Official Sony VAIO TT Series Owners Thread

My Sony Z1 powersupply doesn't work on my TT. The Z1 powersupply is 19.5V. I plugged it in by mistake. No damage done, it just didn't work..

 

thx

 

I agree with you. I don't much care for the latest Z which I view as a "two-piece" computer.

One of the Sony people at the Vaio Expo told me that the advent of the "netbook" killed the TT series. They said there are not enough people who appreciate what the TT had to offer. I think that's ridiculous. How many Z buyers actually want the TT footprint? How many MBA buyers would have bought Sony instead?

Piggybacking onto Matt's message, where can I find instructions on how to change the drive in a TT? And yes, please believe me that I have searched this forum for it.

 

8Gb for max ram PC2-8500 1066mhz DDR3 204pin which will run at 800mhz. A couple of people have had issues with Corsair ram. Others have used Crucial, Micron and Hynix ram to do this upgrade.

The first post in this thread you will see a thread that is linked to about the processor upgrade. The max processor though is a SL9600.

The HD has a microsata connector, some just call it a 1.8 sata and this is what you need. A USATA drive has the same connector. The only difference is that USATA drives have had the casing removed. If you're not going for RAID and just a single drive you don't need to do anything as you're using the correct connector.


Aileron a link to how open the TT is linked to in the first post in this thread. It's also linked to in pinned dissassembley thread in the Sony forum.

Kendall, there appears to be a generic unlocked GTM382W on ebay. I've used a generic unlocked 382E in the past without issue. I've also as i've said used a 382W and am using the Gobi 1000 currently.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Option-GT...033?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4aacffb4d9

 

I think the max ram size is 8GB on some models. I myself use 2x2048MB modules.

The're several msata SSD drives which fit the TT. I use a Kingston SSDNow V+180 SVP180S2/128G SSD which is also available in 64GB and 256GB sizes. It fits perfectly in the hdd space.

 

Members who own the 1st gen TT1 models have upgraded to 8GB. All models support 8GB. The 4GB 'limitation' for earlier models doesn't appear to have been reported correctly. May be at the time this may have been due to lack of 4GB modules i'm not certain.

It's interesting about the Msata, i've not seen anyone who has used one to upgrade their HD.

 

Hi I see your selling your TT unit.. Kingston is a good brand may get a 128 or 256 ssd for my unit.

 

Mine is a msata/usata interface. You mean the Msata -> mini-PCIE SSD's?

I have seen some members on the Lenovo X220 forum who use the mini-pcie SSD's in place of the WWAN module.

 

Is tt screen semigloss like vpc-z screen? Is tt screen better than z screen or they about same? I had multiple z's but would like a smaller laptop. Thank you

 

HI Everyone

I'm currently thinking about buying a TT but have a small question that maybe someone can help me with;

I wanted to replace the DVD-Drive with a HDD. Is there an easy way to do that? I couldn't find much to this topic but I noticed that for other laptops, for example the Sony Z1 there is an easy solution available. I would also consider buying a TT with the SSD+HDD combination but I can't find any of those...

Help would be much appreciated!!

Cheers
Flam

 

Flam, there is a post related to this upgrade that is linked in the first page of this thread. That's about where it's gone right now. No-one yet have noted that they have actually done this mod.

 

Thaks for the fast reply. Yes I noted that no-one has completed this mod, but I'm not sure if I should take the risk and try it.

Do you know in which regions Sony used to offer the SSD+HDD combination?

Cheers
F
Flam

 

Is tt screen matte like on vpc-z or vgn-z screen? Is tt screen better than z screen or they about same? Thank you

 

In the EU later models were offered CTO that were 2.5" HD models only. If you got such a model you could add your own SSD but you would need to change the connector to add RAID. The 2.5" and single ssd uses a FPC-142 connector.
Sony Vaio VGN-TT HDD Upgrade Cable FPC-142 | eBay

I know 2.5" models were sold in the US but whether those also came with an SSD i'm unsure.
The SSD/HD models were sold in Japan.

 

Thanks for that Info, didn't know that there were Models with only a 2.5" HDD. That might also work for what I intend to use it. Do you happen to know a model number with this configuration?

Thanks for all the Infos, you were really helpful!

Cheers
Flam

 

HDTV4me you may want to start a post about your question in the main Sony forum if you don't get a response. I know that a few past owners have personally owned both models. It's though i feel closer to the VGN-Z.

Flam, they didn't have a specific model number, at least not in the EU anyway. It was just sold as a TT4XXXX model with it's own config code at the end that just appears to be shown as TT4 in the BIOS and possibly on the laptop itself. TT4 models in the UK were configuration only. In the US it may have been five numbers/letters for configuration models.

I see that ssd/hd models were also sold in the US. Here is a post from an owner.
http://forum.notebookreview.com/son...-tt-series-owners-thread-146.html#post6153755

http://forum.notebookreview.com/6681481-post1741.html

 

Hi guys,

Can I ask what the closest brand new laptop I could buy today that will match the spec of the TT?

I used to have a TX2 and loved it. Unfortunately I missed out on the TT and was reluctant to buy a refurbed one for the money involved without a warranty. Therefore I settled for a MacBook Air 11". Whilst it is nice, I miss the integrated optical drive and backlit keyboard

I'm thinking the Panasonic Toughbook S10 might be my only option now that the Z series no longer has an integrated optical drive but I'm not sure of a UK release date for this?

Any other ideas guys?

 

I would say take a look at the Fujitsu P771. It's 12.1 and weighs just under 3lbs with the optical removed/with the weight saver. The internal optical is modular and can replaced by 2nd battery/weight saver. It's got a 1280x800 display which i think is ok, i've got the P770 version with me right now.

Looks wise the Sony TT wins but if you can live with that it's worth looking at.
I posted some pictures here of the P770 and the Sony TT. The P770 is actually the same thickness as the P771.
http://forum.notebookreview.com/fujitsu/602204-p770-impressions-wwan-upgrade.html

It's a shame they appear just to be sold online so you can't just go take a look at one instore.

It though doesn't have a backlit display. I'm not sure if the Panasonic S10 does either. I know that the s10 doesn't come with a webcam which for some people is a non issue though.

 

Hi Alex

Finding a sub-notebook replacement as uniquely good as the TT seems almost an impossibility - an optical drive is an absolute must for me.

You can occasionally still find TT's brand new with warranty on eBay - I just recently purchased one for a daughter from:

Gadgetsonline

There is a current auction:

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/SONY-VAI...5879896?pt=AU_comp_laptop&hash=item2566a501d8

Only available in Gold and only with SU9300 (1.2Ghz) and 160GB HDD. But the gold actually looks very elegant in the flesh.

KJ

 

How does the screen quality on the Fujitsu compare to the TT? I take it the P771 is the SB update? I just looked at the prices and for like $200-250 more I could easily get a brand new base Vaio Z(not sure if the doc is standard or not). I would love to see a TT replacement(from any manufacture really) that is priced closer to the Air, while still having the high quality screen we have been accustomed to.

 

@ coldmack, i don't really want to compare the displays yet. I had the laptop for i think about 8 days and i don't have it right now. When i get it back i will take another look. I formed an early opinion but then i thought i better take a look again. I can say though that the P770 is a matte display. The TT is a hybrid. TN matte displays have narrower viewing angles.
The TT is a very vibrant quite saturated display.
The P770 has good colour reproduction.
What i want to look at again is colour accuracy. I've used my TT as a guide of how things should look. In some rare cases i've bought stuff online and got them and found them different from the picture. I've since checked this to with other computers.
I need to look at this again and see what is happening with it. Is the P770 more accurate in colour reproduction or is my TT and that's what i'm going to look at in the future. The TT may well could need a colour profile.

The PXXX series is quite an expensive purchase. I'm not looking to replace my TT yet but when i do it will be on my radar. Also, you can pick them up cheaper through the Fujitsu outlet store on ebay. They often sell new and refurbished products on ebay.

 

Well if I decide to get one I would get the SB model so maybe by October it maybe cheaper? Do you know what the color gamut on P7xx series is, and if its 8bit(or8bit driver) like the TT/Z?

I right now kind of have my eye on the 12.5in LG P220 with its IPS display and go external dvd. If not that the 12.5in Samsung Series 4 with its IPS display(unless I read that wrong) or maybe 12.5in Series 3 if that also turns out to be IPS.

 

I read some older posts and noticed that it might be possible to get the bezel from the Blue Ray versions separately. Am I right that, at least theoretically, HDD Caddies for the Blue Ray drive should fit perfectly if the BD Bezel is also used? If that's the case then it might be quite an easy undertaking.

Cheers
Flam

 

Hi Flam

These couple of snips from the service manual may help:

KJ

 

Also found a wholesaler clearance house selling new VAIO's:

SONY_Laptops_eebbc.com - Powered by ECShop

The TT Model is a TT46GG/B - pricing looks good.

KJ

EDIT: Opps ignore the above re eebbc.com:

http://www.ripoffreport.com/directory/eebbc-com.aspx

 

@coldmack, i'm not certain at this point. I'll check in the future and update in the P770 impressions thread in the Fujitsu forum.

Flam, yes that's correct, you can purchase the bezel that was used for the models with a Panasonic DVD drive/BD as a spare part.

 

Thanks for the answers..

What I mean is this auction:

SATA Hard Drive caddy replace UJ232A Blu-Ray DVD Drive | eBay

If I buy this caddy and the BD Bezel of the TT it should theoretically work right? Has anyone seen the BD Bezel? In the auction there's a photo of the bezel so maybe someone can confirm that is has the same connectors?

Cheers
Flam

 

Wow what a brilliant solution! - As I read it, the BD ODD Bezel should be a perfect fit. Much tidier than finding all the Sony parts for a factory designed Non-ODD retrofit, although you would miss out on the possibility of the third USB port.

KJ

 

Flam, i've not really looked into this mod too deeply. I can say though looking at past experiences from VGN-Z VPC-Z owners they have had issues with power consumption and the drive spinning up. They have also had other issues. This is what i was refering to in the Sony TT TPM 2.5 HD thread.
May be have a read of these threads. There are other threads as well.
http://forum.notebookreview.com/son...tical-drive-hdd-can-feel-spinning-normal.html

http://forum.notebookreview.com/sony/315001-vaio-vgn-z-second-hard-drive-ssd-working-solution-2.html

http://forum.notebookreview.com/sony/539014-z-series-newmodeus-caddy-questions.html

http://forum.notebookreview.com/sony/469244-z11-replace-dvd-hdd-working-solution.html

http://forum.notebookreview.com/sony/529851-vaio-z-hdd-power-management.html

Sony provide the FPC-142 connector and brackets that could possibly omit some of these issues as the TT has the capability to be used without having these issues. I don't know for sure if the TT might experience those issues using the same type of caddy and connector. Someone in that thread suggested-

 

Rachel,

I'm sorry, but there are a lot of links around. You can call me an idiot or whatever you prefer, but I can't figure out which is the specific thread for how to replace the hard drive. I would appreciate, if it's possible, for you to post a direct link here or by PM.

You know, Sony finally got their act together on my F13 which has its own hard drive door on the bottom.

 

This is a link to the dissassembly thread.
http://forum.notebookreview.com/sony/114814-sony-models-specs-support-dissassembly-links.html

 

Thanks. There are lots of threads there. This is the only one I found marked "TT." ???????????:VAIO typeT?TT??????????????? It's in Japanese!

Did you mean something else, like one for the TX?

 

Yes, that is the thread. That is the only guide that there is free. This guide though i believe translated was being sold on ebay but for a price. The pictures really show the large majority steps that you need to follow. You could also attempt to put it through google translate.
I wrote a note here also how the TT casing should be opened.
http://forum.notebookreview.com/6117546-post1435.html

 

you might have covered this in the last 2083 posts but has anyone seriously looked at the Vaio type Z as a possible TT replacement? up to core i7, 1.15 kilos, SSD option, bluray. It's 13 inch which is a bit bigger but I'm interested as there's no other real options at the moment apart from a macbook air, and certainly no options with an optical drive.

 

Sadly the optical drive is external and part of the docking station. Otherwise a very attractive piece of kit. Lack of integrated optical drive rules it out for me.

The TT remains quite powerful enough for my general computing needs. I've recently bought myself a second unit (TT46) as a backup.

KJ

 

Any good recommendations on finding a TT with SU9400 (or better) processor, SSD (any configuration), and blu ray? There was one on my local craigslist with these specs but I couldn't get it in time. These computers seem really hard to find especially in the higher end spec.

 

Agree.

I too couldn't get in time to bid on a TT27GD identical to mine that was on TradeMe NZ (and it went for a bargain price!).

KJ

 

Have you considered the sony z2 series or fujitsu P771? I found the 11.1 screen hard to focus on for more then 30 minutes.

 

Although not directed at me, I want something even more compact than my Z1 but with more power than my P. I still like the novelty of having a BD drive build in.

 

Found this on eBay, although only SU9300. Has 160GB Intel SSD, HDMI, Blu-Ray:

Sony VGN-TT190 , 8GB, Intel g2 SSD, Bulray, HDMI, Dock | eBay

KJ

 

Thanks for the link. Looks like a brand new auction (didn't see it yesterday). Although the specs are close to what I'm looking for, the price is way higher than I'm prepared to pay right now. The TT I missed out on last week with my dream specs (256SSD Raid 0, BD drive, SU9400) was going for $800 on craigslist. So paying more than double that for inferior specs is too tough a pill for me to swallow right now/ I'll suffice with my computing combo for now.


Odd, listing says 160GB SSD but the computer only sees 100GB.


Edit: Are the 1.6Ghz processors only available in the European/ Japanese markets? I think the highest one for the US was the SU9400 with a 1.4ghz clock.

 

No the 1.6 was also available in the US...

 

Hmm guess they're quite rare/ haven't been looking hard enough. There's such a small second hand market for these guys.

 

I did once check out a VAIO Z2 in a Sony shop and was very impressed. At least to my eyes it looked even nicer than the TT. And the size was ok too.

The TT 11.1" screen is still acceptable with my ageing eyesight - I just need to visit the optician a little more often these days! It's a good size for my mobile lifestyle, good size for aircraft, and fits perfectly in my Waterfield Designs 11" Muzetto and STM Extra Small Scout.

Might look at adding a Z2 to my collection...

KJ

 

Can you confirm the size of the Z2 in your opinion compared to the TT/ I read on the websites the Z is:
2.5 lbs. (with standard battery, 4000mAh)1
13.0" (W) x 0.66" (H) x 8.27" (D)1
and the TT is:
The TT weighs in at 2.8 pounds and measures 13.0 x 10.2 x 0.9 inches

in which case this would be the perfect upgrade for me as it's a bigger screen but the same size (actually a bit smaller)

 

Kendall, are you sure you didn't see a Z1? The Z2 is a little wider than the Z1. It's not though a huge amount of difference.

I posted some links to comparasion pictures of the new Z series and other models here.
http://forum.notebookreview.com/7682674-post3696.html
This is the new Z though with what looks like an X series so you get a good idea of the different dimensions.
http://kunkoku.com/new/bimages5/z91.jpg
http://kunkoku.com/new/bimages5/z95.jpg
http://kunkoku.com/new/bimages5/z119.jpg
http://kunkoku.com/new/bimages5/z109.jpg
When it comes to me replacing my notebook and condensing two notebooks into one i most likely will go for a 12.1 P series Fujitsu notebook.

 

Rachel - yes of course you are correct and thanks for pointing it out. I mistook the Z1 refresh model (which has some design differences to the first Z models) as a Z2. The very latest Z I thought of as a 'Z3'

So it's the Z1 refresh model that interests me (because it can have an integral optical drive).

Fujitsu I do have respect for - last year I sold a heap of the 11.6" P3110 model and not one has failed or returned with warranty issues. Very solid and well made considering the P3110 was a low-ish end model. I've not seen a lot of other Fujitsu models (they don't appear to have much of a market presence here in NZ).

If lack of an internal optical drive is not an issue, the Intel version of the 11.6" Lenovo X121e looks interesting - I await reviews.

Kendall

 

Aussie, the TT dimensions are: 11 x 7.87 x 0.93 inches (with standard battery fitted).)

 

There was a post a month ago from one of our forum members quoting a sony rep at a trade show that alluded to a TT refresh this fall. Did this have any corroboration and how likely is the refresh?

 

It appears that the Sony SE is the only laptop model on the horizon this autumn according to some informed posters in this thread.
http://forum.notebookreview.com/sony/604188-whats-next-vaio.html
With more ultrabooks coming onto the market though who knows what may happen beyond autumn.