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

    Discussion in 'VAIO / Sony Owners' Lounge Forum' started by SPEEDwithJJ, Jun 29, 2011.

  1. ZoinksS2k

    ZoinksS2k Notebook Virtuoso

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    Brrrrr, is there a draft in here?

    Oh, NM. My Z2 is nekkid

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    I put the Win CDKey and the other white stickers on the original box, as is my custom. The large Sony plackard fit inside the battery compartment, I decided to move it there instead.

    I removed all of these stickers with my fingernail and a little patience. Remember, pick at the sticker itself and never ever dig under it. The only sticker that left any goop behind was the CDKey one. I dabbed at the leftovers with the sticker itself, et volia. I sprayed a minuscule about of ammonia-free Windows on a microfiber towel and gave it a once-over. No need for harsher solvents, ever.

    There seems to be some discoloration where the main Sony sticker was. Not sure if the sticker somehow affected the CF or if it just needs to get some hand oils on it to look like the rest. Regardless, I think it looks better without the stickies.

    Now to cover it with the kit from Clear-Coat.com. Forum thread showing the process coming later today
     
    ZoinksS2k, Oct 16, 2011
    #1851
  2. chfshifter

    chfshifter Notebook Geek

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    Does the image from the external monitor connected through VGA look blurry/not as sharp compared to those connected through HDMI?
     
    chfshifter, Oct 16, 2011
    #1852
  3. ComputerCowboy

    ComputerCowboy Sony Fanboy

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    You can drive the U3011 with either a EDID override driver or a DTD hack.
    Look at these posts
    http://forum.notebookreview.com/sony/602724-success-2560x1440-support-new-vpc-z2-dell-u2711.html
    http://forum.notebookreview.com/son...ithout-vidock-works-but-i-need-some-help.html

    The caveat is that we haven't gotten the refresh rate to go over 35Hz due to the limited pixel clock on the single link HDMI connection. That being said, I use my U3011 on my Z1 every day and it works great.
     
    ComputerCowboy, Oct 16, 2011
    #1853
  4. rmcx

    rmcx Notebook Evangelist

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    That's correct. The text is noticeably less sharp than when that monitor is driven off of one of the HDMI ports.

    I tried some of the monitor's adjustments briefly but without much luck.
     
    rmcx, Oct 16, 2011
    #1854
  5. ota-con

    ota-con Notebook Deity

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    What do you guys understand from this description?:
    ASSY HOUSING BOTTOM P [Premium Black]

    I am looking for the bottom base of the laptop.
     
    ota-con, Oct 16, 2011
    #1855
  6. Carlisle David

    Carlisle David Notebook Enthusiast

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    Assembly housing bottom piece in Premium Black?
     
    Carlisle David, Oct 17, 2011
    #1856
  7. mcmerc

    mcmerc Newbie

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    Can you change the ram on this laptop? is the ram attach to the motherboard?

    I was thinking of getting one form B&H but it has 4gb of ram only. I'm wondering if I could change the ram easily I'll get it.
     
    mcmerc, Oct 17, 2011
    #1857
  8. chfshifter

    chfshifter Notebook Geek

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    think the ram is soldered to the motherboard in Z2.
     
    chfshifter, Oct 17, 2011
    #1858
  9. Crystal1988

    Crystal1988 Notebook Evangelist

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    Hi guys,

    sorry for my absence.. is there some news about a modified bios (for example to enable disactivation of raid controller and switch on achi setting)?
     
    Crystal1988, Oct 17, 2011
    #1859
  10. ZoinksS2k

    ZoinksS2k Notebook Virtuoso

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    Here's why putting protective films on the trackpad are a bad idea.

    [​IMG]

    No perm damage, but ew
     
    ZoinksS2k, Oct 17, 2011
    #1860
  11. jeremyshaw

    jeremyshaw Big time Idiot

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    lol :eek:!!

    I hope the lil'uns allright :)
     
    jeremyshaw, Oct 17, 2011
    #1861
  12. sonicoliver

    sonicoliver Newbie

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    Who want's to buy my new VAIO Z? Got it in Japan on a whim but just can't get used to windows and don't have time to hack around with it.

    These are the specs:

    OS: Windows 7 Home Premium
    Color: Black
    Power Media Dock: Bluray disk drive
    Processor: Core i7-2620M (2.70GHz)
    Memory: 8GB
    Display: 1080p upgrade
    SSD: 256GB
    WiMAX/wi-fi: WiMAX and IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n (MIMO 2x2)
    HD web camera: built in
    Keyboard: English

    No keyboard backlight, sheet battery or 3G.

    Total with these specs was 267,000 Yen, that's about $3482 USD.

    The machine is brand new in the box, comes with receipts, warantee, everything. Will sell for 240,000 Yen ($3130 USD) and accept Paypal.

    Contact me directly if you are interested.
     
    sonicoliver, Oct 18, 2011
    #1862
  13. jeremyshaw

    jeremyshaw Big time Idiot

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    The KB backlight isn't optional, I thought :eek:
     
    jeremyshaw, Oct 18, 2011
    #1863
  14. Louche

    Louche Purveyor of Utopias

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    Conics offers Japanese Z2s with all sorts of configurations not available elsewhere such as without a backlight and/or a camera.
     
    Louche, Oct 18, 2011
    #1864
  15. miki69

    miki69 Notebook Evangelist

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    It is in Europe, 15 EUR surcharge, though I've never seen non-lit Z2 keyboard variant in person :confused:

    Cheers,
    Miki
     
    miki69, Oct 18, 2011
    #1865
  16. m-b

    m-b Newbie

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    Thanks for the suggestion, I tried it but no luck...


    You're probably right. I guess I'll just have to live with it. Not a big deal but I shouldn't have this problem in the first place... Damn stickers :mad:


    On a positive note I think it's a great machine, every other laptop I come across now seems bulky and unsophisticated :)
     
    m-b, Oct 18, 2011
    #1866
  17. Louche

    Louche Purveyor of Utopias

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    Why do I read reviews? To learn stuff. For example, this review explains that the Z2 comes with only an i7 processor.

     
    Louche, Oct 18, 2011
    #1867
  18. jdbrookes

    jdbrookes Notebook Evangelist

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    Definitely looks better without the stickers.

    I removed the stickers recently on the palmrest (3 stickers; Windows, Energystar (?) and Intel), easy peasy. Initially, in a certain light, I noticed a very slight discoloration where the stickers used to be, but after a few days of greasy wrists and hands on the palmrest it's all blended in together. So that should be the same under the Sony sticker on the bottom. Potentially however, the adhesive may have caused a reaction, especially since it's usually warmer under there. Hopefully not.
     
    jdbrookes, Oct 18, 2011
    #1868
  19. jeremyshaw

    jeremyshaw Big time Idiot

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    :p :D :p :D :) :D :D :D

    lol!
     
    jeremyshaw, Oct 18, 2011
    #1869
  20. ZoinksS2k

    ZoinksS2k Notebook Virtuoso

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    It could have impacted the resin used in the carbon fiber weave. Dunno. Seems to be fading.

    I'm going to give it another week before applying some Wrapsol film to the base, custom cut, of course
     
    ZoinksS2k, Oct 18, 2011
    #1870
  21. Walter K

    Walter K Notebook Consultant

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    Yesterday had the possibility to measure/calibrate the 1600x900 Z display in big shop. Sadly the FHD panel only available by order from Sony direct. Here my results - an excellent panel is inside! :D

    Maybe anybody know if it's a fuel 8 Bit panel? :confused:

    Best, Walter
     

    Attached Files:

    Walter K, Oct 20, 2011
    #1871
  22. Irishtoon

    Irishtoon Newbie

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    HELP REQUIRED: VGA connection to external monitor when connected to power supply renders monitor unusable due to flickering and interference.

    Has anyone else experienced this? Any resolutions?
     
    Irishtoon, Oct 20, 2011
    #1872
  23. ZoinksS2k

    ZoinksS2k Notebook Virtuoso

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    HELP RENDERED: No. I've attached my Z2 to several VGA LCD screens and even more projectors.

    Since there are no VGA adapter screw holes on the Z2, make sure you have the cable snugly attached. You may try wiggling it around a bit too. The pins can go catawampus on the male VGA adapter over time.

    ...and in a vein attempt to delay the inevitable, there are still valid reasons to use the VGA port. Please don't tell this guy to use HDMI
     
    ZoinksS2k, Oct 20, 2011
    #1873
  24. rmcx

    rmcx Notebook Evangelist

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    I used a better cable to solve this problem.
     
    rmcx, Oct 20, 2011
    #1874
  25. rmcx

    rmcx Notebook Evangelist

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    Can you post the resultant ICC file for us?

    Thx.
     
    rmcx, Oct 20, 2011
    #1875
  26. Irishtoon

    Irishtoon Newbie

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    VGA Connection Issue:

    So it is a problem that others have experienced? The 'charging' of the laptop means you can't use it with a monitor? There must be something wrong with the board of the laptop for it to effect the display so much.

    I've been very careful with the connection and made sure it's face on and plugged in correctly. Like I mentioned if I just run from battery, there are no issues with flickering.

    Thanks for the replies.
     
    Irishtoon, Oct 20, 2011
    #1876
  27. ZoinksS2k

    ZoinksS2k Notebook Virtuoso

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    ^No, but you could try a new cable. Also check your refresh settings.

    Nobody has reported the specific issue you have
     
    ZoinksS2k, Oct 20, 2011
    #1877
  28. Walter K

    Walter K Notebook Consultant

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    Here is the profile. But please note it's not perfect for every Vaio. ;)

    Best, Walter
     

    Attached Files:

    Walter K, Oct 20, 2011
    #1878
  29. rmcx

    rmcx Notebook Evangelist

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    But was it for the Z2?
     
    rmcx, Oct 20, 2011
    #1879
  30. dalamchops

    dalamchops Notebook Evangelist

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    should be the Z2, not relaly anywhere that has the Z1 left on display.
     
    dalamchops, Oct 20, 2011
    #1880
  31. Walter K

    Walter K Notebook Consultant

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    i measured the new Z2 called model. ;)
     
    Walter K, Oct 21, 2011
    #1881
  32. rmcx

    rmcx Notebook Evangelist

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    Thanks for this.
     
    rmcx, Oct 21, 2011
    #1882
  33. ZoinksS2k

    ZoinksS2k Notebook Virtuoso

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    ZoinksS2k, Oct 21, 2011
    #1883
  34. SirRobin

    SirRobin Notebook Evangelist

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    SirRobin, Oct 22, 2011
    #1884
  35. poke

    poke Notebook Guru

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    I got the hands on a bluray for the first time ever, and wanted to play it using my dock, but given that I formatted the VAIO, I don’t have PowerDVD (or whatever it shipped with) on it any more. And as I just learned the hard way, Windows Media Player does not natively support blurays.

    Is there any way to install the player the VAIO shipped with installed? It’s not available on the update page, and I messed up my recovery disks, so I probably don’t have it any longer.
     
    poke, Oct 22, 2011
    #1885
  36. ZoinksS2k

    ZoinksS2k Notebook Virtuoso

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    Whoops. If you don't have the recovery media, you are kinda boned. You could drop by a Sony store and ask them for the media although I don't know how much they would charge. They do this in the US, don't know about Germany.

    Asking somebody here send the player bits will get you in trouble with the mods.

    Might be easier/cheaper just to buy a full license for PowerDVD or WinDVD. Alternatively, you could get Slysoft's AnyDVD. It breaks the copy protection and allows you to watch pretty much anything with your player of choice.
     
    ZoinksS2k, Oct 22, 2011
    #1886
  37. poke

    poke Notebook Guru

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    After the VAIO support site have been unavailable for a few hours, I just saw that they are actually offering a PowerDVD download there. I’ll try that out, just hoping that it isn’t an update but a full installation.

    Regarding the Recovery DVDs, yes, that was a quite stupid situation. I burned the DVDs using a virtual DVD burner, but only after I already formatted, I noticed that two of the four DVD images were completely empty. I’m not sure if I messed that up during the burning process, or later when transferring the files to my external disk (probably then). Guess I should really contact support if they could send (or even sell) me those disks.

    [edit]
    Okay, that installer doesn’t work. It says something is invalid, I guess it actually is an update.. Well, I’ll contact support then :)
     
    poke, Oct 22, 2011
    #1887
  38. ZoinksS2k

    ZoinksS2k Notebook Virtuoso

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    Interesting tidbit on the PowerDVD Update:

    ■Supports the Intel® Wireless Display 2.1 update to allow the playback of protected content

    BluRay via WiDi?
     
    ZoinksS2k, Oct 22, 2011
    #1888
  39. jeremyshaw

    jeremyshaw Big time Idiot

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    The SA just got a WiDi driver pushed along too (supporting "protected content playback," so maybe :D
     
    jeremyshaw, Oct 22, 2011
    #1889
  40. Reks

    Reks Notebook Geek

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    Sad news. I find it ridiculous that I can't even play Minecraft without the PMD.
     
    Reks, Oct 23, 2011
    #1890
  41. dariusf

    dariusf Notebook Consultant

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    awesome thank you!
     
    dariusf, Oct 23, 2011
    #1891
  42. dariusf

    dariusf Notebook Consultant

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    I ended up canceling my Sony original order hoping that the new color options will be available with out going to the signature versions. Looks like thats not going to happen at least for now.

    I finally ended up purchasing brand new Z on ebay and should be here on Monday :D

    CPU i7
    6GB
    win 7 Pro
    Power dock with PD player
    1920 x 1080 display
    256GB total drives
    ext battery

    I wanted 8GB and i5 but I guess i7 with 6gb is a good combination. Just hope the screen will be good with no dead pixels. I did get a nice deal that was over $700 less then threw Sony store when factoring in the tax.

    Just one more day :p
     
    dariusf, Oct 23, 2011
    #1892
  43. TraderJoe

    TraderJoe Notebook Consultant

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    I got mine from e-bay also with the same exact specs as yours. Those are the specs of the Microsoft Signature series. Mine came from seller vs012002 - did you get it off the same person? If yes, he's a good seller and mine was brand new in the box.
     
    TraderJoe, Oct 23, 2011
    #1893
  44. TraderJoe

    TraderJoe Notebook Consultant

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    DEAL ALERT IN SO. CALIFORNIA

    In the Los Angeles Times Sunday paper, Microsoft has an ad for 25% off any purchase over $1,000. So you can get this Z2 for a $750 discount. And you don't get any of the junk ware loaded.
     
    TraderJoe, Oct 23, 2011
    #1894
  45. Geeee

    Geeee Notebook Deity

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    Which section and what page? I checked section A, the main section "Headline News", and no ad from microsoft.
     
    Geeee, Oct 24, 2011
    #1895
  46. SirRobin

    SirRobin Notebook Evangelist

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    Maybe i´m wrong but i run the installer file and reboot my machine. There was no way to check the driver manually but the version numbers are the same in the device manager as before...
     
    SirRobin, Oct 24, 2011
    #1896
  47. ota-con

    ota-con Notebook Deity

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    ota-con, Oct 24, 2011
    #1897
  48. ZoinksS2k

    ZoinksS2k Notebook Virtuoso

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    Sony is at the forefront of box technology
     
    ZoinksS2k, Oct 24, 2011
    #1898
  49. TraderJoe

    TraderJoe Notebook Consultant

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    It wasn't on a page, it was a one page insert. But I don't think it's a coupon, you can just walk in the store and it's storewide. Give any store near you a call.
     
    TraderJoe, Oct 24, 2011
    #1899
  50. Shadow780

    Shadow780 Newbie

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    Hey guys, new Z owner here, sexy hardware indeed :D

    Sorry if this is asked, but is there a way to update AMD CCC drivers? I used the autodetect from AMD.com but it says it's not supported for this hardware.

    Thanks.
     
    Shadow780, Oct 24, 2011
    #1900
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