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

Welp I just bought one of these laptops, 1080p bluray burner 256ssd and 8gb ram and slice battery. I also purchased the sfbags 25-16 (horizontal instead of vertical) with the fold and strap just for those days when all I want is my laptop with me and for those other days when I just need a good sleeve to keep the scratches down.

 

Do you mean the 25-17? If not what dimensions does the 25-16 accomodate. The rep i spoke did say that the 25-17 would most likely only work in vertical due to the difference in widths.

 

strange...i looked it up on their site, and it mentions the two numbers with the only difference being in the orientation of the opening. Here is what the site lists for dimensions

L: 12.4
H: 8.3
Depth: 1.5
Screen Size: 13.1

And these are the same dimensions as listed for the 25-17 & 25-16

Edit: The 25-17 is listed for the vertical regardless if you own the extended battery or not. Thus implying its depth is 1.15" AND 1.5" my mind is blown.

 

OOHH wait your looking at the options under the SONY menu. Those options are for the old vpc-z1. They dont have one for the vpcz2. You have to pick from their "other" menu, which is just filled with a bunch of confusing model numbers, but refer to my earlier post for the 3 closest matching ones for the z2.

 

I have a Muzetto and it fits a descent amount of things. I had also have a 2010 Z and now the 2011 Z, and I can fit one of those, an iPad, chargers for both, a few magazines, and a few other miscellaneous things... It can stretch a bit if needed once it's broken in.

 

I just received my case yesterday: CKZ3.
It gives an idea of how small the Z2 is... but I still have to wait for the computer (i7/FHD/8Gb/256Gb/no PMD).

Ordered 08/11, paid 08/16, sent from Japan factory to The Netherlands a few days ago, it normally leaves the warehouse today.
I start to be nervous...

 

Hi wanted to do a clean install to free up some extra hard drive space. Before I do this does anyone know if I can do a windows backup image of everything installed including the hidden recovery partition, so if I mess things up I can do a complete re image to get back to factory fresh status. Would also be handy if I sell my vaio on again. Just not sure if the system image would include the sony recovery partition. Thanks

 

Don't rightly know. Personally, I use Ghost for imaging.

That said, I still burn off the media. 4 DVD's is pretty excessive, but media is pretty cheap.

That said about what I said, I also create ISO's of the media once burnt for long term storage.

 

On the main/sheet battery charging issue, I RTFM'ed and saw this.

I'm going to check again, but this is NOT how I've seen the batteries charge. Discharging seems to follow the rules tho

 

Nice! Truth be told, the 2.5" depth would be fine day to day, since all I normally carry is the laptop and a few papers. But when I fly (which is quite a bit), I start gearing up - Kindle, Bose headphones, charger... it'd have to stretch a whole lot.

 

Just received my CTO Z2 today! Only 9 days after my order, amazing...

 

Nice, welcome aboard

 

Yet another tear-down video.
Sony Vaio Z gets the in-house teardown treatment (video) -- Engadget

 

Nice, I was just coming here to post this . You know, these threads should have a wiki, just for things like this .

 

Got my Z2 today, and figured out how to enable the Fast BIOS option in VAIO Control Center on a clean install!

You will need some files from the original pre-install/recovery. I won't post those files since 1) my unit is a Japan-localized unit and could have possible incompatabilities, and 2) Sony might get upset. But I'll explain below where the files are.

These instructions assume you are installing a 64-bit version of Win 7.

PRE-REQUISITE WARNING: This worked for me, but there could be some other setting on your unit that causes a conflict. Make sure you back up!

First, we need to get the necessary files.

1. Restore your system to the original pre-install using the restore partition, DVD, or USB drive. Remember, doing this will wipe the whole drive, including any additional partitions you may have created. Make sure you backup!
2. The files we need are in: C:\Program Files (x86)\Sony\VAIO Boot Manager\*. Just copy the whole directory and keep it in a safe location, such as a USB key or another computer.

Next, format and install a clean copy of Windows 7 as you normally would, and install all the standard Sony utilities (Shared Library, Notebook Utilities, etc). Or restore a system image.

Finally, let's add the Fast BIOS option back:

1. Drop the files from VAIO Boot Manager back into their original location on the new system (C:\Program Files (x86)\Sony\VAIO Boot Manager\*).
2. Last, we need to let Control Center know to load the files. Add this registry key:
   
   Code:

   [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Sony Corporation\VAIO Control Center\Plugins]
   "VBFSetting"="C:\\Program Files (x86)\\Sony\\VAIO Boot Manager\\VBFSetting.dll"

   If in doubt, you should see a string value inside the Plugins key with name VBFSetting and data C:\Program Files (x86)\Sony\VAIO Boot Manager\VBFSetting.dll.
3. Reboot, then open up VAIO Control Center. You should see Fast BIOS.

Sorry for not posting the files. If you didn't create recovery media or can't be bothered to restore, maybe someone else might be willing to post their files.

Frankly, the Z2 is already speedy. I'd say Fast BIOS might shave 1 or 2 seconds off the boot time, but it could just be a placebo.

 

^^
Very interesting. Too bad I don't have the files either .

Thanks for sharing.

 

After I tested the be.ez LA robe 13" for a while now, I’m going to return it. While I really like the LA robes, the 13" one was just too big for the Z2. The width was perfect, but the Z2 is just not deep enough; there were about 5cm empty space. While the notebook was still secured inside (as the round edges kept it from sliding inside), it just didn’t feel good when holding the case. Also the height of the Z2 with the sheet battery was a bit more than the case was made for, so it lost its shape a bit.

I considered getting other cases for a try, but in the end I don’t think there are any perfect fitting options for the Z2 yet. At least unless you find some place to make it especially for the Z2. While I did find such a shop for my mobile phone case, I didn’t for notebook cases (not in Germany I mean, and I won’t pay 25$ extra for international shipping of a case..).

So for now, I’ll stick to the Z2's packaging-pouche. While it does not look too good (it’s white), it definitely does what I want: Prevent the Z2 from getting scratches. After all that is actually the only reason I want a case for my notebook; I can make sure myself that I won’t drop it or something. And hopefully be.ez releases the LE reporter bag for 13" soon (they said it would happen at the end of this month), so I would have a nice bag that would fit the Z2 well.

After my previous external charging of the battery sheet (to 100% because it didn’t want to go over 80%), this is exactly how it works for me.

 

I just got the Z model, VPCZ21CGX/B from buy.com. Over the starting model, this one has built in 3g from ATT and Sprint along with 1080p display. My initial impressions are very good with decent battery life, typing is easy and I love the light yellow back-lit keyboard instead of the white LED's. I need to get used to the touch pad but like the right and left flat surface buttons. Finger print sensor works great without any interference with typing like some reviews mentioned. Display is super bright and I did not even increase the font size as everything is crystal clear. My only problem is with wifi speed which is significantly lower than the Asus laptop which I compared side by side. It is better than the wifi in Samsung 9 series I tried few weeks ago and returned, but still disappointing for such a premium laptop. May be this is an issue with Intel wifi radio's these days as this is beyond dura-aluminium or carbon fiber chasis. I heard problems with Macbook Air as well.
Any other users have noticed same wifi issues? Is there any Intel update to fix this problem?

Peter

 

Congrats on your purchase. I tested wifi against my old hp g71 and it did significantly better. I'm seeing better load times for videos and pretty much similar download speeds off rapidshare.

What are the exact figures for your test? Did you test ethernet as well? Are your results repeatable or did you only test once? Are seeing any real-world performance losses, or are you a benchmark nit-picker?

 

I have not noticed any WiFi issues. And I've been paying attention as WiFi is one of the reasons I didn't go with the Samsung.

 

A question for those who are used to Windows 7 and Vaios:
To create complete system backups, what would you use:
- The backup & recovery tool integrated to Windows 7
- Vaio Care
- Acronis True Image 2011

I was used to Acronis True image, however I wonder if it's still usefull with Windows 7 and Vaio Care.

 

Did anyone manage to get minecraft to work using the internal graphics?

Thanks for any help.

 

On my system with PMD and special driver, No. The intel part is only opengl 1.1 (!) capable!

But i think without the PMD you can install the intel driver from website and are able to play without problem

 

I have been having a strange networking issue that may point to a WiFi problem. At work, everything works well. At home, I frequently get 404 errors using chrome and have to reload. I have not had that problem in the past with my old computer, and my wife is not having network problems on her computer, so something is different on the Z.

 

I’m an idiot. I just noticed that disk 2 and 3 of my recovery disks are empty <_< And I have no idea how that could happen.. Bleh. Good that my system runs fine enough without anything from that recovery disk… :/

 

I am no nit-picker. Just a casual user. I had both laptops side by side at work and Sony was loading pages lot slower than my old Asus with same signal strength. Just like Samsung, if you are sitting near a wifi signal, you can't tell the difference. I am happy to be wrong in this matter as it is a terrific laptop. I still can't get over the brightness of 1080p screen. You can read a newspaper in that light and no other laptop comes close to it. I recommend any future buyers to spend the extra $100 for 1080P upgrade. In my unit, I haven't heard the fan go off yet, with Internet and Microsoft word and power point use. I will report later with more intensive work.

Laptop battery also charges super fast. I wish there is a single piece wall charger like Macbook Air, but nothing seems to be available. I am curious if there is a possibility of using Verizon LTE with the existing radio. Some one questioned it before with no answer. Any forum users have utilized the 3g card??

Peter

 

I've actually found clonezilla to be very very good. It's very easy to use and relatively fast. It works best on EXT3/4 but it also works on NTFS. Best part of course is that it's free.

 

Can current owners please comment on how long it takes to charge the battery (say from <10% to close to 100%)? What about the sheet battery?

(Sorry if this has been pointed out earlier in the thread)

 

Well done, very nice find. Works fine here.....

 

So far no one got it to work with Verizon...

 

I didn’t really look for it, so I can’t give you a number yet, but it’s really fast! After plugging in, I checked the battery after a while to notice, that the internal was already at 80% and the sheet battery was recharging. And that while was really not long.

I can measure it the next time I’m low (just give me about 14 hours… ^_^).

 

I just received the message: my CTO Z2 is at home !
I'm now officialy owner
Ten days between payment validation (16-aug) and delivery in Belgium (26-aug). Not bad.

The week-end will be busy...

 

The Gobi 3000 card supports verizon, but it is not enabled. My attempts to unlock it have failed.

Regardless, the WWAN modem doesn't support LTE or any flavor of 4G for that matter. These cards aren't available anywhere yet.

Internally, best you can do is use an Intel Wimax/N card and connect to Clear.

Externally, you can use an access point, USB card or tablet for connectivity. I'm using my Samsung 10.1's LTE to get on the interwebs for now.

 

Placed my order for the base for 1799... Can't wait. Probably using the money for an extra pmd instead of upgrades.

 

Received my substitute laptop this morning: perfect.

No stuck pixels. No chassis problem. Well made.. it's perfect.

I'm proceeding to a clean install.

 

^
Thats great news!!!

 

Problem.. driver problem. It's about the battery problem we had before: when I install Notebook Utilities, then the message appear. This program installs some sub-program. With some utilities in windows I restored configuration by restore point.. now everything's ok.
But is anyone able to adjust this problem?? It sucks not to be able to install this utility.

 

peterrudy,
I just want to be clear. Are you really saying that the fan has always been running and you haven't heard it go off yet? Or maybe you mean you haven't heard it go ON yet? The tone of your post seems so positive that I suspect you meant to write the latter.

Thanks!

 

On the off chance that anyone wants to see yet another not particularly insightful Z review....
Sony Vaio Z - Laptops - Hardware - Reviews - ZDNet Australia

 

Wish I had seen this 2 months ago:
Razer bucks trends with $2,800 gaming laptop, complete with innovative UI

On the other hand, weighing in at under 7lbs, it's definitely in a far different class than the Z.

 

I haven't heard the loud fan noise yet! Even if I put my ears next to the machine, I can't still hear any sound. It is very quiet. May be my fan is broken or I haven't put strain on the laptop yet! The only program I deleted was Norton. I will play some movie today and post my results. I tried a Sony S series model from Best buy and the fan goes off loud and periodically, even with low work loads. Not the case here and I am happy.

 

I reinstalled my system using struselix’ driver installation order. It worked fine for me, and I didn’t get that error again.

 

The way I see Z vs blade is: Do you want to sacrifice performance for portability or portability for performance?

Personally, I think I'd choose the portability to keep. But I'm pretty impressed nonetheless.

Also, has anyone seen this? http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/26/engadgets-back-to-school-guide-2011-laptops/
The Z should beat out anything in a money's no object section, but its not even mentioned. Its funnier cuz they have the SA in there.

 

does ANYBODY consider those tech blogs to be very smart? lol. I really just think of them as comedy sites that make jokes about technology.

 

Engdaget's a bunch of apple suckers but they have the biggest access to review units/hands on demos.

I like gizmodo cuz its funnier, more personal, better content, and less biased (but still biased).

I read them for general tech news, but any information more detailed I'll look elsewhere.

 

It doesn't work. And now, another issue... bluetooth doesn't work. No way with US drivers or european..

 

It has no relation to the Z at all. If you want a high-end graphics card and don't want to use CC's ViDock option, you could get a 14" Alienware that also weighs close to 7 lbs. And for all that weight, it still doesn't have FHD or SSDs.

 

lol, you probably just missed Gizmodo's newest rant on Apple "always being copied," by others, and how innovation was clearly being done by Apple, then quotes the silly slider unlock screen - while casually ignoring WinMo 2003 programs that had similar functionality "slide to unlock" (I only remember because I had an HP ipaq (something else I want to bring up on naming...) back then, and customized the crap out of it was stuff from freewareppc (unlike now, there were three major program distribution websites/hubs, and nearly everything worthwhile was FREE - except for some productivity apps).

Oh, well. Engadget at least has access to new tech. Gizmodo seems like a few power tripping authors posting whatever they like,

 

I'm look at possibly getting the Z2 due to poor experience with 8540w (too big) and a recent x220 I bought to try (fan whine issue). I was wondering how loud the Z2 is with an i7 and is the 1600x900 the same quality as the 1920x1080 screen? Or is the 1600x900 screen the poorer quality one in the SA?

 

Thanks, peterrudy. That is what I thought you meant.