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

Can someone help me with the model number I need to use to get VAIO updates on Sony's site??? My model number is VPC-CW190X...but the site says it doesn't recognize that model number and to pick one of about 8 similar numbers they list. Thanks for any help!

 

I would really appreciate any response from someone who has done some research on it....

 

Ok, I need some help here. Looking to make my purchase tonight or tomorrow and it's between these 3 models: SR, CW, and F series.

SR
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor P8800 (2.66GHz)
Microsoft® Windows® 7 Professional 64bit
Classic Black
128GB SATA Solid State Drive
6GB (4GBx1 + 2GBx1) DDR2-SDRAM-800
CD/DVD playback/burning
ATI Mobility Radeon™ HD 4570 Graphics (512MB VRAM)
Fresh Start

CW
Intel® Core™ i5-540M processor (2.53GHz) with Turbo Boost up to 3.06GHz
Genuine Windows® 7 Professional 64-bit
Jet Black
320GB Hard Disk Drive (7200rpm) [upgradeable to SSD later??]
6GB (4GBx1 + 2GBx1) DDR3-SDRAM-1066
[no option on graphics card so assuming a 256MB]
Blu-ray Disc™ player/burner
Fresh Start

F
Intel® Core™ i7-720QM processor (1.60GHz) with Turbo Boost up to 2.80GHz
Genuine Windows® 7 Professional 64-bit
Black
320GB Hard Disk Drive (7200rpm)
6GB (4GBx1 + 2GBx1) DDR3-SDRAM-1333
Blu-ray Disc™ player
16.4" VAIO Display (1600x900) with NVIDIA® GeForce® 310M GPU (512MB VRAM)
Fresh Start
Keyboard Backlight

All three customizations range about the same price (+/- $100 or so). I forgot to get the amount on the SR and CW but the F came out to $1,370.00

What do you guys think? Recommendations welcome! will be using for both personal and business use (i have a small business in tax prep on the side)

Thanks!

 

GO for the F series configured with a 1GB nvidia GT 330..

 

Odd that it doesn't list what video card is in the CTO of the CW series refresh. The preconfigs list a GT310M -- but only with 256mb.

I got this setup 3 weeks ago for $969 shipped:
P8700 CPU
GT230M GPU w/ 512m
4GB Ram
Blu-Ray Burner
320GB Hard Drive
Large Capacity Battery

It looks like the refresh with the same specs, but having the Cor i5 540 CPU, would be just shy of $300 more. My guess is that it's not worth returning the one I have JUST for that Core i5, but if anyone has any opinions, speak up.

 

Cool.

Also, I really like the idea of a SSD instead of HDD... would I be able to upgrade that without any headaches later down the line? And just curious but why does the i7 say such a low processor 1.6 ?

 

In the configurations you listed, the F-series is obviously the most powerful and is a true multi-media powerhouse (with its Full-HD screen and all). However, at 6.9lbs, it would be a fair bit heavier than the SR series.

The SR-series is being replaced with the new S-series, which in turn is moving toward a more modern RAM (DDR3 from DDR2).

Yeah, don't go by the CPU clock speed in the i7 Quad-core processors of the F-series and compare that with the clock speed of the older generation Core2 Duos and think that the new i7s are slow. These new ones are designed to do WAY more work in every clock cycle (multi-core, multi-threading) than the older generation chips.

 

you can easily upgrade to SSD later, i7 is much more advanced processor than intel core 2 duo,core 2 duo has a fixed clockspeed like 2.2GHz or 2.53Ghz whereas i7 has variable clockspeed from 1.6GHz to 2.9GHz, so the i7 varies its clockspeed depending upon the load on the CPU

 

http://esupport.sony.com/LA/perl/swu-list.pl?mdl=VPCCW25FLB&LOC=3

nVidia 330m drivers for the cw.

EDIT

BINGO!!! FOUND IT GUYS:

http://www.todaydeals.com/dealers.htm


SEARCH : Sony Vaio VPC-CW26FX/B

Core 2 i5-520M 2.4Ghz (Turbo Boost 2.93Ghz) 4096MB 500GB DvDRW+DL WiFi NIC Bluetooth Webcam Microphone 14" WXGA Xbrite nVidia GeForce GT 330M 512MB Dedicated Windows 7 Professional

Available from 17 January apparently.

 

So far, the one that has better parts is the CW with its i5 is a far better deal thatn the C2D. I would wait for the CW to get the GT330M, which is stated to be available in mid to end of January.

 

I got rid of all the Sony Vaio programs that were installed except for Vaio Update, Recovery Centre and Control Centre. Obviously got rid of McCrappee and Norton anti-virus as well some other stuff I can't remember. Mind you, my function keys for brightness have stopped working now for some reason. I haven't experienced an unruly disc drive so far

Same, would like to now how to get this working and if possible, have it password protected thus preventing anyone getting online so easily.

I think mine came with version 5 as standard, haven't had any problems either way regardless. You could probably download some programs that can speed up the process and/or make it more convenient. I didn't fancy doing a fresh install but manually getting rid of the bloatware took a considerable amount of time.

I'm hoping Windows 7 won't be like XP in that I'd have to perform a fresh install every months. Any thoughts or experience on this? Cheers

 

Thank you for your reply rjbg84. At least I got someone responding to my request.

 

I need quick help guys , i want to change my t6600 cpu to t9550 cpu its compatible? i have cw version vpccw14fx from new egg with 230gt

 

I did remove mcafee, but then i installed it again (bet your thinking what on earth, but i get a free supscription to it through o2 broadband ), i removed the norton thing too, google chrome, and alot of MXSL packages and SQL server packages (could they not have just installed 1... instead of 10)

Contemplating on whether to just remove media gallery and vaio media plus... they are nice additions (media plus even had an XMB interface) but windows media center just does it all so much better imo

also, not sure whether to just get rid of the movie story and click to disc editor etc. i dont think ill ever use them, and besides windows can burn disc images now

your brightness keys arent working because 1) you've uninstalled sony vaio event service in the programs list, or 2) you have disabled the VAIO event service, which is nessessary for hotkeys to function.

two services that shouldn't be removed or uninstalled:
1). VAIO event service
2). VAIO power management

time to blitz the computer of crap

As long as you maintain windows 7, it shouldnt need reinstalling for quite a while

 

I need quick help guys , i want to change my t6600 cpu to t9550 cpu its compatible? i have cw version vpccw14fx from new egg with 230gt , please let me know i just want to make sure if it works and one more question its easy to change cpu on cw?
looking for this version http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/INTEL-T9550-2...aptopMotherboards_CPUs_CA?hash=item20aec9d304

 

it is compatible. The T9550 is a penryn model, and has the same pin-layout as the p8700 and t9800 used in the CW, therefore can be used the with cw(which contains the chipset used with penryn processors, PM45)

i'm not sure on whether it's easy to replace, but looking at pictures posted, it doesnt look too difficult

 

oh man thank you very much, tomorow i'll upgrade to this processor then i hope i'll get much better performance and i hope that u are right about that its compatible
I found that t9550 is socket p 478 is this ok ?

 

What version of graphics driver are you using? if it says 8.15, then you need to install the new version 8.16.11, available from sonystyle US driver downloads section. I believe this should solve your problem.

 

Speaking of downloading drivers from sonystyle....would somebody PLEASE tell my which model number to click on? When I put in the actual model number located on my computer (VPC-CW190X) the site won't recognize it and asks me to choose from about 8 different numbers that are all different from mine. Thanks.

 

You can use either VPCCW19FX or VPCCW19GX. Both use the exact same drivers.

 

ckjy~ thank you so much for your help!!

 

So I just realized Sony will be releasing the S series soon... anybody know when?

Also, the F series has what looks like an extended keyboard with a numeric 10-key.. I think it would only be avail on this model because of the size of it right? So the new S series wouldn't have it right?

 

The S-series is already available in the uk, so i'd say the S-series should be getting released in the next week or so in america

Only thing is here in the UK, it's not customisable, which is a bit odd

The S doesn't have an extended keyboard. it wouldnt fit. appearances can be decieving, but it looks like to me it has the same keyboard as the FW and NW (it has end, page up/down and home located next to the enter keys, something which the Z, CW, SR, X, and CS all lack)

Edit: just in case you dont know what the specs for the S-series (in the uk anyway):
Core i5-520m (2.4Ghz)
4GB DRR3
13.3 inch 16:9 LED screen (1366x768)
500GB 5400rpm HDD
Nvidia G 310m 512mb
WWAN module, wireless-n, bluetooth
DVD-+RW (no bluray)
fingerprint reader
6cell 54Wh (10.8V/5000mAh) battery
backlit keyboard
multitouch touchpad

for some reason it wont give me a price for it all

 

Nope, there's no room on the S or CW for a numpad

 

I have a T6670. Can i replace it with a P8700? Also, can i do it myself or does it need any special handling?

Thanks,
-Raj

 

The S-series, the Y-series and the Z-series are all in the 13" ballpark screen-size type laptops. I doubt a numeric keypad would even be considered for any of these models.

Even on the F-series, which is a 16.4" laptop, it was a total surprise. Its predecessor, the FW series, did not have a numeric keypad.

 

oops, i messed up on my posting

 

You need a wrist static grounding strap attached to a good ground, and the laptop should be grounded too. You also need to be careful not to physically damage anything.

I don't ever want to replace a CPU on a laptop, and I've built a lot of computers. Unless you really need the extra processing power for something specific, you should consider just leaving it alone.

 

Been a long time lurker here and finally have to toss a post due to a minor problem.
I got a CW too and after I throw a semi clean install on my rig (what i did was restore C drive from the recovery discs of mine and stopped it half way at the point it was about to install bloatware). I went on with my installation, updates and all sorts of stuff. Then i wanted to get some old sony software and inserted my recovery discs when i was in windows. They wouldnt work at all, from disc 2 on.
Does that indicate anything significant? Thanks in advance.

 

nice configuration...
how much did it cost..

 

Alright guys Ive been lookin at this laptop for quite a while. With the new Gt 330 M graphics card this baby will give lots of computers a run for their money. I want to save up and buy it with the blue ray drive and intel core i5. but my friend brought up a good point. Y not just buy a cheap computer like 500 bucks and let it last u a while and then buy another one? y go for the expensive one? My thinking iz that with the intel i5 processor this baby will last me till i finish collage and more withought getting outa date. yea maybe in 15 years this will be like the basic computer and such but it'll last me that long right? just making sure guys and if not got anyideas for a cheapish laptop thats of good puality? thnx guys also soon the core 2 duo t600 and such will be like the stone age no? and the cheap computer wont last me as long with the soon to be old processor "/ thnx guys just wanna now ur opinion xD

 

It sounds like you want to game, so spending half as much isn't an option. You will end up spending $500 for a crummy laptop that can't run games, then in 2 years spend $500 again for one that can't run games.

The processor isn't really what matters here, but the 330M is.

My previous laptop is an HP NC8430 from 2006 with a Radeon X1600. That's a 4 year old laptop now, and when it was new it was probably in the same league as the CW. Right up to when I got the CW I was still using it to run modern games on low settings - for example Quake Wars, Red Alert 3, Left 4 Dead.

What would a $500 laptop from 2006 run? Solitaire...


Don't get me wrong, I think spending a huge amount of money to future proof is foolish, because of diminishing returns. For example, I had a coworker who bought a $4000+ Alienware laptop with dual nVidia 7900s, dual hard drives, etc in 2006. Now that makes no sense.

I consider the CW at $900-1000 to be a bargain, right in the sweet spot.

Edit: It won't last 15 years so I hope you were exaggerating! A 15 year old computer right now is a Pentium 100mhz with 16mb RAM.

 

rofl at 15 year old computer, i was using one before i got my cw since my beast desktop died lol.

im very happy with this gt230 but makes me sad since theres a newer one but oh well, who can beat a good price and getting it way before x-mas. Time is money. Lol

 

Hey guys,

I'm stuck between the dilemma of what I should now do since Sony has introduced this new processor and somewhat removed its offer of the previous line of laptops.

I get my check on Monday and want to buy a laptop, but I don't know if I should go with this new type of laptop or the old ones?

$1,000 with tax was initially my limit but now that may be like $1,100 with tax because of the new bundles being offered.


Are the new VAIO CWs with i3 and i5 a lot better than P4750 or P8700?


Fortunately I think you can still purchase these laptops from sony style.... via http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs...1&in_dim_search=&keyword=Sony+VAIO+CW&x=0&y=0 (near the bottom)

Anyways I was thinking of getting:

P8700 (2.53 ghz)
Jet Black
320 GB HDD
4 GB DDR3 ram
GeForce 210m (256 mb)
CD/DVD

$854.99 + tax

On the other hand,

Core i5-520m (2.40 ghz)
320 gb hard 5400 rpm
4 gb ddr3 ram
CD/DVD

$883.49 + tax

My question to you guys is, would it be better to go with offer 2? I just frankly don't see how beneficial the new processor will be over what I would have gotten had I had money last year to purchase a laptop.


Last question to you is is the GeForce 210m (equipped in the old Sony VAIO CWs identical, worse, or better than the new GeForce 310M GPU chip that will be equipped with the new Sony VAIO CW lineup?

 

Sonystyle still doesn't show the GT 330M as an option for the CW. =|

Edit: To the guy above me. Wait for the GT 330M option to finally show up.

 

Hey all this is my first time posting and I have a question regarding the i7 processor and RAM...

I will most likely purchase the refreshed CW and configure it to my liking.

Now, I will wait for the inevitable option of the NVIDIA GM330 - but in regards to the processor and RAM, is it worth spending the extra $150 on 6GBs of RAM if I get the i7? Or will 4GBs suffice?

Thanks!

 

Just read the review that compares P8700 to i5.. Given the comparison i am assuming i3 will not have significant difference when compared to P8700.... http://www.anandtech.com/printarticle.aspx?i=3705...

Yes GEFORCE 310 M is better then 210M ... but not significant when compared to GT 310M. ...

Bottom line if you are not going to put the laptop for heavy use (3D Gaming... crunching data processing....) go far CW with P8700...or better wait for CW with i5...The shipping date for CW with P8700 is estimated at 1/18 whereas CW with i5 is estimated at 1/19 (of course chances are there that it can be delayed).....so that does not make a difference...

 

All... Based on your experience can you please let me know if the following is a decent configuration to buy...VAIO SIGNATURE COLLECTION...
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor T6600 (2.20GHz) / Royal Indigo / 320 GB (5400 RPM) / 4GB DDR3 / GT230M. -- $820.00 (There is only one piece available in the sony style store so i have asked the rep. to hold until tomorrow). Any quick response before morning... I appreciate it...Does the processor whether it is T6600 or T8700 makes are difference or is it whether G210M / GT230M makes a difference... because the new one coming out only has the G310 option available...

Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor T6600 (2.20GHz) / GT230M (or) intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor T8700 with integrated graphics .... Can anyone please pass on your comments...Basically faster processor integrated graphics or slower processor with dedicated video memory

 

I am still waiting on the GT330M option to appear, I am selling the Vaio CR in my sig in order to at least complete a portion of the price of the i5 CW...totally worth upgrade!

 

When i go to the sonystyle website there is no way to access the older CTO link. Has anybody had success ordering the older P8700 based CTO laptop?

 

use link posted by AWILL430....

http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/...AIO+CW&x=0&y=0

At the bottom you have option to order the p8700 based laptop...

 

Sorry to interrupt all these talks about the update to the CW,
but as a potential buyer, I have to ask if the white version looks "girly".
I would usually go with black, but the fingerprint thingy is kinda holding me back, and I think white might look...refreshing.

Also, just how good is the 310M? Isn't it supposed to be pretty bad for gaming? Like, how does it compare with the 210M and the 230M? Cause I was originally going for the 230M.

 

Mine is built with those specs with the T6600 and i love it. I am not a gamer, but it does everything i need with plenty of speed.

 

I don't like the white version because the wrist rests have a kind of pearly look.

 

This link doesn't work anymore... typo or has sony took it down?

the 310m will perform identically or just slighty better than the 210m. both GPU's are low-mid range cards

the 230m is a middle-class performance GPU. it performs nearly twice as fast as the 210m in 3dmark06 ( 210 scores around the 3400 mark, while the 230m, when set to nvidias stock clock speeds scores about 6500)

you should look here ( http://www.notebookcheck.net/Computer-Games-on-Laptop-Graphic-Cards.13849.0.html to see if the games you want to run will run adequetly under either GPU

Saying that, the 230m can play pretty much every game, even with high detail and even at the native resolution, not sure the same can be said for the 210m/310m though (maybe native resolution with lower detail, or lower resolution with higher detail?).

the 210m would be fine no doubt if you dont mind turning the detail down on games, but the GT 230m really is worth it

I'd say rather wait it out for the GT 330m to appear, or buy a pre-config model with the 230m

The fingerprint issue isn't as bad as i thought it would be when i ordered mine. fair enough there is a few, but it never looks grimey and dirty like my DV5 did with fingerprints (it has a silver palmrest and keyboard). i'd say the white could also be prone to looking dirty too. on the plus the keyboard and surrounding area arent glossy

 

Alright, thanks
I'm not gonna need this laptop until summer, so if the 330m is coming, I'll certainly wait for it. Or, if the old model doesn't get taken off and has a reduced price after a few months, I might just go with that.

 

Is it really so "inevitable" that the 330M will become available though?
Why isn't it out already?

 

yeah i have wondered this myself. it's very odd that it hasn't been released yet, but the sony website has drivers listed for the 330m, so its pretty likely(unless it's a misstype on the website).

if the old model does reduce in price i think i'd go with that too.

 

Yes
,

http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs...1&in_dim_search=&keyword=Sony+VAIO+CW&x=0&y=0

Go to the bottom where you'll see the old configuration.

Click on it, choose your customized things... and you can add it to your cart. This makes me believe you can still buy them.

 

http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs...1&in_dim_search=&keyword=Sony+VAIO+CW&x=0&y=0

Try the link about and it is working still...