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    Official VAIO E Series Owners Thread

    Discussion in 'VAIO / Sony Owners' Lounge Forum' started by Metsn, Feb 3, 2010.

  1. zboy123

    zboy123 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Got mine EB16 yesterday. I'm in love with the screen 1920x1080 gives awesome movie experience.I am yet to test it's gaming capabilities. The raedon is indeed underclocked. I'll overclock it if need be. It's fine for basic gaming like CS 1.6.

    The Viao Plus display is great and buy this laptop in full HD only, otherwise there are better options out there.

    It's a perfect budget laptop with style. Build quality is not great but comparable to most laptops out there.

    There's no high pitch noise or battery drain on my model. Maybe they fixed it. I kept it on all night fiddling with it then put some torrents on download and it didn't heat up. I would rate it as a very good mainstream budget laptop.

    Finally, a CNET.com quote - It might not be a machine you'd boast of but it certainly is a machine you'd never regret buying.
     
  2. Megaman9

    Megaman9 Newbie

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    Where to download chipset drivers and stuff like that from intel site?

    Got the EU version with i3 and ATi 5650.
     
  3. cnagra

    cnagra Notebook Enthusiast

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    Zboy

    Quick question regarding the battery, did you put the laptop on hibernate? and the battery didn't drain at all?

    I'm still waiting for by replacement battery, i really hope it fixes the problem.

    Cheers mate
     
  4. Wokis

    Wokis Notebook Geek

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    Has anyone gotten the thought that the battery drainage happens when turning off or starting up the laptop, not when it's turned off?

    I turned off my laptop when at 100% battery, started it up instantly afterwards, and the battery was already at 90%.

    My solution has been just to leave it on stand-by rather than turning it off.
     
  5. cnagra

    cnagra Notebook Enthusiast

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    I have a very similiar battery drainage problem, overnight it loses around 30-40% on hibernate and 15-20% on shut down.

    I will try it on stand-by and see if it makes any difference, but to be honest it probably will die overnight on stand-by.

    I reported this to sony, and have sent a new battery - it probably will make no difference
     
  6. URPradhan

    URPradhan Notebook Deity

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    Why there is no Full HD screen option available for Sony E series laptops in USA ??? Its too difficult to understand the business trick behind such stupid decisions. Sony has Full HD option for other countries, but for USA its only a 1366x768 resolution screen in a >15" LCD, which is the DEAL BREAKER for me :(
     
  7. zboy123

    zboy123 Notebook Enthusiast

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    I think it was on hibernate but to be honest I don't exactly remember lol. I'll try this again tonight and report proper results.

    I myself have a couple of questions, normally it doesn't heat up but the moment I keep it on bed, core temperatures double from 32 to around 60 for me within few mins and then cools up again immediately if I keep it in my lap. Maybe it just loves my lap :D or maybe bed blocks ventilation? It's irritating.... what do u guys do? get some cooling pad?


    Another query I have is memory usage is always around 30-40% due to Vaio bloatware. How do I do clean install. Someone please link me to a clean install guide. Idiots haven't provided with any DVD's alongside.
     
  8. Mythdat

    Mythdat Notebook Evangelist

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    Yeah, it'll be the vents getting blocked. It'd help if you just had a flat surface to put it on, probably even sitting it on a magazine or something would help.

    http://forum.notebookreview.com/sony/146033-how-optimize-any-sony-vaio-semi-clean-install.html
     
  9. tausif

    tausif Notebook Consultant

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    I bought a E series with i5 processor for my wife a couple of months back.It is very quiet at idling with minimal fan noise.

    I myself have the F series with i7 processor. Unfortunately , my F11 makes a disturbing whistle sound at idling tasks, and I wish it was as quiet as my wifes !

    The 1080p display on my wifes's E series is decent compared even to my F series premium 100% adobe RGB 1080p display, hers even has decent viewing angles (almost as good as my F) and is not too reflective either, I would not call it glossy, maybe semiglossy.

    I would like to know have there been any complaints of whining/whistling sounds with the E series ? I have not heard my wife's E series whistle ever.
     
  10. Mythdat

    Mythdat Notebook Evangelist

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    There are whistling E-series laptops, too - as there are with most laptops. It's luck of the draw, really.. and your wife got lucky!
     
  11. SNUK

    SNUK Notebook Enthusiast

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    Sony UK are quoting 8 weeks build time (due to Bluray writer delays).

    Anyone here got theirs sooner than their estimated build time?

    Should I resign myself to 8 weeks of waiting or should I expect it in 4 weeks?
     
  12. SNUK

    SNUK Notebook Enthusiast

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    As for build quality of the E series, in my opinion the E series 'looks' more expensive than the F series although I know the F series is better built. The F series is just too plain which is why I chose the E series as both are the same price anyway (for the same spec).
     
  13. c-mattic

    c-mattic Notebook Consultant

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    I understand your frustration. If it makes you feel better, some countries in Europe (like in Belgium here) can't customize any laptop on Sonystyle. The service has been unavailable since a long time... So we can't even change other things beside the screen. Down here you better be happy with the most basic configs you find in the store, or start looking elsewhere.
     
  14. Tex

    Tex Notebook Geek

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    I tried the HD screen, and I disagree with all the others: It's not worth it. If I think that, I'm sure I'm not alone so I wouldn't be so hasty to call it a stupid business decision.
     
  15. URPradhan

    URPradhan Notebook Deity

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    yes, the HD screens (1366x768) are really worthless in a >15" laptop. It may make happy to gamers as they primarily looks for GPU than the screen.
     
  16. jugador

    jugador Notebook Consultant

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    Ive heard that sony had some problems with sounds comming from the inside...buzzs. Is it true?
    I'm planning on buy a 15.5 serie E from 800€ do you think it's a good choice
    Processor i5 2.4Ghz
    Ati HD5650
    4Gb ram
    500Gb hd

    Do you think it will run Just cause 2 well?? And gta 4?
    Thanks
     
  17. zboy123

    zboy123 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Nope no buzz in my laptop. It works just fine. I did observe some battery drain tonight as reported on other Vaios but I need to run more tests on this. It doesn't even get that hot as compared to dell and others with ATI graphics card even under intense gaming. Just don't block air vents on the side.

    I will try to overclock my 5650 like others here though cuz Sony has underclocked it to 450 Hz grrr probably why it doesn't get hot.

    Also a question - I was playing NFS Most wanted and it didn't fit full screen on 1920x1080 resolution. So I changed resolutions both in game and on laptop but the screen never fits fully.... is this due to widescreen? How do I rectify this? I would like to play NFS in full screen.... I mean I don't wanna see black bars truncating my screen towards left and right.
     
  18. jugador

    jugador Notebook Consultant

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    But won't you loose your warranty by overlocking it??
    Does it make much difference overlocked or not??
    Do you think I could play gta iv without overlocking??
     
  19. bobbyacid

    bobbyacid Notebook Enthusiast

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    Anyone managed to get the fan speed of the 5650 up from 30%???

    Ive had my card clocked at 650/925 stable for 2 weeks now but have read that it can go higher and i would like the fan on 100% (i dont care about power consumption or noise)
     
  20. Blyon

    Blyon Newbie

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    I am curious about that too, seeing that last week when I ordered it stated 8-9 weeks to dispatch. But the lady on the phone was on about the volcano as a reason for the delay, which did not make sence as other products were at 2-3weeks.

    Also can someone please tell me how I can put a ssd in the 17" ec. Do I need anything like a mounting bracket or has the empty "hhd slot" got all I need (srews)? Reason I ask is because I have no idea what to expect when I will open the laptop up.
     
  21. Blyon

    Blyon Newbie

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    not true for all gamers lol, I am into rts, namely age of empires, and the higher the resolution u play at, the better and faster you should play. I got the deal with the free blu-ray writter and 17" inch so full HD is a must there. Even for 15" I would go 1080p but if someone has a poor eye sight or wants it only for gaming it's debatable. For me full HD is like ssd, once u experience it enough, u tend to stick by it. Sorry for the double post xD.
     
  22. c-mattic

    c-mattic Notebook Consultant

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    Notebookcheck did a review about the 17" ( Notebookcheck: Test Sony Vaio VPC-EC1M1E Notebook)

    They were surprised to see that the spare hdd bay was completely stripped out. So no sata controller or whatever. You just can't install a hdd there in the future. So if you want 2 available hdd slots you'll need to order the laptop with 2 hdd. Else they'll just strip all the hardware of the available slot, as seen on the picture below.

    [​IMG]

    It's a budget model, they need to cut cost where possible... :p
     
  23. dafour

    dafour Notebook Enthusiast

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    Ive been playing for some hours on the 1366 15" and i must say its not that bad.
    Just dont compare it to a lcd tv or pc lcd..colors are very soft.
    For gaming this is exellent,some games dont need 1080p to be nice.
    Otherwise i'll just use a external monitor.
    Too bad i have the beep too :(
     
  24. jugador

    jugador Notebook Consultant

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    What do you mean by the beep? like an intense buzz?
     
  25. Mythdat

    Mythdat Notebook Evangelist

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    MSI Afterburner can do that
     
  26. Blyon

    Blyon Newbie

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    thanks a ton for that, gonna try read up on the article. I guess I will just need to use a USB drive as a storage means. Sony charges 80 extra pounds (Iphone doesn't have the symbol :s) for an extra 320gb 5400rpm hhd, which is too much compared to market prices.

    Edit: I phoned them up and the guy said that I can't update an order and need to cancel and reorder and that would mean no special offer applicable from that period :( so I would lose the free bluray writter.

    Another question; Is there any way to use a sata controller for two hhds and using a different cable which diverges into 2 connectors like the one in desktops? Sorry for asking noobish questions.
     
  27. bosseman

    bosseman Notebook Enthusiast

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    The production of your customised VAIO order has started.

    We expect your VAIO order to be shipped to you between 07.05.2010 and 12.05.2010. Please note that this is an
    estimated shipping time. We will send you an update if this estimate changes.
     
  28. tej Singh

    tej Singh Newbie

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    I baught eb14 almost 20 days back with 512 graphics card and Iam facing a problem. The left speaker no more works, I think it's loose sometimes if i hit lightly above speaker it works and suddenly goes off. Not sure if I could get replacement bcz in India we don't have such option. Wonder how can this kind of problem can come in Vaio model. have to check with Service centre guys and will extend the warranty for 2 more years.
     
  29. zboy123

    zboy123 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Yes you can get it replaced ..... go to the shop from where you got it and get mad. They'll try to convince you to get it rectified/repaired, show that you are very very mad and they'll replace it for you.

    You can get the 2 years extended warranty for 5000 Indian bucks within 6 months of the purchase. However, a couple of issues in Sony warranty. Unlike dell it doesn't cover accidental breakage and it's not in home repair. Instead of them coming to your house, you'll have to go to them. :mad:
     
  30. Hubert_Cumberdale

    Hubert_Cumberdale Notebook Enthusiast

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    Greetings

    I've just stuck in an order for an e-series as below, price seems pretty good for the spec.

    I assume it'll arrive full of crudware, any advice on the easiest way to do a clean install? Do these things come with proper install disks?

    Yours excitedly, etc

    Laptop VPC-EB1X - Configurable
    Your configuration:

    * Intel® Core(TM) i5 Processor
    * Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium
    * Glossy black
    * 320 GB Serial ATA (5400 rpm)
    * 4 GB 1066MHz DDR3-SDRAM
    * ATI MobilityRadeon HD5650 1GB
    * 39.4 cm LCD, 1920x1080, webcam
    * Blu-ray Disc(TM) player
     
  31. darkprime

    darkprime Notebook Consultant

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    Nice configuration - what country did you order it from?
     
  32. Perfectionist4Ever

    Perfectionist4Ever Notebook Guru

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    Sony Style UK have a free upgrade to a BR player until May 10th - save £50 quid !! :D
     
  33. Hubert_Cumberdale

    Hubert_Cumberdale Notebook Enthusiast

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    UK, ordered from sonystyle. Seems to work out cheaper than the preconfigured versions.

    Unfortunately I seem to have orders for two machines when I log in to the Sony site! Slightly alarming. Better give them a call...
     
  34. delihocagazi

    delihocagazi Notebook Enthusiast

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    hi everybody, ı want to buy this model but ı have a question. I had used F11 seri but I gave it back because of the noise at fan. so, if there is a noise (that makes me insane at F11 seri) in this model I wont buy. anybody could instruct me...
     
  35. Mythdat

    Mythdat Notebook Evangelist

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  36. cnagra

    cnagra Notebook Enthusiast

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    Mythdat

    I have had my e-series for over a month now and have left all the Sony pre-installed software on the machine...

    By doing a clean install - would there be a large increase in performance?

    Thanks
     
  37. Mythdat

    Mythdat Notebook Evangelist

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    Things will be a little smoother and sharper to respond but not by drastic amounts - it's not as if the bloat bogs the computer down particularly. For me it's more the peace of mind knowing that my machine isn't cluttered up with loads of stuff I didn't install and didn't want installed. That clutter is more likely to cause problems further down the line than it is in the present.

    Once you've clean installed then installed everything you need (VAIO notebook control software, antivirus etc) you'll probably come out with 10-15gb extra HDD space, 15-20 less processes running and 5-8% less memory usage.

    But yeah.. that sounds a little drastic, but in terms of actual performance it's not that much. I just like the feeling of a clean, light system.
     
  38. delihocagazi

    delihocagazi Notebook Enthusiast

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    hi everybody, ı want to buy this model but ı have a question. I had used F11 seri but I gave it back because of the high pitched noise at fan. so, if there is a noise (that makes me insane at F11 seri) in this model I wont buy. anybody could instruct me...
     
  39. Mythdat

    Mythdat Notebook Evangelist

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    It's luck of the draw. An E is no more or less likely to have some sort of noise than the F or pretty much any other laptop from any manufacturer. Computers make noises.. some make more noises than others, it just depends how lucky you are.
     
  40. delihocagazi

    delihocagazi Notebook Enthusiast

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    no, ı wanted to ask, is there any proven noise problem like f series?
     
  41. zboy123

    zboy123 Notebook Enthusiast

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    nope nothing in my model which i got from India. Also, none observed in any of the showroom models I saw. I was keen on this as I had read about this but no complains from my side as such :)
     
  42. utopial

    utopial Newbie

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    Can anyone explain the naming convention of the vaio EB model codes?
    i know that:
    EA = 14" monitor
    EB = 15.5" monitor
    EC = 17" monitor

    EB11FX-EB16FX are slightly different versions of the same notebook (some with bluray, bigger hdds etc)

    I think it's the 4th digit of the code which confuses me. Sometimes it's numeric, other times it's S, H, J etc. The Sony site has the J version. Is this the best out of all of the E series? The J version also has slightly different colours (e.g. coconut white as opposed to silver white on the EB11-16FX versions)

    Can anyone explain this?
     
  43. zboy123

    zboy123 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Anybody with windows 7 and ubuntu both installed on their Vaio? Would need a guide to do so.
     
  44. mklasse

    mklasse Notebook Consultant

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    Just a wild guess, I think the code is sony way to differentiate the models in certain market. The best or not is determined by the specification, so you'll have to compare the ones offered in your country.
    Some market get all Core i3/i5/dual i7, some only get Core i3, some has the ATI 5650, some only has ATI 5470.
     
  45. utopial

    utopial Newbie

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    that's wat i was worried about. I intend on buying one in the US and using it in Australia. I hope the voltage/battery etc all works fine in Aus. The adaptors are all apparently 110-120V & 50/60 hz.
     
  46. zboy123

    zboy123 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Australia follows 230V/50Hz. India uses same and many of my friends bought their laptops or else from US and use them here in India through a converter and it works just fine. Just make sure the converter is fine or else you'll end up burning your laptop. My manager recently burned his Sony music system he got from US since he didn't use proper converter.

    Source: Mains power around the world - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
     
  47. DanFerret

    DanFerret Notebook Enthusiast

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    Been looking for a new laptop ever since my HP Pavilion died and these Sony's have really taken my eye.

    Especially with the free blu-ray drive offer at the moment, the prices for customising the build on the website seem very good compared to pre-built offers in stores and on websites.

    Was wondering though, is there a big difference between the two i5 cores available? Well a big enough difference to warrant an extra £50?
     
  48. Hubert_Cumberdale

    Hubert_Cumberdale Notebook Enthusiast

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    Pretty sure that basically all laptop chargers are auto switching 100-240V so you just need a mains cable that suits the local plugs (or an adapter)
     
  49. cnagra

    cnagra Notebook Enthusiast

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    It seems the battery drain has been fixed in the latest updates...getting 100% battery after 12 hour hibernating..
     
  50. zboy123

    zboy123 Notebook Enthusiast

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    that's great!! I used to think people were using converters but they were just adapters or suitable plugs....
     
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