Official VAIO SR Series Owners Thread

P series is a lower watt processor and thats the one I want. P8400.

Will wait it out till the next promos come in since this one is expired. Plus I guess it works out for the best cause it had the battery drain issue to boot. So I may wait awhile yet.

 

has anyone been using windows 7? and how are they liking it? speed, battery life, processes, and ram usage wise?

 

I've assumed that to mean that the cooler is doing its job well. =/

 

no the vent is pretty cool unless i play games.

 

Any tips other then turning the brigtness to minimum to conserve battery life for the sr290? I checked the battery car funcunction and see a option to turn then cpu to silent mode. Does it help conserve battery too?

 

I guess you can change your battery mode to power saver and turn off your dvd drive, i think there was someone explaining this process a few pages back in this thread.

 

California, Southern -8 10 01-04-2009
Tennessee 0 5 01-05-2009
Illinois -21 50 01-07-2009
Pennsylvania 0 5 01-03-2009

No inventory in stock on SR290PDB. Backorders were expected today but none seem to have come in. The date was initially 12/30/2008, then was pushed back to 1/03/2009 ETA and that deadline doesn't seem like it was met either. Hopefully next week the inventory finally arrives. Then when the next promo or price reduction hits I'll buy it.

 

if i m upgrading my hard drive do i need it to be 1.5 or 3.0 Gb/s

 

Does anybody know how to prevent the fan from getting too hot? Sometimes when I type I can feel that the left side is a lot hotter than the right. Please help!

 

It is hotter on the leftside because the CPU and GPU are located. The HUGE vents is there to allow hot air OUT, so it should definately be hotter than the right side which includes only the DVD, ethernet and USB drives.

BTW, does any1 have a DVD drive problem? Well, it's not a problem, but rather annoying. Basically, for no reason at all my DVD drive would "pop out" as if I pressed on the eject button when my beautiful fingers were NOT even close to it. It happens the most when I am typing.

 

i guess you can increase your fan speed but if you do that it will decrease your battery life and fan noise will increase. I m pretty sure your fan if at 35% if you never altered it

 

undervolting sounds like the best thing do decrease temp. i lowered my operating temp from 45 to 36

 

Ok after receiving several private messages I decided to post how I got my SR Vista install down to 55 processes.

After a fresh install (unclean) from the recovery partition, uninstall everything except the following:

HDAUDIO SoftV92 Data Fax Modem with SmartCP
Intel(R) ProSet/Wireless WiFi Software
OpenMG Secure Module
Protector Suite
Realtek High Definition Audio Driver
Setting Utility Series
Sony Video Shared Library
Synaptics Pointing Device Driver
Vaio Control Center
Vaio Event Service
Vaio Wallpaper Contents (optional, won't matter)
WIDCOMM Bluetooth Software

Once all that is complete and this is all you have left, go ahead and load the software you need (office, quicktime etc).

As a final step, open Windows Defender>Software Explorer>Category:Startup Programs

Click "Show for all users"

Proceed to remove everything except:
Bluetooth Software
Microsoft Userinit Login
Microsoft Windows Explorer
Microsoft Windows Sidebar
Windows Defender
HD Audio Control Panel
Synaptecs Pointing Device
ISB Utility
Protector Suite QL
(IF you have Anti-Virus, you'll want to leave that as well)

You're finished. When installing software, periodically go back into Defender and check to see if anything was added. As an example, Office, Acrobat, Java, Quicktime all create startup entires....but you don't need them. Remove them. The programs work just fine otherwise. The startup entries just take up processes and memory standing by waiting for you to launch the app.

(NOTE) If you're using anti-virus you may not be able to use defender. Some a/v suites have a similar option to disable startup programs. I'm fairly certain windows livecare does.

 

Mike, what they're saying "might" be true. With my SZ laptop (has both discrete ATI and integrated graphics) and the ATI video, I could use an external monitor at 1800x1200 plus my regular LCD. With the integrated graphics I could NOT get the 1800x1200 on my external monitor.

If you have the SR with the ATI graphics, then you are probably ok, but if you have integrated graphics, you might not be.

I have a SR290 with integrated graphics and will try it out with an external monitor tomorrow and let you know what works.

 

Can anyone tell me why I can display 1920 x 1080 on my external TV, but cant go beyond a 1280x800 on my LCD? Is this an LCD limitation?

 

LCD external monitor or your laptop?

 

LCD of the Laptop - not the external monitor. The specs also say that the LCD can display only 1280x800 . why not more?

 

Ummm...1280x800 is the native resolution of the SR's screen, so there's no way for it to display more pixels. If you're asking if other LCD's have this limitation, the answer is no--I just bought an Acer 1920x1080 21.5" monitor and works great over VGA.

 

I am thinking to buy an external monitor (Dell 22" HDMI) and a keybord. I would use it at home...do you recommend it?
Thanks!

 

i don't even know how to output 1920x1080. It gives me the option but cant apply. Anyways...Can you connect a bluetooth headset to the SR? I tried to do it but it couldn't find my headset.

 

the output 1920x1080 was automatically applied when i connected my TV via RGB.

yep was able to get Bluetooth to work with a headset.

 

hey guys,

my battery icon doesn't show on the start bar, it used to though but now i dont know what happened..does anybody know what can i do so it appears again??

 

So I just did a clean install of Vista Business on my SR. I installed all drivers from sony esupport site (except for vaio care). Now I have a problem with the Fn button. It works, but there is no display animation. For example, if I change the volume with Fn + F3/F4, it will actually change the volume but I wont get the visual bars moving up and down in the middle of the screen. Anybody knows how to solve this?
Thanks.
UPDATE: The LCD brightness shortcut doesnt work at all (FN +F5/F6).

 

Hi! I'm searching for the right laptop I would use as a digital audio workstation. The main issue with such laptops is that they need to have Texas Instruments firewire chipset in order for the most of the pro audio interfaces to work flawlessly with it. So, would any of you Vaio SR users be so kind and check what firewire (in Sony's case iLink) chipset does your laptop have?
I tried getting this info from the sony's customer service, via e-mail, but they replied that I should phone them. :/ Since I live in Croatia this phone call would be pretty expensive.
So, I would really appreciate it if you would help me.
Thanks!

 

goddam , I am having USB problems with Vista x64. No amount of copying of the USB inf files and pnf files from the Driver store to the windows/inf is helping anything.

Typically "Device not functioning properly" is cropping up and then my wireless keyboard/mouse, the fingerprint scanner, the webcam etc are 'not found'.

doing a fresh install on C Drive because of it.

 

To whoever was saying their monitor colors were off. I'm experiencing that too. For the most part, everything seems fine except for yellows/greens. For example, my pidgin icon ( http://pidgin.im) is more of a dull green rather than a bright green and the status bars in Vista when copying files is much different than on other computers.

Still, I don't think I can give up this laptop. Got a great deal on it.

If anyone has any suggestions on how to fix, let me know.

 

I have till March 31st now because of the new Promotion extension. It seems as though Sony has some flaws on the notebook itself including Support, problematic colors, Battery Drain issue, and issues regarding reinstallation and things not working right.

I may pass on this notebook and go with the Lenovo X series if prices drop further before March.

Its hard to really decide. I want something with X4500, or ATI discrete and the options are limited. HP has the new 12.1" ultraportable with AMD, Toshiba has the U400 integrated, Lenovo X series is integrated and pricey.

Sony seems to be leading still by a hair however. Think any fixes or changes or price drops will occur by March? I wonder.

 

I guess nobody took me serious on this one yet, but it's quite urgent for me to find out what firewire chipset does sony vaio sr series have.
Please, can anyone help me? It's not really too much of a bother to find out - simply right click on My computer / properties / hardware / device manager / and there you should find iLink or IEEE 1394 bus listed; click on a plus next to it and the controller's brand should show up; if not, right click on it and choose properties.
One again, please help me with this one because it's quite urgent.
Thank you!

 

Dude, that pigeon is supposed to be purple...

 

regarding colors: every floor model i have ever seen at a bestbuy has had off colors. one i saw had a red push, the other was greenish. neither did good white.

both i have owned have done fine color though

that said, i now have a "white...discoloration" (seinfeld ) on the screen. its very minor and is only seen in grey, but its an imperfection i noticed that developed over time it seems

 

RICOH OHCI Compliant IEEE 1394 Host Controller

 

Couple quick questions.

1. what is the aspect ratio of the SR 290? 16:10 or 16:9

2. how does blu ray playback look in general? (i'm aware of the display problems some are having).

3. does it have a backlit keyboard?

Thanks in advance.

 

The battery drain and discoloration of colors is still bothering me so I haven't pulled the trigger yet.

I want something with excellent battery life and longevity and the battery drain issue wont cut the mustard unless I know its resolved.

 

1. 16:10

2. sorry not sure cause i dont have a blue ray player on my SR but i think i read it was pretty good

3: sadly no, but still great the screen is so nice and brright that it lights up the keyboard in a dark room

 

Thank you. Do you know if this model is getting a refresh anytime soon or did it just get one recently?

 

i think i heard that there is going to be a refresh within 2 months? Cause others series are getting refreshed right now

 

Cool. Think I'll wait then and see if they get the battery problem straigtened out. Also, maybe the Z 690 will be out by then and I can compare the two. I'm thinking I'll be able to get a tricked out 290 for about the price of a base 690. Also looking at the Dell SXPS 13. Decisions, decisions....

 

According to Walt Mossberg, the 13.3" is the sweetspot between performance and mobility.

And at the time the Sony SZ was one of the few 13.3" models.

The SR was its replacement. However I am wondering what else is out there which may have better battery life because the battery drain issue will be serious for travelling when I need maximum battery life.

The Lenovo X301 is best of breed for longevity and portability but its very pricey. The Sony has the P8400 and ATI video while the Lenovo has the lower voltage cpus that run slightly slower with Intel Integrated video.

But the problem is the battery drain issue. So I havent yet bought anything. I checked into Dell, they got horrible reviews for the Latitude line and the XPS 1330 has horrible build quality and old specifications plus its not Business class. The Lenovo's are too pricey and less powerful. I haven't seen anything suitable for my needs yet so Im waiting it out.

 

Did you look at the new Dell Studio XPS 13?

 

Guess all laptop has its pros and cons doesnit it, only if there is that one laptop that is perfect out there with the perfect price for it

 

The SR290PDB hit everything fine except for the battery drain issue and the color issues.

The 13.3" Samsung with X4500 is much pricier than the Toshiba so its a strikeout. The Toshiba has only Intel X4500.

That leaves the Sony at the sweetspot with the potential for the fix of the Battery drain issue.

The only other one is the Toshiba U400-1301 which has received favorable reviews however.

 

thanks a bunch mate! this is truly bad news.
both thinkpad and vaio turned to crappy ricoh fw controller.
I have only toshiba and gateway left to be hopeful about.

 

http://cdgenp01.csd.toshiba.com/con...s/detailed_specs/satellite_pro_U400-S1301.pdf

Toshiba vs Sony if the battery drain issue was fixed. Doesn't seem like its happening however.

 

can you elaborate on what you plan to do with the fw controller - i am trying to understand why this is a big deal (breaker!)

 

Wow, this is a huge thread!
I am currently choosing a laptop and I think that the SR is a good fit. I'd like some advice from owners and experienced users as I am hesitating between 2 configurations.

Config #1
Sony Vaio SR29XN/S
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo P8400 2,26 GHz
Intel® GM45
4 GB RAM
Intel® GMA 4500MHD
250 GB HDD (5400)
It costs 1240 EUR.

Config #2
Sony Vaio SR29VN
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo P8600 2,4 GHz
Intel® PM45
4 GB RAM
ATI Mobility™ Radeon™ HD3470 HyperMemory™
320 GB HDD (5400)
It costs 1460 EUR.

I don't play ANY games, I don't work with video or 3D graphics. On the other hand, I do a lot of Internet browsing and I work with graphics in Adobe Photoshop (I am a professional blogger). I work a lot in Microsoft Office, I watch movies and play music. That's kind of all I do.

Which one would you recommend? Is the integrated graphic card enough to cover my needs? It's 200+ EUR cheaper and I suppose it will also increase the battery life, right? What about the P8400? Is it much worse than the P8600?

Also, there is a CD included to downgrade from Vista to XP - another reason why I like this. Has anyone used this CD? Does it work smoothly?
I know that's a lot of questions Sorry if these have been answered but there are like 170 pages!
Thanks a lot for your help.

 

It looks like hardly anybody is getting the blu ray option. Understandable as it's such a ridiculously expensive option. That being said, I want it. Can anybody who has blu ray let me know how the movie watching experience has been?

 

My Vaio SR VGN25G cam works with YM but does not work on guys4men webcam chat. Would anybody know how to fix it? Please help...

 

I have this exact same issue on my new VGN-SR280Y. Google search found your post and only 4 other related articles. Glad I found this forum, but I did not see a solution. Does anyone know what these error messages are from?

 

i had a similar problem, it could be the mode switch software. uninstall and reinstall. good luck!

 

People over on the Z owners thread are complaining of diagonal lines that appear during movie playback. Are you guys seeing anything like that over here? I'm going back and forth between the 2 (z and sr) and this is a major concern for me.