Official Sony VAIO TT Series Owners Thread

The HD slot is disc 0, and the DVDrom slot disc 1. Unlike early Sata sets there is no primary/secondary relationship. You can run a hard drive in the DVDrom slot with NO drive at all in slot 0.

 

Thanks for clarifying.

To those who have upgraded or replaced their 3G WWAN module, are you able to use it without the battery inserted?
As discussed here Sony deactivates the modem when the battery isn't inserted. It would be intersting to know if the mecanism shuts down the device only (by hwID?), the certain miniPCIe slot or even the whole PCIe bus. Are you able to to run an ExpressCard w/o battery inserted?

Does the BIOS white-/blacklists specific modems or can I replace the existing one with any modem using a miniPCIe connector?
Do modems have the SIM Card connectors at the same place?
Do modems use same Antenna connectors?
Will they come with a SIM card holder attached?
If not can I somehow use the existing one w/o soldering?

 

Looking at the ACPI DSDT code for the "Vaio Smart Network" doodad :

It looks like the BIOS sets up the table of populated WAN & Bluetooth devices prior to handing over control to the OS and ACPI. The ACPI table contains 4 WAN devices. EDGE / HSDP / EVDO / GPSP. These are boolean fields and are only read in the ACPI table, so I have to assume the BIOS pre-populates them. You could hack the ACPI code to force the laptop to believe one of them is present even if its not.

The WAN card uses a USB interface on the mini-PCIe connector. It looks like the rfkill device for this in the SNIC powers the entire device up and down. When you power it off it drops off the USB bus, and there is a couple of seconds delay after powering it back on before it reappears on the bus.

The answer to your question is a qualified "maybe".

 

Excuse me if I'm wrong, but going by their names all these entries appear to belong to one modem rather then different devices. Why would there be 4 entries? And are these entries able to represent non Sony OEM modems?

What is SNIC? Is this the same what happens when the battery is removed?

 

It would appear that way, but it's not. In the ACPI code there are 4 PCI ID's hardcoded. Each one is given a name, and it's those 4 names. I put an Intel 6300 wireless in by changing the ACPI code to recognise that as the WLAN card rather than the 5200 it came with. To use foreign cards that are not allowed for in the BIOS, you need to re-code the ACPI DSDT yourself to let the sony "smart network" app work with it.

The SNIC is the embedded controller that manages the hotkeys, light sensor, battery and other fruit. It is the SNIC which turns stuff on and off at the behest of the ACPI code, so yes that is probably what plays with the WWAN when the battery is out.

 

There are three reasons why I'd like to replace the built in GTM382W (MO0402):
- No 3G 900MHz band support
- Doesn't work w/o battery inserted (although SNIC might still interfere with the replacement as well)
- It fails sending USSD codes (strangely enough the device drops of the bus then re-initializes when trying to send USSD code!??)

But I'm not sure yet if its really worth the hassle and I don't even know if it will work w/o soldering (Maybe someone out there can give some information if the SIM holder can be re-used)

However, I'm interested in how your mod works. Is there a howto available or would you mind sharing the steps you took to accomplish the replacement?
I remember having my old tt's advanced BIOS unlocked with the EFI Loader (i can't find the link right now). Did you use this method to populate the BIOS with the new card information?

 

The vague handwaving description of what I did is linked below. There is more than a very real risk of that going badly wrong and bricking your shiny machine though. I suspect I went through with it more due to a naive trust in technology than a sound technical understanding :



The issue I see is the bit of the BIOS that I could get into and hack easily (relative term) only enumerated the WIFI card, not the WWAN card. I've not looked into the WAN card any further as I got a complete unit from fleabay and despite it's abysmal connection speeds (not the fault of the card but the network), I feel blessed to have any connectivity at all when on the road. There is no trace of WWAN enumeration in the DSDT. It relies on data it is fed from the SNIC. Nothing says you can't hack the DSDT to force it to report the presence of a WWAN card though.

The WWAN card is plugged into the interface card (that holds the SIM), so it's not a solder job to change it. You might have an uphill battle to get it going with Windows though. The sony smart network app is anything but smart. It's a duct tape and chewing gum kludge to make everything look shiny and slick, but it relies heavily on even worse BIOS code to tell it what is present. To be honest it's probably less dangerous and easier to hack the smart network app.

 

Thank you and good job you have done there! I pretty heavily rely on the modem since I'm on the road regularly.

You have just destroyed my dreams

You mentioned you are running linux. Does the sony-laptop module do the same job? Wouldn't it be easier going from there since I believe it is open source?

What about the Sony-branded versions of Option Gobi1000/2000?
Will they get along with my early generation European tt without modifications?

So there is no direct contact between the SIM card and the WWAN card? (sorry I won't get the tt before end of the month)


Although I don't like the idea too much, another way is to put in an expresscard modem.
I assume this way the modem isn't affected at all by SNIC / SmartNetwork and it can run independently of the wireless switch and w/o the battery inserted!?

 

I use mine _all_ the time and it's great. I just don't download 40GB torrents over it, and if I have to upload something big I do it over lunch.

Hrm.. Not really. Binary patching windows software is only barely more fun that poking your own eye with a red hot poker. Even having reference source code enough to understand the API mechanism makes it only slightly easier.

Sorry, have no idea. I don't really even know which card I have in mine. The BIOS recognises it, so I'm happy. lsusb gives the VID as "Option". Some random googling suggests it's a "Globetrotter M040x" or a "GTM382 W" based on it's VID ID of 0af0:7601

The SIM slot is soldered to a carrier card. The Modem plugs into the same card.

One would expect so. I just tested mine and yes, if I remove the battery the modem disconnects from the USB bus. Upon battery insertion it reappears in about 3 seconds. I can't imagine taking my Vaio out without a battery. It's not heavy enough to be a paperweight or doorstop (yes, I have a spare in the fridge).

 

I am using a Gobi 1000 card that came out of a VGN-Z5 in my Sony TT36/D which is a HK model. Here is one on ebay.
SONY VAIO VGN-Z51WG 3G WWAN MINI PCI-E CARD 2723A-UNDP1 | eBay
If you go for a Sony Gobi 2000 again getting it all to work with the Sony TT smart network software will be something that you need to look at.

If those other Sony branded cards are genuine then i cannot really see a problem but cannot obviously say those cards will definetly work. It's better to go for one at least that is from a laptop pull at least until someone has tried one of those branded cards.

I'm not quite sure if this is what you were asking.

 

Hey guys, have a quick question if you don't mind. I lurked around here a little under 2 years ago to research about getting a TT and everyone was really helpful. Unfortunately I bought and barely used the computer. I don't want to break any rules or anything, I am not trying to sell it here but I have been considering putting it up for sale. May I ask would my best bet be like an auction site? I had purchased it from Conics, it was one of the last models made before it was discontinued and I ordered the highest model, pre loaded with Windows 7, 256 GB SSD, blu-ray etc. May I ask what realistically would I get for it now? I paid $4100 for it and probably used it 5 times on flights. Cosmetically it's perfect. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

 

Hi Rachel (SuperMod), would it be possible to PM the service/disassembly manual for the TT?

I need to do a keyboard replacement on my TT17GN, as the left Ctrl and 'W' keys have/are failing on mine (just bought another keyboard off eBay). I've had my TT apart before, but the area around the keyboard/trackpad/card reader is a bit of a 'mare and I bought the keyboard only (not with the bezel, which I probably should have having read here since).

Cheers,
Matt.

 

The service guide i doubt will help you with it. It seems that what you need is a diassembly guide.
This is what is freely available on the net-
???????????:VAIO typeT?TT???????????????
You can put it through google translate but you might find that the pictures are enough of a guide to go off.
In the very first post in this thread i wrote a note on how the TT should be opened and it's bolded, you might want to read that as well.

 

hello guys,
I am new TT owner...
I would like to know if someone has swap to SL9600 CPU and battery life after this mod...

I'm looking for service manual also, Rachel can you help me?

 

Products are not "expired." Some warranties may be, but the products are fine.

People like me love the TT because it has so many great qualities that are not seen in newer machines of the same form factor and weight. (I think only the MacBook Air comes close.)

Most of us would just love to have a new Sony 11" screen with Win 7 and at least an i5 processor.

 

I do not believe Windows 7 was released while the TT was still being made. Not even the TZ.

What year did you buy this machine?

 

I agree - Sony should really make (perhaps Ultrabook?) a new 11" model now. It's has been a very long time since the last good one (TT), and I think that the market will appreciate a new model with several color options, including white and blue.

 

markshah2 was a spammer lol and i was watching whether they would come back and spam but a moderator took care of it. It though did lead to some interesting discussion what they wrote.
I would like to see a high end 11" but i don't know if i can see that happening. I'm still really enjoying using my TT and probably when i wish to upgrade will get a Fujitsu 12.1 P series.
I do believe as well you could configure the very last gen TT series with W7 in Japan.
Fabry, i sent you a PM.

 

Thank you Rachel!
Can you send it again? (Link error)

Thanks again

 

this guy has, if you google it you'd see him on another forum... maybe you can ask him??

VAIO TT TURBO MODE - YouTube

basicly you could buy the cpu off ebay for like $100 then you'd need to find someone who does "reballing"

as the cpu is solidered on the board, a company can reball the cpu off and then stick the new one on.

easy!

i would do it myself but i have 2months left of warrenty and i already have a dell adamo with the sl9600...

 

I asked him yesterday... He said 25% less battery life... so about 4 hours with standard battery...
Maybe It's better to go on SU9600 1.6ghz

 

Hi guys! I have in my TT a Ssd Intel X18-M 160GB and now I bought a fpc-167 RAID SATA HDD/ODD Ribbon. I would like to know if I can put my old drive toshiba 4200rpm 160Gb as a D: and my Intel X18-M as a C: with this ribbon.
Tks!

 

It's been a while that you posted, have you tried it yet?
I did not have a good experience when i just left my drives in JBOD. The laptop will pick the drives up when you restart and i don't see why it wouldn't work with the two different drives. You just have to make sure that the Intel one is your boot drive. I found that it made my laptop unstable.
Btw, happy new year and the best in 2012 to you all.

 

It seems like Sony isn't selling keys separately, and a full keyboard isn't worth it to me. So, is there anywhere I can just get one key + the thing that connects it to the computer? All I am missing right now is my down key. Thanks.

 

Hi Rachel! I bought my fpc-167 on Ebay and didn´t arrive yet. I guess that the two hard drives will not fit in TT. Do you use only one drive?
Tks!

 

one key from sony vaio vgn-tt series keyboard 148094311 UK one key only!!!! | eBay

 

Yeah that who I ordered from earlier today. Turns out they don't have the key I want, but I am hoping they do have the up, left, or right key as I only really need the clip, and white/clear material.

 

rhumba, i don't know if you've seen this thread, if not this thread contains some pictures that might interest you. There is one picture of two SSD's made to fit inside the TT.
I am just using one 256GB SSD now. I didn't really notice any real benefit and the single drive bench marked about the same to me anyway. I posted some benchmarks in that thread.
http://forum.notebookreview.com/son...upgrade-crappy-slow-hdd-rocking-fast-ssd.html

 

Hi, Rachel! Yes I already seen this thread, but I wanna try one SSD and one toshiba MK1617GSG 160GB. Do you know if will fit?
Tks!

 

hi everybody

I installed windows 7 32 bit on my tt21wn/b with integrated 3g modem (and I have problems with it)

I found latest drivers from the option website but there is a notice

"This driver installer can only be used in Windows 7 Mobile Broadband mode. After installation, connection of the Option device can be made through Windows Mobile Broadband instead of using Option connection managers.
Important note: This driver CANNOT be installed on any other Microsoft OS than on the Windows 7. If you already have installed the GlobeTrotter Connect, this driver package CANNOT be installed on top. This will create a driver conflict. "

Now, in device manager I have the modem installed, but I can't find a software to make the connection. the globetrotter connect 3 isn't working (waiting for device)...

in the above option disclaimer, they say that the connection can be made through Windows Mobile Broadband, but I can't find it....

 

Hey yordanrhapsody,

try MWConn, a very powerful connection manager.
Setup is not fully automated and you might have to adjust some settings to your needs. But it comes with a well documented PDF.

Its well more advanced than most connection managers with many additional features, it even has an option to remote control your PC by texting the modem.

 

hi i'm new here, while i was lurking around the net on how to install 8gb of ddr3 into my vaio-tt11m i found this forum and it's really full on informations.
I installed those ram now but the bios is useless and set them at 400 MHZ and i cannot change anything..
the question is:
Is there a way to install a TRUE BIOS inside this vaio-tt ?
Do you have any modded-bios or something like that?
Thanks in advance^^

P.S: the next step i will do (when i'll find enough money ) is looking for a 160/256 1.8" SSD and replace that slow 4200rpm hdd ^^

 

Welcome! Have a read here:

EDIT: Search for "Advanced form" within the article

 

hey thanks for the answer, i had already found that one link, but i thought it wasn't exactly what i had in mind (also because VT was officialy implemented by sony in later bios) Probably that "advanced form" is indeed what i was looking for. Thanks i will try to "study" that article if i won't find any custom firmware around^^

But here nobody tried to change memory frequencies (or that "advanced form" bios modification is the only way around?)? i thought a lot changed ram on our vaio-tt

 

Hello, please somebody can tell me if the TT46GG have HDMI port or NOT?
I can buy one in good conditions but im really interested in HDMI port.
Also if dont have port is possible to upgrade it or no?
Thanks in advance for helping me

 

The TT46GG doesn't come with HDMI. Yes it is possible to upgrade it with HDMI. Do a search on this thread for details.

KJ

 

Yes, it can be done as Kendallj pointed out.
This post may interest you, i did this mod but paid someone to do it. I see now it is not that hard to do and could have probably done it myself but didn't want to open up the laptop at that time.
http://forum.notebookreview.com/son...-tt-series-owners-thread-198.html#post7437898

I would also suggest that you search on this forum members posts because from what i can recollect they did this mod quite recently.
http://forum.notebookreview.com/7975574-post2144.html

I guess there might be way to get it done if does not fit if you you don't mind to void the SSD warranty. Keep us updated how you get on.

I wrote a mini guide that is liked in the first post of this thread. I don't know if you've seen it but if not you might the post helpful.
http://forum.notebookreview.com/6912102-post31.html

 

Hello,
some tip on wich is the best ssd disk to install on my tt-46gg ? i want buy a 256gb but im really lost on wich model buy, so im looking for the quickest and reliable on market.....
thanks for any suggestion

 

Pippone: I'm looking to do similar for my 2 TT's. Given the age of the TT's SATA interface, I wonder if the that will be becoming a bottleneck for newer SATA3 drives? I've pretty well decided to go with Samsung MZUPA256HMDR drives - they seem reasonably priced and I think will still perform well enough. Any other comments from the forum?

KJ

 

Hello, finally i decided to buy (and i just waiting to receive) an INTEL 320 G3 160Gb SSD disk, hope to receive soon and will post benchmarks here to share the infos.

Also, about bluray disk im a "little" confused...

The UJ242 from a lenovo fit in sony TT and the eject button and reset hole are working or no?
..and the OEM UJ242 (not from lenovo) that is sold on ebay is different or?
Thanks to who can help me!

 

Pippone999, i see you posted in the thread i started about the UJ232A/UJ242A drive differences. If the bezel physically fits and i'm not talking about lining up here the eject button then you may be able to use it but just have to use the eject button at the front of the laptop instead of the physical buttons on the bezel to operate the BD drive. The drives are different in how they line up the pinhole. I think what Zoinks wrote here should apply to the TT series also.
http://forum.notebookreview.com/6131190-post48.html
I've not tried it so don't know for sure but that's what i got from that thread anyway.


On another note, the Panasonic 12.1 1600x900, with webcam, approx 2.5lbs SX1 series looks very interesting. The TT series is still serving me well but the above model is a real contender for when i am looking to buy my next laptop.
http://forum.notebookreview.com/panasonic/640912-new-thin-12-1-hi-res-notebook-cf-sx1.html

 

From what I understand the UJ242 can work on the TT (and VGN-Z for that matter). The issue is the eject button on the keyboard AND the one on the drive itself.

- Firmware differences mean that the eject button on the keyboard may not work
- Structural / physical differences means that the eject button on the drive will not line up with the bezel (designed for a UJ232 or the UJ862, which is the stock DVD writer used by Sony on the TT and VGN-Z if I recall right). Hence meaning you're left with the button on the keyboard (which itself may not work).

Though if memory serves correct the emergency eject pin-hole is still at the same location as the UJ232.

Assuming you're looking for a drive for the TT, I'd play it safe and go look for a UJ232. The ones that Sony use have a specific-looking drive label on the drive's casing. As do the ones that are used by Lenovo and Dell. Though the following link may help (a break down of a blu-ray capable TT):
???????????:VAIO typeT?TT???????????????

And I echo what Rachel said about Panasonic's new offering. Should my Z decide to die on me any time soon, I'll seriously look into that. Or probably the Gigabyte M2432.

 

Yesterday my Sony TT took a bit of a tumble. I got a bit carried away singing and had my laptop rested on my bedstead which is like 3ft 5 inches high. I got distracted by may be by a slight twinge and my laptop fell. It fell onto my wooden floor and hit the floor at an angle. Luckily only the bezel around the display seems to be damaged.
I don't think i will contact my insurance over that. The rear bezel seems to cost about $192 and it's not sold seperately. The inner part is perfect.
I was wondering if anyone recommends something to deal with such type of cracks? I should get it done now before it possible gets even worse. It's white so something that will blend is of course preferable.

 

...You're not the only one with bad luck dropping your beloved Vaio these days...

I can't comment on parts, but maybe for cracks. My VGN-Z has the low-end plastic bezel and lid. The chassis (aka, the body), as with all VGN-Z irrespective of generation or customization at factory, is carbon fibre mixed with plastic.

My drop resulted in the bezel suffering small cracks. Specifically...
- Small cracks on LCD bezel and lid, where it meets with the right-side hinge.
- Power barrel has 'crunched-in' a bit.
- The above has cracked the mid-plate, as the barrel bent-in excessively upon impact (in the VGN-Z this is the bit above the chassis but below the keyboard assembly)
- And due to the second point, my chassis also has a few cracks near the barrel.

It's been a week since the drop and I've opened and closed the lid numerous times, and moved around with the Z on a number of occasions already. And I've been noticing wee black 'bits' where the laptop once was a few minutes before. All from near where the right hinge is. Another way of putting it, the cracks are giving way.

From a visible perspective though nothing seems to have changed though (minus the barrel being slightly crunched in). The cracks don't seem to be widening. Maybe the cracks are just 'stabilising' themselves.

Yeah... Unsure how significant your damage is without seeing it in real life, but from the photo there it looks like it's affected the upper part of the outer bezel / case. That part's usually made a little tougher / thicker than the inner bezel for obvious reasons (you might be able to feel the difference in plastic; I certainly can on my Z). But considering that area is usually where the bezel experiences force (opening and closing lid), it might pay watching the area for at least the next week. Just to make sure nothing's visually changing.

As for recommendations, taking into account how much I treasure my Z (and you your TT), I might consider looking for parts on eBay again (VaioRefurbs might help...?). Though I probably wouldn't be able to justify the US$192 for the part alone, which I'm guessing is what Sony wants. A simpler alternative might be a bit of tape at the area. Though being Vaio owners that'll probably be a no-no.

 

If I were to repair it DIY I would use an epoxy compound (2 parts mix).Fill in the crack using a spatula(i have several dentist ones) and smooth it out as best as you can.I advise to use some masking tape at both edges of the crack to avoid overspreading.It should settle in about 20min or so.Remove the tape right after applying the epoxy in order to avoid any sticking of the tape...Of course you are not getting it white but you can go to a paint shop amd they can match the white of your TT and give you a small sample...Get a fine brush and gently touch up the repaired area...perhaps more than once...Also when paiting use some masking tape...Other than that get new parts....

 

5ushiMonster and Zimbros12, thanks for your help. 5ushiMonster it's good to read though that your Z is still soldering on but sorry to read that you've had unfortunate luck with dropping it recently also.

Zimbros12, i don't really want to pay out for new parts/see about making a claim just yet if this is redeemable. I have just bought some 2 part expoy adhesive glue, i hope it is the same as the compound. Thanks for the tip. I will try this first and see how it goes.

 

The one I am talking when you mix both parts it is like a putty...should dry out +/- 20 min but u should let it go for at least 24 hrs for proper curing..
http://www.firemountaingems.com/details.asp?PN=H204783BS ....Molding compound

 

Thanks Zimbros12.
I contacted vaiorefurbs and asked him if there was a way that i could buy the rear bezel. In the manual it looks like it should be possible to buy this part but it's not listed in the parts and neither is it listed as a part on any websites under the standard listed parts.
Vaiorefurbs told me it should be possible and this part is called the horseshoe. Today he gave me a part number that it most likely it-
4-000-662-41 COVER ANTENNA WAN/NONE [White]
It is $93 and i think i will take a chance with that. It's around £50 so not too bad and cheap enough for me not to go the DIY route.
I've attached the picture to what i was referring to in the manual, it is i think part 1017.

 

^ IMO you have made the best decision...and lucky you you can find the part specially in white(not 2 many around)..Also SPAREPARTSW'HOUSE has it as FACTORY DIRECT for USD100.56 not including shipping...Why don't you call them
just to make sure it is the right part..1.877.253.8898 M-F 8AM-6PM EST..

 

Thanks Zimbros12, it is the part i need. For some reason if you search on some models it does not list the part on the Sony website. By searching on this model VGNTT290NAW i did though find it listed. I also found the wan cover part number for the black model 400066212, the white one carries a $30 premium. I searched on the web and saw it was the part i needed.

I purchased that today and will get it sent to a friend to ship onto me. I also bought the COMPL_SWX-295 (PW_SW) (S) A1599662A this is the power button switch. Once last week my laptop was refusing to turn on. It's not CMOS related as i had already reset that the day before. I had issues with this before and replaced this part and it resolved my issue. It's ok now but it's only a $2.65 part so i may as well buy it just in case it got damaged in the fall. Hopefully there isn't a bit more damage lurking under the surfaces that i'm not aware of that could cause that.