Official VAIO FW Series Owners Thread

i have a question regarding windows 7 and my Vaio fw. My laptop came preloaded with vista 32 bit, but if i want to format it and install Windows 7 64 bit will it work? Or is it down to the hardware?

Thanks.

 

According to the other users of this forum, all you have to do is wait and they'll come off themselves... :/
Didn't happen to me yet and please let me know if you will find any sort of manual-I also spent ages looking and all i found were manuals for different Vaios...

 

Here's a thread you may find helpful:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=355715

 

thanks for the link, that will definately be helpful. However it doesnt answer my original question, will my laptop be able to run 64 bit windows seven rather than 32 bit?

 

Hi, I want to play GMOD and was thinking about buying a
Sony VGN-FW235J/H.
Will it work with these features and if so how well?:
Intel core duo processor T5800 2.00GHz
Display 16.4 WXGA
Memory 4GB
DVD+_RW
Mobile intel graphics media accelerator 4500MHD
windows vista home premium
Hard drive storage 250GB
Thanks

 

I ordered my memory upgrade last night, along with an AverMedia USB TV tuner. I am really pleased that you can score 2x2GB for only $36. Next on the upgrade agenda is the hard drive. NewEgg is out temporarily, but I found an eBay seller with a bunch of the WD 500GB Scorpio Blue drive.

I'm so excited!

--

I don't know what you need to run GMOD (I don't know what that is, but I'm guessing Gary's Mod?) but I'd be hesitant to expect great gaming performance with the integrated graphics. Someone else will have to chime in with some personal experience. Maybe integrated graphics have come a long way.

 

If you have a core 2 duo processor - you'll be fine - you'll need to download 64 bit drivers also - those are readily available on the Sony support site

 

Nein!

They have not. Youd probably be able to run anything using the Source engine at low settings though.

 

Dang. I'm glad I decided against the Best Buy preconfigured FW. I'm way more excited about the notebook I configured on the Sony site. I'm not an intense gamer, but I'd hate to run into problems trying to play Bluray on integrated graphics. The BR ROM drive is the main component that convinced me to go with the FW instead of something smaller (14.1" or 13.3").

Is the current graphics card option for the FW series (HD3650, IIRC) one that allows for switching between dedicated and integrated? I truly hope so because that sounds like it'd be a fantastic feature.

 

No, the FW does not have that feature, you're thinking of the Sony Z model.

 

That is too bad. :/ Are there any software options for the graphics card available that would allow for battery life improvement?

 

hi dude..i wish touse a face recognistion software to boot upmy vista ,gmail,etc in my vaio fw..so plz suggest way..can use one,does fw support it,if yes specify the software name coz dell stuio xps 16 doesit

 

Hi have a Fw too and I could not configure ethe 5.1 sound setup. Since I am confused from the messages in this huge thread, Can someone please explain me how I can connect my FW to a logitech Z5500 speaker set across a lcd tv in the following setup

FW-----hdmi-----LCD TV-----optic cable------Z5500

 

What would you guys think of this one?
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicat...asp?EdpNo=4546306&csid=ITD&body=WARRANTY#tabs

They have a 30-day return and its $770 for FW245JH

Immediate opinion is welcome..

Vaio VGN FS550 user (broken power socket, so need upgrading)

 

Thats the same setup I have at home. Except instead of the Z5500 i have a larger amplifier/receiver.

It is actually up to the tv out it outputs the sound to your Z5500, your FW will output stereo music as 2 channel sound to your TV over the HDMI and then the TV will output those 2 channels to your Z5500. Its really upto your Z5500 what it wants to do with those two channels, it can just play them as 2.1 Stereo or if it supports it, it can duplicate the 2 channel sound to create 5.1 Surround.

However if your watching a Bluray or a DVD movie that supports DTS or Dolby Surround it will output those formats to the TV which in turn will send it to the Z5500 and will then play the HD Audio in full 5.1 across your speakers.

EDIT: Please note that your TV has to support Dolby or DTS in the first place to output the format.

 

When you connect everything like that, are you able to close the lid of the notebook and still output the video, uninterrupted?

--

I guess I have my laptop set up to sleep when I close the lid. I just set it to do nothing when I close it while plugged in so hopefully that will allow for video output with the lid closed. I'll have to try it out later.

 

Yes you can. Just set it in the power options to "do nothing" when you close the lid.

Make sure you change this for every profile, also I believe you should check the advanced settings aswell for your profile. I had an issue the settings not applying properly and I found in the advanced power plan options "do nothing" was not set for closing the lid.

Its interesting, when you close the lid, your wireless strength is halved.

I wish this laptop had clip in remote of some sort for remote control. Sucks having to take my external usb mouse along for the ride when I plan to watch a movie with the lid closed. I say this because I find that if youve set things up to run perfectly and youve got your bluray playing and you close the lid WinDVD can freeze up. So its better to close your lid and then load up WinDVD.

 

hi dude..i wish touse a face recognistion software to boot upmy vista ,gmail,etc in my vaio fw..so plz suggest way..can use one,does fw support it,if yes specify the software name coz dell stuio xps 16 doesit

 

hi dude..i wish touse a face recognistion software to boot upmy vista ,gmail,etc in my vaio fw..so plz suggest way..can use one,does fw support it,if yes specify the software name coz dell stuio xps 16 doesit

 

Are you serious? Is there anything you can do so the wireless strength isn't halved? I wish I had known this before I ordered a FW390. It's due to arrive today...maybe I can refuse delivery of it.

 

face recognition sucks on vista start up. it dont turn on for at least 30 sec after vista starts.

i did give my FW back for a studio xps though. £100 more but a much better laptop. quicker HDD, ram, GPU, better screen and build, better support.

 

I have a FW260J/B
P8400(2.26GHz) 16.4" 4GB Memory DDR2 800 250GB HDD 5400rpm BD Combo Intel GMA 4500MHD

that's about 2 weeks old that I got for my father, but he can't use it bc he requires a serial port that works in DOS mode....... of course he fails to mention it until AFTER i purchased the damn thing

anyone want to take it off my hands for $700? :|

i actually like it, it's very quiet and cool, but i already have my Vaio Z

 

Received my FW35V last Thursday, but unfortunately am going to send it back too. The computer itself is fantastic, very quick, quiet, runs cool, no problem with build quality, but it's just the screen I'm not getting on with. It is the ECO screen, but I've found the colours are next to impossible for use with critical web-design/photo editing usage. Furthermore I wouldn't be keen with using any resolution higher than the ECO screen (1600x900), so the other FullHD screen (1920x1080) is out of the question, thus I'll have to return the laptop.

How did you RMA your Vaio FW laptop? Did they give you a full refund?

Am going to save up and get a Macbook Pro instead.

 

Well the aerial is in top lid. Usually running along the side of the screen.

 

Well I received my FW390 today. Which programs are junk and should be uninstalled?

 

Wonky theres a whole thread on that. Just have a look.

 

hi dude..i wish touse a face recognistion software to boot upmy vista ,gmail,etc in my vaio fw..so plz suggest way..can use one,does fw support it,if yes specify the software name coz dell stuio xps 16 doesit

 

hey dude, you post this question for the 3rd time now it seems to have been answered on previous page-simply google facial recognition software and you should find what you look for... although I wanted one badly as well-the opinions it has have changed my mind. I don't think if there's any generic facial recognition software?

 

I take it you have not been to the Dell section on this forum then?
Better laptop?
better screen?
Better build????
Better support?? DELL??

 

Don't think I'll be getting a Dell Studio XPS16 due to the heat that so many people mention (bad heat design management is what my last laptop died from, and was unfortunately extremely costly. Fooled once, shame on you... fooled twice, shame on me... etc.. Not going to go through that again. However I have to add it was a Fujitsu, though, not a Dell, but poor heat management is bad, full stop.).

Found I wasn't keen on the 16:9 aspect ratio of the FW when I used it, and the SXPS16 uses the same ratio. Nice for films, but not necessarily for merely normal computer usage.

16:10 makes a big difference for normal computer usage instead.

Going to ebay some stuff and shoot for a macbook pro instead (using it with Windows Vista). More expensive, but at least the build quality and design should be good.

 

My screen is eco too but I don't have any problem like that one in your picture.

 

I just got the confirmation email that my FW has entered the build stage. They estimate a ship date of April 28th, 2009. Are these fairly accurate? I have never ordered from Sony before, but it seems weird that it would take a week to build it. Maybe that isn't far from normal. I just don't remember Dell taking that long (though they did estimate it would much longer than it did). But Dell and Sony are not the same company, so I can understand a different build time.

I guess I'll find out over the course of the week. I'll just have to be patient.

 

I ordered an FW on the April 15th (with an est. ship date of 4/23), received a production email on the 17th, and it shipped out on the 17th. Not sure if the production time is dependent on the CTO options.

 

Wow. That's not bad at all. I'll keep my fingers crossed that mine will at least ship this week. It won't kill me to wait, but I would sure love an early surprise. I'm prepared to wait for the week that they estimate.

 

In the UK it's longer. Ordered mine on the 4th April and it came on the 16th, but that's quite quick for here. Some people have to wait for 4-5 weeks for theirs to be built. Oddly, configure-your-own Vaios for the UK are built in Holland and then shipped over.

 

Yeah, I figured it's some kind of defect. I'll go to the Sony Store after I'm done my exams to hopefully change my screen.

 

plz specify the cheap and best laptop cooler and stylish carry case u use for vaio fw..i am not able to decide on one ..plz help me out

 

I got my shipping confirmation today! Unbelievable. It's scheduled to be delivered on Saturday.

Hurray for Sony!

 

Hi everyone, I'm new to these forums so I hope I am posting this in the right place. I recently received my FW and I love it. But one thing I did was to replace the hard drive with an SSD. After reinstalling windows on the new drive my buttons above the keyboard (volume, play, stop, etc..) no longer work. I looked on the sony website but am unable to find a driver for these buttons. Anyone know what I need? Thanks.

Oh and by the way, I tried installing Sony Notebook Utilities from their website thinking that this might be what I need, but after its installed, I get an error message telling me that my battery isn't compatible and that the computer needs to go into hibernation, and there doesn't seem to be anyway around this. I know that battery is compatible as it is the one I got with the system.

 

Please disregard the above post. I figured it out. It was the Sony Notebook Utilities that I needed to install. The problem is that you need to install the Sony Shared Library BEFORE you install the notebook utilities. This also solved the battery error message problem.

 

plz specify the cheap and best laptop cooler and stylish carry case u use for vaio fw..i am not able to decide on one ..plz help me out

 

What's your shortlist?

 

how to disable internal microphone in FW 140 F sony vaio laptop so that while downloading audio from net the external sounds are not picked up.

 

Funny about the DELL build time being better. I find it hard to believe DELL could do anything better then any company. A friend of mine got a studio 15 from DELL took them a month to build and send it her.

I was going to go for the Studio 15 instead of the VAIO FW series, but I had a really bad run in with their support services. To the point where I thought "you know what f**k you DELL, ill take my money else where". There was no way id want to deal with DELL if I had problems with my laptop further down the track, I had issues just trying to change my order. The stupid Indians couldnt understand what I wanted. God damn, how many times did I have to tell them I just wanted to change an item on my order without replacing it entirely! Their website is rubbish too, Its impossible find simple answers for anything on it. I had to email DELL just to find out their Direct Deposit details which were no where to be found on their site.

Just thinking about it now gets me really angry that they can treat paying customers like utter rubbish!

 

If you have issues with small text and images in your browser try this handy Mozilla add on to set default page zoom value for text and graphics:

https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/6965

I stumbled onto this after pulling my hair out in fistfuls trying to set my ATI drivers to enable me to down rez my 1920 x 1080 display to 1600 x 900 on my new FW290. My wife doesn't like the tiny text and I was just about to give up when I found this add on. It allows you to set a default page zoom value for all pages in Mozilla but still remembers any unique zoom values you set specifically. Much more convenient than zooming every page up the first time you visit it. Now I get to keep my hi-res screen and she gets her big text and images!

 

i dont hav any limitations expect they must be stylish and under 100$

 

the 'stupid' indians.....try keeping your racist comments and thoughts to yourself....

If you had any sense, you should've been more careful when ordering the dell online and made sure you have ordered what you wanted instead of trying to change a fixed order...

 

A few issues on VGN-FW11

1. Upgrade from 2GB to 4GB ram (32bit vista) useful ?
will 4GB of ram upgrade only be exploitable in conjunction with 32bit->64 bit vista upgrade ? so 3GB is better choice ?
[hopefully 3470 graphic card shared 768Mb hyper memory could be taken from vista 32 bit unexploitable address range ?
following reference did not answer question
http://blogs.msdn.com/hiltonl/archive/2007/04/13/the-3gb-not-4gb-ram-problem.aspx ]
opting for 22Euro crucial memory http://crucial.com/eu/store/mpartspecs.aspx?mtbpoid=BFA13C8DA5CA7304&CPE=EMC-RAF

2. DVI-D(no hdcp) monitor fails on HDMI output.
I have been unable to drive a DVI-D(no hdcp) phillips tv from FW - anyone else had similar issues ?
tv although accepting (no input out-of-range error) 1024x768 dvi-d signal just shows coloured bars
I have reverted to VGA; tv correctly displayed dvi-d signal from an older non-hdcp dell laptop.
I have not been able to try other dvi-d equipped displays.
I have read under hdmi protocol that if handshake fails computer/master may downgrade resolution for display
and suspect that I need to tell computer manually that this is not an hdcp enabled display.
[I already updated catalyst to modded 9.1 from original 8.474 which improved from prior blank
screen to colored bars (release notes suggested fix) ]

esata express card - installed esata express card for laptop backup to hard disk which gave useful 26Mbit/s (usb2) -> 87Mbit/s (esata)
throughput this card interestingly interfered with hot change of hdmi connected device though and I must remove
card before hdmi connection change (otherwise hardware interrupts reported taking 100% of on cpu
necessitating reboot - some kind of hardware conflict I was unable to debug)

Paul

 

I meant which ones have you already looked at? Presumably you have Googled?

 

i saw many but couldnt cme to a conclusion.just tell wat u use..its pros or cons...