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

Is it from that particular seller?

EDIT: And if he got the item, he only installed one? What's the config? I'm actually interested atm.

 

Me too my dear
right he bought 512GB from that link upgrade from 256GB, he has it installed though a local repair shop without any warranty -obviously-
conf. wise sorry I can not help in that regards.

 

I presume it is as if ur at that speed!

 

^I don't.

Agreed. I would no more buy a notebook that flexed then I would fly on a plane with wings that flex.

 

Yet another Z review....
Sony VAIO Z-Series VPCZ217GA Laptop Review | t-break: Tech @ Its Fastest

 

I'm not sure whether you're being ironic or not. Carbon wings do flex more.

... actually that does bring up an interesting point. Will we have more panicked passengers as a result in very heavy turbulence?

 

I don't know for sure if it is true that no true comparison exists.

 

The reviewer's comments on CPU throttling are interesting/concerning. Has that been seen in other reviews or by forum members?

 

Are you serious? You finally convinced me to buy one, now you tell me you wouldn't be caught, er, dead in one?!!

Way to go with pouring salt in the buyer's remorse wound! So, it throttles to netbook performance, has a high res display that looks crappy and bends like, well, carbon fiber (duh), can't show 1080p video on its, uh, 1080p screen without tweaking the power to make it highest possible setting, just to do what the Z1 does with it's crappy GMA IGP at LOW power, yada, yada, yada... Next thing I'll find out that it doesn't really boot in 10 seconds, ,not even in 20 seconds, and you'll see this black screen with a blinking cursor, one blink for every IQ point you lost for having bought this computer.

Sounds like someone was trying to copy the "legendary" Z1 and missed by a long shot. Glad I decided to stick with my Z11 and not buy a new, loaded Z22, like this. Mother of mud - I did by that Gold Z22! How could I have been so stupid?!!

Anyone interested in buying one of these hunks of junk for a song? I'll have it on Wednesday, can ship it Fedex overnight, no charge.

(And yes, I am being "ironic!")

 

Still got the issue.

Think I've figured it out somewhat. Multiple solutions.

1. Switch to external display only (mentioned this previously)

2. Change TV refresh to 50Hz under display properties.

Seems strange given that the TV identifies 60Hz and WMP worked fine in it. But for MKV files I must switch to 50Hz.

 

More sarcastic than ironic.

You need to ask?

Just as well that you passed it by. The design is clearly fatally flawed.

 

Ok guys so I have been having this problem for a while and just dealt with it before but with the farewell of Cosmic Panda UI on Youtube, I have to fix it now.

So here is the deal. When I fullscreen a youtube video, the video looks blocky/unclear as if its not antialiasing, even if I have it on 1080p. This only happens in FULLSCREEN, it only happens in CHROME 16 AND FIREFOX 6 (Does not happen in IE 9), and it only happens on YOUTUBE. Issue is not present when using non-fullscreen player, or with other video sites.

Also, probably important note: I have the 900p screen.

There is someone else with the problem here: Full-Screen Videos in YouTube Look Blocky - Anti-Aliasing Not Working? - Google Chrome Help

Does anyone else have this problem or know how to fix it? When I First got the Z i didnt have this problem, so something changed and caused this. I'm thinking it was an update in the flash player, or youtube, or chrome.

I also have not installed that new GPU driver bc I was going to wait to the official update to be pushed. Do you think instaling that could help?

I'll post some screens to demonstrate. But if anyone has any tips at all please let me know! This issue is killing me.

http://i.imgur.com/zjnoI.jpg This is fullscreen 1080p in Chrome, and has the problem. Noticed the blockiness around the mountain ridges and other areas, and even in the text/numbers in the bottom of the player

http://i.imgur.com/uGPlI.jpg This is non-fullscreen 1080p in Chrome, and does not have the problem. Notice how everything is clear and smooth.

http://i.imgur.com/cWlZE.jpg This is fullscreen 1080p in IE9, and does not have the problem. Notice how everything is clear. This is how it should be in chrome. It is a big difference when comparing to the first screenshot.

I hope this detailed posts brings some helpful responses. Thanks guys!

EDIT: Forgot an important detail. This issue only occurs WITHOUT the PMD. When the PMD is connected, everything behaves normally.

 

^ Same here, actually. Must be how Chrome displays it.

 

I just went to YouTube and pulled up that video in 1080p and full screen. Mine is perfect. I don't have any of the bad effects as in the pics you posted. My Z2 is the 1080p and I have installed the new GPU driver. Don't know if it's the GPU driver or the 1080p display that's somehow making a difference. And I disconnected my PMD before loading the video, so it's just on the Z2 screen.

And I hear Sony is working on packaging the new GPU driver for U.S. and Europe, so it shouldn't be too long before it's officially released (if you want to wait).

Edit: I'm also using Google Chrome...Version 16

 

(10 char)

 

I ran CPU-Z on my Z21 and saw clock speeds as high as 3393Mhz while running the Windows Experience Index. The typical speed while running WEI was 3193Mhz.

So I'm not seeing the same clock speed numbers that caused the reviewer to wonder if the Z was CPU throttled. Whew!

 

Quote:
Originally Posted by Louche
^I don't.



Agreed. I would no more buy a notebook that flexed then I would fly on a plane with wings that flex.



All airplane wings flex

 

^Really. Imagine that. Perhaps there's a reason why.

 

Admit it - it was a bad sarcastic analogy

 

Do you also have the 900P?

 

Darn! I hate being understood.

 

Nope, 1080 for me. I did a quick search on it last night and it seems to be a known issue somewhat so I'm hopeful there'll be a fix. Or I'll switch to FF...or just deal with it. I can live with it for the most part, dare I say.

 

Hey,

I'm going to get my Z21M9E soon.
Does anyone know which specific 3G module is built in? (europe)
Is it possible to use GPS with it?

 

heh, on the SA, the intel flash pixelation issue is present, too; though it strikes in IE9, too

 

Does the SD card reader work when plugging in the PMD for you guys?

My SD card icon disappears from My Computer when I plug in the PMD. Is this normal?

 

^
Yes it works after I plug in the PMD.

 

I tried to activate it, there is a thred for this issue. I will continue my pursue after Christmass, and I believe I have found a way to activate it :[ http://forum.notebookreview.com/sony/624532-z21-gobi-3000-wwan-location-sensor-windows-7-a.html]

 

Merry Christmas Everyone.

 

Hey got an urgent question:
When I plug in my PMD the wlan gets disabled. Cant turn it on again either? How can I fix this?


Thanks!

 

Got it to work! Thanks!

Sounds similar to my problem. I fixed it by uninstalling the Sony drivers and letting windows reinstall it. Maybe you can try that?

Good luck!

 

Hello,

I just want to ask a few questions about the "carbon black" vaio z2 and the "premium carbon black one". Does the interior color (wrist hold, screen edge) have any difference, or is it only different on the faceplate? How well does the premium texture guard itself against fingerprints?

Also, how bright is the 1080p screen? I often need to use my laptop in broad daylight, would it be better to choose the 1600*900 screen? I've heard some say a 13' doesn't need 1080p, others say it's a must-add.Thanks.

 

Only the screen lid is different.

I use my 1080 Z2 in broad daylight and it is fine.

 

Thanks.
I'm wondering if the z216 in the US has 1080p or not. Can't tell from the websites.

 

Vaio VPC-Z216GX/B

 

TBH the 1080p screen could be a bit brighter. It's ok in most situations, but in daylight, reflections can be a bit of a nuisance. I still wouldn't want to miss it.

 

I think the 1600x900 screen is noticeably brighter.

 

^ Same here, tried both with my OWN eyes, and settled for the 1600x900, its Brighter, and has reasonable text size, also better frame rates when casually gaming, IMHO.

 

Anyone having issues with the earphone jack?

When using other earphones (other than the provided noise cancelling earphones), the sound comes out from both my speaker and earphones simultaneously (softer sound from both). Unless I hold down the volume button on the earphone (then it will act as expected, only sound from earphones).

Is it because of how the jack is? Or is it just my computer?

EDIT: Did some tests, apparently it only affects earphones with volume control, those without the volume control were not affected. Pressing down the volume control would make the "Noise Cancelling Earphone connected" message appear. Weird.

 

I see...So you would suggest a 1600*900 screen?
I'm caught between not wanting to pay the ridiculous tax sony.com charges in the state I live in, needing more than 128g for everyday use, and wanting the low res screen.

 

Thanks. Where do these PDFs come from?

 

I choose the 1600x900 screen as well. I was concerned that 1080 would make text and icons too small. However, there are a bunch of people in this forum that consider the 1080 screen to be the only way to go. Ultimately it's a preference thing.

 

Same. I don't get this with my normal Klipsch headphones but with my beats pair that has volume control I got the issue. If I twist the jack a bit then it'd pop up with the Noise Cancelling Headphones are Inserted message.

Having another weird problem here - the scroll on the touch pad randomly stops working. I'm not sure what's causing it. Touch pad also feels "bumpy" at times. Dunno if that's just my finger getting tired of the texture of the pad or what!

And finally, that high pitched noise I also get but I hear this is a CPU idle issue. I'm ok with this for now. Usually have some music/TV/video playing to not hear it usually.

 

There are known issues about the headphone jack. What usually solves the problem is unplugging your headphones and plugging them back in. Give it a shot.

And the trackpad is not the best, but it shouldn't stop working. It took quite a bit of adjustments to get mine working good. Go into it's settings (Start>Vaio Control Center>Keyboard & Mouse>Pointing Devices and choose "Advanced") and start adjusting it's sensitivity and all the other goodies listed there. I switched to 2-finger scroll which works much better than one finger scroll. Took a bit of time to get used to it, but now it works find.

 

Indeed!
.

 

That wasn't actually the reason I chose the 1600 screen over the 1920 for both the last-gen Z and also the current, despite buying one of the 1920's each time to check out.

The size works better for me when mobile - it can be hard to make out some stuff when you have the notebook a way off, and the 1600 is for me the best compromise. Yes you can increase the size of screen fonts on the 1920 screen but I've always found myself futzing with fonts / display sizes for them to show up comfortably on a 1920 Z.

Also since I rarely use the machine when stationary, ultimate brightness of the screen has never been an issue.

I think if you are going to use it as a do-everything and your one and only machine, the HD screen would be more attractive. For me, any notebook is purely a mobile companion.

 

Choosing the lower resolution screen because it's easier to read, I understand. It's the brightness issue that perplexes me. Even when the notebook's plugged in, I keep the screen at perhaps 65% brightness just make reading more comfortable. If the screen were brighter, I would need to turn it down more.

 

I guess it's down to personal preferences: 60% on battery, 90% plugged in.

Maybe I like everything too bright?

One question: how many running processes you have with Z2? I had 111 when first started Z. Now I have uninstalled some crapware (did take Fresh start option when purchased, I guess not so Fresh ) and down to 96 processes. It still seems too much.

I will take closer look to W7 by Black Viper services (what can be turned off), but just wanted to get input from you.



Cheers,
Miki

 

94 processes, adjusted according to Black Viper and with Sony stuff

 

thank Palda

 

Wow... I always use my laptop with full brightness, even at night.
And not one of my past laptops have been exactly bright enough for me