Official Sony Vaio CW Core 2 Duo Series Owner's Thread

cool! I am getting a consensus that the laptop battery life is in a ballpark range of 2.5 to 3.5 hours. Now that more of you guys have this laptop for a little longer, and update on battery life and under what conditions?

 

To anyone who has ordered from SonyStyle online in the UK - how accurate is their shipping estimate? It usually reads 2-3 weeks but as soon as you choose from the basic 3GB RAM version to the 4GB they say it'll take 4-5!

 

I have order Sonystyle online in UK, already a week past and still have no message show my CW is being dispatch.. and the person speak on the phone said it will take 2 - 3 weeks from Japan to dispatch to UK.

 

On the CW Customize/CTO on SonyStyle.com, next to each available component to add, they all say "Backorder" next to them...hopefully it won't stay that way for too long

 

Yeah thats a real bummer. I actually had plans to try and place my order today, but now apparently i cant until it gets out of backorder status.

 

So you decided you like the CW huh? I think you were the one that said they were too plastic looking.
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Yep you're right, it won't even let you place the order. This message comes up when you add it to your cart:

VPCCW190X Configure-to-Order US-VPCCW190X-LBOM is currently not available. Please remove it from the cart before proceeding.

Looks like the Pre-Configured ones are still available though. The only thing the $849 Preconfigured one is missing that I want is the P8700 processor.

EDIT: I just checked and the Vaio SR also says it is Back Ordered, huh...maybe something else is going on!

 

Yeah I dont care for the all plastic, wish they could have gone with a brushed metal look. But I went and played with them for awhile at microcenter and the red one does have a pretty good look to it. And the plastic was about the only grip I could come up with, against alot of good things about it.

 

Does anyone know if the receipt you receive when you order online is a valid VAT receipt?

 

Probably my favorite "looking" slim and light Laptop out there right now (has a black brushed metal) is the HP 5310m ( http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/pscmisc/vac/us/en/sm/notebooks/5310m.html), but it has a stupid integrated GPU. The Sony CW is the best laptop I can find so far, especially as it seems to have very few issues, build wise or otherwise, unlike many of the other new thin and lights out there right now!!

 

Actually I also like the hp dm3 but the heat seemed to be a problem. And really for about the same price, since i would have gotten a beefed up one, the CW has so much more power.

And like they say looks are only case deep, its what inside that really matters.

 

Yeah, I actually went to Walmart and checked the heat on a DM3 that was sitting idle and confirmed that the palm rests were pretty warm. If they were warm at idle, wouldn't want to deal with the heat under load. And I really, really like the feel of the touchpad on the CW...Sony seemed to stick to the more traditional style, nice and smooth, with little resistance, easy to move my finger across. A good touchpad is VERY important to me!

 

I generally hate using touchpads, but the one on the sony is great. I dont know what makes it so good, but I actually was very amused playing with it.

 

I purcashed the DM3 and then took it back to get the CW instead.
The DM3 was terrible - the heat was a major issue and the battery life was really bad. The CW by comparison is far superior in performance - it may be a little larger and heaver but you get so much more and the CW runs very cool in comparison.

 

LOOK what I found...would love to know if anyone has tried one of these or might try purchasing one and tell us what they think of it:

Keyboard Skin (Protect your compatible VAIO® notebook keyboard from dust, spills, dirt and grime with this keyboard skin.) White or Black
https://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wc...gId=-1&productId=8198552921666036655#features

 

having drivers is one thing (without, you forget it), installing them in the right order and making all keys work (Function key, Web, screen, special purpose keys in general) is another. I'm also interested to do a clean install and look for all related information. However, at the moment I haven't found anything on the CW yet.

What is fresh start ? Isn't it an option reserved for business laptops. Would you please tell us what is delivered with this option: a CD/DVD with drivers, W7, or what?

Also, please enlighten me, when doing a clean install, one must have the W7 (OEM) installation DVD; right ? but I don't think sony will give a W7 install disk. In this case what should I do ?

thanks
nalooti

 

To those in the UK i come bearing further gifts!
In the form of a 10% discount this time. Yeh thats right 10% ON TOP of the free GPU upgrade. To get the discount enter TWITTER09 in the 'e-voucher' part of the checkout page (after you've configured it all on Sonystyle UK) and bob's-your-uncle a full 10% discount in addition to that free GT 230M upgrade! Now this is an INSANE deal for UK residents.... Shame about the increased 4-5 week (from 2-3 week) shipping wait PURELY from adding the 4GB RAM over the 3GB.... Oh well, the saving DEFINITELY compensates for this! Will be ordering this very evening.

 

Here are some articles from Sony's Knowledge Base on the topic:

EDIT: These aren't truly on the Topic of a Clean Install, sorry about that...maybe within the "Recovery" Partition there is a Windows 7 ONLY install within those files. I don't have a CW yet, otherwise I'd see if I can't find it. Usually there is a Windows install within one the folders on recovery partitions...in Win XP the path is usually \i386\winnt32.exe but in Windows 7 I'm not sure where it might be or if the install .exe file would be the same.

How to create a set of Recovery Discs.

http://www.kb.sony.com/selfservice/..._1_1&dialogID=144626465&stateId=0 0 144630322

How to perform a system recovery using Recovery Discs.
http://www.kb.sony.com/selfservice/..._1_1&dialogID=144626465&stateId=0 0 144630322

 

Here is a Chat I had with a SonyStyle Agent about the "BackOrder" issue on there site. It appears that they aren't truly "Backordered":

Kerry C: Hello and thank you for visiting Sonystyle. How may I help you today?

you: do you when the CTO for the CW will be available again? I noticed today it says "Backorder" next to each components in the customize screen

Kerry C: It is a known issue with the web site we are working on it as fast as we can I would recommend checking back periodically

you: So do you think it will be fixed in a few days or a few weeks?

Kerry C: probably a few hours

you: So is it truly not an issue that you are out of stock on the Vaio then?

Kerry C: correct it is a web site issue

you: Ok thank you very much for your help

Kerry C: Is there anything else that I can assist you with today?

you: Nope that should do it, thanks again

Kerry C: Thank you for visiting Sonystyle. Have a great day!

 

LEGEND!

I'm ordering that tonight!

 

Thanks for the info !!

 

THe "Fresh Start" is the option available when doing the CTO/Customized CW on SonyStyle.com...it eliminates extra software...this option is only available if you select the Windows 7 Professional option.

Sony's definition of "Fresh Start":
Fresh Start provides a basic computing environment where specific VAIO® applications, trial software and games are removed from your unit prior to shipment. Any additional software applications added to your notebook will not be affected by this application.

 

My Sony is CW1S1E ( slovakia ), and here are the specs from EVEREST PROGRAM:
Computer:
Computer Type ACPI x64-based PC (Mobile)
Operating System Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium
OS Service Pack -
Internet Explorer 8.0.7600.16385
DirectX DirectX 10.0
Date / Time 2009-11-10 / 18:13

Motherboard:
CPU Type Mobile DualCore Intel Core 2 Duo, 1400 MHz (8 x 175)
Motherboard Name Unknown
Motherboard Chipset Intel Cantiga PM45
System Memory 4064 MB (DDR3-1066 DDR3 SDRAM)
DIMM1: Hynix HMT125S6BFR8C-G7 2 GB DDR3-1066 DDR3 SDRAM (7-7-7-20 @ 533 MHz) (6-6-6-18 @ 457 MHz)
DIMM3: Hynix HMT125S6BFR8C-G7 2 GB DDR3-1066 DDR3 SDRAM (7-7-7-20 @ 533 MHz) (6-6-6-18 @ 457 MHz)
BIOS Type AMI (05/09/08)

Display:
Video Adapter NVIDIA GeForce GT 230M (512 MB)
Video Adapter NVIDIA GeForce GT 230M (512 MB)
Monitor Generic PnP Monitor [NoDB]

Multimedia:
Audio Adapter Realtek ALC262 @ High Definition Audio Controller [10DE-0BE2] [NoDB]
Audio Adapter Realtek ALC262 @ Intel 82801IB ICH9 - High Definition Audio Controller

Storage:
IDE Controller Intel(R) ICH9M-E/M SATA AHCI Controller
IDE Controller Ricoh PCIe Memory Stick Host Controller
IDE Controller Ricoh PCIe SD Bus Host Adapter
Disk Drive Ricoh Memory Stick Disk Device
Disk Drive Ricoh SD/MMC Disk Device
Disk Drive ST9320325AS (298 GB, IDE)
Optical Drive Optiarc DVD RW AD-7700S
SMART Hard Disks Status OK

Partitions:
C: (NTFS) 165.6 GB (118.5 GB free)
H: (NTFS) 117.2 GB (87.7 GB free)
Total Size 282.8 GB (206.1 GB free)

Input:
Keyboard HID Keyboard Device
Keyboard Standard PS/2 Keyboard
Mouse HID-compliant mouse
Mouse Synaptics PS/2 Port TouchPad

Network:
Network Adapter Intel(R) WiFi Link 5100 AGN (192.168.1.3)
Network Adapter Marvell Yukon 88E8057 PCI-E Gigabit Ethernet Controller

Hope so its usefull for somebody...
If you need more info just write here and I will answear.

 

Thanks for the info...

1. According to your numbers 47GB is used up on the C: drive, just wanting to see how much of that space is Original (as it was when you received the Unit) or have you added some personal software? If not original, do you know what the used space was when you received it?

2. And on the H: Drive you have 30GB used, is H: the recovery Partition, using up all 30GB?

 

I think it says 4 - 5 weeks no matter what. I ordered mine 2 weeks ago said there was 4 - 5 weeks estimate, but now the estimated shipping date is supposedly today so waiting for an email...

 

Aww cant believe I missed all these discounts by ordering too soon lol -.-

Where did you find that 10% code btw??

 

Fresh Start is an option that is available in the CTO option only if you have chosen Win7 Professional. Fresh Start takes out a good about of crapware of bloatware from the computer, like the trial anti virus software, microsoft works(if you chose fresh start you can't chose any microsoft office options), and i think few other things. but all sony softwares and utliities are still there. its just the extra bits like trial softwares.

 

This might be a dumb question but does the bluray player also work as a DVD player/burner?

 

Hi,
Originaly my HDD is 320 GB. But the restore partition was 15GB. So you can use about 300GB.
And yes Ive made another partition on this disk by myself.

Any other question.

 

Found the 10% code by typing in 'Sonystyle uk e-voucher codes' into google!! Or some variation anyway! Just finishing my order ....

 

Yes it does. I guess there are different lenses for both the dvd and blue ray discs but not too sure.

 

This question is open to anyone who has a CW.

On your CW, how much space was used up originally on the C: Drive when you received your unit...

...Windows 7 Home Premium (without Fresh Start)?

...Windows 7 Professional (with Fresh Start)?

EDIT: This is to help me decide which size Hard Drive I need to purchase when ordering my CW...thanks in advance

 

Thanks for this.

Just placed my order P8700, 230m and 4GB for the bargain price of £639
Hopefuly it will come a bit quicker then the 4-5 weeks estimate.

 

Can't get my order through for some stupid reason. Credit card company keep denying the authorisation!

 

Ordered Black, P8700, 4GB RAM, Gt 230M, Blu Ray Reader with all discounts considered : £683
What an incredible deal, got the P8700 processor and blu ray for £20ish less than the retail model! And got it in black which isnt available at retail - yes i know i will be scrubbing it manically for fingerprints
4-5 weeks estimated, lets hope its more like 3!

 

I'm almost 100% sure I want to purchase this laptop and have been reading this thread for such a long time! Thanks to all of you (once again - I think I thanked you all in the previous few posts I made) for your input! One thing that worries me though is the key board. I was on the Sony US website, and this guy posted a review of the laptop.

I'm just wondering, can anyone comment on the keyboard and the keys? How does it feel, type? Do you make a lot of errors?

 

^ I do not have any complaint about keyboard, aside from missing Home/End keys and smaller cursor keys. Otherwise, I think it is a nice keyboard, and I imagine that the reviewer may have gotten a faulty keyboard. I don't make "a lot of errors", although I do prefer a good desktop keyboard. The touchpad, IMO, is one of the best touchpads available on non-Mac laptops.

If there's a room for improvement, it is LCD. It is adequate, but it is clearly not as good as with Vaio Z, FW HiColor, or MBP. Also, the palmrest tends to attract fingerprints.

By the way, if anyone is feeling that colors look washed out on CW screen, make sure to turn off auto color-correction on Vaio control center, and calibrate LCD yourself (the uncalibrated LCD has too much blue). It makes all colors much better.

 

I'm very interested in one of these, but they're difficult to find around here. Since Best Buy has the lower end version with the G210m, would it be feasible for me to go look at that one and use it as a direct comparison for the one with the GT230? Or does that one come with a better screen? My main concern is the screen quality and keyboard.

 

I particularly went to best buy to check out the screen, keyboard and mouse pad. The screen was nice, but I did notice the limited viewing angle, which doesn't bother me too much. I thought the keyboard was great, better than my desktop keyboard. I especially like the newer chicklet style, because the keys don't have to be pushed down as far and therefore I could type faster. And the touchpad is the best I've tried out of all the newer laptops out there. Of course my opinion might vary once I own a CW, but I am confident that the hardware will be to my liking.

 

I was talking with a rep and they said you get coupon codes after registering the laptop after purchase. Has anyone gotten these?

 

The CW with or without the GT230 GPU are identical, screen and all. So the Best Buy version is good testing ground.

FYI, if you go onto Bestbuy.com there are quite a few reviews written about the various colors of CWs on their site.

 

laptop shipped today

also anyone reckon i'll be able to claim back some money from sony either because I didn't use the 10% discount ("it didn't work ) or from the free GPU upgrade they added 2 weeks later? Maybe using the 'im a student, im p00r' excuse?

 

Worth a go isnt it!

 

Right so I called up and my payment was authorised this time (apparently - not holding my breath just yet).

I went for the Black, 2.13Ghz P7450, 4GB RAM and GT230, with everything else as standard. Total cost £584.10. Quite a bargain, I think.

I was going to go for the P8700 but I've been looking around online and apparently the differences between them aren't that significant so thought adding £60 to my dad's credit card bill for it was a bit cheeky. Same as for the 500GB HDD (I plan on buying a 1TB external HDD) and Bluray drive (got the PS3 to play Blurays after all).


The lady on the phone said 2-3 weeks to be built and then 1 week standard delivery. I'm not sure if she just made a mistake or whether they got the RAM in or something and times might be shorter? Let's hope.

 

You know its a bummer that in New Delhi, India we are unable to buy the CW with Win 7 Pro/Ultimate. The only option available is either Win 7 Home premium or less. What about the people who would like to join domains???!!! Guess you cant do that with Home edition of win 7 can you. Grrrrrrr....

Wonder if any other variant of CW with P8700 and GT 230M is going to be available with Win 7 Pro/Ultimate any time soon for the Asian mkts???

 

I'm thinking of buying this laptop (probably on Black Friday).
This will be my first laptop.

Quick question about making the recovery DVD's (I apologize if it's a dumb question).

I currently have blank 4x DVD+R's and blank 8x DVD+R's.

Will these work for creating the recovery DVD's?

Thanks in advance.

 

If you have a Fry's Electronics Store nearby, this Black CW (T6600 Processory w/ G210m GPU) is on sale for One More Day at $699.99...but for In-store Pickup Only:

Sony CW13FX/B Jet Black glossy notebook featuring an Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor T6600 with Windows® 7 Home Prem
http://www.frys.com/product/6029078?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

 

This article on the topic just says to "Insert a blank, recordable DVD", so the DVD-Rs you have will work just fine.

How to create a set of Recovery Discs.
http://www.kb.sony.com/selfservice/..._1_1&dialogID=144626465&stateId=0 0 144630322

 

If Win 7 Pro does not become available in Asian markets on the CW, maybe the Windows 7 Anytime Upgrade is available to you. It is quite a bit cheaper using this method. Upgrade from Win 7 Premium to Win 7 Pro for $89.00 (normally $199.00 retail):

http://store.microsoft.com/microsof...Home-Premium-to-Professional/product/C562285E

 

Another dumb question:

I currently have Roadrunner High Speed Online (Ethernet connection) for my PC.
Broadband.

I intend to use this for my laptop.

Will I have to use a USB connection for my CW?
Is there an Ethernet connection available on the CW?

p.s. I'm clueless on anything wireless. I don't really want to pay any extra for internet service.

 

Yes there is a Ethernet port on the back of the CW. But Wireless Broadband is the way to go, being that you don't have to be tethered to the wall with your cable line for internet access. The only additional expense to go wireless would be getting a hold of a Wireless Router, which Roadrunner might charge you a little extra to rent one from them (they will probably help you set it up if you go this route), or you can buy a Wireless router yourself, and then maybe find a friend that can help you set it up. Here is an example of one that costs about $79 which has the newest Wireless-N (802.11n) technology which provides about 12 times the connection speed of the bit older Wireless-G router.

Linksys WRT160N Ultra RangePlus Wireless-N Broadband Router
http://www.amazon.com/Linksys-WRT16...1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1257948717&sr=8-1

Here is a video about the CW, giving some close up of it, including showing which ports are available:

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xayjhz_sony-vaio-vpccw13fxw-notebook_tech