Official Sony VAIO P-series Owners thread

Hi,

I picked up a Sony Vaio P Series model VPCP113KX.

How do I find out the following regarding this?
1. Does this has necessary hardware built-in for 3G access? (Sony website is not very clear about this)
2. If not is there a add-on module/ card for this purpose (other than the USB based 3G access)?

Appreciate your comments.

thanks & regards.

 

Hi looking at the spec sheet it doesn't appear to have it.
VPCP113KX/G | VAIO® P Series Lifestyle PC | Sony | Sony Style USA

With the signature model it is clearly listed in the spec sheet.


Wireless/NetworkingBluetooth® Technology : Integrated Stereo A2DP (2.1 + EDR) 17
Ethernet Protocol : 10Base-T/100Base-TX/1000Base-T
Ethernet Speed : Fast Ethernet (RJ-45)
Mobile Broadband : Verizon Wireless Mobile Broadband Built-in20
Wi-Fi : 802.11 b/g/n3
GPS : Yes19

It's a shame that the model you own doesn't appear to come with built in wwan.

The best way to check is to put smart wi on and see if there is a connection for the wwan there, if there isn't then it hasn't got it built in.

The last gen wwan board looked like this
Sony vaio vgn-p vgn p series IFX-522 1-878-430-12 PWB on eBay (end time 24-Aug-10 13:14:51 BST)

The new model most likely uses a different wwan board. I'm not sure if the model you own will have a second mini pci holder/connector.

 

To use the P for productivity (especially with Win7), SSD is a must.

 

Hi,

Thanks for taking the time out to respond to the query.

Yes you are right (smart wii confirms it).

As for ripping open the PC to figure out whether it can take a mini PCI, it is not for the feint hearted I better stick to a 3G usb unit

Thanks again.

best regards.

 

The refreshed VPCP11 series is looking pretty good, and I'm this close to buying one. After doing some research, I've uncovered six models each with slightly different configs:

Code:

model       processor       SSD       GPS   Google hits
-------------------------------------------------------
VPCP111KX   Z530, 1.6 GHz   64 GB     no      18,400
VPCP112KX   Z530, 1.6 GHz   64 GB     yes         16
VPCP113KX   Z530, 1.6 GHz   128 GB    no      39,900
VPCP114KX   Z530, 1.6 GHz   128 GB    yes      7,140
VPCP116KX   Z540, 1.8 GHz   128 GB    yes         16
VPCP118KX   Z550, 2.0 GHz   256 GB    yes         88

While Sony's retail website lists only the 113 and the 118 for sale, Sony's support site lists all of the above models and provides PDFs that I got the specs from. So I Googled each product number to learn more. As you can see from the hit count, the 112 and 116 seem rather mythical. It's also interesting to note that searches for the apparently nonexistent 115 and 117 turned up zilch, although it's obvious from the table above what they'd look like were they to exist.

What to buy? Well, the 118's 256 GB SSD puts it outside my price range (and everyone else's if the search results are any guide). The 116 seems ideal, but I can't find it anywhere. The 114 is apparently well-known given the search results, and it's currently for sale at J&R ($999.99), B&H ($964.95), and DataVision ($984.99). Anyone got a clue as to why Sony's own retail website doesn't list the 114?

 

I have tried both the 588e and the new June 2010 113 model.

To me, the most important issues with umpcs that FIT IN YOUR POCKET are the keyboard and mouse usability. The P series, OQO and Sony UX all fit in your pocket, despite what others say. Not a tight jeans pocket, but most other pockets. Please measure your own pocket for dimensions, I really don't care because they all do fit in my own pockets.

The keyboard on the P series is an A-, the 113 model an A+. The 113 model is definitely as good as a regular keyboard. The best on any umpc that I know of. An issue to consider is that although the keyboard is good, typing at a desk and still being able to see what you are typing on the small screen is difficult. Oqo/Ux do not have this problem because you can hold the screen closer to your face while typing. You may have to click a zoom button, type, then zoom out again and hold this closer to your face.

The mouse is a big problem. The track point nub is annoying, and leads to wrist cramps. It is inconvenient and not fun to use. However, it is accurate. You will not want to use it for any length of time. On the 588e, this means that you are SOL because that is your only option. I sold my 588e and paid an extra $300 to get the model with the additional touchpad lcd bezel to the right of the screen and L/R buttons to the left. This is much better than the nub, however it is not as good as the nub on the OQO or the trackstick on the Sony Ux (which I consider an A+). You can stand to use this touchpad LCD bezel a lot longer, but it isn't really that comfortable or fun.

Having a fantastic screen and keyboard do not matter if the mouse isn't up to par.

Had sony used the trackstick from the ux, this would have been a fantastic device. However I sold it and am now probably going to go with the UH900 fujitsu direct from their website for $850, which has an inferior screen/keyboard and no WWAN but a vastly better mouse. The new libretto seems ultra cool, but its mouse and keyboard options are both inferior to the UH900 according to what I have read so far.

I hope this helps people trying to decide.

 

A bluetooth mouse can be carried easily in another pocket, that solves the track nub problem

 

So I just bought 2 VPCP113KX/B models, one for my GF and one for my sister.
They run a lot better with a clean install of Windows 7 Ultimate and the drivers from the Sony site. I don't know why Sony puts so much crap on them when the ship them. Nice to reclaim that recovery partition space also.

 

Doing a complete restore with Windows 7 home premium: Can you please show us the web site where all the drivers are to be found, so that all the Fn keys and web cam and so forth will function as they are supposed to?

 

Sony eSupport - Electronics

if you have an older model and it doesn't give you windows 7 drivers you can put in this model number vpcp113lx/b
then you can download all the drivers you need, use universal extractor to extract all the packages and bypass the model check crap.

For the record I had no issue getting a clean install of Windows 7 Ultimate working on both of the new VAIO P's, all drivers, keys etc. work perfectly and the system is more responsive than it was with the Sony pre-load. As an added bonus you free up over 7GB by deleting the Sony recovery partition.

Be forwarded if you delete all the partitions on the computer you will not be able to restore unless you have burned the DVD's. Also if you delete all the partitions you will delete the little instant on web browsing functionality, I don't care about that as it was pretty useless anyway.

A full install of Windows 7 Ultimate, all drivers, AVG virus scanner and Office 2010 still left me with 103GB free on the P!

 

ComputerCowboy, thanks a lot for a very informative answer!

 

yea not a problem. I always do a clean install on every computer, they work so much better that way.

 

I just recently purchased a used vaio P from a friend with the 1.33Ghz processor,however, its running slowly.

After reading severals posts, people mentioned turning down certain settings on the win7. Which settings can i turn down and how do i do it? could someone directly me to guide?

Thanks

 

Turning off Aero would be a start, the P runs better with it off.

 

In these times, with iPad and several other tablets with 7-9 inches screens, one can wonder whether Sony will launch a new model of Vaio P or some PC with a similar form factor. These new tablets have really taken an overwhelming interest in the media and esp. the press the last months, and the unique little Vaio P has surely came in the background.

I really hope Sony will revive the Vaio P next year. Oak Trail is perhaps a key factor here? But anyway, the need for this product, hopefully in a slightly modified form (but NOT bigger or smaller - perhaps only a tad thinner), is big for all of us who need to have a decent small PC to take out on the road with us without thinking about weight or size. It fits purses and pockets to a high degree.

The tablets with virtual keyboards cannot replace a decent "ordinary" clamshell portable computer, not even with an option to use a docking station with a keyboard or a bluetooth keyboard. (One item too many to take care of and have in the luggage on the road.)

But I have two gripes with the current version of Vaio P. The keyboard should be a bit enhanced, and the right shift key and arrow keys should be better sized and located. And really, the letters on the screen should be more readable, that is: bigger. Just a bit bigger. I would hope that a 9 inches screen witnin the SAME form factor can be possible, that is: Use the area of the bezel to more screen. The unit must NOT be made bigger or heavier, and it must still have the ordinary portable PC form: to be clapped together after use in the regular way.

In fact, I think the ereaders (esp. Kindles) and other tablets (Nook, Archos, Galaxy, etc.) appeal to ANOTHER niche and are made for basically OTHER purposes than the Vaio P.

Hope Sony can keep up and present us with a new Vaio P in the beginning of 2011 that can be a real life style unit for much practical use...

 

I have been on the fence on getting one of these.

I would want a VAIO Signature P but I kinda want it in orange and dont have a need for the GPS nor the Verizon mobile connect.

Guess that just leaves me with the regular P series. There isnt anyway I could get the better processor and SSD without having to buy the Signature version?

Are there any sort of deals on these?

How are the performance on these? I am hoping it to use it for taking some notes, surf the net, homework, light visual studio C++ programming (optional), and maybe a lil Plants vs Zombies.

 

I'm in Canada and I'm looking for a White Crocodile version of the P series. I know I can order from Conics but that's over $1400 USD.

I tried to CTO one on Sony Style Japan and it was only ~$930 USD but they only ship within Japan. Plus that site crashed Firefox, IE and Chrome during the CTO process and I could barely get through the process with Safari before it eventually gave me an error anyways.

I think Sony Style China has it but that is also ~$1400 USD and I think only ship within China.

Anyone else here have any ideas on how I can get one? I have a US address to ship to if it helps.

 

hi all. i am about to test a VGN-P25G. i will opt to install XP on it. since it is running SSD, i know XP does not have TRIM function.

there is this SonyHDDProtectionDriver.EXE and VaioHDDProtection.EXE coming from the sony xp downgrade drivers. but there is no description on what do those files do, what are their difference? can they provide the TRIM function or something like it? thanks.

 

Conics is the easiest way. Consider the price difference as import tax.

 

In another forum there was published a post (in a thread about Vaio P's accessories) recently that Sony is to discontinue the Vaio P series. Is this only a rumour, or is it a fact? Anyone who knows?

 

This would be a shame to discoontinue the P series since i myself was looking at one to get as a second small portable laptop, but I am waiting for upgrades in the CPU dept after CES, I do hope sony does upgrade it and continues the model.

 

Same here!

Maybe beaups can tell us something more?

 

Unluckily there is now a so strong trend towards tablets and slates that very small real PCs like the P model have so to speak almost come into oblivion. Of course the tablets have their useful features, but NOT for entering rather large amount of for instance text, because a virtual screen keyboard never can replace a real one, and an additional bluetooth keyboard just is an inconvenient extra object to carry around. Anyone who knows something about Sony's plans for keeping up the very good idea of tiny PCs like the P model, or a new one. It should be time now, or at least soon, for a new model, or what do you think?

 

I forgot there was a "P" forum so I'll list it here.

I want something small, but don't want to wait for startup. Anything that boots between 30 seconds to a minute is good. Needs to do email, word processing, web, etc. Nothing gaming. I know the original "P" was slow. Is this one better?

I saw it going for $699.

With Microsoft Signature, you get rock-solid PC performance, great security, and first-class support. After installing Windows 7, we removed the trial software that can slow down your PC, installed applications you really use, and tuned them to work together seamlessly. Combine that with world-class security to help eliminate viruses and spyware, and 90 days of technical support, and you’ve got the best PC experience ever, right out of the box.


Display
8.0 in LED-backlit LCD (1600 x 768)
Processor
Intel Atom Z530 1.60 GHz, L2 cache 512 KB
Memory
2 GB DDR2 533MHz
Hard drive size
128 GB SSD
Operating system
Windows 7 Home Premium
PC type
Netbook
Optical drive
None
Media drive
1 Memory Stick Duo media slot with MagicGate functionality, 1 Secure Digital (SD memory card) media slot
Audio
Intel High Definition Audio
Video
Intel GMA 500 with shared graphics memory
Ports
2 USB 2.0
Headphone output
Microphone input
Battery
3-cell lithium-ion (4.5 hours)*
Camera
Integrated webcam
Wireless
Atheros 802.11b/g/n
Bluetooth
Yes
Dimensions
9.64 x 4.72 x 0.78 in (244.85 x 119.88 x 19.81 mm)
Weight
1.31 lbs (594.2 g)
Color
Black

 

Yes, but I would recommend you to downgrade the OS to XP (get nlited versions from you-know-where) - this will reduce the bootime to mere 25 seconds or so. The drivers are available on Sony's website.

If you want to stay with Windows 7, do a fresh install or remove the boatload of crapware that Sony bundles. Most of them are nonsense software and run very sluggishly.

 

You missed the BOLD part. All bloatware is removed from this version b4 you buy it. Only win7+drivers.

 

I read the bold part. Sony's apps are not trial versions.

And the P you mentioned will those the tasks you mentioned with no problems. Atom Z530 yields (almost) same performance as Atom N270/N280/N455/N450 but it is the SSD that speeds things up. So, go ahead and buy one.

 

So then we're back to the original question. If anybody knows how good this version might be. You make a good point. Some things included isn't trial but just programs you might not want. So that's why I asked the question here. Someone with a similar setup said it stll takes over a minute and a half to load everything from start. But he had a smaller SSD so maybe not the same improvement.

 

I have a Vaio P with Atom Z520 CPU (1.33GHz) and 60GB HDD. It is running Windows XP nlited edition and it loads up in 56 seconds (after pressing power button to desktop with auto login). It shuts down in 14 seconds.

SSD and faster processor, like in your model will reduce the boot timings a great deal.

 

Do you like your Vaio P? Would you buy it again?

 

Nope, until Sony offers it with something like Apple Macbook Air - At least C2D processor, 320M GPU. Sony is asking just way too much for what it is offering.

 

Sony Vaio P:
Now confirmed discontinued.
R.I.P.

 

I've been hearing the same thing too but what's your source? I still see it on sonystyle.com

 

This is the source: "[...] sony have confirmed that the P has been discontinued, they told me in the tottenham court rd shop.." from the Pocketables Vaio P Forum, Post no. 9:

http://forum.pocketables.net/showthread.php?t=8915

Those guys usually have reliable and valid information.

Too bad...

 

I read that too but it's just something someone told someone else from a store... not very credible if you ask me. I'll believe it when I see it pulled from the store.

 

The Vaio P has now been removed from the Sony UK website. It might be removed from other European websites also.

 

Thanks for the optimistic attitude! I really hope you are right, and that it is NOT official, and that Sony can further develop the gem of this great tiny model, which also is very portable and is yet easy to use with full functionality.

 

perhaps the tablets from sony will replace the vaio?

 

Hope not, because I don't think any of the tablet models fully can replace a regular foldable PC like the P model. And even worse: if Sony prefers to go for virtual keyboards on the screen, I would say they are making a huge mistake.

 

To play devil's advocate, we haven't seen any update at the last CES for the P nor X series models. The future certainly isn't looking bright for either.

But just look at Sony's history in the past. I saw a picture of some Sony computer that looked like a P series, but in early 00s gray plastic. There was also the X505 that was introduced a few years before the Macbook Pro. These models got discontinued then brought back to life a few years later. So even if this is the end of the P series, it's only the end for now. Sony loves to reintroduce products it had brought to market a few years before.

With that said, according to Rachel it looks like it is the end of the P series as we know it right now. I was really hoping for one with a dual core processor- my Atom is pretty slow.

 

if anything I doubt the tablets will be a direct replacement, more so in the size category, who knows when these will even debut.

 

If they don't release another high end UMPC/tablet i wouldn't be surprised.
I wonder what makes companies like Fujistu do well with their UMPC's but Sony cannot.

 

I'm happy with mine but would like to have the 2.0 Ghz Gen2 version when the price comes down a bit.

Sad to see it being discontinued but with the new Intel platform unable to support the current P screen resolution it'll most likely come back when Intel comes out with a more appropriate chipset with SATA support.

 

or sony could just use the 9watt 1.0ghz dual core bobcat amd/ati fusion chip or the 1.2ghz single core.

or even the new 5watt versions

 

Sad to hear that the P series is potentially discontinued. I just picked up a mint condition refurb of a P530CH for my wife for $278 and upgraded Vista to Windows 7 32-bit. Aside from the nub, it's a great little unit that I intend on popping in an SSD when they become cheap enough.

 

Today, sales manager from Sony store told me that a new P series could be presented by the fourth quarter of this year. Probably a 9" tablet with sliding keyboard and win 7.

They offered me the last unit of a 2 gen white vaio P (model VPC-P11S1E/W) 1.86ghz, wwan, 64Gb SSD for 600€. Should I buy it?

 

Really hope that "sliding keyboard" means that there still will be possible to fold the screen to make a convenient angle as is tha case with usual portable PCs, and NOT just a sliding mechanism.

 

prob like samsungs slider

 

4th quarter is a LONG way off, I was hoping for a summer, early fall release, guess I am expecting way too much here from sony.

 

Yes....and just did this week....

Bought a black 2nd gen P....really like it so far....runs great....

Had a glossy black 1st gen P, Japanese market model back in 2009....

Really like the matte black casing, plus all the nice new improvements....

Thumps up and here's hoping that Sony does release another P sometime....

In meantime, will enjoy mine....