Official Sony VAIO TT Series Owners Thread

Rachel - your screen coating is quite a lot different to that on my TT, - your pics remind me a lot of my TX1 display. I'm curious as to why Sony have made the change on the latest TTs, although technically and visually, the screens with glossier coatings have appeared sharper and offered better contrast. Ultralight's comment about the gloss TZ screen screen being more vibrant than the TT screen makes sense. Visually I never minded the gloss coating on my TX1 (excepting it being a fingerprint magnet).

There has been a kind of convention in some laptop brands with screen coatings - HP for instance seem to have matt screens on their 'business' and 'professional' model lines. The models pitched more toward consumer and media use seem often to have gloss coatings, although knowing Sony changing coatings probably means nothing significant other than their LCD manufacturer having made the change due to market demand. BTW has anyone noticed what coating is used on the new VAIO X?. The X's screen size and resolution appears to be identical to the TT.

Kendall

 

Thanks for informing us re your experience with the BIOS upgrade NHT. I must admit to being quite conservative when it come to BIOS upgrades. I've heard of laptops being 'bricked' after upgrades so I tend to follow rather than lead!

In this case it is listed as for TT4 models only, and without knowing if the TT4 is electronically different to earlier models, I'm still reticent. Have you noticed any changes since with your TT21WN?

Kendall

 

No, not really

 

So you’re all saying that mine looks different. Like i said before i struggle to tell a difference compared to my TX5 (core solo model) in terms of it being glossy or not. The reproduction is better etc but in terms of it being glossy or not the difference was not exactly obvious. I really have to take a fine eye to it.

Anyway, i'm fine with glossy, i prefer matte but what i don't like are overly glossy displays and those edge to edge mirror displays. There is definitely a protective coat of some sort on this that does not run quite to the full width of the display, its about a fraction of. I'll add a picture about what i mean. I don't think that i'm meant to take this of. Or is this duraview? To be honest i would have prefered that such coating spanned the whole display. The display though is fantastic despite this.

I emailed the guy who did some work on my laptop that has also worked on other TT models. He said he noticed that mine had a protective coating on it but i'm pretty sure that other TT models have this?

It is hard to see a older TT in a store as this is only a config to order now and a number of shops that sell them are online only and the older models might be sold out.

So, you all don't get those type of reflections and cannot see your image clearly in the display when powered down etc?

The X's displays Kendall i read that they had this hybrid display also. A number of reviews seems to refer to the display in the X as matte. I've also read that the display is meant to be the same as the TT. It seems odd that because the same review sites reviewed both of the displays differently.

 

If that is your TT in that last pic, it looks better up close. But, it still seems a tad glossier than mine. Maybe its a regional thing?

 

Did a bit more research on this BIOS release (Sony Japan Google Translation):

"Issues resolved

In these computers, we solve the following problem.

When BitLocker is enabled, every time you start a BitLocker recovery key may be required.
* "Windows 7 Ultimate" limited to use in case of."

 

coldmack, that is my display in the last picture i posted. You cannot see that much it in that picture. I took it with my mobile phone which does not produce the best quality pictures. The only way to really know may be 100% is to dismantle the laptop but none of us i don't think will be prepared to do that.

NHT, is the TT a new purchase? If so i hope you enjoy using it.

I wonder if Sony will continue with the TT with the launch of Arrandale laptops.

 

Yes I wonder too. My hunch is the TT is in it's last model iteration. I hope there will be a worthy successor in the T series form factor.

BTW (and slightly off topic) - A customer has ask me to set up a new VAIO W (W126AG), a give-away with a newly purchased VAIO LCD TV.

Interesting to have a play with a VAIO 10" netbook with high-res screen, the same resolution as the TT (1366x768). Comes with Windows 7 Starter Edition (no Aero), Screen is actually quite usable, although the extra 1.1" on the TT certainly is easier to cope with. Coating is definitely very glossy, brightness very similar to the TT although I don't think it's as wider-galmut as the TT's, but it appears sharp with quite good contrast. Solidly constructed, only 1/2" less width than the TT and about 3/4" less depth. Keyboard is real crap ala flat keys with little travel or tactile feel. Of course an expensive (very) netbook by anyone's standards and I have a sneaking feeling that they probably ain't selling well, thus the giveaway status.

Kendall

 

Thank you, I'm very satisfied with it. All work well so far

 

My TT is currently running Vista Business but I have received the Vaio Windows upgrade CDs from Sony and they say Vista HmPrm to Win7 HmPrm Upgrade Full. Will it still work?

 

Hello, I would like to buy a vaio TT (the TT45X) but the TT serie is not available in my country (Portugal).

Do you know if it is possible to order it from another sonystyle site (uk, es or hk, sg) and get it delivered in Portugal ?
(I asked on the sonystyle uk site and fr site but I did not receive any answer yet)

If it is possible, I will have a keyboard problem, is there a place where I can buy a set of keys and change them myself ?

 

Zigomatic I know that forum members from outside of the UK have tried to purchase an item from Sonystyle in the UK and had no luck so i don't think that Sony outside of your country will ship this item to you.
Notebook.de have them but they carry quite a price tag and mark up but they would ship it to you.

http://www.notebook.de/sony-vaio-vgn-tt45x-mit-intel-core2duo-su9600-16-ghz-umtsbd-p-25370

http://www.notebook.de/sony-vaio-vgn-tt45x-mit-intel-core2duo-su9600-16-ghz-umtsssd-p-26056


Edited to add:
I'll take that back about the mark up. Based on prices in Germany there is not much on these laptops. The prices in the UK though are much less. The same spec laptop is like €2,269 in Germany and like £1,639 in the UK for the first spec that i linked to. The last time i checked these prices were the same in all countries in the EU but that is not the case anymore. I suppose you could also try Conics.

 

Rachel, thanks for the tip. I did not know about the conics website.

Did someone bought something from them ( www.conics.net) ? Do you recommend ?

The pricing across sonystyle europe sites are a bit weird:

Greece, Portugal: no TT :-(
UK: TT45X, Core 2 duo 1.4Ghz, 4Gb, 250Gb HD, DVD, HDMI.
=> £ 1,469.00 inc. VAT ~ 1 649 euros
France, Spain : same config. => 1.568,98 € TTC
Germany, same config. => 2.029,01 €
Italy: same config. => 1.669,00 € IVA incl
Finland: only one config (not available) : Laptop VGN-TT21WN/B with 3G WWAN technology, 128GB SSD => 2.690,00 € VAT incl.
Ireland: only 2 TT21 config. not available.

Similar configuration on conics.net : 1,413.22EUR + 105EUR (shipping) = 1518EUR
It is called TT93. I am not sure if there are other differences with the TT45X.
Sony Vaio Type TT93 1.4/1.6GHz [Win7 pre-order]
- 1st Battery VGP-BPS14 [5400mAh, 315g, 205.1x27.8x51.1mm]
- Colour Silky Black
- CPU Core 2 Duo SU9400 (1.40 GHz)
- HDD/SSD/Optical Drive 250GB HDD + DVD burner
- Keyboard English
- Memory 2x 2GB (4GB under 64bit OS)
- Networking 802.11 a/b/g/n + Bluetooth
- Plug shape Adapter Type C (Germany, Europe etc)
- Security None Required
- Warranty Standard 3 years
- Windows Version Windows 7 [Home Premium] English 64bit

The problem with conics.net is that I may have to pay substantial import taxes :-(

 

The prices in the UK do include VAT which is at 15% until the 1st of January.
Several forum members have purchased from Conics. Run a search and you will find some posts. You're right you will have to pay VAT at whatever it is rated in your country for the shipping and total cost of your item.

If you're ok with one with a 1.4 processor you might be able to find an older model in the EU for may be cheaper.

 

Here down under, the Hong Kong prices TT are possibly the best deal to be had. NZ VAIO prices have always been some of the highest I've seen, probably due to geographical isolation and small population.

As for import taxes, I guess it's normal to pay some form of border tax in most countries. Here in NZ, an imported TT would certainly attract a 12.5% Goods & Service Tax (GST), which is a tax similar to the UK's VAT.

 

About the processor speed, 1.6 is only a 15% improvement over the 1.4 and it costs more 50EUR. Most of the time the processor runs at low speed to save power.

I am more hesitant regarding the SSD. I would like to benefit from the advantages of SSDs but I must admit that the limited number of write operations on a SSD makes nervous.

 

You could always install your own SSD down the line. If this is something that you cannot see yourself doing i think going for the SSD model is worthwhile. I feel the difference and i have used the standard drive and now have an SSD installed.
I posted a crystalmark of the standard drive and the SSD is quite an improvement although the standard drive is fine for most people and tasks. The Sony SSD will be a step up over the standard drive.

You can also lock this laptop to use high performance mode. Using the high performance setting in the control panel and W7's high performance mode this laptop will more or less run at 1.6ghz.

Edited to add:
You could try laptopsdirect, saverastore and Amazon in the UK as i believe these will ship outside the EU. The gold TT1 1.2 model goes for a little under £800 in the UK.
It might be an idea may be to wait till January and see what happens.

 

Thanks for the tips, I think I will wait until January-February as I may obtain funding for a project. I hope the TT will not disappear in the meantime. In August there were rumors that it would be discontinued but new models appeared afterwards. I really hope that Sony will continue to offer TT series (the X does not serves my needs).

 

I think this is a good deal:
TT17GN/X ( http://www.sony-asia.com/product/vgn-tt17gn) for 1500EUR.
isn't it ?
I'll wait to put an SSD inside.

 

^
That is ok deal. It has a 1.4 processor, bluray drive, 4GB ram and a HDMI port. Where can you purchase from?
From time to time good deals will come up on Ebay.


You can get that model that you're looking at for £1,574/€1,762 from Sony UK but it will come with built in wwan. If you order over the phone you also might be able to get another 5% of.

 

Good guess. I found it on Ebay.
I'll give more details if/when the deal gets real.

I wonder if other users have been able to verify if bluray drives have regional limitations when playing bluray films ?

 

hello all!!
recently picked up a TT from hong kong
1.6ghz processor without the bluray ssd

love this machine

however i got some questions ...
does anyone feel the screen is too loose ? i always get this feeling the screen/lid could fall down on its own weight .. the hinge on my power button side is a bit more loose and sticks out more then the power plug side does anyone else have this on their TT?

also i can't see to put games in to full screen with low non wide screen resolutions
i tried changed the aspect ratio in the graphics properties .. but it seems to be stuck at the option of fullscreen ... when i try to try other options like maintain aspect ratio and push OK ... it goes back to Full Screen mode

thank you for your help in advance!

 

zigomatic, i think €1,500 is kind of expensive for ebay.

emperor327, congrats, my display feels fine. I was wondering though what are you thoughts about the display as you have one of the newer models. Does it look matte, glossy or like a hybrid display to you?

 

Hi emperor327, congratulations on your TT buy.

No problem here with screen hinges. The screen rotation on my TT is firm and controlled plus the hinge covers are evenly placed. Sad to hear that quality control on a high-end VAIO isn't what it should be :-(

 

I've just recently upgraded to Windows 7 Professional 64-bit on my VAIO TT.

I tried to "Create a system image" from the Backup and Restore tool using my Bluray drive and it continually asks me to insert blank media larger than 1GB.

Creating an image to ext. hdd works.

I have tried DVD-R, DVD+R, and DVD-RW media with no success.

The media works during System Image creation on my home desktop and work computer running Windows 7.

Has anyone experienced this issue?

 

Hi All,

Im loooking for an older version of the bios - my current one is r2021m4d.

Does anyone have a pre-Windows 7 one? Want to tried the advanced menu hack listed here, but the newer bioses dont allow EFI booting as described in that blog.

My TT is a TT21VN

*** Edit - ignore this - found several older bioses on the Sony asia site. ***

 

Gave it a try today - seemed to work without problem. Screen shots dialog attached.

KJ

 

thanks for the info KJ!

interesting... can you confirm that you have a mat*shi*ta uj232as bd-re drive in your TT and what driver is installed for the drive?

 

Looks to be the same device and driver, although reported a little differently. How does one find out the drive's firmware version?

KJ

 

I'm not sure this is the right place but i know there was an update last year to upgrade the firmware to 1.01. In device manager if you go to the drive properties>details>select hardware ids, i noticed a 1.01 at the end of the entry.

 

Identical on mine. BTW what TT BIOS are you using? Here it's R2022M4.

KJ

 

I'm also using R2022M4... i've contacted Sony and they said it is a Microsoft issue and that the BD-RE is not compatible with Windows 7. i really can't believe this since it works on your TT, Kendall.

My model is the US version: VGN-TT190

I will be contacting Microsoft support either Friday or Monday.

Can anyone else try creating a system image on their on their TT w Bluray drive?

 

I can't confirm that.
I'm playing Half Life 2 at 1024x600, AA2, 16x AF and only in busy places drop the framerate to 15, but often they're around 25 or above. It plays well. I'm impressed.

 

Does anyone know a good way to pop off the left-most silver cap that covers the AC-in jack? I've ordered a new one and want to replace the one that's on there (scratched up bad). How to get off??!! It resists pretty good!!

I know there are delicate parts underneath that thing and i don't want to screw anything up.

 

Hi, just use some force and pull the sliver cap from the hinge, try to put your nail between the gap and pull. i have replace the silver cap 2 months ago myself.

 

Can anyone offer me some further help on how to open the TT? I want to put the Intel X18-M SSD in.
The guide in the sticky (crappily translated by Google so as that the text is just as useful to me as the original Japanese (not at all)) seems to show me all the screws, yet I can't get the top left side (at the power socket hinge) free! It feels as secure as if there's another screw, although I triple checked that I removed them all as instructed. I don't really want to pull any harder.

Has anyone else experienced this and knows what else I might have to do? The other three sides are clear....

 

naujoks -- i did the same thing a couple months ago with the X18-M (you will love it!!).

I experienced the same 'stickiness' and knew i had also removed ALL the screws. From the back, use a small flat wedge, like a very small flathead screwdriver, and stick it in between the top and bottom halves, just about where it is 'sticking' then gently pry up a bit until you see it start to give. That worked for me. Sorry i can't be more scientific in my response.

Beware of that ribbon that connects the keyboard to the motherboard. It can come out just a bit from it's connector and you won't realize it until you turn your machine on and find out the keyboard doesn't work -- or only part of it. So, don't put all the screws back in until you turn it on to make sure everything works.

I have ordered a Service Manual from Sony Parts. It was only 6 bucks or so. Maybe it will shed some light on all of this.

 

Thanks, howaboutnow, with some more courage and the discovery of a clip at the back, the keyboard came off easily enough.
Now I just need to wait for that drive to come through the snow to me tomorrow. Will I be able to sleep?

 

Quick update on X18-M SSD upgrade on the TT11LN/B:
Installation was easy and without casualties (once I've figured out with you guys' help how to take the keyboard off).
The drive makes a huge difference in how 'snappy' everything feels. I'm running Win 7 Pro, and the drive gets 7.7 out of 7.9 in the Windows Experience Index, which I'm pretty impressed with!
I don't know how someone on here says his Windows loads within 10 secs, mine loads in about 25 from POST to Internet Explorer window open, but that's something I'm still very happy with.
Recommended.

 

Naujoks --

As you may know, there are things that create huge variability in boot times. Things that *i* have found that extended my boot times, in addition to your standard stuff --

-my boot times went up when i went from 3 to 4 gig of RAM. Obviously, the RAM has to get counted at boot, so that extended the time.
-i am configured to automatically login and launch windows live messenger.
-i have credentials that automatically load me into a Synology Network Attached Storage that has *alot* of directories and files in it.

I went from around 45sec boot to now around 60secs with the above.

I'm thinking people getting 10sec boot time are using SSD RAID arrays. I may look at that for laughs one of these days. I have a TT190 'Configured To Order' with no DVD and 1SSD drive and 1HDD drive. I have ordered a Service manual from Sony Parts that hopefully will tell the Part Numbers and configuration for setting up RAID on my box.

Though they don't advertise it, I highly recommend everyone have a copy of the Service Manual -- it's only 7 bucks or so and it should tell us alot about our computers and configuration options.

 

I think boot times should always be measure AFTER the computer has passed the BIOS (ie finished with checking RAM etc).
My Win 7 is very vanilla, no start up items other than the VAIO stuff, virus check etc, but no MSN or anything custom.
Given that the X18-M is rated 7.7, I'm certainly very happy with it. It's only my second laptop which I take with me anyway, so I will never use it for anything that would justify a RAID array. You'd only see the benefit of this for large files (pictures, sound etc), but how much serious work like that could or would you want to get done on an 11" screen?
RAID is not an option for me anyway, since i've got a DVD drive in my machine.
Basically, I've got it maxed out now, but I'm very happy with it! Now if only they could make it about 200g lighter! Or the Sony X a bit faster? lol

 

Naujoks --

Don't know which TT model you have, but i have a 190 and a 150. Sony tells me that neither of them will accept 8GB RAM, only 4.

Check this out.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=423608&page=22

You might need to go back a few pages in that forum, but net-net, Nectop put 8GB RAM *no problem* in his lesser-model TT.

Seems it *can* be done. Now, to spring for the extra $400 for the RAM !! (though, right now i'm still on 32bit W7, so no need).

I hear you about the need (or lack of) for RAID in this thing. Yet, Sony offered it in many of their TT models, and i'm guessing it was for people with a need for speed (and a wallet).

 

I have not read anyone post that they get 10s booting up. I get between 27-30secs from powering on until my desktop is displayed. I think those were the values i gave before. I haven't timed it since then but think from memory that is pretty right. This is pretty average considering i don't have anything like anti virus installed etc.

 

naujoks, you've convinced me, I think it's time for me to get an X18-m!

Any recommendations on where to buy it? Also is there a way to tell for sure that it's the Gen2 and not leftover Gen1 -- is there a different SKU for the Gen2? And finally, do they all have the right interface for the TT, or are there different SKU/part#s for different types of interfaces?

 

any of you TT owners with an SSD installed may be interested in this thread I've opened: http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=450918

Basically, Samsung says that they are not planning to released an firmware supporting TRIM for the SSDs installed in the TT series.

 

The new Intel drives are 34nm, the G1 drives were 50nm.
This article explains it more and also lists part numbers.
http://www.legitreviews.com/article/1022/1/

 

@ MrT-Man: I was lucky to find my 80GB X18-M for a reasonable amount (155 pounds) on Ebay. It's curious how difficult it is to find these drives on the open market. I found one online retailer, but the price was over 200 pounds.
The G2 is 34nm as opposed to 50nm, and while there aren't any big changes in speeds, the G2 does have TRIM support.
The lack of TRIM in the G1 will really not a bit issue (for me): Even if it does slow down over time (and we're probably talking a year or two), there's still so much reserve in it, I don't think I will notice it. And if it's really getting too slow, I can just to a secure erase and start over again. No OS install lives longer than a year for me anyway.

@ Howaboutnow: I think 8GB RAM in a machine of the size of the TT is totally nonsensical for most users. It will not improve load speeds or give you more FPS (if you really want to play games on this). I don't even have 8GB in my main PC with its 30" screen, so to have 8GB in a little notebook is total overkill, in my eyes anyway.

 

Hi everyone!
I am new to this forum and I am new to the ownership of a VGNTT290N!
I want to upgrade it a few ways. I am looking at SSD's right now. A seller on ebay "computerupgradeking" offers CPU upgrades and I am waiting for him to email me back if he can upgrade my TT with a better CPU. I have the 1.6 SU9600.I understand these are affixed to the motherboard, but I think he knows all about these things and if there is an upgrade, he will know, and he will quote me!
I ordered 8GB RAM from Newegg and it hasn't come in yet.
I hope it works. I bought my TT refurbished from Amazon as I could not find these anywhere else since they are discontinued.
Now I want an SSD and want the biggest 1.8 Micro SATA I can find.
I found a 256 Kingspec, but I don't know if TRIM is important or anything else.
I am working with Windows 7 X64.
Any ideas on any of this?
You guys seem to be the experts, I love this little notebook.
I obviously re-imaged with this OS, and when I did the UPEK software I had I couldnt find for a 64 bit OS.
So I went to UPEK website and just purchased it for 19.99 USD. Not too bad, and the software suite seems pretty awesome!
Thank God for this forum, you wonderful people and the Vaio TT!!!!
Thanks!

 

Guyyy --

Glad you're excited about the TT. It's a cool machine. I have a TT190 1.4Ghz and a TT150 1.2Ghz, both with Intel SSD's.

About your mod questions. No go on the chip upgrade. I spoke to Rob @ computerugradekings and he says they're soldered on the board. He won't propose to do anything. I also own a Z540, which DOES have a socketable CPU and is easily replaced by a faster version.

I also have replaced Hard Drives and Samsung Solid State drives in both TT's i have, and in the Z. I have to say the Intel SSD's are among the best you can get -- especially the X18-M 160GB. The CrystaDiskMark specs on that drive, for me, are 252mb/s read, and 108.3 writes, sequentially. That's cool.

Can you tell me what software you are running that you need 64bit for (other than W7), and 8GB of it?? VMWare? A Linux variant? A data-mining spreasheet with 2TB of cached data?

Do you find it difficult finding driver's for 64bit, W7 or otherwise, (other than what Sony gives us)?? How about for browser plug-ins like Adobe Flash for Internet Explorer (if you use that)?

 

Sony's drivers for Win 7 64 were good, but I have a Verizon WWAN, and for some reason it didn't install, that is the only driver I could not get.

To be honest I don't need 8GB of RAM OR 64 bit Windows, so much, as I just thought it'd be cool and so far I like it a lot!!

So computerupgradeking says it's a no-go? Ok checked of my list!

Intel's X-18m 160 is about the best I can go right now? Does it support TRIM? What is TRIM in relation to how I would apply the SSD? Do I need it? I think that is my next purchase then!

I do love this little machine!

It looks like my next upgrades will be:

1. TT Docking Station
2. Extended Battery
3. MAYBE one more regular battery, I am a battery obsseser hahah!
That is about it.

I am looking for a case where I could store all that stuff. May have to be a 15" case LoL!

thanks for the quick response hope to get a lot of info out of this forum, and provide my own if I can.