Official VAIO SR Series Owners Thread

Next to the Windows Clock. Look the attach File!

I have 32 bits Windows Vista and I didn't install anything, it comes when I bought the laptop (last friday)

 

Yep, just followed the clean install guide using VAIORecv.exe as well.

I only had ONE issue with this and that's that my Wireless controller wasn't installed for some reason. It's the ONLY device listed as an exclamation mark. >_>

I skipped reinstalling the Recovery center... I think I'll rather just find the driver for it on Sony's website.

Fn Brightness, Volume, and etc keys are working just fine right off the bat too.

I think I'll "GHOST" my volume when done. That way I'll have my own cool recovery image.

EDIT: Okay, all done. Sony website didn't have the wireless drivers, BUT NO BIGGIE, I went to Intel.com and downloaded the WiFi 5100 drivers from there.

All done with only 53 processes click to view: http://www.vengefulsoda.com/vaiosr_clean53.png

 

Did anyone here register your vaio with the start up assistant?

 

I don't think there's any major benefit from it... I just registered mine through the Sony website after I finished my clean install.

Also, I decided to go with Acronis True Image instead of GHOST after I was done. Made a 8GB system image file and a bootable CD.

Pretty much good to go and will probably burn the image file to both a DVD-RW and copy it to a USB flash drive.

I tested the bootable CD Acronis made and it's able to see the hard drive in the system without any issue. Also it supports USB hard drives so I'm pretty much good to go for clean restoring in the future without any of the tricks needed with Sony's recovery partition... (Also will already have all the latest Vista updates and my favorite Vista performance tweaks already applied...)

Life's good.

 

Oh cause its getting pretty annoying when it keeps popping up every time i boot up, telling me to register your vaio

 

Answered your same question here: http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?p=4315370#post4315370

 

I m just wondering, do you guys have UAC on??

 

No i turned it off. Since I will be the only one using the notebook, i decided i can trust myself

 

Eww, UAC, that's one of the first things I turn off after loading Vista for the first time along with Windows Search, Auto Defrag, Superfetch, and Windows Defender daily scans... (Just to name a few things I change >_> )

 

alright, cause i sometimes think it is useless, like before with xp, i was fine with nothing warning me before i did anything.

 

Yes, but do you trust malicious code to run executables and make changes to system files? I think you misunderstand the point of the UAC.

For the most part it's good to turn it off during inintial configuration of the system. After you have it fairly well finished, you can turn UAC back on w/o being annoyed by it too often.

Win 7 is brining some improvements to UAC...perhaps they will be applied in Vista via SP2. I guess we'll know in January.

 

i consider myself techie enough to distinguish between safe executables and the infected ones. Hence the trust

OTOH, I wouldnt turn it off if in my wife's computer. she wouldnt hae an admin account in the first place. (Actually i prefer to saddle her with Ubuntu)

 

Did anyone else find the screen colors of their SR to be off?

I've been noticing it more and more, especially notice that the blues and greens are off. A medium green comes off as more lime, photos seem yellowy, and most noticeably gray can render as tan.

I have been trying to calibrate the monitor and it has improved but it still should be better. So I am wondering if anyone else has this issue and has a recommended calibration scheme. Thanks!

 

I am considering the purchase of a SR-290 with a port replicator to run my wifes dual monitor setup (2x 20inch running at 1600x1200)

I called sony sales support to confirm it was capable of this with the port replicators VGA and DVI outs and the ATI video card in the SR-290. The sales rep told me that the system would NOT be able ot run the dual monitor setup at my desired resolutions due to a "video card limitation". That the DVI output would be fine at 1600x1200, but that the VGA output on the port replicator would be limited to the 1280x800 resolution of the notebook screen. That didnt ring true to me based on my past experience, especially when I asked about the Z series (my other possible option) and he said the same limitation applies despite it having a completely different video card.

so, my question to you current SR-290 owners...

Anyone out there running a dual monitor setup via a port replicator and a SR-290??? what resolutions are u running at???

For owners without a port replicator: what resolutions are you able to get out of your VGA out on the laptop????

i really appreciate any help you can provide...

thanks

Mike

 

I think they are off. I was just looking at the SR I got my brother, and if I had it I would not be satisfied with the screen, seems a little dark to me. But he is happy since all he wants is to play Flight Sim X at decent frame rates and have his own computer to browse the web.

 

My titanium gray SR290 is still boxed up (it arrived a few days ago). I have to say with the horror stories here about battery draining and bad displays I don't know what to do. Send it back for full refund while I can, and save up for a Z series??

 

I like my SR, i guess i m one of the lucky ones that got the toshiba monitor and not the samsung one, cause my screen is beautiful and the colors are great. I guess you should take the chance and open, cause you bought it in the first place cause you wanted one right?
I think the Z also has battery drain problems also.

 

I wanted it (still do), but between the damaged box and the problems people are having, I am wary of it. How do you know the screen is Toshiba? I thought I remembered reading that it is not possible to determine the screen manufacturer without taking apart the laptop. Is that right?

 

Vulture99, who cares what brand screen Garmin got if he likes it. If it looks good to you I wouldn't let someone else tell you what to think.

 

Gents... any help with my previous question??? cut n pasted below:

I am considering the purchase of a SR-290 with a port replicator to run my wifes dual monitor setup (2x 20inch running at 1600x1200)

I called sony sales support to confirm it was capable of this with the port replicators VGA and DVI outs and the ATI video card in the SR-290. The sales rep told me that the system would NOT be able ot run the dual monitor setup at my desired resolutions due to a "video card limitation". That the DVI output would be fine at 1600x1200, but that the VGA output on the port replicator would be limited to the 1280x800 resolution of the notebook screen. That didnt ring true to me based on my past experience, especially when I asked about the Z series (my other possible option) and he said the same limitation applies despite it having a completely different video card.

so, my question to you current SR-290 owners...

Anyone out there running a dual monitor setup via a port replicator and a SR-290??? what resolutions are u running at???

For owners without a port replicator: what resolutions are you able to get out of your VGA out on the laptop????

i really appreciate any help you can provide...

thanks

Mike

 

How would you describe the color temperature or general hue of your screen? Mine is definitely blueish or greenish. The whites look quite nice but bright colors are oversaturated and some colors seem 'wrong' in so much as they look different than they do in nearly any other monitor I have used.

For example, I will attach an image to this post. In every other computer I have used, the colors are gray but on my SR they are tan or beige. I checked the RGB and sure enough they have less blue so it sort of makes sense, but it's still rendering the color different than most other monitors. Furthermore, the color is described as "gray". If I calibrate the monitor to make these colors gray, black turns into blue.

 

Who did you buy it from and what is their return policy? I already found out I can return mine for a full refund because of the battery problems, so the screen issue would just be my own 'contributing factor'.

 

I don't have a docking station, so I tested the vga out on 2 different monitors and it was able to run both resolutions:

1. Dell 2001FP 20.1" @ 1600x1200
2. Gateway FHD2400 24" @ 1920x1200

this was on VGA out only. when setting it to laptop lcd + vga out, the vga out was mirrored at the laptops native res of 1280x800.

note, this laptop has the ATI HD3470 video card.

 

thanks Prime!!! I appreciate your help... any others??? with Dock???

Update: I went to best buy and they gave me the same answer at first, that the VGA was limited to the notebook screen resolution, still being a non-believer, I had them hook up the VGA port to a 26inch monitor... and it ran it beautifully at full resolution... in extended mode with the laptop screen...

while that test was A) very promising for my requirements it is not conclusive since its not drive two external monitors. But i am fairly confident now that it will be able to...

hopefully someone out there has a Dock and will test for me... any takers?????

thanks

Mike

 

Can confirm S Prime's post. When I connect it to my 42 inch Vizio on VGA, it displayed 1920 x 1080 px. which was pretty large.

 

I already posted about this, but I did not receive a response and I really need some feedback!

Can any SR owner please describe the colors in the attached images?

-- In the first image, the background should be grey and not beige.

-- In the second image, the boxes should be dusty rose (pale pink, slightly plumish) color - but the SR renders it peach (orangy tan).

I've shared the images with several colleagues and no-one is seeing the wrong colours on their Vaios, Acers, Gateways, etc. I've logged in to Yahoomail from dozens of computers over the years.

As a graphics professional, bad colors would be crippling. I need to see if it is native to the SR or my monitor.

 

has anyone found a good bluetooth remote control for the sr that uses the expresscard slot? so far i only seen bluetooth remote for 54mm.

 

the bad displays are greatly exaggerated, I think i have one of them but it seems very good to me. The battery drain, whatever I think it's just vista misreading the battery, cuz for 20 min i was on 40% or something.

 

I get the correct colors on my SR, how do I find out if I have a toshiba or samsung LCD?

 

To all SR owners I would like to recommend the logitech vx nano mouse for one important reason. One downfall to the SR, for my purposes, is no hardware button to control the volume. This mouse, using Logitech's Set Point software, lets you assign volume up and volume down to the 2 special buttons on the left side of the mouse. This is very convenient! Just wanted to share that ...

 

It is recommended to install Vista x64? I don't know if i will have some problems with drivers...

 

so far i m okay with drivers no problem yet

 

Did you use some special drivers for 64 bits?

Thanks!!!

 

well what kind of drivers are you talking about first?

 

I saw a logitech vx450 nano in best buy which is more cheaper than the vx nano. Is this mouse good?

 

The V450 is a great mouse and in my opinion feels better in the hand than the VX nano. Nevertheless, it lacks the two programmable extra buttons by the index fingers. It's like having the two extra hardware buttons, that the SR lacks, right at your finger tip. Unless somebody knows how to assign volume up/down to the SR's mode switch shortcut buttons, the VX nano is an almost necessary addition to the SR solely because of this feature.

 

that sounds like a pretty nice feature.

I ended up buying this mouse. (mainly due to the price). It doesn't come with a transmitter, but I don't need one since the SR has its own bluetooth.

why cant you control the volume using the SR's function F3/F4 buttons?

 

Hello. I am heavily looking into the Sony Vaio SR because of size and display quality and because price with discounts are bringing the SR290 to a pricepoint below Lenovo. Lenovo has a great reputation and some really nice laptops and specs and tech support and problem resolution and the thinkpad keyboard and touchpad and the like. But it seems to be lacking in display quality over the Lenovo and its coming out to be more expensive after all promos are in force.

The question I have is with the SR and battery life issue and if anyone has gotten resolution to this problem yet as well as the T vs P CPUs. If cost is not an issue, are the T or P CPU's better assuming same speed specifications? Is T a higher wattage CPU whereby the P is the better one to get? Ive seen VAIO SR with T5870, and higher T series CPUs as well as a P8400 and the like. Im not really sure which CPU I would need if I decide to get the VAIO. I don't like the fact that the system comes with a 5400 rpm hd however replacement 7200 rpm HDs seem to be very inexpensive and Im surprised they didn't give a 7200 rpm to begin with on some higher end models.

 

I can say mine is not exaggerated at all, the screen renders incorrect colors and most things look 'off' - photos, websites, logos, etc. This may not be terribly important to some people but for anyone who needs semi-accurate colors it's a major problem.

My own battery problem is definitely not a misread. The results of my testing match most others in the dedicated thread - the Vista estimate is indeed way off, if you do not turn off the system you'll get a LOT more life than is quoted -- but should you sleep, hibernate, etc, you'll lose a major chunk of battery. I lost 1/3rd of my battery today while in transit for most of the day. It's obscene.

Aside from the screen, battery nightmares, and tinny sound it's really amazing though. The form, function, ergonomics, and speed are great but for someone in my line of work I don't know if I can live with such inaccurate color and as someone who travels frequently the battery issue is a drag.

 

Thanks, I'd love to hear more feedback from other SR owners, surely some others have been in this thread - so please speak up! I am really curious if my screen is a dud or it's a common problem with this series.

If it's a dud I might consider trying another SR!

 

Yep. I love it

 

I use Win7, and mine will dim before it turns off

 

I think its not as quick to press FN + F3/F4. If this was a valid solution then no laptops would include separate volume controls. But again, its a matter of taste. Thanks.

 

I got a price of $999 for a Sony VAIO SR 290 with 320GIG HD, 3GIG RAM, ATI 3470, BLUETOOTH, HDMI, VISTA BUSINESS from Sony Style.

$1299 minus $200 promo minus $100 for sonystyle credit card, the rebate takes a little time to get though and the interest APY for the card is probably high so Ill have to pay $1099 then wait for the $100 back.

Im heavily leaning on this laptop since Im looking at something comparable to this machine at this price. The problems I have with Sony are lack of problem resolution, and the battery drain issue.

The Lenovo U330 is cheaper in design and more money and with worse options even after applicable discounts. Dell is supposedly slightly better with problem resolution than Sony, but models like XPS1330 are made like garbage and are old in design.

Should I just order the Sony SR already? I doubt there are other laptops which meet all my needs but the SR seems to be the best all around for me I gather.

I got 2 prices on the Sony SR. One had no rebate and a smaller HD but same specs for 1074. SonyStyle came to $1099 with rebate for $100 which takes awhile to get. Neither one has a 7200RPM drive which I wanted however but those are really cheap aftermarket OEM if I should want one down the road.

So many models and brands and I have looked at the whole gamut of brands and models and the Sony SR seems to be holding its own right now with some flaws however.

 

Checked price again. It got reduced to $1032 and now is backordered from 3rd party retailers.

Do I need 3rd party to qualify for productivity pack rebate? Looks like I will likely get the SR290 with ATI and HDMI and Bluetooth P8400 3GIG Vista Business and the like. HD is small from third party but I can swap it for what I want with 7200RPM.

My choice is $1032 + productivity pack. Or $999 from SonyStyle but I dont think it qualifies for productivity pack? The larger 160 to 320 gig hd is useless cause I can pop in a 7200rpm for cheap.

I just wish the Battery drain bug was fixed but with an extra free battery I guess it will be fine.

 

I just recieved my sr290 from sony and im wondering if anyone has or can make me a step by step guide to installing a semi clean install. Thanks!

 

Looks like Im too late for the Sony VAIO SR Rebate.

I am hoping that prices drop next year to make it an even better deal as Im not in any rush to buy. The Lenovo X200 is nice but doesn't have the ATI VIDEO and higher models have the lower voltage cpus I dont need. The Sony with the ATI had the right balance between performance and weight.

Lenovo Idealab U330 was the only other one but it didn't have fingerprint reader and seems to be cheaper made than the VAIO T series which is heavier.

 

Anyone here know where to get the service manual for SR to swap the wireless card? I can't seen to find it on this site via the "search"

Thanks

 

has anyone noticed that the air that the sr blows from the air vent is pretty hot? lot warmer than my toshiba a205...

 

Not the P8400 Processor.

I have installed Speedfan and it records the Core Temperatures at 33-34 deg Centigrade (My three year old dust clogged FS760 Pentium M730 runs at 65 deg C in comparision)