Official Sony VPC-Z2 (VAIO Z 2011) Series Owners' Thread

Windows has no idea whether your disks are in an array or not (unless you are using Windows software RAID). Windows has a tiered driver model - a file system driver will communicate with a storage port driver (e.g. hard drive vs CD-ROM). The Windows mini-storport driver will communicate with a vendor supplied hardware driver that implements that actual commands to send to the RAID controller or disks (vendor SW RAID) - assuming this is not standard IDA/ATAPI etc, for which Microsoft supplied drivers.

Windows will still send the TRIM commands if you want, but (at least today), unless you are using an enterprise RAID controller, the RAID controller will ignore the TRIM commands.

No

 

Does anybody know how well this plays Starcraft 2? Can it do high/ultra?

 

So, I today got an email, informing me, that Sony started building one for me Ordered on 10.8, payed 16.8, today start of build and estimated ship date is 26-31.8. So hopefully the sooner, the better

 

ukwrappers got back to me

My response

 

the logo is probably sony property. I doubt they'd be able to put one on there.

 

FWIW, the Crumpler Friday Nylons Friday Nylons - Crumpler fits quite well, both with and without extra battery. The leather version has a magnetic latch (two positions) both of which don't fit quite well (as the Z is slightly wider than an Air I suppose)

 

Shhh, we won't tell anyone

 

Does anyone know if I do a complete system image backup with win7 ultimate this will also safetly backup the hidden Sony recovery partition also. I was thinking of doing a backup then reformatting to get the extra space the hidden partition uses. But if I mess it up would be good to know I could re image everything back.

 

Another email from ukwrappers

 

If any of the usual suspects want to test some updated graphics drivers for the Z2 let me know. I put together a AMD/ATI 11.8 - Intel 2476 set. The usual testmode driver signing garbage is required so if you are willing to be a guinea pig drop me a msg. These of course are unofficial. *Usual Disclaimer of heat, lockup, crazy things potential. Test at your own risk.*

 

I´ve already downloaded your package an i´ll try testing tomorrow if possible - i´ve a lot of work to do this week but i´m very excited

 

I'll give her a go

 

Z1 feet vs. Z2 feet - are they that different? I bought two of them for my Z1 and don't have a problem sliding it into the sleeve:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/sony/291748-vaio-z-sleeves-bags-cases-thread-19.html#post4083682

It's much more difficult with the TZ because of its edgier design. Sometimes the flap gets jammed between the palm rest and the display.

 

Thats what i thought. Just make it a little roomier, i like it roomy anyways.

 

Thanks,
No rush. I appreciate the testing.

PM'd. I was just going to send it to you anyways as I figured you would be up for it.

 

do you think your drivers set will allow overclocking (afterburner/trixx)

 

FYI for anyone who doesn't have a PMD and updates to the latest Intel HD video drivers from the Intel Support website; I tried this earlier and initially everything looked ok, but it messes with the auto brightness settings. I have my display set to autobrightness, but will sometimes increase or decrease manually as I see fit. On the old driver, my manual setting remained unless the ambient light changed considerably. With the generic Intel drivers, the brightness setting snaps back to default suddeny after about 30 seconds, forcing me to constantly increase the brightness manually each time, or disable the auto brightness altogether. Obviously not ideal, so for now I've gone back to the Sony driver using System Restore.

This obviously should not affect the Nautis test driver, only the generic Intel Intel driver for people without PMDs.

 

Wish I could say for certian. I dont have a Z2 which is why testers are needed.

It might. If it is a driver issue/incompatability it most likely will run into the same issue, if it is a settings issue it shouldn't.

-

These switchable graphics systems tend to be unpredictable with different unofficial driver versions and configurations. Im using driver versions which may not have been tested or intended to be used with switchable graphics.

Judging by the past and looking at the Z2s driver package, it is proprietary. The package combines drivers from two companies (in this case AMD & Intel) and rely on the notebook manufacturer (Sony) to support them. In a little over three years and three generations of the Vaio Z sony has released maybe five graphics drivers. Thats one per generation with two updates.

 

Another possibility on the sleeve front is the WaterField sleeve case. They have one that is a pretty close fit for the Z2 with slice battery. (I personally wouldn't buy a sleeve that would exclude me bringing the slice along.) I'll do a goldentreesang and quote my correspondence with them:

Have any of you ever bought one of these?

 

I have a Muzetto, got it over a year ago. Quality materials and great craftsmanship throughout

I use it somewhat frequently and it has worn very well.

I get ridiculed by my friends at work with it though. Its borderline murse (man purse)

 

^ Trouble with the Muzetto is, at 2.5", it's just a bit too narrow. If they had a 4" version, I'd get one in a flash.

 

Today i´ve got my first problem with the fingerprint reader. Yesterday my new machine goes to hibernate, after power on today the fingerprint reader was death. After rebooting everything was fine - maybe a driver issues?

 

The fingerprint reader software is pants. Not only does it routinely crash (maybe once every day or two in my experience) but it has usability issues as well. It's just not good, especially compared to the Protector Suite software on my old SZ.

If I have the time over the next few weeks I'm going to see if there is alternative / open source software available as a replacement, or even if I can use the Protector Suite software instead. Windows 7 also has fairly well featured fingerprint authentication built in, might try that without any additional software.

 

Would please some Z2 owner fire up his RAID console and tell me what particular Intel Rapid Storage Technology Version is being used? Rep will be added.

HowTo: Go to BIOS setup, activate RAID configuration console, boot laptop, press Ctrl+I when promted and the Version number is shown in the top right corner of the screen. Leave config unchanged and revert back the show option in BIOS for faster boot.

Alternatively, you can view the version in the Intel Rapid Storage Technology control center in Windows. Open it, click Help and System Report. There, you'll find information about your system and below "Intel Rapid Storage Technology" you will find the RAID Option ROM version.



Should be anything like "10.x.x.xxxx".

 

Quick question guys, I plugged in my earphone to the left audio jack and as my video were playing I noticed the video sound is also being emitted from the notebook speaker. How can I turn it off (the speaker) and have the sound come through my earphone only? Thanks in advance!

 

Mine is 10.1.0.1008

 

It happened to me once. I just unplugged and plugged it in again and it was fine.

 

I got the same version.

One question, out of curiosity, why are you interested in this?

 

Hey rrm998 and Marty_NL, thanks for your quick support. Rep added to you both.

Until now, it's secret I am testing some stuff with Intel's RST drivers and will open up an own thread by the end of the week I guess.

 

Checked, same version on my machine

 

It's going to be like that, huh pyr0?

 

Just checked now...same on mine...

10.1.0.1008

 

I like the SleeveCases and how they have custom sizing options. What do all those numbers mean though?

 

^ Umm, not sure I understand the question... they said:

26-17 is the model number of the sleeve case they recommend for the Z2.
13" x 8.5" x 1.5" are the dimensions of that model.
Is that what you were asking?
(Note there may be a narrower one; I asked for them to tell me the best fit for a Z2 with a slice battery.)

 

Guys, I was taking a look at Lacie Formoa Air 13" .. a sleeve by Lacie for macbook air.. do you think that it would fit for Z2?? Wideness height and length are ok.. but width??? MBA it's 32.5 cm while Z2 it's 33 cm ... and I don't find any image to see how the MBA fit in ..

 

Good news for all Z2-owners with high resolution external monitors (eg. 30")!
Looking forward to the first devices using the DL-3000 chip from DisplayLink, as they'll support 2560x1600px (WQXGA) via USB 3.0:

6.0 Software Release - DisplayLink Forum

Hopefully the performance is good enough for stutter-free playback of 1080p videos @ 2560x1600...

Nevertheless, too bad that Sony still refuses to support DisplayPort, Dual-Channel-DVI or HDMI >1080p on the Z!

 

Anyone knows if the US CTO version is going to have:

-TPM?
-Unlocked WWAN and sim card slot?
-Backlit keyboard?

I called sales as well as technical support and nobody knows...

 

Yes malgrave thats what i meant. I think ill go for a thinner one if they have it though

It has backlit, not sure about the others.

I"ve tried a bunch of mba sleeves on. Most of them were just too tall. And some of the tighter fitting ones dont fit the Z cuz of the .2inch width difference. Im probably gonna go with a waterfield sleevecase.

 

WWAN is locked to Sprint and ATT. I've tried abut everything to enable Verizon service but have failed.

 

Hi I just did a clean installation and noticed that the windows login screen background is lost. I don't anyone with the original system can extract it for people did the clean installation? Or any links? Thanks in advance

 

i just ordered the Viper XS3,GTR from booqbags.com for my Z2. The measurements seem to fit ok with the sleeve battery. I'll let you know when it comes in if it worked out ok! Oop, just saw the other thread with the XS3 pictures--should be a good fit!

 

Has anyone ever tried using a plug hugger? Plug Hugger Laptop Charger Organizer or some sort of other power cable management system? What do you guys do to tame that mess?

 

Yes, please report back!

I've talked to waterfield and they are sending 3 sleeve sizes and I will be picking the best fit and returning 2. I got the:

13-04: fits laptops sized 13 x 9.1 x 1.08 (with an HC of 28.2, and a VC of 20.4)
25-17: fits laptops sized 12.5 x 8.5 1.25 (with an HC of 27.5 and a VC of 19.5)
26-17: fits laptops up to 13 x 8.5 x 1.5 (mentioned earlier)

All are in vertical orientation, indium trim, no addons. Should be here in a week or 2 so will report back with pics.

 

About the Viper XS3

Some photos;






It may look like the sleeve will touch the Z2, but it really doesn't, or at least nothing to worry about).The zipper doesn't touch the Z2. The XS3 is designed to hold a MBp (length of 325mm (if I'm correct) and the Z2 is 330mm, so it's a bit tight(er) length wise. You have to make sure you position it in the middle, otherwise the corners might touch/rub the inner side. (because of the straight angles/design of the Z2).

I'm very pleased with the Vyper XS3 and feel confident it will keep my Z2 save.

 

^ uhm, still I don't like solutions without additional pad on angles..

I chose to switch on Tucano sleeves.. since there's a showroom in Milan to try laptops in it

I think I'll try these

Neoprene Charge_Up folder for MacBook 13 / Pro 13
Folder Art
Microfiber Script for MB 13"

I hope that the last one will fit

 

They look a little tall.

 

Interesting. Do you have a slice to test with? Seems likely that the 25-17 will accomodate it. What are those HC and VC numbers?

 

Yeah, they seem.

But at the same time, some models are thin. I have only to try them at the showroom.

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OT: some words for Steve Jobs who has resigned from being CEO of Apple, remaining as Chair of the Board, director and employee. Probably his health issues are heavy, as we can guess from some images on the net or at the last conference. I wish all the best and to be back as soon as possible.

 

Yes I will test with the slice as well. Yea the 25-17 looks perfect and the rep said that the difference in thickness should accomodate the .3inch difference in the width. But of course I wanted to be sure, so i'll try the other ones too.

HC and VC stand for horizontal and vertical circumference.

 

So what bag are you all carrying? It seems like a beautiful laptop like this deserves a decent bag. My current one is falling apart.

Anyone have experience with any of the following?

• Salddleback Leather messenger bag: absolutely my favourite and a great size for a Z2 plus some other stuff. But it weighs 5 lbs. Seems a bit crazy to pay so much for a light computer and then give it all back in the bag.
• Muzetto: Again quite beautiful, and more reasonable weight (2.4 lbs). But it's only 2.5" thick, which leaves room for hardly anything other than the computer.
• Ristretto: No longer as beautiful, but perhaps more functional. Super light at 14 oz, includes a padded laptop section (unlike the others), so no sleeve required. But not nearly as beautiful.

I walk about 1 hr per day, so really need something easy to carry, which is why I've tended toward the vertical messenger style.

Anyone have anything to add?