got significant improvement on my 4K numbers:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/har...et-can-not-take-full-advantage-fast-ssds.html
http://forum.notebookreview.com/har...nce-intel-series-5-jjb-tweak.html#post6701179
http://forum.notebookreview.com/har...tel-series-5-stamatisx-tweak.html#post6701279

 

Quick question, does the F12 go through the problem of overcharging? Is it okay to leave the charger plugged in at almost all times?

 

It is ok to leave the charger in most of the time. In that case, though, it is recommended to use the Battery Care feature and set your max charge to 80%, 50%, or a custom number so as to reduce/prevent degradation.

Access VAIO Control Center by pressin the S1 button > Power Management > Battery > Enable Battery Care Function > Advanced Settings

 

Don't forget to check your F series laptop is fully charged before you unplug it tonight, leaving nothing connected, so you can check how much charge is lost overnight, in the morning.

BTW, I plan to calibrate my F11 soon too.

If you want to do a clean install of your F, I had the easiest time doing it using the recovery partition rather than recovery discs, so far as successfully interupting the install before the bloatware. I think Joe has may have posted the variations/specifics for the F12 :

Vaio F Series Windows 7 64-bit Clean Install Using OEM Recovery Discs

 

The initial phase of the scheme will invite designers, students and other interested parties to suggest environmental challenges that could be addressed through smarter use of existing technologies.

Open Planet Ideas

 

HI all I did the calibrating as Joe described and this is my results.

From 300am - 930am I had nothing plugged in and wifi was off as well as the computer. My battery went from 100% - 92%. Does that mean the battery was calibrated and its working as it should?

 

I'm happy to let mine be unplugged tonight with 100% charge and see what I wake up to. Can have results for you in just under 24hrs.

 

That's not possible unless you invented a new step in the calibration guide linked above which includes how to find the Win 7 power plans besides using the keys S1 or the ASSIST > Troubleshooting > System Settings > Power.

BTW, try Performance while you are there.

"...I know I ask a lot of questions but isn't that the purpose of being here?" - But my purpose in life is not being a human search engine & we took the time to research & write those posts, they are a wealth of information.

Advantages of searching the thread:

- You may find a more complete answer besides being faster than waiting for a reply.

- It gives you a base for your problem/question so you can then post a more pointed question for extra details or explanation.

Above in a previous post, you mentioned a guide w/o posting a link so how can other people comment on it? Post links when you are referring to something & you will make it easier for us to reply or add comments.

Take the time to study ASSIST > Vaio_Care and you will know a lot more about your F & it's useful tools.

*****

Thanks for the pointer!

"Be sure to create a system restore point first!" +1.

*****

 

Has anyone figured out the exact monitor model for 100% Adobe coverage ?

 

It's the Premium matte 1080p sold in many markets except North America. That's because the majority here likes shiny & cheap stuff.

No, nobody reported the exact brand & model number so far.

You can find details about the difference between the 1080p glossy vs 1080p matte in part 2 of this article: Vaio_F Series Monitor Calibration and Users Created Profiles Roundup



You mention in your sig that you ordered the HP_8540w. In this HP_8540w review, they mention that it covers only 89% of the sRGB color space while the F 1080p glossy covers 100% of it.

Everything is relative.

 

Double post, sorry!

 

8540W Dreamcolor.

 

Hello community,

This is my first post and just had some questions. I just ordered a customized Sony f12 and noticed they released the specs for the new f13s. I was wondering if you think I should cancel my order and wait on the new model. I know they will have the new NVIDIA® GeForce® GT 425M GPU and USB 3.0. I don't do much and gaming but I will be running higher end graphic programs as I am a web developer. I don't think anyone knows when they will be coming out but I'm not really in to much of a rush to get a new laptop. I got a good deal on the f12 ($1200) because of the student discounts, so if anyone has any idea of what the price will be for the f13s please post it.

Here are the specs on the f12 I ordered:

* Standard capacity battery
* Intel® Core™ i7-740QM processor (1.73GHz) with Turbo Boost up to 2.93GHz
* 16.4" VAIO Full HD Premium Display (1920x1080)
* NVIDIA® GeForce® 330M GPU (1GB VRAM)
* No Fresh Start
* LED Backlit Keyboard
* 4GB (2GBx2) DDR3-SDRAM-1333 (I plan on upgrading the RAM eventually)
* Blu-ray Disc player
* Adobe Bundle ($448 value.)
* Norton Internet Security™ 2010 (30 Day Trial)
* Black
* Microsoft® Office 2010 Starter
* Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium 64-bit
* 320GB Hard Disk Drive (5400rpm) (Plan on ordering the 500GB 7200RPM Seagate Momentus XT to replace this, if anyone knows how they run in the f12 let me know. I also know about the warranty void issue.)
* Two-year warranty

Also, does the shipped package come with a Windows 7 or recovery disk? Thanks for the input

 

I did the clean install with joes help and its blazing fast now. I got the Assist button and S1 to work. What is suppose to happen when you press VAIO? I remember it being some media browser stuff (which I want but I have no idea where to get it since its not a download). Vaio now controls my volume.



Do you recommend me just leaving my battery at a 50% charge and store it in a drawl or the refrigerator since I am on the AC adapter a lot. Yes I know random question lol.

What do you recommend?

 

@grigs1023

In Europe, each new generation F-series costs 100 euros more.
You must determine your needs. Do you want to spend 100 euros on USB3 and new but not so good GPU?

"Also, does the shipped package come with a Windows 7 or recovery disk"
There is no recovery disc. They make recovery partition on you HDD (it takes about 12GB)

 

The VAIO button opens up the Sony Media Center, or whatever it's called. Since you don't have those programs installed, the button won't do anything for you.

I'd keep the battery in and at 50%, but it's good to get other opinions. That question has been asked a lot in the past few weeks, so I'm sure you might find something in a search.

 

Attempting to go over the basics for my clarification as well as others.

Power over eSata emits 5 volts on a notebook and 12 V in a desktop. First question- why is this?
My external HDD current requirements is this:
5 VDC
Read/Write 500 mA
Idle 400 mA
Standby 50 mA
Sleep 20 mA
Making double sure here. Does anyone have a 500GB 7200 RPM external HDD being powered by the eSata port on the Sony F? Just came back from the computergeeks.com retail store and picked up the 2.5" USB 2.0/eSATA Aluminum External SATA HDD Enclosure (Black) - Supports up to 500GB & Power over eSATA but I want to make sure there is enough power to run 7200 RPM. Also, for clarification, eSata without power has no power at all and the expresscard has no power as well- right?

And USB 3 is faster than eSata but not necessarily if you are using it for an external hard drive.

USB 3.0 vs. eSATA: Is faster better? | ITworld

USB 3.0 will crush eSATA, FireWire- Maybe a good reason to get the F13.

http://news.cnet.com/8301-11386_3-10141810-76.html