Official VAIO FW Series Owners Thread

NS is a cheaper VAIO (a newer generation of the originally introduced in 2007 NR, which was Sony's attempt to compete in the sub $1000 laptop market).

It comes with a 15.4" XBRITE-ECO Screen with 1280 x 800 Resolution.

Processors are either Pentium Dual Core or Core 2 Duo up to T6400 (2.00 GHz with 2MB L2 cache).

It can have up to 4GB RAM and an optional Blu-Ray Read drive can be added (although as there is no HDMI-out this is meaningless).

It has only Mobile Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 4500 MHD (shared video).

The NS is competing with sub $1000 15.4 laptops from HP, Gateway and Toshiba. It is offered in various prepackaged models with different configuration - there is no CTO. It has a distinctive look compared to the other brands in this category and is very capable for browsing, e-mail and MS Office work.

The FW is a completely different machine with real entertainment offering and can be configured to be very powerful (8GB RAM, 2.9 GHz processor and SSD).

It should be noted though that Sony also has an NS Business line of laptops, which have extra features for durability and security, but are starting at around $1300. These are trying to compete with the DELL Latitudes.

 

the NS seems to be better than the fw. the fw just has problems.. Too many problems. If your not a big gamer and want a durable solid notebook it seems like the NS might be the way to go. is it me or does the fw seem to be built really cheap?

 

I don't know why people are complaining about the FW's build quality. Maybe I got lucky and got a good one but my left barrel is perfectly fine and I've been carrying this laptop every day to class. Even though this laptop wasn't meant to be portable, I have no problems whatsoever.

The hinges are not loose even after opening and closing the screen countless times a day. The laptop still runs cool and is silent, even after long hours of gaming.

And I don't know why but the keyboard is truly amazing. I honestly think the laptop is worth it just for the keyboard. Typing on it just feels so natural and easy. Whenever I use my friends' laptops, be it an HP, Toshiba, or whatever, typing is just not the same.

The only issues I have are:
1. Vista (I had to reformat twice so far), but as soon as the retail version of 7 comes out, Vista is gone
2. scuff marks and scratches on the palm rests (I agree, this area can easily be scratched even if extreme care is taken)

But other than that, this laptop's pretty solid.

Unlike my previous Toshiba tank which has a design flaw in the hinges making the screen wobbly and the hinges breaking every 2 years. And of course, there was the loud fan which sounded like mechanical gears were churning away inside.

 

Has anyone been able to use Sony SxS PRO media in the Expresscard slot? Or any card over 2G for that matter? Just got a new FW and wondering if I'm just out of luck or if my slot is broken.

 

The finish on the FW is garbage. I only had mine for 2 weeks and It scratched on the palm rest twice, and I take alot of care with me electronics. I am going to order the NS.

 

Congrats on your new laptop!

 

Hi.
I'm going to buy a VGN-FW230J/H and it's made in USA
can I install Windows XP SP2 or SP3 on it?

 

Here's a thread on installing XP on the FW:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=338742

 

hi,i am new to notebook review.i am planning to buy sony fw from Sonystyle.com with the following configuration..but i hav doubts,plz help me..
1.Can i be able to play high games like assains creed ,gta 4 in this ati card system specification provided with fw
2.can this blue ray read only write dvdr,dvd+-rw
3.i hav heared about region code problem like on playing dvds,blueray..is there any way to overcme it....i mostly use dvds which i write so does regon code make any issue in this..

config:
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor T9550 (2.66GHz)
Microsoft® Windows Vista® Home Premium 64-bit
Black
4GB DDR2-SDRAM (DDR2-800, 2GBx2)
320GB SATA Hard Disk Drive [5400 rpm]
Blu-ray Disc™ Read Only Drive
ATI Mobility Radeon™ HD 3650 with 512MB vRAM
LCD 16.4" (XBRITE-ECO™ 1600x900

 

1. The ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3650 should be able to run most games at medium to high settings. Only very demanding games like Crysis will need to be played at lower settings.

See: http://www.notebookcheck.net/Sony-Vaio-VGN-FW31ZJ.15408.0.html

for a review of an FW with similar config to the one you are planning to get.

2. The Blu-ray ROM drive (Blu-Ray read only, DVD read/write) will be able to write on DVD media

3. There is a known issue with the M A T S H I T A Blu-Ray drives (in the FW normally these are the Blu-Ray burners) when trying to watch dvds/blu-ray disks with a different region code. The Blu-ray ROM drive (Blu-Ray read only, DVD read/write) which you are planning to get will most likely be Sony/NEC Optiarc, which should not have region code problems.

 

thank u..very much

 

can u plz post the list of games that run on vaio...does crysis and assaains creed and gta4 run on this with ati 3650

 

One thing i do agree on, is that the FW was super cool all the time, i never felt heat under neath it or on the palm rest!

the fan went on minimal at best, but was a tad loud but barely.

The other issues i had with mine, luckily i complained to sony about the vt and they took it back, was THAT the LCD at low brightness BUZZED like a mofo. it was so annoying.

 

there's a list of games in my sig that i currently play-obviously only WaW is a rather new one but goes like a dream on med settings

 

can any one tell me how i can connect my 5.1 spkrs (creative T6060) which has 3 audio wire to my vaio fw...

 

You will be able to connect only the two front speakers (the green connector) through the FW headphone output. Your CREATIVE T6060 will be 2-channel stereo.

The FW outputs 5.1 signal only through the HDMI-out.

You could use a HDMI to analog audio converter like this:

http://www.octavainc.com/HDMI switch 4x2_7_1audio.html

 

I totally forgot about that! I don't usually use low brightness so I didn't notice it BUT I leave my laptop on overnight sometimes and I set it to low brightness (then to turn off after 1 minute) and when I get back to it in the morning, I hear this faint buzzing sound when the screen turns on again. Then it disappears when I put on full brightness.

It's weird because if I turn my laptop to lowest brightness, the noise is not there. I can only hear it after turning on the screen and it's on low brightness.

 

Anyone else having issues with their a/c adapter connection? I'm not talking about looseness of the whole left barrel, but the connection itself. Since new, mine was a little loose but recently it has gotten worse and now it actually loses the connection quite a bit. I am getting ready to send mine in for repair due to this and other issues, but I'm concerned that this could pose a possible fire hazard for others if it's widespread.

I hear an occasional buzzing sound like it's short circuiting inside, and I've noticed a couple times that the plug has gotten hot. I thought I smelled a little burning smell one time but I'm not 100% sure if it was coming from there.

edit: Here's a video showing how loose it is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4j8XKvVohu4

 

Woah....that is extremely loose. Mine is only slightly wiggly and even then, only when I rough it up quite a bit but I never had any problems with the connection itself. Are you saying that depending on the way the plug is moved, the laptop may not charge?

 

man my buddy and i originally bought our laptops together, his buzzing was something like urz.. if i had that kind of buzzing i would of kept it

MINE on the other hand was dam loud. if i was in my room at night and people were sleeping i could hear the buzzing over the fan thats how loud it was.

At times i would try to ignore it, but it was hard fan + buzz = pulling hair out

 

I play the following regularly

Company of Heroes (OF+ToV)
AOE III
Civ IV
Titan's Quest Immortal Throne
LOTR BFME II
Red Alert 3

Most can be played on high without AA. DX10 games like Company of Heroes primarily work using DX9 as DX setting slow the game too much.

Almost all are RTS, which traditionally do not require much horsepower. Company of Heroes is a notable exception.

Cheers,

 

before i returned my laptop i inspected my barrels inside etc, realistly they aren't that stready.. they are held together by a metal peice at the bottom, and on the power adapter side it's all empty just the plug adapter in there which the wire folds inside to the main bored.

there is no other padding around the power adapter hollow space. thats why i bet his wiggles so much

 

hei dude..this is equal to half the siz e of my lptop and nearly 1/3 of my lappy s price..$360 very high..some one plz tell me how i could enjoy 5.1 channel frm my vaio using creative t606o plzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

 

u might something down here, though I don't think there's any to convert all three cabkes you have...


http://www.bizrate.com/audiovideocables_adapters/products__keyword--stereo+jack+converter.html

 

Here is another option:

- Creative ExpressCard Sound Blaster Sound Card:

http://us.creative.com/products/product.asp?category=1&subcategory=208&product=16642

plus

- Surround Sound upgrade kit for ExpressCard Sound Blaster

http://us.creative.com/products/product.asp?category=1&subcategory=16&product=16741

I am not sure if this will work with Blu-Ray HD audio, but it will most likely work with DVD audio and games.

 

dude can u specify sme other..i am loking for a solution within $50...i dont knw why a entrtaiment lappy desnt support 5.1..but they say dolby room.......sucks

 

Sorry, but there are no cheap options in the world of digital-to-analog audio conversion.

The FW is missing the s/pdif output as Sony wants you to get their wonderful HDMI enabled HD televisions or receivers and experience the True-HD 7.1 sound (as anything coming out of s/pdif output will be compressed).

It is a pity as the onboard Realtek HD card already has s/pdif out, which is utilized in other laptop brands.

 

thats were sony sucks...wen compared to hp hdx 16

 

Well, there may be after all a cheap (less than $50) solution for your problem:

USB 2-channel to 5.1-channel Digital to Analog converter:

http://www.usbmax.com/USBG-5X1_USB_Digital_to_Analog_Converter,_5.1_Channel_USB_Sound_Card.cfm

It seems to be USB 1.1 only (which should be fine) and it does not list Vista as a supported OS, but you can give it a try.

 

I dont understand why 5.1 is such a big issue, just output via the HDMI. If your amp doesnt support HDMI input I guess your out of luck. Not exactly Sony's fault for not thinking backwards.

When I play blurays I put it through the LCD TV via HDMI which outputs via the Optical Out to the Amp.

 

To connect a set of analog 5.1 speakers to your laptop you will need a soundcard with 5.1 output, like this USB one from GWC for $22

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829126101

 

thank u very much

 

can anyone tell how much hrs does the fw standard battery last while 1.playing games
2.watching movie on bluray

 

Watching blu rays id say around an hour and a half. For games id say about an hour to an hour and a half. FW has a crap battery life.

Those figures I gave you are rough estimates, especially since I have my battery care function on at 80%.

 

hey now i am planning to buy a lappy..i am confusedto go for vaio fw or hdx ...coz both ison offer now..sonygivs free bluray..hpgives 30
%.the cost is also nearly the same...
in vaio i saw people cmplaining abt brokenbarrel,lose power cord socket, blueray regiocode..plzs giv meur suggestion guyz.i am very much confused..
iplanning vaio fw 390
t9550 2.666gig
4gb ram,320 ram,aat 3650
blu ray readr

 

Why are the "mouse buttons" so f-ing loud on the FW? You would think they would have fixed that in later generations?

 

So I've noticed something weird with the screen a few days ago. It's not visible if you look at the screen straight on, but on the left side of the screen, right near the border, there is a long vertical white line from top to bottom. I'm thinking this is the white light from the lcd lamp but it's really weird because it's not visible on the right side.

I tried taking a picture but it's not visible, especially in well-lit rooms. I'm thinking I will go to a sony store after my exams are done to get it inspected.

 

Not sure how objective an answer your could get in the FW owners forum, but here it goes:

If both laptops have the same price and the same processor, ram, HDD, screen resolution and a blu-ray drive, here are some notable differences:

- Video - FW has ATI 3650 - much better than NVidia 9600M GT (I would stay away from laptops with NVidia card after their chip melting fiasco). ATI would perform much better for HD video and for games.

- Display - FW has a dual-lamp and looks very good. In general HP screens look very washed out - did you see the HP screen in person and compare it to the FW screen?

- Keyboard - FW has spaced-out keys, which a lot of people are preferring, the HP has nearly full-size keyboard, but very small keys

- Battery life - although not great, the FW has acceptable battery life (you will be able to see a whole Blu-ray movie on one charge). The HP has horrible battery life - the battery will most likely die in the middle of the Blu-ray movie.

- Outputs - The HP has more output options - eSATA, dual-headphone etc. It probably also has s/pdif out.

last, but not least...

- Style - the FW has a distinctive contemporary look, while the HP looks ordinary, bulky and plastiky.

Tip: look at the Sony Style Laptop Outlet for great deals (up to 30% off) on refurbished FW290 and FW390 CTOs.

 

Hi i have a probem wiht my FW, i purchaased it and 2 days later i received it, ii cracked its scren by accident. I didnt purchased sonys extra insurane, so its up to me to replace the screen

im going to purchase the screen at screencountry.com, its the same as original, but the main problem is:

how i do to take out the hinges from the notebook to remove the cracked lcd and put the new one? ive been searching lot of times on the internet but i cannot find any guide to tell me what to do to take out the screen and pout another one in my FW, i really hate how the bottom screws are hidden and cannot reach them.

plase anyone can help me? im new on this forum sry!!!

 

I was able to take a picture of the left side of the screen leakage:

Note that it's only on the left side. The line on the bottom of the screen is actually the hidden taskbar.

 

hi,,can any one say how much time i can run my vaio at a streach i just browse,dwnload and watcvh movies nothing else..........plz..hw much time hv u used ur fw at a streach

 

This is a normal light leak - it is common to LCD screens and your dual-lamp display is just making it more visible.

 

I have used the FW with the extended battery and it lasted about 4 hrs in High Performance mode (screen brightness below medium, just browsing and programming work, no movie watching, but heavy hard-drive use).

I have not used it in the Optimized or Power Saving Mode yet, but it should be able to last at least 5.5 hrs.

The standard battery probably will last 2.5 hrs in High performance mode and 3.5 hrs in Optimized mode.

I am not sure how Sony came up with the advertized "5.5 hrs on standard battery power" - perhaps an FW with the Eco screen on lowest brightness with the Intel graphics, the slowest HDD and the slowest processor, with the WiFi off while writing a novel in MS Word and everything else closed.

 

My screen is the ECO one, so it has only one lamp. And to be honest, I don't see how this is common because light is not visible at all on the right side of the screen and I've looked at my previous laptop's screen (which is like more than 5 years old), my external LCD monitor and my LCD TV and none of them have this problem anywhere.

Either way, I have to wait until after the 27th to go to the Sony store and see what they say because right now I'm swamped with final exams.

 

Hi guys i need your opinion

I want to purchase the fastest sony laptop i can get but i don't want blueray or a spinning harddisk. Since i cant customize the AW series i have come here to seek opinions/advice on speccing up a FW series on sonystyle.uk

What make is the 128gb ssd that you can spec? I have a 160gb intel ssd and i don't want to mix it with another brand, id rather get the cheapest hardrive and remove it.

Is a highly specced FW series as good as a higly specced AW series?

sonystyle.uk wont let me choose hd3650 unless i choose vista 64 bit. Does this mean most games and apps wont work with 64bit vista? i.e battlefield 2?

I will mainly use the laptop for light gaming, movies, web, programming, photoshop etc.

 

of the five i went through, all the had the same issue and i had the HD 1080p display.

around the whole screen it was diff colour, some better than others but still bad with blacks

 

My problem is not the different shades of black (since that's actually caused by my cellphone's camera sensor) and I'm actually happy with the colour reproduction. My problem is the light leakage between the screen and the bezel. And like I mentioned before, this is only on the left side of the screen. The right side has no problem and there is zero light leakage.

 

I placed my order on Sony Style, using the student discount program, for my Vaio FW390 CTO. I already ordered one through Best Buy but immediately had buyers remorse because of the less than flattering specs. I figured it'd be worth it to get a solid replacement with the features I wanted since I'm going to end up selling my XPS M1530. I'll be returning it on Monday for a refund. Unfortunately, that also means I'll probably have to give back the free USB TV tuner that came with it. I was looking forward to trying that out.

At any rate, I went with:

Titanium Gray
2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
2 GB RAM
160 GB hard drive
FullHD (1920x1080) screen
Bluray read only drive
Large capacity battery
Neoprene carrying case (sleeve)

I had contemplated buying the bigger HD and more RAM but I checked on NewEgg for upgrades. I figured it'd be more cost effective to get a 2x2GB RAM package. They seem to sell for about $40, which is less than half the price of the Sony upgrade.
I would consider waiting until the price of 4GB modules goes down, but I just don't see that happening within the time frame that I plan on upgrading it (which will not be very long, if I can help it). I don't do a lot that would require more than 4 GB of RAM anyway.

As for the HDD, 160 ought to be enough for now. I've got a couple of decently sized external drives (a USB powered 320 GB and an outlet powered 320 GB) so I'm not going to be running out of space. Again, it just seems easier to save the money now and wait until the price of 500 GB drives come down a bit more (they're about $100 now, which is what the 320 GB upgrade was through Sony).

I'm very excited for this computer! The estimated ship date is April 28th; it seems everything is backordered. I went to Best Buy today to look at the FWs they had. I cannot wait! It felt great, looked awesome, and seemed to perform quite well. And the model they sell doesn't have as nice of specs (save for the RAM and HDD; temporarily).

One thing I was curious about, though, is how to know what color of keyboard you'll end up with. Best Buy had one with black keys and another with white. I greatly prefer the white but I'm assuming that it'll end up being black. Does anyone have any information about this?

 

The FWs with the black and gray LCD covers will have black keyboards. Only the white FWs have the white keyboards.

 

That's what I was afraid of. I'm not going to let the color get me down because it looks great either way, but I was beginning to become quite attached to the white keys.

Thanks for the help, Wolf04.