Official Sony Vaio Fit multi-flip PC Owners' Thread

I installed a Linux system which automatically minimized the windows partition. Windows C: (after 8.1 update) now uses 38.6GB, another 53GB free. I have created an additional D: with extra 50G (not used so far). Linux base system uses 20GB and 50GB for the linux home partition.

Update: I dumped the partitioning under Linux which shows what Sony/Windows reserved for their stuff:

1.) 260MB Sony Sys (Fat32)
2.) 1.44GB Windows RE Tools (NTFS)
3.) 260MB EFI Boot (FAT)
4.) 128MB Microsoft Reserved
5.) 93GB Microsoft C: (I shrinked this one!)
6.) 350MB Microsoft (dunno what it is)
7.) 32GB Recovery

8.) 2GB Linux SWAP
9.) 20GB Linux System (XFS)
10.) 50GB Linux Home (XFS)
11.) 37GB Shared Partition between Linux and Windows (NTFS)

from 1-7 everything is original except that my Linux setup shrinked partition #5
Hope that helps to see how much space u have

 

Disappointing to hear that the fan even doesn't shut up by switching into silent mode at a very reduced performance =(
I think that's a must for a convertible when you want to read something calmly in tablet mode.
Also these sharp edges doesn't sound good.

The Yoga 2Pro isn't an option due to the micro HDMI (this tiny thing isn't made for daily connecting to a bigger screen at home and brakes far to easy).

That makes me curious for the Lenovo Thinkpad Yoga, which shoud be delivered soon. Especially the valent digitizer makes the Thinkpad Yoga a good opportunity to the Vaio Fit 13..

 

Would like to do a full complete install and remove all partitions as they are now.. Why 7 partitions as of now?!

 

One of the very helpful reviews:
Sony Vaio Fit Multi-flip First Impressions - YouTube
I was not expecting such a loud fan noise, power plug looks it's not designed to last..

 

The pen model number is VGP-STD2

TS

 

the fan is apparently controlled by the amount of cpu usuage not temperature... so it should be a quick fix from sony, seems like everyone is complaining about it so hopefully they issue a fix for it

if someone has it could they try install SpeedFan on windows 8 and see if it has the ability to control the fans (it works on some, not on others )

 

Thanks a lot!

 

Anyone know how big of a USB is necessary to create a bootable recovery drive? Is such a drive all that is needed to reset the laptop to original settings in case something goes wrong in the future? I'm no computer expert so I might be missing something but how does a 20gb US drive restore 100gb worth of software?

Has anyone posted the steps to take to free up some drive space? I dont want to do anything to radical but reclaiming a little space would be nice

 

Hmm, too bad there is no sheet battery option. But battery life is still ok.

What is the ac adapter like? Is it reasonably small, light and travel-friendly?

 

Well, busy day/night.

I decided to see if I can make it a quasi Windows/Android device plus see how far I can take it doing too many things.
I first had quite a few Chrome tabs open (8 doing searches and what not) and it didn't flinch. Then I decided to connect to my Chromestick and stream Sons of Anarchy and half way through it started to lag the stream so I placed the device on Performance setting and it went back to smooth streaming. While that was playing I decided why not and install Bluestacks. So I installed the new beta version of Bluestacks and wow, Its way more fluid than the previous one and started to sync the apps on my phone over to the Flip. Long story short, I am now able to watch my tweets in Falcon Pro (the windows twitter apps don't cut it for me) Flipboard, Angry Birds, Hangouts, all work etc all the while why still streaming SOA and cruising the web. Mind you this is using two extra monitors.

Of course in order for all these things to work at once like I said, I had to put in Performance mode and have the fan on high, so I can see why some of you are complaining about the loud fan, cause it is noticeable on high, but that is if I have so many things going at once.
Tomorrow I'll see if I can just open 2-3 chrome or IE tabs, photoshop and use bluestacks on the quiet setting and see if it can handle it. or just chrome, photoshop and stream to the chromestick.

So the Flip has exceeded my expectation and is turning out to be one very well built and capable laptop hybrid. Its a keeper.
No regrets except if I had to do everything again, I would but probably would have gone through Sony instead of Best Buy and configure the 13A to have a 256 ssd card instead of the 128 my device has since I am most likely going to put a few more apps on it.

Only thing left for me to do is to put my two external drives onto the network router instead of connecting them directly to the Flip so I can access my docs anywhere in the house. (Just got to figure out how to do that. Guess I'll be opening up more Chrome/IE tabs)

TS out

 

I am keen to order my CTO flip 13, after choosing my custom config it says 7-8 days shipping on the sony.com website, which sounds great.
I am just concerned about the delays in manufacturing, are they still having problems with completing orders in time.
Has anyone ordered one in the last week, if so have you been getting delays with delivery?

 

Well, Sony emailed a couple of days back apologising for the delay, and gave me a shipping date of 11th-16th Nov. They also offered me a 25% voucher code for Vaio accessories & a £40 code for shopping on Sony.

I understand that the production delays have been ironed out, and now are shipping as promised.

 

i just ordered a 15A from best buy....doesnt come with the pen

anyone wanna be nice enough and toss me a 25% off accessories voucher so i can get a digitizer

 

also received my 13"
the fan is really annoying, I hope they do something about it

otherwise it's very nice, great laptop

 

Vaio Pro 13 has the same fan noise. The first booting shocks you, because it spins to full speed very fast.
After updating all drivers (vaio care, windows 8.1 etc) and activating "silent mode" in the vaio control center, the fan kicks in very very rare and only at very silent stages.

I still wait for my order to be delivered, but i hope that the Flip will show the same behavior.

 

Yeah, I did, the third time they delayed shipping. I wrote quite a long email to the Swiss branch detailing my reasons for being upset. Others got the voucher too, though, so IDK if there's a link. I might actually complain some more to get the EUR50 coupon the others have.

Oh, BTW do any of you know of any good touch enabled games I might want to check out on my flip? Must be quite amusing to play around in tablet mode...

 

I also got 50 EUR after complaining

 

How do you plan to put android on?

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk

 

Hello everybody!

First of all I'd like to thanks all of you for all the hints and tips, the rewiews and the tests...reading all the thread helped me a lot

I submitted an order on nov. 1st, for a Multi-flip 15 A in pink ((yes I know you can have fun of me ) with the follow specs:

Intel® CoreTM i7-4500U 1,8 GHz
Windows 8
256 GB SSD Flash SATA
16 GB 1600 MT/s DDR3L-SDRAM
NVIDIA® GeForce® GT 735M 2 GB
39,5cm LED, 1920x1080
+ optional digitalizer pen

They set the delivery ext. Date on 26-27/11 ((Italy here, btw)), and I really hope to be lucky and have my hands on it for the first of December too much optimistic?

I have a small concern about the keyboard, since I'm a writer, and I would prefer not to use a separate one.
Any of you have experience to share about heavy writings and notes?

((I do not want to start complaining about battery life and fan noise until I can test the machine a bit))

Thanks again !




Inviato da mio iPad utilizzando Tapatalk

 

It's 19Gig - (a USB stick or 6 DVDs). I let it write on a SD Card (via USB Card Reader) and then made a 19Gig ISO file out of it which I archived on my server.

Since the recovery partition is #7 and the C drive is #5 I'd try to find out what #6 is (see the partition scheme I posted). If there is no need for it chances are pretty good that u can merge partition 5,6 and 7 and then tell NTFS to extend the drive's size. I am not a Windows expert, more a Linux guy, but theoretically it should work. Depends on your experience with partitioning tools and the ability of NTFS to grow. Guess you should find info online. Your own risk but as long as you keep the recovery media on an external drive/image and do not delete the two efi partitions there is always a way back I guess.

 

If you need your serial number or want to shrink your system size to 9-12 gigs see my posts on 'hinge is coming to sony' topic or tabletpcreview forum

 

Hy everyone,

I ordered my flip 13 in austria via sony .at on the 21st of oct. , recieved it after a delay mail on the 8th of november one day late.
So far i am very happy, a beauty !!!

The conecctor is a loose fit, works good, probaply better that way to have some play, so the connections are not so much stressed.
Mine has no sharp edges anywhere.

The pen is fast , no problem when writing fast, i need it more for drawing
All in all a very good designed hybrid.

Enjoy!!!:hi2::thumbsup:

 

Anyone able to upgrade the ram on the 15 yet? I heard different reports on it being soldered or not.

 

I don't think anyone's received a 15A yet. Mine isn't due for just over a week yet, but tbh I don't want to open it up in case it voids the warranty and I have a 4 year warranty.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk

 

Fan noise??

 

Yeah, that's understandable. I think people have bought it but not the silver one. That's the one thats taking the longest time.

 

I installed the bluestacks app off their website. As well as Floating apps off the play store to make some of the apps into smaller windows of themselves instead of full blown Android apps.

Edit:
Tonight I installed the dev channel release of Google Chrome as mention in this article. Pretty neat that I don't have that dreaded pink border around Chrome and can move the tabs. In fact, Hangouts/GTalk now work within my Gmail window.

TS

 

The fan is hearable.
Sometimes its very low, and then louder but not that loud to disturb me.
Maybe i dont have so sensitiv ears.

 

Thank you Yummi. Darn I bough a 8 gig usb stick. Guess I was deluded thinking it would be enough

 

Hi,

since yesterday i'm using also a VAIO multiflip 13 Inch - in Germany VAIO Fit 13A. I have the following version: i7, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD

The look and feel ist amazing, the aluminium-finish is very good. The only Thing i don't like is the Windows-button at the screen. This looks a Little bit cheap and doesn't fit perfectly in it's place.


So, now to the bad things: The preinstallation is horrible, Windows is lagging the whole time. So i like to make a clean Installation, but i'm not sure where i get the Sony-Programs. The Drivers i have already found at the Windows-Folder. At the Sony Website you can download nothing... But i'm sure that somewhere at the System are the Installation files, because Sony Care is able to install all deinstalled programms. Does someone know where i can find them?

One sentence about the fan: Yes it is loud, but! after removing McAfee the VAIO is still quiet! The fan is the most time completely disabled. I'm very confident, that after a clean Installation the flip is quiet.

 

Ooooh, I'd also love to know more about that! The instant I heard about McAfee being preinstalled (can't stand the stuff), I decided I'd wipe it all off and start clean. Anyone done that? I won't need a huge USB stick, right? I've just bought a 16GB model, but as posters say, that wouldn't be enough, would it? Or is that story only about system images? (Ultimately we have a 1 TB external HD, which, of course, doesn't work without it's driver. Man, HDs are outdated!)

I also heard that a fresh start alleviates most of the patched-up-win-8 feeling due to the win8.1 update... Anyway, I think the flip deserves a clean install, I want to let this baby shine.

 

I try to "burn" the Installation to a virtual Bluray. So I can create a .iso file. I hope the demo-Version of virtual cd will work.
After that i will use a clean win8 or 8.1 iso to install. For that you only need a 4gb or 8gb usb stick.

 

Hi

I am also very interested in making a clean installation. Two things why I did not try it so far:

1.) Drivers for Windows
2.) Unclear UEFI Integration.

You are right, there are no drivers online so far - that is problem no 1.

Problem no 2 is: as stated in my earlier posts I already installed Linux and saw that the Vaio has two EFI Partitions (#1 and #3). The Windows Bootloader resides at #3 - the Linux Bootloader also installed automatically there and started as expected the GRUB Bootmanager which gave me the choice between booting Win8 and Linux. BUT as soon as I start Windows the system magically replaces the Linux Bootloader and from then I can boot to Windows only until I manually fix the bootloader again. Of course I disabled Win8 fastboot and yesterday I played around with the EFI partition #3 and the EFI image names. I somehow managed it to prevent the system from overwriting GRUB as standard Bootloader, so for now it is ok.

My assumption is that there is some Sony magic on EFI Partition #1 and I am not sure how the machine behaves if I wipe one of the two (or both) partitions with a fresh Windows install.

Maybe the "Assist" button relies on EFI partition #1 which handles all the "boot from USB" and "recover" stuff. So if someone tries to do a clean install beware of partition #1 !!!

Any experience with new, empty harddisks in Sony Vaio machines with H2O Bios?? That would be the same situation ...

 

Hi Audijan, when did you order your configuration? I'm still battling with Sony about my seemingly indefinite delays.

That McAfee is to blame for the fan problems does not surprise me. I have had it on my desktop system for years and it got more and more annoying until I kicked it out a couple of months ago. I'm using free Microsoft Security Essentials now to satisfaction. The first thing I will do if ever I get my Vaio Flip will be uninstalling McAfee.

 

for "clean" install but with drivers this could be best solution:
1. burn your recover partition to dvd/iso
How to Convert a Recovery Partition to a CD | eHow

2.Using Winreducer remove all unwanted bloatware, unused drivers, disable unwanted services from iso
Customize Your Windows 8 Installation Disc and Slipstream Updates With WinReducer

3.Move iso file to usb drive and boot it from here to make new clean install

4.after installation disable additional startup programs and services that can cause fan noise:
[Windows 8] How to speed up boot time -- by disabling unnecessary startup programs, apps, and services | Reviews, news, tips, and tricks | dotTech
» Black Viper’s Windows 8 Service Configurations

 

Hi Bryne, i ordered at the 08 of october. The VAIO Fit 15A, i ordered at the same time for my father, is still in production...

@Franek
Could be, i prefer to do a real clean install. Its still in progress, i will chare my experience with you if its ready.

@yummi
its not possible to install Windows without cleaning the whole disk. I will write about it if i'm ready.

 

Can't wait to hear your news, please do share. I so hate bloatware, they suck the life out of any hardware and are simply a pest in modern technology. Well, other than that, it's always nicer with a machine you set up yourself, way easier to troubleshoot too.

 

Scheissgeil (you are german, right? ) .... looking forward to reading from you

 

Mine is on its way. 13A ordered Oct 21, delayed 3 times, complained at least as many, finally shipped, expected on Nov 15 in Switzerland. I guess they decided it paid off better than sending me the CHF50 voucher. *rofl*

Sadly we're off Friday morning at 5 a.m. (still haven't gotten over that one) so either some miracle happens or I'll have one loooong and booooring journey to Italy. How much nicer it would be to have the flip with me.

 

I ordered on the same day and also had delays. All I know is that's somewhere between the factory and I assume the European Warehouse as I've had no update about when a courier will be delivering it. I'd been hoping to see it soon... but I expect it's on the same plane as fl0werstar's, so I'll be looking at Friday too. Have now sent an email to Sony to try and get some sort of compensation like others on this forum (surely they should be sending out compensation without the need for us to go asking for it) - I also mentioned my concern with the fan issues.

 

IMO it's not only about compensation. Thing is if they send out X units a day, there must be a certain order in their list. Sure it's influenced by availability of parts, destination, etc. but I've always found that if I prove to be a difficult customer or a pain in the neck, usually they'll end up doing everything to get rid of me -- and put me higher on that list. In my home country this wouldn't be an issue, but I've learned that in countries where customers and their opinion are important (because they spend a lot), you can pester slow producers into motion, or get compensated for faulty hardware. So now I always complain, since this is the only way of getting what you paid for when it was promised.

 

I'm having problems with the network link
speedtest.net shows a maximal speed of 0.6mbit where my tablet shows 15mbit

Same result with direct wifi and wifi over the ethernet router..
If I connect a tablet, which is in wifi, and use USB tethering, I get 15mbit..

 

I ordered Oct. 11 and mine is planned for shipment Nov. 19!!!! I should get a call from a manager from the Sony headquarters in Brussels tomorrow. I am very curious about what he has to say about it. I ordered a silver 13A, i7, 8 GB, 256 GB SSD with Windows 8 Pro.

The fan issue should be solved if you chuck out McAfee as mentioned earlier in this thread by Audijan.

 

That doesn't solve the fan issue, I'm using it under linux powersave governor, there is nothing running - still the fan turns up.
Tried to detect the fan device, but it doesn't seem to work under windows and linux, so I can't control it manually

 

My day got made by a text message from TNT saying my order is on the way

I ordered a i5 8GB 256 GB SSD on 9 oct. with estimated delivery between 11-12/11. Went into production on 5/11. Got an update on 7/11 saying my order would arrive between 16 and 21 november but now the TNT estimate is 15/11 wich is only a few days later then the original date so I'm happy. Hope it arrives on the 15th so I can play with it in the weekend Seems the delays are getting in control so I hope others will get some good news too.

 

Should i get a ac wifi or just n

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk

 

Yes, thats why my english is so bad ;-)

Thats right, McAfee isnt the only problem. But uninstall it will help to make it a more quiet.

I think i have found an good solution, i will start writing a little howTo

 

So, after lots of start i come to an end...
Everthing works fine at the Moment. The only Probleme is that in the device-manager are 2 unknown devices. But i cant assign it at the Moment.



How to do a clean install:

This is only my personal experience, there is no warrenty that this is working at your pc. So you do it by your own risk!


Ask if something is unclear!

1. Make a restore-USB-Stick or DVD

This step is realy important, because we use this copy later. Don't worry if you dont have such a big USB-Stick, i have a Workaround.

!!! Warning !!! Don't do step a anymore. Only if you have a USB-Stick with more than 20GB go on! Else you would unable to make a bootable USB-Stick with that iso file
a) only necessary if you havn't a USB-Stick with more than 20 GB
Install the Trial of CD Virtual CD
I think there is no english Version, so here a few steps after installation:
- Open the program
- Click "Virtuellen Rohling einlegen" - this simulates a empty blueray
- Choose "BlueRay-R DL" - Ist important to choose the doublelayer - else sony care Fails
- Activate "Erstellen eines ISO-Images"
- Choose the virtual drive at "Einlegen in"
- Click "Erstellen"

Now you have a virtual empty BR in a virtual drive.

b) press the Assist Button and go to the second Point from below ("Erweiterte Werkzeuge" in german). There you can now create the restore-data.

Copy the iso-file to a secure place!

2. Copy the Folder "C:\Windows\Drivers" to a secure place

3. Copy Win8 to a USB-Stick
I have used a Image from dreamspark, but i think you can get Win8 Images directly from Microsoft. Make a bootable usb-Stick with a tool like "Windows 7 usb download tool".
Note that this doesnt work with Windows 8.1

4. Download some programs from Sony
Because there are at the Moment no programs for the "SVP1321Z9EB" instead. Download from the Support page These programs:

- VAIO Update Win7 Version - important! use the Windows 7 Version, the win8 Version does not work
- VAIO Care Recovery Updater - 1.0.2.08020

5. Now we are well prepared, so lets go!
We have to clean the whole disk, because the disk-format? is wrong. So it isn't possible to run the Windows Setup in the C-Partiton. So do the following steps:

a) press the assist button when the vaio is off
b) disable secure boot and Change boot mode to legacy
c) Save and turn off
d) plug-in the usb-stick and press assist
e) start over usb-port
f) go to the recovery console and type in: (WARNING! Everthing on the ssd is lost after this. So make sure you have the restore-medium)
diskpart
select disk 0
detail disk (Check if this is the right drive, i first cleaned my bootable usb-Stick , else try "select disk 1"
clean
convert mbr

g) now restart and install Windows like you normaly do.

6) Install VAIO Update

7) Now insert your restore-medium. If you have a iso file double-click it.
Go to sources and start the autostart-UI.exe
Now the program will ask if you want to install Drivers and programs -> yes
After that it will install VAIO Care, do it

8) Install the VAIO Care Recovery Updater

9) May you Need to restart. Open VAIO Care and go to the second Point from below. Make sure that your recovery-media is insert and open recover programs and Drivers.
Here mark everything you want to install and start the Installation.

Now it's finished

The next Thing i will do now is to install win 8.1

 

Nice - and easier than expected. Thank you very much!
Gotta few questions: Did you also try in UEFI mode instead Legacy? What's the reason for legacy?
How does the menu look like after pressing the assist button? Same UI as before?
Any downside after you fully wiped your disk and toggled to legacy boot mode?

yummi

 

- No, i didn't try UEFI-Mode - I found this when i'm was looking for "clean install vaio pro". Could be that it also work under uefi.
- Ahh, i forgot. There is the same UI as before
- At the moment i didn't noticed - any idea what could be a downside?