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

Looking for a gold PMD is anyone is looking to sell.

Wife has been driving me crazy about getting a second one. PM me if your interested in selling.

Thanks!

 

I have a Z22 which is gold (sorry Maven, no PMD!) and all is great except that the previous owner must have had a very sweaty left palm and some paint is worn off on the left edge of the palm rest, the sharp edge that has has operating indicator lights just below it.

Any ideas for a way to repair this cosmetic damage? I tried automotive paint but none of the colors on the bottles matched the paint color. The interior looks like dark red but I think it is closer to dark brown with a slightly reddish tone. The damaged area is only about an inch long and I have covered it with tape to keep more damage from occurring but I'd really like to get it new-looking.

Any suggestions appreciated.

 

Hi,

I fell asleep with my VAIO and now it won't turn on. I have connected the charger to the computer for many, many hours but the computer is not recognizing the charger (the light is not on.) I've tried taken the battery out and then putting in back on and trying charging, but that's not working. And then, I've tried charging without the battery connected. I've also tried a friend's charger, but again the computer is not recognizing the charger. I'm not sure what to do at this point. Is the problem the battery? Other parts of the computer?

I bought this laptop off Ebay in late August, and it was new. Is this a problem that I can get fixed through the seller, Ebay, or Sony? I don't know much about computers, so please be patient with me. Thank you!

 

I have no idea except for purchasing repair parts from Sony. I truly hope this is an isolated issue, because there will be a bunch of angry people out there. (Not that Sony gives a rip)

Thinking about this make me want to grab a replacement battery while they are still being produced in Gold.

 

If it makes you feel any better, this unit was not used very much and I think it was more likely slightly scraped, removing the layer of paint, then any sweaty palms may have taken a bit more off. It's only on the very edge and there is no other place, including the right palm rest edge with the same problem.

BTW, someone suggested I go to a hobby store and find a permanent marker that matches the color well enough. I'll report back.

 

@lovelaptops...Couldn't the automotive store mix a batch that could match the GOLD

 

I know this has probably already been beaten to death, but is the RAM and/or SSD upgradeable in the Z2?

I bought a Z3 and whilst I love it, I would prefer the 1600x900 resolution on the Z2. Problem is, I only seem to be finding versions with 4gb/128gb on ebay etc.

 

I have an opportunity to pick up a 2nd gen (I believe) Z. It's model VPCZ215HX/X at $2,430. It comes with the PMD and sheet battery. I think the differences are that it's running the Sandy instead of Ivy i7, 4mb cache instead of 6mb, Intel 3000 vs 4000, older discrete gffx chip, and the PMD drives only 1 extra monitor instead of 3. Any other differences and does anyone have an opinion on this package vs the current gen Z? Price drop on the equivalent current gen is $2,499 with no PMD.

 

Expensive. I got an i7 Z2 plus PMD from the Sony Outlet website seven months ago for ~$1300 -- 8mb RAM, 120gb SSD. You should be able to get it for less.

Sent from my Galaxy Note

 

Quick question for the forum. I've got a Sony Z2 about a year old we're using for work. I'm running two screens off the Intel card (laptop plus one 24in Dell) and 1 via the PMD and Radeon (2nd 24in Dell). This has basically worked for the last year, with only one issue, that being when I lock the system and walk away the Radeon screen often won't come back up. Unhooking and reattaching the PMD usually cleared that with no issue and no need to reboot. Annoying but tolerable.

However, the other day I updated the bios on the machine and now I'm getting very consistent lock-ups, essentially the HDMI connected screen conks out, all the attached USB ports lose power, and the computer fully locks up. This is happening every few minutes now. I've tried the Leshcat drivers, and they won't operate for more than a few minutes. I'm not honestly sure if the BIOS update did this, or whether something else could be going on with the PMD or various drivers. Effectively the Intel half seems stable and functional, and the PMD is barely workable. I can't have lock-ups that often on a work machine, it's constant reboots and lost work at this point. Any ideas or suggestions would be much appreciated! At best I can run laptop + one external, but really want my three screens back! Thanks!

 

just been reading through this topic as i am thinking very hard about buying off ebay a VAIO Z 2011-2012.

I have x q's - could someone please point me in the right direction?

1) I have 2 external displays - one HDMI, one VGA - do I need a machine with the Ivy Bridge to have a PMD that is able to power both screens?

2) Is is possible to have the lit of the laptop closed when it's hooked up to the PMD and just only use the external screens?

3) Is windows 8 working? If so.. how is the touchpad behaving in Windows 8?

Many many thanks for your help!
Dennis

 

=> YES i'm doing it all the time

 

I have a Z21 with 1920 x 1080 screen. Is there any way of finding out the Sony part number for the screen?
Many thanks

 

After months of self dilemma, finally pulled the trigger.First time with Sony. My spec are as follows...

Premium Black
Intel®Core(TM)i5-3210M, 2.5GHz
4 GB 1600 MHz DDR3-SDRAM
128 GB SATA Gen3 Flash SSD
1920x1080 Premium Full HD
Long-Life battery

Price : 1.086,25 GBP

Coming from: Dell XPS M1330 - > Macbook Pro -> MacBook Retina 15 -> Macbook Air -> Sony VAIO Z (Future!)

Just received the Order acknowledgement email. The wait is agonizing!

 

hi guys i have question for you, how to erase password on bios VPCZ21V9E ?

 

Hi guys,

I haven't been here for a long time due to University and some work... I see that the thread is kind of moving to the 2012 model I think...

You must know that 1 January some spritz fall over the keyboard and now it's quite impossibile to clean it since if you take off each key, the levers which act as springs are completely glued to the base due to sugar residuals which have crystallized.
So I ordered a new keyboard and the next week I'll completely open and disassemble the laptop to substitute it.

Is there any guide to how to disassemble each part?? I need it to remember then how to riassemble it

Well, maybe it's better to post this in the new thead since the case didn't change at all

 

Hello. I have VPCZ2390X with PMD (AMD 6650 HD inside). But after I messed up with video card drivers (installed amd catalyst directly from amd.com), my system thinks that I have AMD 6700 HD instead of AMD 6650 HD in PMD. And I cannot roll back now. So, external video card does not work. How is it possible to completely uninstall it and clean install again? And worst of all - I do not have recovery disks available.

I already tried:
Driver fusion to completely unistall device - did not work
Revo uninstall to completelt unistall Catalyst Control - did not work
Device uninstall - but when I reconnect PMD - system now thinks that I have AMD 6700 HD.
Re-install original drivers from sony.com - did not work.

Sony advised to use recovery media - but when I bought notebook I was too greedy for free space, so I deleted recovery media space in my notebook... So I have no recovery media available.
They advised to buy it - but together with shipping cost - they would be very expensive and it will take long time to be shipped from USA to Europe.

Please help!
Please advise!
Your help would be greatly appreciated!!!

 

This thread seems like Dying, never happened before with Z's, Z1 thread is still kicking hard, with mods, upgrades, troubleshooting and DIYs, too bad

 

*shrug* i liked the z2 much more than the z1.

 

I suppose the Z21 has very few user-upgradeable parts, and they never released any other peripherals that would work with the custom USB3 port. Also no optical media player built in, so nothing fancy to do there either. You could also argue that it's a very reliable machine, so there are few troubleshooting queries! Mines still going strong 18 months later with Windows 8.

 

Is there a video guide or a document guide on how to completely tear down the VPC-Z21???

 

For the Z2 512GB I came across two part numbers:

MZRPA512HMFU
and
mzrpc512hafu

Is the former SATA2 and the latter SATA3? I am looking to upgrade an SVZ but do not wish to trade performance for space. Would the performance difference be significant if I were to buy a MZRPA512HMFU?

 

I'd like to get 2x 128GB SSDs for my Z2, to replace the 64GB x2 I have in mine.
Are there any alternatives to the Samsung drives that one can find with some good luck?

 

A shot in the dark, but I thought I'd ask anyway...

I've been using my Z2 for about six months now with an external display plugged into the media dock. Suddenly yesterday, after upgrading to Windows 8, the external display is no longer recognized. However, when I plugged it directly into the HDMI socket on the laptop itself, it's instantly recognized. I guess the problem is with the Media Dock.

Any ideas how to fix this?

 

PMD isn't officially supported in Windows 8 by Sony. You can get it to work though using Leshcat drivers. You will have an odd issue or two doing so, but for the most part works fine.

 

OK, I'll give it a shot. Thanks for the heads up.

 

Hi all,

Have a Vaio Z2 that was updating Vaio Care and Updates the usual 4 moths behind here in Australia(imported it from Hong Kong) Z228GG
Recently it would not let me access Vaio Care 7.3 and VaioShell popup ERROR would appear on screen.
Well my Vaio Care issue has got worse than better:

1.Rang Tech support...told to do Restore point earlier.
2. They will call in 3-5 days to discuss.
3. Attempted restore to earlier point today 18/1.
4. Caused two errors to now show 1. Vaioshell 2. VCSystemtray
5. Went back to the 8/1 on restore.
6. Lost Google access files and same two errors.
7. Went back before did restore and still same two errors.
8. Reported to Tech support.
9. Attempted to download and reinstall VaioCare 7.3 .....will not install?
10. Downloaded and attempted to install Vaio Update again.
11. Caused it to delete from Programs menu?
12. Both errors still pop up on screen to notify.
13. Wait for Tech support to call....wondering if uninstall VaioCare 7.0.1 and reinstall original VaioCare is an option and then update from there?

EDIT: Tech support tell me that it requires FULL Recovery.....issue is less than 5% occurrence in Vaio range.
No option to REinstall VaioCARE without full recovery
Issue appears every 2 minutes.
Turning off notification does not work.

 

I have one of these for sale; it is the Gen 3 2x128=256GB SATA 3 (fast one). PM me if interested.

 

Message sent!

 

If anyone needs a video guide on how to dissasamble/assamle a Sony Vaio VPCZ2190 laptop let me know, I have one of mine and would be happy to share.

 

Hey,

Does anybody know where to get a german keyboard or single keys?
My Vaio Z21 has the UK layout and I think it should be possible to simply switch the "caps".
But I don't know where I could buy single keys or the whole keyboard for a reasonable price (the cheapest one I have found so far is ~100€). :/

Thanks, any help is appreciated.

 

Hi thesan my svz (=ivy bridge z2) has a German keyboard and I am looking to convert to us. Is it possible to pop off keycaps without ruining them? Is yours backlit? How easy is it to swap out the entire keyboard or even palmrest with keyboard?

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

 

I would love to see a video of the tear down! I need to replace my LCD screen. I've had this pink-purplish L shaped blob on my screen for months.

 

Great, and I would like to know how to replace the keyboard of this notebook. Hopefully this video will show that or if someone else reading this knows, please reply. Thanks.

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

 

I have just ordered a SVZ from Sony Austria and might be interested in swapping the corresponding keys.

However:
- my order has not been confirmed by Sony yet
- current production date is set to mid march
- how old is your device? Are your keys worn out?
- are keys of Z21 indeed compatible to SVZ?
- how easy do they pop out? (do you have information about replacing keys?)
- My guess is you dont have to open the device, so guarantee will be still valid!?

 

Correct me if I'm wrong, but don't you have to disassemble the whole laptop to get to the keyboard?

 

The idea is to just pop out the corresponding keys. I don't own a Z series yet, so I don't know if that actually works

 

anyone had SONY replace the palm rest plate due to discoloration thru warranty?

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Hope there is someone out there with wwan lte (sierra wireless mc7710) in their svz or z2. Is your GPS working? If so in the device manager what sierra wireless devices show up? Under com and lpt ports i have the sierra nmea and dm ports but no CnS port. Should that be there? Neither the aircard watcher nor the gps monitor recognize the GPS. Thanks!

Sent from my GT-P6800 using Tapatalk 2

 

Hey guys
couple of days ago I bought a sony refurbished little used vaio z22 here.
haven't received it yet but I'm afraid I have already found a problem in the pictures that will force me to return it.
It appears that the hinge is already loose it's obvious in the 9th picture!
what would you do?

p.s. the screws seem also not to be the original ones right?

 

As I haven't had any replies to my problem that I posted in the Sony forum, forgive me for posting it here as well:

I'm trying to do a clean install of Win 7 on my Z2.
Recovery partition gone, DVDs for some reason not working ("Error 385").
When I try to install from my normal Win 7 DVD, it asks for the RAID0 drivers, which I can find nowhere, so as a result it doesn't find the RAID0 drive, so can't install Windows.
The XP drivers on the download site don't work.
Win 8 installs fine, without need for drivers. Tried to let it install Win 8 and then see if it recognises the RAID0 under the Win 7 setup, but no joy.

Can anyone help?

 

I am having trouble with my VGA output recently. Without any changes to the system, suddenly it will not recognize my monitors any more. Tried on different devices, but it only shows "Display on VGA" (or something similar, translated from German) when it used to show PNP-Monitor. And the max. resolution ist 1024.

What I already tried:
- different cables, different monitors
- removing the "Non-PNP Monitor" device in device manager and reinstall the PNP driver
- restart
- reinstall of the Intel HD 3000 drivers (I use the standard Intel drivers because I have no PMD)

I think there might be some permanent setting in the Intel HD configuration that is messed up. I would like to to a very clean install of the drivers, but I can't find a how-to for that.
Any ideas apart from reinstalling the system completely?

[Edit] Fortunately the Intel Graphics Configuration Utility (right mousebutton on desktop -> graphics properties) allows to define special modes for the external display. I defined a 1280x1024/80Hz for my old CRT, works fine!

 

I have a 128GB 3rd generation SSD for the Z2 for sale. PM if interested.

 

Reinstalled windows 7 from a OEM disk.

I've tried installing all the drivers on the Sony site but two things are still not working correctly.

1. FN+F1 keys and Assist/Web/Vaio key do not work.

2. When opening the lid after the computer has gone to sleep the Z2 does not wake up automatically. I have to press a key on the keyboard for the laptop to wake up.

Can anyone assist?

 

I think no. 2 is normal.

Sent from my Galaxy Note

 

Hey all,

Anyone else notice their write speeds on their Vaio Z2 just keeps dropping over time? I have the SATA II 128GB in my Z2, and my write speeds are now down to 58 MB/s in 18 months ownership of VERY light use, lol. Slower than a 5400rpm disk.

Tested with CrystalDiskMark.

Is there a way to restore the performance of how it was out of the box? (350-400 MB/s). This thing is getting painful to use!

 

Hi I just bought a Sony Vaio VPCZ214GX/L that is Blue and only had 4 gb ram and 128 SSD. I bought it because it was the only new, closed box Z I could find that day. I had to buy my computer since my thinkpad is going to die soon since the fan is no longer working (I had to check in my laptop bag at O'Hare). Since then I have seen many open box ones for sale with better specs but not the blue one, which I really like. I would have bought the gold one but none were for sale. I was a diehard Thinkpad fan, who had a thinkpad T40 and then T42 ( more then enough for medical school, usually just doing powerpoint), then a T60 and now a T410i. Now I need an integrated graphics card because I am in business now and I often have to edit large photographs or look at blueprints / site plans/ signage designs. I like the design and high endness of the Z.


I think I will love the Z but I have a few questions:

1) Can I upgrade the SSD to 528? I can do it myself if it just requires a screwdriver, but I will not do it if I need to solder anything. Any links to the part? I tried searching for a chip but the only link was for one off of alibaba, which i am not comfortable buying from. I can buy from amazon or ebay or something but not from China direct.

2) Can I run programs off an external hard drive? What are my options for expanding memory if I cannot improve the SSD size? Ideally I will have an external drive and upgrade the SSd

 

@chelseafs
for upgrading the ssd read this thread http://forum.notebookreview.com/sony/702265-upgrade-ssd-vpcz2390x-3.html#post9116245
I replaced my ssd 128 with 512. It is easy. you only need a screwdriver.

 

Hi everyone. Everyone in this thread has been amazingly helpful when I've had issues in the past, so here goes again:

My Z isn't turning on. I unplugged it from it's charger + external monitor this morning, and when I opened it up in class to take notes, the power button would glow temporarily but the screen wouldnt flash on. I have since tried probably 100 times.

SYMPTOMS -

The power button would glow green, but the screen wouldn't turn on. The light turns off after 10-20 seconds.

Sometimes (like 1/5 times), the fan will start running as if it's about to boot, but it still always turns off.

When I first took it out of my sleeve in class the first time, I noticed the bottom was quite hot.

When I plug my charger in, the little light comes up indicating that it's charging. The backlight keyboard is still functional also. The Nvidia light switch never comes on. Laptop is ~2.5 years old.

~~~~~

Does anyone have any idea what the issue might be? Can anyone give me any suggestions as to what I might try? I have never taken a laptop apart before.

Thanks very much in advance guys, any help is extremely appreciated

 

If anyone has a sony z2 (UK) for sale, pm me please thanks