Official VAIO FW Series Owners Thread

ok, i have another quick question. i read it's best for HD videos to turn off de-noising in the catalyst control center. is this true? and what it de-noising anyway?

 

Vaio FW Series Xp Downgrade Audio Issue Solved

1) download KB888111XPSP2.exe

2) Use 7-zip or WinRAR to extract

3) Extract KB888111XPSP2.exe to a folder such as C:\KB888111XPSP2

4) Open Device Manager, search for the Unknown PCI device

5) Right click on the Unknown PCI device to update the driver

6) Point the driver path to this C:\KB888111XPSP2\commonfiles\



Install the audio driver on your machine. Good luck!
the link to realtek xp audio driver and KB888111XPSP2.exe is attached

Use uniextract to extract this file

 

Finally, someone shares the answer! Other people on here run XP on their FW and no one posted how they have audio. I'm going to try this later on today, fingers crossed. By the way, does this also give you audio out via HDMI?

Thanks.

 

I did not try it via hdmi, I hope it works.

 

I don't understand why everyone complains about the 1920x1080 resolution on this laptop making the text & icons too small. Do people not realize that a very similar resolution has been around for a very long time? WSXGA+ (1680x1050) on a 15.4" screen is essentially the same resolution as 1920x1080 on a 16.4" screen. The only difference is that the 16.4" screen is wider and therefore it is 1920 pixels wide instead of 1680 pixels, but the pixel density is virtually the same and the icons and text size will be exactly the same size. I don't ever recall hearing people complain about 1680x1050 on 15.4" screens, so why is everyone complaining about 1920x1080 on this 16.4" screen? I don't get it....

 

That is correct, but most of the pple that will be complaining are those that are use to 1920x1200 on a 24"+ desktop lcd.

 

I highly doubt that "most" people have 24"+ LCD's for their desktop. But even if that were the case, then to get the same size text & icons on a 16.4" sceen as a 1920x1200 24" screen you would need to have a resolution no more than 1366x768. Even the standard 1600x900 resolution is smaller on a 16.4" screen than 1920x1200 is on a 24" screen.

But that is besides the point. My point is that WSXGA+ has been around on 15.4" screens forever (my 4 year old HP that I'm typing on right now has it), and nobody ever raised hell about that size. But now everyone is complaining about 1920x1080 on a 16.4" screen, where the only difference is that the screen is a little wider, and that's what doesn't make any sense.

 

Anyone ? :cry:

 

Has anybody tried to install windows 2003 server on a FW and set it up as a dual boot system (vista or w2k3). I'm having some issues with vista (on a FW-140E with Vista Home Premium SP1), specially when Firefox and Bittorrent are running, and what happens is that for a while everything to work just fine, but eventually (after 10-20 minutes or so) Bittorrent will stop responding (will not even let me close it), and the internet connection only on Firefox seems to stop working. Every time I try to open a page in Firefox it will stay there forever displaying the message waiting for the page to display (example "Waiting for ebay.com"). This happens with every page I try to open, and the only way to restore everything is to reboot, but I need to shutdown the system manually as the shutdown or restart options of the start menu stop working too. Strange is that the system is NOT frozen up, everything seems to work but obviously things are not right. If I use only Firefox with any other any other apps this problem never happens, so I assume the problem lies with bittorrent (I'm using v6.1.1). I've also tried with uTorrent and exactly the same happens to Firefox. Btw this is not a problem related to loosing all bandwidth to Bittorrent as I've read it being reported elsewhere because I'm still able to listen to iTunes or open a FTP connection to my server, and also check email with Eudora Pro. It's just Firefox that kind of looses internet access. Anybody had this problem too? I'd like to install win2k3 as a boot option because sometimes I really get tired of these Vista quirks and just want to go back to a stable O/S for a while and gather some energy to continue fighting with Vista later.

Thanks for reading this post.

 

I maxed out all upgrades on my recent purchase - am I really going to get that extra "umph" out of the 2.8 GHz processor?

And the 8GB of RAM with the 64 system??

 

Denoising is just what it sounds like. It tries to remove noise from the video (noise = speckles in the video from either low quality encoding or low quality source). For HD video, its probably of high quality to begin with, so it usually won't be very noisy. Denoising HD video is probably just wasting processor resources and isn't really necessary.

 

You might notice a slight performance gain from the P8400 2.26Ghz to the T9600 2.8Ghz, but there is no way you will ever use the full 8GB of RAM. On my desktop I have 4GB with Vista-64, and I don't think I've ever gotten it past about 3.5GB of RAM actually being used at once - and that was with a lot of different programs running at once (Word, Outlook, Photoshop, Rhapsody, IE with dozens of tabs, and lots of background apps).

 

First off I want to let you know that I don't know much about HD stuff, so I'm not calling you a liar or anything... But my FW11E is 1600x900, and has a Full HD 1080 sticker on it, doesn't that mean its full HD? Or did Sony just decide to slap the sticker on there because there was space?

 

HD is a resolution, commonly known as the 1080p(p for progressive).

This measure describes the lowest of the 2 side measures used on resolution. In the case of a 1600x900, it isn't technically full HD, as full HD would have 1900x1080 normally. Now, that 1600x900 is the LCD's native screen resolution(the one it performs best at). Unlike CRTs or projection screens, LCDs are ingrained with a fixed amount of pixels and iodes, which determine their native resolution. A "true' HD LCD would have a native resolution made for HD content. Not to say the 1600x900 screen cannot play HD, it can fully well, just that the HD resolution isn't its natiev one.

On the screen size of the laptop though, it probably won't make a huge difference to the naked eye. Heck, even HD on large TVs don't make an uber large difference if you go far enough(my TV has 1080i, which is interlace, and it still performs just as well as a 1080p with Blu Ray and other HD content).

So idk about putting the "Full HD" sticker on the laptop, but I think it means the laptop screen and the GPU in conjunction are able to yield HD content.

 

oh, ok, that helped thanks!

 

DESPERATE! PLEASE HELP! FW 298H/Y or AW190NCB????

I can't decide between the SONY VAIO FW298Y/H (18.4”) and the AW 190NCB (16.4”). Here’s what is really important to me: SPEED, MEMORY, and DISPLAY/GRAPHICS QUALITY (with as little glare as possible). The important specs are below, with the one’s that are different in bold type.

I really use my computer heavily, doing heavy duty word processing at the office, and then also like to watch/download movies, listen to/download music, share photos, and tons of other internet activities. (I’m not a gamer though.)

Would you please give me to pros and cons, and let me know which you would buy. (I’m in the U.S.) Thanks, I appreciate it so much.

PROCESSOR

FW298Y/H
Front Side Bus Speed: 1066MHz
L2 Cache: 6MB
Technology: Intel Centrino 2 processor, Intel Core 2 Duo Processor
Type: T9400

AW 190NCB
Front Side Bus Speed: 1066MHz
L2 Cache: 6MB
Technology: Intel Centrino 2 processor, Intel Core 2 Duo Processor
Type: T9600

HARD DRIVE

FW298Y/H
Interface: Serial ATA
Speed: 7200rpm
Capacity: 320GB

AW 190NCB
Interface: Serial ATA
Speed: 5400rpm
Capacity: 250GB

MEMORY

FW298Y/H
Installed: 4GB PC2-6400 (2GBx2)
Maximum: 8GB
Speed: 800MHz
Type: DDR2 SDRAM

AW 190NCB
Installed: 2GB PC2-6400 (1GBx2)
Maximum: 4GB
Speed: 800MHz
Type: DDR2

GRAPHICS

FW298Y/H
Chipset: Mobile Intel PM45 Express Chipset
Interface: HDMI™20 and VGA out with Smart Display Sensor
Processor: ATI Mobility Radeon(TM) HD 3650 with Total Available Graphics Memory 2280MB (max.)
Video RAM: 512MB of dedicated video RAM

AW 190NCB
Chipset: Mobile Intel PM45 Express Chipset
Interface: HDMI™16 and VGA out with Smart Display Sensor
Processor: HDMI™16 and VGA out with Smart Display Sensor
NVIDIA® GeForce 9600M GT GPU with Total Available Graphics Memory 1270 MB (max.)
Video RAM: 512MB of dedicated video RAM

DISPLAY

FW298Y/H
Screen Size: 16.4
Resolution: 1920 x 1080
Technology: XBRITE-FullHD Technology

AW 190NCB
Screen Size: 18.4
Resolution: 1920 x 1080
Technology: XBRITE-FullHD Technology

OPERATING SYSTEM

FW298Y/H
Vista Ultimate 64-bit

AW 190NCB
Vista Business 32-bit with SP1

 

Both of these machines are overkill, spec-wise, for what you list as your main activities... so really it comes down to which you prefer 'in the flesh'. Have you been to a Sony Centre or other retailer to compare these two in person? They're both pretty big and bulky machines, well capable of what you want but not hugely portable due to their size/weight.

The FW looks to me to have more power and Vista Ultimate includes a few features missing from Vista Business. The 32/64bit difference might be important if you plan to use any unusual add-on hardware, as sometimes 64bit drivers are hard to come by. If not, 64bit is slightly quicker for some apps and allows you to take advantage of >3GB RAM.

Due to your 'heavy duty word processing', I would advise you to try out the keyboards in person as this will be important to you. Sony's recent 'separated keys' layout (similar to those on Macbooks, I'm told) takes a short while to get used to, but I really like it now that I'm used to it.

 

http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs...Id=8198552921644564390&parentCategoryId=16154

Weird! Only the FW290 is configurable on sonystyle? Where are other versions, like the older FW190? FW290 has only the FullHD screen as optional, not the HiColour 1600x900 too anymore. How is the FullHD screen? Is it a double-lamp lcd like the older HiColour? How can I get a HiColour?

 

the FW290 replaced the FW190 series

 

Well, i can't find a response to this and the sound is still there.

I'm going to return the FW235 this weekend and pick up an FW275 instead....hopefully that won't be making this noise!!!

 

Just received my FW190 from Sony Style. It took me a while to decide between the FW190 and the HP dv5t. The look of the laptop matters to me a lot, and those are the 2 best looking laptops within my price range. I was using the 17" HP dv9000 before. While I love the elegant design of the FW, the 16" screen, and its fantastic keyboard (would've been even better with touch sensitive media buttons like the HP), I hate how all 3 USB ports are on the right side where I would usually plug in my mouse, and the speakers are wayyyy too weak. The hi-color screen also seems a bit too blue and actually too bright for me, which I know can be adjusted.

My question is, is there anything I can do to make the speakers sound a little louder when watching videos? I primarily watch tv dramas on it and play soft music, so I don't need the sound to be amazing, just loud enough to hear. On my HP even at level 30, the volume is plenty loud enough for me, but on the FW the level needs to be all the way up to achieve the same volume.

I noticed when the background is completely black, there are 2 bands of light on the screen, one near the top of the screen and the other on the bottom. Is this normal?

I can live with the poor placement of the usb ports, but the speakers being so weak is almost a deal breaker. Considering how much nicer my old HP sounds, I'm seriously considering returning the FW and getting the dv5t, although I really don't want to. Any suggestions? Thanks!

 

So, the only model that can be configured-to-order on sonystyle US right now is the FW290? How can I get the HiColour screen? Has is it been discontinued?

 

@melella, the audio of the Vaio FW is basically the main downside that most reviewers have agreed and commented on for a multimedia laptop like this one. The Vaio's laptop speakers are just average and not very loud, compared to say HP which uses brand name Altec Lansec speakers or Toshiba which uses Hardan Kardon speakers.

Sadly, there isn't much you can do for the speakers. The reviews here suggest exterior speakers or headphones to fully enjoy the Vaio's multimedia capacities . Either that or get your ear used to lower volumes lol

As for the screen issue, I know the higher option FW screens are double lamp backlight, so perhaps this issue you're experiencing is that your lamps are too bright. I don't know how to adjust it though Perhaps try lowering the screen brightness to see if the problem persists?

 

Is the FullHD screen a double lamp display as well?

 

Hi, I new in this website, I want to buy this computer from somebody and he have the dedicated graphic card ATI HD3470, is it a good graphic card to play game like call of duty 4- and World at war, and game like that and second question is it a loud computer ,because I have now the vaio CR serie but the integreted video card is not so good thanks for your awnser !!!

 

The FW is very quite. The FullHD screen is a very bright and crisp looking screen. I got mine a couple of weeks ago and I can not be any happier with a laptop. From design to functionality, the FW rocks.

Highly recommended. Oh, and btw, sony is now offering student discounts on vaio computers, including FW series.

My FW290 CTO:
-LCD 16.4" (XBRITE-FullHD™)
-320 GB SATA Hard Disk Drive [7200 rpm]
-WLAN (802.11a/b/g/n) with integrated Bluetooth® technology
-ATI Mobility Radeon™ HD 3650 with 512MB vRAM
-Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor P8600 (2.40GHz)
-Blu-ray Disc™ Read Only Drive
-Black
-Microsoft® Windows Vista® Ultimate 64-bit
-4 GB DDR2-SDRAM (DDR2-800, 2GBx2)

 

now how about the weight is it heavy for transport ???? because i know that's will a little havier than my laptop (CR 14'')

 

The Vaio FW is a tad heavier than a regular 15.4" since it's bigger, but I heard the weight difference really isn't that significant and it's not really a pain to lug around. The speakers are apparently the biggest downside to the computer if you've had experience with better laptop speakers before since these are average.

Also note the HD3470 isn't a very powerful card, it's an entry level gaming card so it should handle most games, but you'll have to lower settings and resolution.

 

im going to puchase a new FW290 here are the specs what do u think
• LCD 16.4" (XBRITE-FullHD™
• 320 GB SATA Hard Disk Drive [7200 rpm]
• WLAN (802.11a/b/g/n) with integrated Bluetooth® technology
• ATI Mobility Radeon™ HD 3650 with 512MB vRAM
• Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor T9600 (2.80GHz)
• DVD±R DL / DVD±RW / DVD-RAM Drive
• Microsoft® Windows Vista® Home Premium 64-bit
• 8 GB DDR2-SDRAM (DDR2-800, 4GBx2)
also if some1 could tell me how's the extended battery, bigger? is it worth it?

 

I think overkill.

 

this is what I will be ordering on monday

Intel Core 2 Duo Processor P8600 (2.40GHz)
Microsoft® Windows Vista® Home Premium 64-bit (will be installing 32bit homn prem)
colour black
3 GB DDR2-SDRAM
320 GB SATA Hard Disk Drive [7200 rpm] - need space and speed for music production
LCD 16.4" (XBRITE-FullHD™
ATI Mobility Radeon™ HD 3650 with 512MB vRAM (other option is 4500HD no thanks)
DVD±R DL / DVD±RW / DVD-RAM Drive

I'd get a blu ray drive but we have the S350 from sony anyways.

 

OK, returned the FW235 and picked up an FW275......loud clunking sound is gone but after i did some windows updates, i've lost the on screen volume display when using the vol - / + buttons..

any ideas??

 

I was just about to order too from the SOny website, but they are out of stock on so many parts all of a sudden... WTH!?!?!

 

How fast are the CD/DVD/Bluray burn speeds in the FW-290? I am trying to customize one but I don't know how fast they are.

 

# BD-R DL Read : 2x max

# BD-R DL Write : 2x max

# BD-R Read : 4x max

# BD-R Write : 4x max

# BD-RE DL Read : 2x max

# BD-RE DL Write : 2x max

# BD-RE Read : 2x max

# BD-RE Write : 2x max

# BD-ROM Read : 4x max

# Blu-ray Disc™ Support : Yes5 (BD-R/BD-RE/BD-ROM/DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/RAM)

# CD Read : 24x max

# CD-R Write : 24x max

# CD-RW Write : 16x max

# DVD Read : 8x max

# DVD+R DL Write : 4x max

# DVD+R Write : 8x max

# DVD+RW Write : 6x max

# DVD-R DL Write : 4x max

# DVD-R Write : 8x max

# DVD-RAM Read : 5x max

# DVD-RAM Write : 5x max

# DVD-RW Write : 6x max

 

Well it was a royal pain but I rebuilt my Vaio VGN-FW139E from scratch as a 64-bit machine. Why? I trashed it and had to rebuild anyway. Thought I would give it a try. The 170 model has most of the drivers. The wireless had to be from the vendor's driver page. Anyway if you have the 139 model it works. I'm hoping it will protect the system a little better. So far no difference in performance.

 

The weight is a non-issue, my FW actually feels like it weighs less than a friends HP dv6000 series 15.4". The FW is also thinner which makes for easier handleing and portability.

Oh, and the XBRITE-FullHD screen while playing a BLU-RAY Disc (Iron Man) is amazingly crisp. I love the size of the screen.

 

im going to puchase a new FW290 here are the specs what do u think
• LCD 16.4" (XBRITE-FullHD™
• 320 GB SATA Hard Disk Drive [7200 rpm]
• WLAN (802.11a/b/g/n) with integrated Bluetooth® technology
• ATI Mobility Radeon™ HD 3650 with 512MB vRAM
• Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor T9600 (2.80GHz)
• DVD±R DL / DVD±RW / DVD-RAM Drive
• Microsoft® Windows Vista® Home Premium 64-bit
• 8 GB DDR2-SDRAM (DDR2-800, 4GBx2)
also if some1 could tell me how is the extended battery plz, bigger? is it worth it?

 

Aright !!! thanks for your anwser I will sell my CR320 model and buy the FW160 from somebody , and another question (I ask la lot I know) the diffence between the intel X3100 (on my CR320 ) and the ATI HD3470 wil be game, for example Will I find a big improving for the graphic in cod 4 of World at war and how about the boottime beetween my laptop and the FW 160 ??

 

wow... nice and slow to burn anything huh?

 

About to order a FW-290 from Sony Style but don't know if I should get the Extended Service Plan. I believe that Sony equipment is pretty reliable, so I don't want to spend another $300 for nothing. Do you think I need this option

 

I believe you can buy on the extra warranty within the one year that the original warranty is in effect.

 

I always get extended warranties just in case, since laptops usually do develop some problems after a couple of years.

I've just noticed an annoying problem with my FW11E. When I wake the computer up after closing the lid, and try to use the dvd drive, I get a securom message telling me no dvd drive can be deteced, and my device manager shows a code 38 error...

 

did you install linux on it? it sounds like a "install = videoofonly" sort of thing with ubuntu.

 

This may be a dumb question, but I can't tell from the website. Does the FW290 track pad have a scroll feature? My old laptop has a dedicated right hand slide area to scroll web pages/windows.

Also, if I get the BD-ROM drive (not the writer), does this have normal CD/DVD writing capability or is it strictly a BD-ROM drive (w/normal CD & DVD-ROM capability).

Also, I see the new ATI 4000-series cards are being shipped to mfgs. Any idea on how long we would see something like that in a Sony system from the time of shipping? Wondering if it's worth waiting a bit.

thanks!

 

Any updates may occur perhaps in the new year or when intel updates the centrino 2 line in spring 09.

 

My FW CPU temps have been idleing around 45C, is that normal or high?

 

I think you should stop posting this exact same question over & over again (this is the 3rd time!). It's a great laptop, and if you like it then go ahead and buy it.

 

I can't help you with graphics card and gaming side of it. But, as far as the boot time, I have the FW290 with Vista Ulti. x64 and it boots up faster than any previous computer I've had.

Before you buy, go to a Best Buy, or a Sony Style store, and see the FW for yourself. I know best buy is currently displaying the FW290 with the black colored case and with the 64-bit Vista and Blu-Ray. I made a couple of trips to test weight and see the thing first hand before buying.

 

Yes! The FW290 has a intergrated scroll feature for up/down scrolling on the right and left/right scrolling on bottom of the track pad. You can't tell it's there until you actually do it.

I have the BD-ROM drive only and it is intergrated w/ normal CD/DVD writing capabilities.

Sorry, don't know about your ATI question.