Official VAIO E Series Owners Thread

Is the problem with one specific device or a load of different usb devices, if its just one item then try it on another laptop / pc if possible incase its faulty and the laptops actually fine.

 

Has anyone upgraded to a quad core?

 

Johny seems to just happen with usb mobile broadband dongle and it works no probs in my acer laptop running Vista. It's only been happening lately and i've had it in the vaio since i got it in april.

 

Have someone try SetFSB 2.3.148.114 or SetFSB 2.3.149.115 with "ICS9248AF-165" clock generator ???
This two versions of SetFSB with "ICS9248AF-165" clock generator is really new.
ICS9248AF-165 is officially for "ASUS CUV4X". Maybe we lucky..

I am curious about it..
Unfortunately I can't try it because this SetFSB version is shareware.
I hope somebody will try it.
If 'success', please inform us.

 

I doubt it would be worth it, since the 5650 is a mid range card I'm sure the i3 and i5 processors are easily getting the most out of it, other than the SSD and 8GBS Ram I changed due to super cheap price finds I will now leave this laptop as it is and just enjoy it for at least a year now, would love something more powerful but don't want a bulky laptop.

 

Hey guys.
been a long time since I posted here. until recently, I had been lovin my laptop. but today I got one of my friend, an hp dv6 3060sa and when the thing was up and running, I was amazed to see that HP have freaking switchable graphics support for their laptop. I am furious. How can sony do this to us?
Otherwise, the laptop is still more than adequate as far the performance issues are concerned. but again, switchable graphics? NO

 

Sony VAIO E series ATI Mobility HD 5650 benchmark / overclock / undervolted

Hey guys,
I got 15246 mark points on 3D Mark 2005 with GPU_Clock/Memory_Clock 625/965.
Check this out :
- yadieet's 15246 marks 3DMark05 run with Mobility Radeon HD 5650 @ 625/965MHz
- HWBOT Hall Of Fame.

Only with 625/965 (because of undervolted) I can reach 15K points.
Please see other notebook..

 

Mostly just curious.

 

What model do you have? If you bought a quad core there's no integrated graphics processor... that's not Sony that's intel. If it's dual core than your computer will automatically switch between them.

 

There should be no reason why you couldnt put a i7 740qm (as an example) in as far as I am aware the Mobile Intel® HM55 Express Chipset will support it.

 

I asked on the hardware section and they say there was no way of knowing without someone actually doing it.

 

Ive got i5 (520 if u wana know the model). thats dual core. means I should have integrated one too. but The thing doesnt switch on. theres no option mate!
plus ive got HD5650.

 

I have the same specs. I'm pretty sure it uses switchable graphics.

 

The E series does not support switchable graphics.

 

No it doesnt mate. It just clocks the HD5650 down. thats what my point was basically. If HP can give switchable graphics with HD5470, why cant Sony?

 

Hi everyone!
I follow this topic for a little while now and I recently decided to buy a vaio eb3 on the french sony style website and I'm going to receive it soon!
But as I have to develop some apps for the Iphone, I would like to install Mac OSX. I am currently reading lots of tutorials about it but I would like to know if anyone here managed to do so. And if anyone did, what software and methods did you use?

Thanks!

 

Interesting. Well I clock so low I figured it was just switching.

Kilink, your best bet is to somehow download MAC OSX and run the ISO in a virtual machine using VMWare or virtualbox.

 

I have already thought about VMWare but I would like to install MAC OS X on a dedicated partition if it's possible. But if I have to, I will use VMWare of course

 

I'm not sure it will work. Hackintosh is the only way and it would be pretty buggy... I suggest vmware.

 

guys there has to be a way of enabling it. according to intel, the graphics controller is available in every core i series chip.
Intel® Core? i5-430M Processor (3M Cache, 2.26 GHz) with SPEC Code(s) SLBPM, SLBPN

 

Might be a motherboard issue.

 

and here it is, I finally get the graphic driver updates from Sony.... I just updated my graphic driver.. I don't see any major improvement.. Anybody else does???

 

I suggest you use Virtual box. It will perform better.. Virtual Box is free and supports 3d acceleration.. you want to know more on on how to configure it let me know..

I know somebody who tried doing it on the laptop, says the trackpad doesn't work; and ATI graphics card can give some trouble.. It works flawlessly on my desktop; Nvidia card;.... But I run it on my laptop using Vbox. Well you can still try the iAtkos version.. It's meant for laptops in a way... let me know.

 

I don't use Sony'd drivers, I use the ATI ones.

 

Hello Friends,

This is for my friend's lappy.

His Model is
VPCEB34
config: Core i3 370m
3gb DDR3
Ati 512 graphics card.

The battery life goes down fine until it is 50% and then within no time it goes down to critical stage..
The service centre guys are not helpful.
He reset the lappy to factory state.. It works fine for few days then again the problem creeps..
Any ideas.. ????

 

Hi H.M - Hope all is well.

Can you give me the link to the latest ATI Drivers for the 5650. My vaio update icon has come up but from what I have read this update is an old one.

Are there any major differences with the latest update?

Thanks

 

Of course you won't, Sony's drivers are 7 months old

 

Mythdat,

Can you advise me as to which are the latest drivers, where to get them from and what improvements they bring?

Thanks

 

Got my new EB and the beast lights up pretty fast so I'm in no hurry to go through the headaches of a clean install just yet. My question is on the following list of mostly obvious bloatware and perhaps some keepers. I've decided I would like to judge for myself on the Sony-authored Vaio software suite so I'm keeping those for now unless someone can give me a compelling reason to throw them out. Already flushed Norton Security with their downloadable removal tool since I'm using ESET AntiVirus, Malware Bytes and PCTool Firewall. Thoughts on the following (listed as I see them in the Start -> Programs menu)?

Accuweather.com Cirrus (sounds like garbage)
Default Programs (hmmm - wonder what this is...)
Desktop Gadget Gallery
IE (vs IE 64-bit - is it worth keeping plain 32-bit ie?)
Media Gallery
Music Unlimited powered by Quiriocity
Norton Online Backup Trial (definitely going!)
PMB (listed in the menu Twice!)
Try a Free Shutterfly PhotoBook
VAIO software (several items) - anything tryuly garbage?
Windows items (especially the "Live" stuff)
XPS viewer
ArcSoft Magic-i Visual Effects 2
ArcSoft Webcam Companion 3
Catalyst Control Center
Corel
Evernote for Vaio
Google Chrome (probably going for sure)
Playstation Tools
Windows Live
Windows Virtual PC

I'm also probably going to delete the Google Toolbar.

Thanks for any comments on any of these...

 

Maybe these are newest drivers for sony vaio e series.
=> Sony eSupport - VPCEA37FX - Software Updates & Drivers (thats right this is VPCEA37FX model page)

 

I just ordered the EB serie online, I saved money from buying Intel HD graphic card instead of the ATI Radeon. Am I making the right decision here? I play only Warcraft 3, and I will use the notebook watching videos and Internet for most of the time. And also, how good is the Gunmetal Black color???

 

Gunmetal Black is a nice colour, however I personally would have at least grabbed a 5470 for the sake of £30 as it would be a huge improvement over the intel gfx chip, but I guess it should be fine for the use you have stated.

 

Nope, those are the ones that are 7 months old. For the latest drivers you need to go direct to ATI

https://a248.e.akamai.net/f/674/920...e/10-11_mobility_vista_win7_64_dd_ccc_ocl.exe

 

mythdat, if I install these drivers.. won't there be a problem.. Bcz I remeber downloading some drivers directly form the ATI site, and it gave me video display problems.. Just like those missing codec problem, only sound no video.. But then i tested it, it was the graphic driver...
anyways could you give me the link for my 5650 drivers?? or the link on top is the one?? Thnks

 

ATI has had a problem with installing drivers... I install straight from ATI and there are no problems.

You just have to install and wipe your drivers first. After you do this and update to any drivers past 10.10 you won't have to do it again.

 

I'm still unable ot install CCC though =\

edit: finally got it working

 

The link I posted is the right one (vista/win7 64bit). If you had problems in the past it's not the fault of the ATI drivers, they work fine. Get rid of the Sony provided ones, then install these

 

Hi everybody .

I've just plumped for a new Sony E-Series laptop - can't wait to get my hands on it. This is the spec I went for:

Description : Laptop VPC-EA3X - Configurable- Personalised
Price : 809,00
Optical Drive : Blu-ray Disc(TM) writer
Hard drive : 320 GB Serial ATA (5400 rpm)
Wireless LAN : Wireless LAN + Bluetooth®
Processor : Intel® CoreTM i5-460M, 2.53GHz
Display : 35.5 cm LCD, 1600x900 + webcam
Graphics : ATI MobilityRadeon HD5650 1GB
Finishes : White
Memory : 4 GB 1066MHz DDR3-SDRAM
Battery : Battery life up to 3.5 hours
Keyboard : English QWERTY keyboard
Internet security : No protection
AC Adapter : 1 AC Adapter
Adobe Creation : No Adobe® Creation
HDMI(TM) output : HDMI(TM) output
Microsoft 2010 & Adobe Acrobat : Office 2010 Starter
Operating system : Windows 7 Home Premium (64bit)
Language and keyboard : English (QWERTY)

Pretty nifty for a stylish laptop, powerful laptop at just £800!

I've pitched up here, however, to get some advice from all you owners and anyone else who is a bit more tech savvy than me. I'm no dunce, I've been using computers all my life, but I'm just a bit concerned about what I plan to do which is to immediately remote the 5,400 RPM drive and install an SSD. I'm fairly confident about doing that but it's getting it up and going again after that concerns me as I've heard/read about a lot of problems getting Vaios going again after clean installs.

I'm assuming putting on Windows 7 won't be too much of a problem but do Sony provide all the required drivers via their website? I'm not really bothered about losing some functionability aspects (the ASSIST, WEB and VAIO buttons for example) but I don't want to perform the upgrade and then find I can't get something like the Bluetooth or Ethernet working.

It bugs me no end that companies still provide so much bloatware with their machines these days; my current laptop is a custom jobby and it's been fantastic - shipped solely with XP installed and nout else but a drivers disk. Perfection. If only Sony did the same...

Any help/advice/council would be excellent .

Ta.

 

I wouldn't worry about what you've heard, it's all pretty smooth getting it running on a fresh install. You don't actually even need to install much because Windows 7 will install its own functional drivers on setup. But yes, all the updated drivers you need are available on the Sony support site. The only things missing are the "value added" stuff like WinDVD BD or Quick Web Access, but remember to create recovery DVDs before you pop the SSD in and you can install them from those.

It doesn't come with a Windows install disc though, so you'll either have to create your own or have your own copy of Windows already.

 

I have a Windows 7 Upgrade Edition disc which I believe can be used for clean installs these days as long as you jump through a few hoops (having to install it twice for Windows to recognise it as an 'Upgrade', ergh!). Frankly, I'm not interested in any of the value-added rubbish; I want my Vaio to be as lean as physically possible. Speed is what I'm paying a premium for so I just want it 100% free from bloatware, etc. I run my laptops with nothing but an OS, drivers and the very few programs I actually use!

Thanks for the reassurance - I assume, therefore, I can simply shove the SSD in, boot it up with the W7 disc in and go from there? After I've made all my recovery discs, recorded hardware/device names, etc.

 

Yup, very simple. Just pop the SSD in and boot from the Windows DVD and let it install, done.

WinDVD BD I wouldn't call bloat though, unless you've already bought your own Blu-Ray playing software.

 

Ahh yes, I will be needing that (assuming WMP can't handle blu-ray).

 

Intel HD graphic card and the ATI Radeon, can you guys explain what are the differences? And also i3 and i5, is it a major difference between the two processor? Lastly, what is turbo boost???

 

Bleh I should learn to keep a backup, installed the 10.11 drivers, performance in NFS: Hot Pursuit went to hell, then found out via other forums the 10.11 driver is an older driver than 10.10 just a newer Cat Profile.

Went to download and reinstall 10.10 and the link no longer works for 64bit version doh.

 

Hi guys!
I received my new vaio laptop this afternoon and I'm definitively loving it!
As I want to do a fresh install, I am removing all the bloatware and other stuff that I don't need. But I would like to know if I have to burn the recovery discs even if I have a genuine Windows 7 pro disc? All I want to do is a copy of my actual system (provided by Sony) on an external hard drive (I don't know if it is the way we say it in english) in order to prevent from any issue. Will it be enough?

@raptorstv: if you play only War3 and watch videos on the Internet, the Intel HD graphic card will be enough. But if you want to play to new (or some olders) games, you have to choose at least a 5470 which is much more powerfull. But I think that it would be sad not to take a radeon with de Vaio.
And finally, the turbo boost allows to increase the clock speed of the processor automatically (I guess we can sum it up like that).

 

I will offer a general warning in this thread...

DO NOT BUY THIS LAPTOP

The build quality is crap, pure and simple. I've had mine since March, and recently I've noticed a "popping" sound when opening or closing it. I discovered that the top part of the chassi where the keyboard sits, specifically the plastic just above the power button on the right side, has gone loose. Everytime the laptop is opened midway it pops open a few mm and you can see how it separates from the black bottom part. I haven't done anything odd with the laptop, using it normally at home and in school like any other person would. Never dropped it or caused damage to it. But if you look on that side, you can see that the full-size keyboard combined with the DVD drive being on that side makes the plastic between the DVD and the keyboard extremely thin. It flexes A LOT when you open or close the lid. My theory is that this flexing causes such stress on the chassi that after opening and closing the laptop a lot finally something has to break. In my case it was the part just above the power button. When comparing it to my old ASUS, it's obvious how much less sturdy the E series is. The full-size keyboard in particular makes it extremely flimsy since there is no robust plastic edge, just the edge of the keyboard.

I sent it in to SONY repair since my laptop is still under warranty, and the response: physical damage, not our fault. At the moment I'm trying to dispute those, although I'm aware that it's probably completely futile. They want about 250 euro to fix it (!) which I of course won't pay. I'll just have to live with the broken plastic. So BUYERS BEWARE: this laptop has a good chance of breaking due to very poor build quality and SONY will just poop on you and make you pay a fortune to fix it.

If you already own it, be VERY careful with opening and closing the lid too much. Mine is the 15" EB1M1E.

 

thats true.. even i found out the same piece of info.. and also 10.10a, 10.10e and 10.10c.. totally confused..

 

Managed to find a working like to 10.10, got them resintalled everythings great again in Hot Pursuit, I noticed the various hotfix versions of 10.10 but since none of them were released with mobility support natively, only via people modding inf files I decided to ignore them.

In response to gupps post, that sucks if its a design flaw from use over time then I would imagine it will start popping up for others and if many people have the same complaint I doubt they could keep refusing to fix it under warranty, although have to admit I have made my EB since the end of March and mine has been tossed around airplane and helicopter cargo holds a lot and so far not even a scratch, hopefully thanks to thanks to the "Impact Wrap" sleeve I use.

On another note, anyone been able to disable the touchpad, I have no plans on using it ever since I keep a small bluetooth mouse with my EB at all times and when typing I occasionally accidently brush it and end up moving the cursor somewhere else and so typing in the middle of a previous sentence.

 

Can someone link me up with the stable 10.10 driver?

 

I can answer this part for you. The intel is a built in graphics chip on the motherboard. the ATI is a dedicated graphics card. the Intel is a cheaper option than the ATI. It allways pays to get a dedicated card, but, laptops with these are allways much more costly too buy..