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

Thank you for your imminent answer.
Any other suggestions? What about the extra warranty? Would you buy it?
And another question is that i see the laptop periodically raising temperature to 70-75 oC just by serfing to the net and after 2-3 minutes it gets back to normal (around 50oC). Is this normal behaviour?

 

Odd, although I can tolerate Win7, I found Office 2010 to be an awful pain in the *** in part because they changed the UI for no discernable purpose other to generate tech support revenues. I've been using various office-type packages since I was running Lotus 1-2-3 on a dual-floppy machine (no hard drive) and have found the recent Office iterations to be among the worst products I've used. I use it only when necessary. WordPerfect and OpenOffice are way better.

 

I opted to get the extended warranty with accidental damage. Otherwise a simple soda spill could be a $4000 event. Even if I don't keep this unit the full 3 years, one of my friends always ends up with my "old" equipment and they like the warranty.

 

you're probably one of the people who just don't like the ribbon interface

Worst case scenario, you can install an addon to add an additional ribbon tab that hosts the old style menu interface...

 

Did a review of the Z2; also included some of the useful guides/threads: Review

 

i concurred

 

I'm still confused what you mean by real black. Did you order the Z2 with the purple interior?

-------------------------------------------------------------------

I'm now playing with my cousins Z2, which is a pre-configured model from Best Buy, and the lid on this is definitely matte Black like on the VGN-Z. Also, the keys are not quiet like on my Z1. The keys, when you type on them, sound like the SZ Series. Also, the keys and touchpad feel more or less like plastic than on my Z1 which feels more or less like rubber. It feels like the touchpad is so fragile and thin like an egg shell. It feels like it's going to snap, crackle and pop. I'm sure, it's durable though. There's no possible way the keys are made of the same material on both models. Do any of you feel the same thing?

As for the mouse clicker on the touchpad, do your clickers on the bottom far left and right corners slightly sunked in compared to the top left and right corners? If you glide your finger up and down where the touchpad meets the palmrest you can feel the grooves thin as you move up. Is this normal?

 

What I have learned about BB models of good laptops...

they are ALWAYS different in quality and specs than other places. No exception. Even if they are cheaper, or more expensive. Either they are missing parts (G73 dual drive caddy that is included in all nonBB models, SC profuse use of plastic - though SC is considered "BB special sauce," so it has a BluRay drive), lowered specs (G73 low res display [lower than all other models]), or higher price. I have yet to find a decent BB laptop deal, that wasn't somehow comprimised somewhere. Just IMO.

 

I don't have this issue on my CTO Z2.

 

Not sure if this has been reported yet...

I just got an Samsung Galaxy S II Android phone and was trying root it by installing a CWM kernel via Odin. I had the PMB attached and was using the second USB port on the machine itself.

Apparently using the "Charge a USB device while your VAIO is off or in hibernation..." option dorks up ADB, Heimdall, Kies and Odin. You can't mount the SD or internal memory card either. You can remedy this by disabling the option, which doesn't require a reboot.

Annoyingly, I can mount my Blackberry's storage with the option turned on. This led me to believe the phone was busted. It is fine and the best phone I've ever had, and I've had a lot.

 

anybody know anything about HIPM? It is a AHCI link power management feature that Sony has a disable patch for. Apparently the Intel RST option ROM can report problems erroneously with HIPM enabled.

HIPM = Host Initiated Link Power Management
DIPM = Device Initiated Link Power Management

I don't know if it is needed since our machines aren't running in AHCI mode. Does that mean it is using DIPM? If the option is for AHCI-only configs, why have a patch?

Anecdotal information on the interwebs say using HIPM can save 7% or 8% battery life by putting the drives in a low power state.

 

Indeed I am!

 

Here's what I did: How to take off a key on the Z2

 

If I can just comment on the SPEAKERS. It's actually not too bad, only if you lift the Z2, to allow the sound to disperse, and not filter directly underneath the chassis which makes it sound muffled. But then again, whose going to lift the Z2, and hold it up during a two-hour movie. Too bad, Sony didn't integrate the speakers elsewhere. I think, the speakers on this Z2 would have sound slightly better than my Z1.

The keys are actually a lot more comfortable than the MB Air. I can't type very long on the Air even though both the Z2 and MB Air have shallow travel.

 

I've found that the sound is also better when I'm docked and using an external monitor and keyboard. I don't know if it's because the table surface bounces sound well or if it's because I'm not right on top of the laptop as I am when I'm using the internal keyboard. Perhaps a little distance helps.

 

As I get more and more use to the shallow travel, I'd have to agree that the keyboard is more and more to my liking. I tried typing on a MBA again and it just lacks the springiness that the Z2 keys have, albeit with more key travel.

 

Has anyone done a comparison of the outgoing Z in relation to this new one? Like the pros and cons? Is it worth getting a new one if my old one is falling apart, or should I try to wait another year or so for a new one with Windows 8 and whatever else is expected to come out by then?

Question too: Because the special graphics card is now in the external thing, does that mean the new Z is less powerful with photo and video editing (when not connected to the external box) compared to the old Z?

EDIT: Also, does the new Z still have GPS?

 

1. You could read my review . But I don't think that its worth getting the Z2 if you already have a Z1, as the performance increase isn't that great, and there are several things the Z2 does better.

2. Depends on whether your software uses the GPU, but the CPU is faster in the new Z2, so for most photo/video editing, I'm guessing it would be more powerful.

3. If you have the WWAN/Mobile Broadband module it has GPS.

 

What does the old Z11 do better than this new Z?

 

yes, a little bit annoying

 

Compactness. Old Z has all the power (proper GPU and optical drive) integrated right into the laptop, with the new Z you always need the Power Media Dock.

Old Z is also slightly more sturdy.

 

Oh Okay. Thanks. Yes, it is annoying. It feels like it's going to cave-in in those corners.

Also, at night, I tend to type in areas where there low lighting, with just one table lamp. I'm realizing how small the mouse pad truly is. My finger is often to the right of the mouse pad directly on the palm rest trying to navigate the pointer. Perhaps, I'm just use to my Z1's mouse pad placement.

This Z2 does feel sturdier than the Z1 overall.

 

Just got my sheet battery and it's pretty neat when attached!
The laptop does feel way heavier with it attached.

I also got the AMC1 case...very tight fit...

 

Comparison: http://forum.notebookreview.com/sony/609458-z1-vs-z2-sticking-z2.html

The internal Intel GPU is enough to do most things, even light gaming. It does not, however, compare to the embedded nVidia GPU in the Z1.

I got used to this very quickly and now greatly prefer it. You can left-click about anywhere on the pad, somewhat like the Macbook. I'm also finding that I don't inadvertently hit the Z2's pad while typing. Did this a lot on the Z1.

 

Pretty sweet, eh? I like that it has air channels for the CPU cooler. Kinda like a built in laptop tray. You don't have to worry about blocking the intakes when using it on a sofa and whatnot.

I don't really care for the screw/hinge attachment system. It makes for awkward bag placement when it isn't attached.

 

Guys I was wondering.. is there anybody who's working on an edited bios for Z21 (like what was made for Z1x)?? Cuz' the unability to disactivate raid controller (and so inability to set other settings) it's not good.

 

I was going to comment on how difficult it may be to find a case to fit since this Z2 is so thin; I can't find that model in the SonyStyle US site: Link.

 

^
Yeah it's hard to find the AMC1 as it has been discontinued.
I also have the CP24 which fits the Z2 pretty well even with the sheet battery.

 

Following the advice from earlier in the thread, I bought the 25-17 bag from ~ www.sfbags.com. Fits very nice, with battery sheet or without.

 

Thread search doesn't seem to be working here so posting this question that may have been answered before.

The HDMI on the media dock specs state max resolution is 1920x1080. I need to hook the media dock to my 24" Dell Ultrasharp monitor. It has every input possible and Native resolution on that monitor is 1920x1200.

Is the HDMI output on the media dock truly limited to 1080p or can you force it to drive 1920x1200 ?

thanks in advance.

 

Both the HDMI port on the dock and the one on the laptop will support 1920x1200 without any issues. I've used both to display two 1920x1200 monitors side by side. I posted a picture -- which you could find if search worked.

I've never seen a spec on the PMD -- but the HDMI out on the video card spec is 1920x1200.

 

Yes, I have one 1920x1200 driven off of the PMD's HDMI port, one off of the HDMI port on the Z2 itself and one off PMD's VGA port.

 

Is there a process to modify a clean install so it boots as quickly as the stock image?

I'm used to seeing the windows startup animation stop before all 4 panes come together. The clean install goes well into the phase where the windows logo glows.

Net-net, the clean install boots 20 seconds slower, even with no apps loaded.

I made a backup of the stock OS with Ghost and I restored it on top of the clean install partition. Boot is fast again with no changes to the disk.

 

Did you have Intel RST installed? And the Intel INF files? Those are the proper southbridge drivers, and they make a difference. Though I dunno how that affects the RAID of the Z2... On my SC, I barely see the Windows glowing logo before it goes almost directly to the login screen.


Also, I wonder if the stock install is UEFI boot...? Just throwing that WAAAYY out there, since it's not likely at all. Even MacBooks are not UEFI (rather the older EFI - well, I dunno about one of the updates near the end of last month, I think I remember seeing UEFI in there somewhere).

 

Did you follow the clean install guide and install all the right drivers? My clean install boots in about 10s.

 

Indeed I did

 

Maybe your Windows 7 stock image is weird?

 

Have any of you experience the following: With the Z2 turned "OFF", when cleaning/wiping the keyboard area where the ASSIST, WEB, and VAIO buttons are located, these buttons are so sensitive, that it turns "ON" the Z2? It's happened every time. I'm trying to search where I can deactivate these 3 buttons. Does anyone know where? I've checked Vaio Control Center and the only button you can modify is the VAIO button, but even that doesn't give you the option to deactivate it completely.

 

Hey guys, I'm in a dilemma here...

My old Z11 has been having a ton of problems lately and I feel like repairing it is an endless job. Granted, the only thing wrong with it right now is that it is getting an SSD error and is overheating for some reason and shutting off (so I can't get into Windows), but the rest of the laptop is completely functioning. I bought it in March 2010 and it's only been 18 months since then. I don't know if I should just cut my losses and buy this new Z (after having spent over $400 on a new FHD screen for my Z11) or try to repair it and risk it still not working. What do you guys think? This has been stressing me out for the past few days, especially since my laptop was JUST working fine.

EDIT: Also, would it be possible to salvage anything from the old Z for the new one? Like the RAM, or the SSD? (Or are you not allowed to change the RAM? My Z used to have a warranty voided sticker over the RAM bay.) Or should I try to sell it instead?

 

^
I am afraid the RAM won't work in the Z2.

 

When cleaning/wiping the keyboard area with a cloth, noting happens on my Z2. Only when I touch the Assist and web button with my finger it turns the Z2 on.

 

^ Oh, I actually never tried those buttons when the notebook is turned off! I have the same reaction though. The Web button starts the notebook with a note that the installation isn't completed (I never installed it ) and I have to press any key to shut it down again. The Assist button works like a normal boot - makes a nice alternative ^^

 

search for and apply: iwl6000g2b-firmware-17.168.5.1-2.fc14.noarch.rpm or newer.

 

Does anyone know where to buy one of these in the US?

VGP-CKZ3 : Case & Pouch : VAIO Accessories : Sony New Zealand

VGP-CKZ3 : Case & Pouch : VAIO Accessories : Sony Australia

I don't mind ordering from abroad if I have to, but I would rather get it as soon as possible. I am not actually sure if Sony would ship to the US if I purchase from their other sites.

Any reviews would be appreciated.

Alternatively, I am considering a sleeve from waterfield, Need a case or bag for your laptop, tablet, mobile device, or gadget? We've got you covered - WaterField Design - Made in USA

If someone has one fitted to their Z2 and could share insights, I would appreciate it.

 

There has been a post regarding the Waterfield cases and it looks like the best fit for the Z2 would be the 25-17 model.

 

So a a couple questions on the Z2. (Cross posting a bit here from the 6630 vs 6650 thread)

Has anyone benchmarked the difference when having something plugged into the USB on the PMD or using the Optical Drive vs just using the AMD/ATI GPU on its own without those things being utilized? I would assume there must be some sort of drawback.

What memory does the PMD have in it for the 6650M, DDR3 or GDDR5? GPU-Z should tell you.

 

Waterfield has updated their web site to include the Z2 so selection is simple enough now.

 

So with the Z2 powered "OFF", when wiping over those S Buttons with a cloth nothing happens? Because this Z2 I have is ultra sensitive to anything that touches it, even a cloth. and it activates all those S buttons every time. I don't even classify these as buttons, more like sensors. I guess this is something that can be dealt with. Thanks.

 

They are capacitive, so no, a cloth shouldn’t do anything.

 

Mine is also slower with a clean install and all of the latest drivers, not 20 seconds slower though, maybe 5 seconds slower...