Official Sony VAIO TT Series Owners Thread

You also need to remember that these are bare minimum specs to get the game running - not well, but running. There is then a massive difference between minimum specs and recommended specs to play a game as well.

Yes the 4500MHD is a decent card for an intergrated solution but the recommended specs mention an 8500 desktop card and I don't think the Intel Intergrated card will match that for performance, even though the 8500 is a basic card.

World of Warcraft is another game that seems to suffer from people stating it can be played in intergrated graphics when realistically if you actually play WoW you know that this is rather far from the truth (I play WoW, even tried to get it running on an EeePC...pfft...lol)

This is not to say I won't try to get it running so I can at least use the AH when out and about with my TT..hehe

Basically if people want to run 3D games they need the correct hardware to do so otherwise the game just does not function the way it should, and I don't know about anyone else but I prefer to play a game the way it was meant to be played with all the shaders, details and AA working to produce some nice visuals.

 

Hello geekygirl,

You are right. I was thinking 4500MHD is more powerful that it is because Half Life (with hi-definition textures) runs perfectly on my TT.

But compared to GeForce 4 or ATI 8500, 4500MHD is not so bad. I have found some benchmarks (3D Mark 01 at 1024*768)

1. ATI 8500 : 6300 points (I think it is the desktop edition)
2. Intel 4500MHD : 5964 points
3. nVidia GeForce 4 420Go : 4300 points (mobile edition)
4. nVidia GeForce 2 Ultra : 3879 points

Sources : Notebookcheck and Multi-Hardware

 

I installed the Windows 7 beta (build 7000) and can report that it works well on the TT 190.
Just a few items in Device Manager did not work out of the box, but installing drivers from esupport (Sony) for these took care of that.
Even the volume buttons on the front work fine. I also tried installing the Vaio Notebook Utilities, but the battery checker part of this install will make Windows 7 report a battery error and force the machine into hibernation. So word of advice - don't install that

Anyway, the only thing I can't figure out is the light sensor. Anyone know which drivers are required to make that work and where I can find them? I think if that can be found then everything on the TT works in Windows 7 beta 1 which is great!

Windows 7 seems fast and responsive, has impressive boot times, and generally just feels a lot quicker than Vista. There's also some more eye candy and nice small changes, and so far my apps work fine.
Only thing I can't get to install is MacDrive from MediaFour (making Windows able to read Mac disks). This simply reports that I am not running Vista and so it won't install - even with compatibility mode turned on.

/Soren

 

Really? there might be hope of some solo questing in WoW after all ....although the engine being used in Half Life is a bit older than the latest iteration of WoW, even on the Blizz forums people are having issues with the 4500MHD and WoW on 12.1" screens with lower res than the TT...but I will find out in a couple of weeks I guess and have something to write about lol

No its not a bad card for an intergrated solution and if you just have to run a 3D game on your machine (al la WoW ) but if you want said 3D game to run properly you should't get too upset when the 4500MHD doesn't deliver Well thats what I am telling myself anyways...lol

3dMark01? - hmm 3DMark05 or 06 would be a better comparison though given the 4500MHD is a DX10 card after all and 01 is using DX8 with 05 and 06 being DX9. But since they are comparing with 4-5 year old cards its definately an improvement! Actually in Notebookcheck I noticed they have ranked the 4500MHD not far below the 8400M GS..and I know that plays 3D game allright..not brilliant but playable (I am fussy when it comes to gaming!)

Are you running Half Life in DX9 or other? (as I know you can switch the version you use in the console) You might get higher fps using an earlier DX version?

Not too sure...but WoW is DX9.0c now and you cannot use OpenGL 2.0 real well with Vista..hehe..as you can tell I am trying to suss out the viability of running WoW on this thing now*mind trails off at this point*

Oh now I am really impatient and pacing whilst waiting for my TT to arrive!!

Going to have to hit up my lecturers at Uni about all this stuff now (DX versions and game performance that is and some, if any tweaks)

 

Hello Geekygirl,

I have chosen 3DMark 01 because Notebookcheck didn't test old GeForce cards with a newer software. I don't know if 4500MHD has enough power to run Second Life, which the game galaxyfaraway2000 wants to play.

I play to Half-Life 2 (yeh : I am a fan of Hallf-Life games) with my Vaio SZ71WN which is provided with a 8400M card. Half Life 2 runs almost well. I have tried Half-Life 2 with my TT, but it is slow and not playable.

I don't know which DirectX Half-Life uses on my TT. I have not installed DirectX. It must be part of Vista image installed in my TT by Sony.

Poor Geekygirl, I know that you have to wait for few more days to get you new TT toy. I am sure you will love it as I love my TT11LN.

If my English was not so bad, I should have written 100 more words in this message with its tiny keyboard. Yes I know, I should not. I stop now

Please, do not forget to post a lot of pictures of your TT on the forum when you will received it.

 

I guess I should install Second Life to try it out. It's been a while since I've seen a group of naked people with giant es flying around.

(awwww. It gets removed? Spoilsport)

 

...lol sounds like a dropzone party

I just don't get the whole Secondlife thing..especially the part about using your own money instead of game money to get things in-game....

denony: ah yes I can wait as I am getting it earlier than I was going to anyways - don't worry I will be taking a lot of pictures of it when I get it in my grubby little mitts

 

Well - it seems Second Life is not the hubbub (pretend or otherwise) it seemed to be originally; Just 40K logged on. On the upside, no-one walking or flying around with giant manhoods.

I'd say on mains power and in the High Performance power mode, Low detail mode produced just about usable performance for Second Life. In Vaio Optimised mode on battery power, many busier areas were too jerky to use. Mind you, if you hit up SL on smoother working modes on even a Z (and it is significantly better on the Z, with total usability in medium detail in full screen), the battery isn't going to last long. So I guess you're going to have to think about this. I do remember how comparatively jerky SL used to be even when I was using it on an 8800GTX, which was probably the last time I visited, so you do still need a discrete GPU for it for it to be 'OK' IMO.

I think for the vast majority of people looking for a single lightweight machine, the Z is a better all-rounder. People like me have more specific niches they like the TT for.

 

Hi there,

Happy new year 2009 !

I have added a lot of picture of my new VGP-VKTZ1 carryng case is my TT page :

• My Vaio TT11LN page

Sample :

 

Looking nice there Denony

 

I am testing a small USB keyboard : Keysonic ACK-595 C+



It works fine. Keys are large and feedback is realy nice (like old keyboards)

I use it to play action games (like Half-Life). So I will not dammage my TT built-in keyboard with rapid an repetitive hits

 

The White Vaio TT has been announced; see the Sony Vaio Site in Japan:

http://www.vaio.sony.co.jp/Products/TT2/

Platinum White + 2 designs


Platinum White


Cool Highlights


Vertical Stripe

 

Just got my TT in Kuala Lumpur, boosted it with additional 2GB RAM and my lappie is flying!
TT Rocks!

 

I ordered mine on 12/31 and they cancelled it yesterday. They already charged me for the case and shipped it though, LOL. Last night before class I was able to re-order it but now the wait starts all over again. They say shipping 1/20 but I hope it ships sooner.

 

Color Reproduction Difference Between Vaio TZ and Vaio TT

 

Thinking about getting a TT190, but have a couple of concerns that I'm hoping owners can help me address:

Screen robustness / build quality:

I have a TZ with a screen that cracked when someone put dropped a hardback book on it (screen lid closed) from a height of less than a metre.

At the Sony Store in LHT T5, I saw a chap test the flex in the TT screen (pinching with finger & thumb) and the plastic trim separated entirely from the edge of the screen with a rotation of less than 10 degrees or so)

Can anyone speak in favour of the build quality of the screen relative to the TZ?

Hard drive in place of optical drive:

I'm considering the option of 2 x 128 SSDs plus a regular drive in place of the optical drive. The configuration options are apparently for a 250 or 320 GB drive. Does anyone know if these are 2.5" drives? Also, is some kind of caddy / housing supplied in this configuration, or can a third drive be added afterwards to a TT configured with just the SSD drives? (I already have a 500GB 2.5" drive, so would prefer not to pay for a smaller drive, just to get the thing that it plugs into)

SD technology fast enough for ReadyBoost:

SD slot on my TZ90 was not fast enough to support Vista ReadyBoost. Does anyone know if the TT has more up-to-date architecture?

Wifi performance good enough for streaming media:

The Intel 5300 on my Lenovo X200 sucks. I noticed someone in this thread also reporting performance issues. I s that consistent with everyone's experience?


Thanks in advance for sharing your experience.

 

I have a new mystery:

Welcome Center shows that my TT has U9300 1.2G processors.

When I go to computer->properties->devices manager->processors
It shows that I have U9400 1.4G processors.

So, which one is lying and how?

Will TT owners please check your device manager?

 

So, I'm considering getting one of these. My main concern is how well it will playback HD video. Can this thing play 720p H.264 HP high bitrate video without stuttering? What kind of battery life does it get while playing that?

http://www.filedropper.com/chucksamples-001

That's a 10MB sample of the kind of video I'm talking about.

these are the details for the vid:

Code:

Format                           : Matroska
File size                        : 1.45 GiB
Duration                         : 42mn 17s
Overall bit rate                 : 4 904 Kbps
Encoded date                     : UTC 2008-12-02 14:50:14
Writing application              : mkvmerge v2.2.0 ('Turn It On Again') built on Mar  4 2008 12:58:26
Writing library                  : libebml v0.7.7 + libmatroska v0.8.1

Video
Format                           : AVC
Format/Info                      : Advanced Video Codec
Format profile                   : [email protected]
Format settings, CABAC           : Yes
Format settings, ReFrames        : 7 frames
Muxing mode                      : Container [email protected]
Codec ID                         : V_MPEG4/ISO/AVC
Duration                         : 42mn 15s
Bit rate                         : 4 317 Kbps
Nominal bit rate                 : 4 517 Kbps
Width                            : 1 280 pixels
Height                           : 720 pixels
Display aspect ratio             : 16/9
Frame rate                       : 23.976 fps
Resolution                       : 24 bits
Colorimetry                      : 4:2:0
Scan type                        : Progressive
Bits/(Pixel*Frame)               : 0.195
Writing library                  : x264 core 65 r1046M 71d34b4
Encoding settings                : cabac=1 / ref=7 / deblock=1:-2:-1 / analyse=0x3:0x113 / me=umh / subme=8 / psy_rd=2.7:0.0 / mixed_ref=1 / me_range=24 / chroma_me=1 / trellis=2 / 8x8dct=1 / cqm=0 / deadzone=21,11 / chroma_qp_offset=-2 / threads=3 / nr=0 / decimate=1 / mbaff=0 / bframes=5 / b_pyramid=1 / b_adapt=1 / b_bias=0 / direct=3 / wpredb=1 / keyint=250 / keyint_min=25 / scenecut=40(pre) / rc=2pass / bitrate=4517 / ratetol=2.0 / qcomp=0.60 / qpmin=10 / qpmax=51 / qpstep=4 / cplxblur=20.0 / qblur=0.5 / ip_ratio=1.40 / pb_ratio=1.30 / aq=1:1.00
Language                         : English

Audio
Format                           : AC-3
Format/Info                      : Audio Coding 3
Codec ID                         : A_AC3
Duration                         : 42mn 17s
Bit rate mode                    : Constant
Bit rate                         : 384 Kbps
Channel(s)                       : 6 channels
Channel positions                : Front: L C R, Surround: L R, LFE
Sampling rate                    : 48.0 KHz
Language                         : English

Thanks!

 

Link is no good. It is for uploading files.

BTW, In TT, there is an option to have a BR drive. So, does it mean it can play your file?

 

Okay, I uploaded it to rapidshare.

http://rapidshare.com/files/181278361/chucksamples-001.mkv.html

Edit: The other notebooks I'm looking at are the hp elitebook line 6930 or 2350, and the thinkpads, specifically the T400 and the x200s. I have a cousin who works for IBM so I could probably get maybe a 15-25% discount. But all those notebooks are bigger and uglier....

 

All you guys with these laptops & no experience to share?

 

Just tried to play the file, it plays full screen really smoothly, no stuttering at all. This is with 1.4Mhz CPU, 128GB SSD. It was played with Media Player Classic on FFdshow codec on XP. Can't talk about battery life as it's only a sample but I get negligeable power consumption increase during play (which is weird I realize...).

 

Concern is not only do we have to have a TT but also a TZ to compare. I myself went from TX to TT but here goes:

Quality of the screen is really good, I tried to flex it and nothing bad happened, nothing detached no crack sound. It feels more robust than my TX

Hard drive or SSD are 1.8". Check here: (this was posted earlier in the thread) add "t" to "ht*p" and cut and paste as I'm not allowed to post links yet... note: ht*p appears twice in each link!!)

ht*p://66.102.9.104/translate_c?hl=fr&sl=ja&tl=en&u=ht*p://kunkoku.livedoor.biz/archives/51534770.html&usg=ALkJrhjVyt60gILL_KSzB_C5odSUz68nAQ

and part2: ht*p://66.102.9.104/translate_c?hl=fr&sl=ja&tl=en&u=ht*p://kunkoku.blog.so-net.ne.jp/2008-10-07&usg=ALkJrhiuOTv419fCl-gJ1Fgtw4sD6D-SBQ

I had installed a 2.5" drive in my TX to supplement the 32GB SSD I had installed replacing the DVD Drive with no problem (I did not use a caddy I just double side taped it...) It should be the same for the TT (even easier as there's more room and you can still fabricate some kind of holder for the drive (not sure why you would need more than 256GB but it's your call)

ReadyBoost: no clue, I'm on XP

Streaming: I have to try again as last time I used it both the kids and myself were viewing a different movie coming from the same NDAS device... Of course I had stuttering but I could still watch which means one movie at a time should play magnificently, but it only was a regular Xvid encoded movie, I did not try any HD movie nor DVD streaming yet (and I was only 20 feet from the box and just a wall between it and the TT). BTW it's an intel 5100 on the TT not 5300, my streaming was on wifi G not N.

 

I can confirm your test result. I just used vlc and cpu's run at about 55%.

 

There are 2 port replicators Sony sells:
1 USB VGP-UR1
1 specific for the TT VGP-PRTT1
The TX had a sliding port door for the use with its replictor, easy to use.
The TT has an annoying plastic door that you have to pry(with a dime?) to remove to get access to the connection for the TT specific port replicator.
Can you use the USB VGP-UR1 with the TT series laptop? Or are you forced to use the bottom port door?

 

Is there any information about a TT refresh coming?

 

There is a new thread on Z refresh, and hidden in it is a new T refresh. You have to search for this thread.

 

Already?

*headdesk*

 

Well, I've been following this thread for a while now trying to decide on which laptop to buy and have pulled the trigger on a TT on Ebay. I'm generaly pretty caution with large purchases on Ebay, but I'm pretty happy with the result.

This is what I got: TT190NJB: 1.2GHz, 3GB RAM, 128GB SSD, XP downgrade for a bit under $2k.

I really like it so far, but have to do the fresh install since it really is loaded with a ton of stuff. But there were a few things that were a little surprising, presumably if I would have done my homework I would have known.

1) Not ALL of the TT models come with HDMI. I though for sure it was standard, but all I got was a lousy modem port next to the ethernet.

2) The box it was shipped in was standard Sony sealed etc., but it was not the clamshell type i have seen on many unboxings. It was a standard 'open the top' and slide out the inside packaging. It made me wonder for a second, but it does not look used/refurbished and has a MFD of 12/08.

3) No noise cancelling earphones. Again, I now know it is only on select models.

4) The stickers are also not the same as many pictures I've seen. Windows Vista and Intel on the left, and only an 'optional accssory' one on the right as well as a sony mousetype sticker on the front.

Other than this I'm very pleased. Almost went with the Z, but I had gone to a Sony store several months ago and couldnt stop coming back to the TT.

D.

 

I havent seen of any mention of a TT refresh.. will have to dig that thread now lol -_-'

 

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=339059

goto Orso's post (number 10) where he has links to new Z and new T. New T is really TT, has 64bit Vista, and lots of other good stuff, but the look is the same.

 

Vista 64 is the main thing that interests me, that way I could use the full 4gb of memory and I've had good luck with Vista 64 before. My TT is on order already though with Vista 32.

Will that mean that I may be able to download 64 bit drivers eventually? That is the only thing that would hold me back.

Can someone with a TT tell me how much memory I will have in Vista 32 out of the 4Gb? On other computers I've seen as low as 2.8Gb up to 3.5Gb. I've never used the 4500mhd before so I don't know exactly how much that will impact my available memory. Worst case I can imaging the OS seeing about 3Gb and then 1Gb or more reserved for the 4500mhd and only leaving me 2Gb or less, that would suck.

 

Although I had a Sony Z - it had 4500HD and on 4gb (32bit) the RAM shown was 3.2-3.4gb so its still plenty

 

So Sony are refreshing the TT? And yet they announced a 25% increase in price based on the OLD models? (Of which mine should be delivered this week)

I could understand an increase in price on a 'refresh' model but not on current stock...

*grumble grumble* lucky for you Sony I bought my 'soon to be old' TT at the end of last year.. shops for having Christmas holidays *grumble grumble*

(I am just irritated that the refresh is coming even though I havent gotten my 'old' model yet, as I would have hung out for that rather than rushing to pay before a 25% price rise... )

 

geekygirl, I'm in the same boat as you. What was your order date?

I don't see anything useful in the "refresh" though. Vista 64 should be able to be installed already as long as they supply drivers. I already will have 4gb and the SSD, so what is actually new? No faster CPU, no faster memory, no larger SSD, what am I missing here?

I did get about 10% off for a student discount but I still paid way too much for this thing. I haven't even gotten it yet and I've been researching the return policy! I think we have 30 days to return it for a full refund (minus shipping) but I've heard some say they could not do a return too.

I do think I'll like it and want to keep it but I really wanted to see it and use it before I committed to buying, so hopefully I do have some sort of return policy. Good luck with yours!

 

Sony hasn't raised prices on the TT in the U.S... I think what you're seeing is a reflection of the fact that the Australian dollar has declined sharply in recent weeks -- prices will probably be going up on a lot of other things you buy, as well. (we'll probably have the same thing happen here in Canada.. though thankfully Sony hasn't changed their prices here yet).

 

I believe they will up the prices across the board, since they are hurting and manufacturing less.

That being said, there is a refresh coming very soon.

I was on Sony's extended warranty registration page, which process by the way didn't go very well and I ended yelling at one of the retards over the phone. (will tell later)

There were options for a TT29X series. There were options for TT290/TT298/TT299.

My basic logic tell me that the TT298 will be with SU9600 and silk black, WWAN, while TT299 will be SU9600 with Vista 64 and premium carbon, WWAN and will cost about 5K or more, given the TT198 is almost 4.4K. (this is based on the way sony has been pushing updates over the years)

Back on the story for the warranty; Their stupid website wouldn't allow me to register my warranty with the dates in december I was giving and a message kept on popping up that the coverage will begin in 3/11/08.

I've picked up the phone, a drone took all the info that was already entered into the website and asked me for a proof of purchase. Funny thing is that I was already so freaking pissed, I told him he ain't getting anything unless he defines the logic behind his request. Given the laptop is a TT198, which is released in December, I've done a trade-in (which means they have a proof of purchase already) and they have the serial, which has a manufacturing date in December, this request seemed a bit off to me. So I asked for a supervisor, which as expected, he claimed that doesn't exist, although in the short time I was riding his @ss , they might have hired someone, because the lady after him had fixed everything.

 

23rd of December - I ordered through a company that deals in Sony products, not Sony directly - I buy all my notebooks through the same place.

Well a 64bit OS (Vista Home Premium or Ultimate) would be nice off the bat, I don't use XP (except for one of my networks that I have to use for work) and I would prefer a Media Centre than Business with downgrade rights - just means MORE money gets shelled out! Meh...I am over it lol

lol definately no discounts for me - I won't be returning mine as it is just what I have needed and am now waiting for it

Same to you

EDIT: no need to get into politics and the economy here lol

Now, I just need to do some accessory shopping for my TT...I already have a nice new Shinza Zeroshock sat here waiting, just need a new bag (I already know which one I am getting though), and anything else that might be useful on the road...anyone else?

What have you accessorised your TT with?

 

Let me guess, a Prada.

 

Let me guess, a Prada.

 

nah, they don't have such fancy bags down under

maybe a kangaroo pouch?

 

pfft Prada - I don't like that much of their stuff they have a 'unique' style that doesnt really excite me that much! lol I prefer Louis Vuitton

No there was another thread in the Accessories area where another user 'Vogelbung' (I think thats how you spell it apologies if it isnt lol) mentioned Knomo bags - well you can get them here now, as well as the kangaroo scrotum leather coin pouch shall work well with my TT...this is the bag I am going to get (and it is cheap too - bonus) http://rushfaster.com.au/product.php?pProductID=KNO-VIC001 I am also looking at this bag as well: http://rushfaster.com.au/product.php?pProductID=KNO-QUE008

Should be right carrying my TT around in either of those with the sleeve

kangaroo testicles ... *sigh*....lol

 

LMAO.. Quote of the YEAR!

 

I think the 2 you listed are too business like. I think your TT deserves a birkin. , but honestly, there is a Prada diaper bag that is more casual.

 

Does the TT fit in a birkin?

 

... kangaroos, ballz, prada and birkin.... I feel home...

I got a white CKTZ2 for my TT198. It is leather like or leather ... and cost 50$ refurbished.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=310112509755

 

White looks good. I have a black one. Birkin will fit for 2 TT's

 

If I had the money for 2 TTs, I would've hired one of the bimbos from Sunset Tan to carry them for me....

 

lol but business like is good for me given I am using my TT at work and at client locations with the occasional trip into Uni and flight here and there

besides they are not that business like - I have a Oxio Style messenger for more casual use

But on a good note I was told by the mob I am getting mine through that it should be here by Firday..finally yay...then I will have to write up a mini review with lots of photos over the weekend

 

Well, I did a custom TT order the other day here in Tokyo. I decided to go for it after playing with the Vaio P (which I felt was not particularly useful with such a high resolution, tiny and impractically wide screen; not to mention the poor battery life). Here are the specs I went with:

Color: Platinum White
CPU/RAM: SU9400 1.4Ghz/4GB
HDD: 250GB 2.5" Drive (which I'll be promptly replacing with a 128GB Patriot Warp II SSD)
Optical Drive: NONE (I hate optical drives and rip all my movies and music onto my NAS; I have a bus-powered external drive for installing OSes)

Not putting an optical drive in gives me the opportunity to install a 2.5" SSD drive instead. It was my goal to maintain the longest possible battery life and make the TT as lightweight and technically simple as possible.

As for the batteries, I ordered both the small and large ones. Actually, I had to order them directly through Sony, as the silver color is only available directly from Sonystyle Japan.