Official VAIO SR Series Owners Thread

Hey Guys,

This is my first post here and it starts with a query

I was eyeing the SR series for the upcoming holiday to see if i could get some sort of deal but today when i visited the Sonystyle online, i found that all the components in the Customize option are on back order. Anyone has any clue on this?

Is sony coming out with a new model (maybe a SW) in the 13" category?

 

Does anyone know how to assign the function for switching between performance/silent fan settings to one of the mode switch buttons? I remember it used to be there by default but after installing Win7, it's not available as one of the default buttons and I can't find the location of the function to assign it manually. I see the icon file for "performance_silence" in "C:\Program Files (x86)\Sony\VAIO Mode Switch\Icon" (hidden folder) but that's just the .ico file and not the actual program. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

I made a separate thread for this, but maybe someone in here can help.

So my brand new SR490 is already having some weird power issue. What happens is, the adapter stops powering the computer. This started happening randomly last week. I would be sitting there on the computer, and the screen would dim (I have it set to do this when it goes onto battery power). I would move the adapter around, make sure it's plugged in right, but that didn't change anything. After a few minutes, it would switch back to AC power by itself. It was worse last night, when the battery actually died because it wasn't getting a charge. The computer was just sitting on the desk and it kept switching between AC power and the battery. I even tried different outlets, it seems to have nothing to do with the AC adapter. I switched the battery out, it has nothing to do with that either.

I turned the computer off and plugged it in, and behold this morning I had a full battery!

I called tech support and of course the Vaio wanted to behave and I couldn't replicate the problem. The only thing they could come up with was the DC jack. He didn't seem too sure though. A tech is coming to fix it soon so we can see if that works.. but I wanted to see if anyone here had any other ideas. Thanks!

 

Ya I'm getting around like 2h 45m or less battery, its showing me that with batterymon atleast, this is with wifi off, Power Saver on, and brightness lowest..... this doesn't seem right, i'm running the t6600 and ati 4570 build.

 

everyone with battery issues needs to upgrade to the large capacity battery. i use mine and can get 6-8 hours. i have an extra one i can sell for a good price, just pm me.

 

Wow, 6-8hrs is great. Are you running on power saver mode, screen brightness decreased etc.?

And does the large capacity battery have the same dimensions as the standard battery. In other words, is the battery flush with the laptop? How much are you selling it for?

 

my usual settings are Vaio Optimized, with full - almost full screen brightness, Wifi on. i LOVE this battery and i can't imagine not having it. my Vaio CS had a standard battery and could NOT be counted on. lasted maybe 1 1/2 hours.

a couple weeks ago i went on a long road trip, and when my ipod died, my comp was there for me. just plugged it in to the ipod adapter tape and listened to my music on there the rest of the way! the battery has a rounded bottom, which elevates the back end. it's great because it keeps the laptop from getting hot at all, and makes it easier to type.

i'll pm you about price.

 

I'm concerned that the laptop won't fit into my carrying case with the large capacity battery. Currently the laptop is pretty snug in the case and I doubt it will fit with the rounded battery.

I guess I have to sacrifice something.

 

what case is it? mine fits in a sleeve that came with a Sony CS.

 

This info might have already been posted, but I didn't find it, so...

There is a BIOS update on Sony's support site for the SR290 (probably others as well) that adds support for Intel® Virtualization Technology.

Link: http://esupport.sony.com/US/perl/swu-download.pl?mdl=VGNSR290&upd_id=5192&os_id=36

It seems to work. After updating the BIOS I was able to install Sun's Virtual Box (Linux version, Ubuntu 9.10) and then successfully install Win 7 as a virtual machine. Woo-effin-hoo!

This update was probably provided so that Win 7 users could use the virtual machine XPMode stuff from Microsoft?

No matter, I can run a VM on my SR290 now

 

It's the VGP-CKSR1 carrying case.

 

I would like to upgrade my SR290 with a higher cap hard drive than the current 320 gig one. I know i will get some good deals on 500, but how about the bigger ones? will the 1TB WD drives fit into the bay of the SR290? these have a 12.5mm form factor (compared to the 9mm hght of the regular drives)

 

i didn't even think they made 1tb laptop hard drives yet, last i saw was that the 640gb was largest

 

did the newest bios update fix anything for anyone? feedbacks would be appreciated. also whats up with the new wireless driver update that you cant download?

 

Hello, I'm waiting for my SR55X which I have bought mainly for his 4650 GPU. But I've just seen on a forum that a man having received it founded a 4570 in it... Whereas, performances between 4570 has only half performance of 4670 !

It doesn't seems to be a mistake on the sony style website: there are no contradictions and it's presented as one of the main argument for the X version of the SR55 serie.
Do someone has yet received his SR55X and can comment this ?

(sorry for my poor english)

 

i'm confused what you are talking about, i don't see anything about an sr witha 4650, and nothing about an sr55 series....


:EDIT: i see on the UK site now, my bad

 

I've checked: it's writen on each website of sony style europe (when selling the SR55X version, for example in UK, France, or Spain site)

 

I am sure its not a mistake, I expect the guy configured it with a 4570 by mistake.

I will be interested to see how the SR handles the heat of a 4650, my sxps with 4670 is really hot and the 4670 is just a slightly overclocked 4650

 

I've received mine today... and it is configured with a 4570 too. :-(
The other guy has received a response of Sony: it's a mistake on the website... It's really not serious ! They are promoting the SR55X with this 4650 graphic card on all their european website... and finaly they send their laptop with a lower configuration.

 

What a con! Its a lot more expensive than the other 4570 model! I hope you are getting a refund?

 

The refund yes, it's sure... but I have not really the time to send back the computer, chose and get another: Someone has stolen my previous laptop, I'm currently using another computer that a friend lent me...

I will seek compensation, RAM sticks for example, an extended warranty, or just a partial refund ...

 

Hi anyone with a recent sr5xx boot into BIOS and tell me if they can enable/diable VT or ahci?

 

Yes, I can enable it on the SR55X. Is virtualization really recommended ? I've seen that it's for running virtual XP in same time of 7... But is it really usefull, and does it reduce performances or autonomy ?

 

Hello,
I'm thinking of buying a Vaio SR590, but I have a few questions:

1. Does it handle dual screen on 2 external screens? (by plugging for example one in the VGA port and one in the HDMI port)

2. Are you aware of some heat problems, like there is with the SXPS 13?

Thanks!
Nathan

 

I'm not sure, but I'm just curious

Do you see any options to see if AHCI is enabled? it might be in the advanced chipset menu

OR if anyone knows if AHCI is the native ci being used (instead of IDE) on all new 5xx sr's?

 

Hi All,

A friend asked me to replace the P8400 in his SR240 with a T9600 cpu. I've started the process by removing the back from his SR240. As I go through this I'll take pics and put a guide together. As a teaser, here's a pic of the SR240 with a "transparent" back cover. I should finish this guide within a week if all goes well and will post it here

Edit: Ok, I've successfully installed the new CPU and the notebook likes it! Win 7 installed new drivers, asked for a re-boot and it's working great. The WEI cpu score went from 5.9 to 6.4, temps are good (CPUID Hardware Monitor reports 30deg and 25deg respectively on the two cores). I'll be working on the guide and will post when finished.

 

i cant wait to see this happen1!?!!?!? thx ed

 

Ive also ordered an SR55x, its due to be delivered any day now. But bought it entirely on the basis that it had a 4650 under the hood. There was no indication otherwise anywhere on the website. I even rang up customer services to check before I bought (as i was a little suspicious) and they verified that it was a 4650 card.

Although it hasnt arrived yet, looking around on the forums I'm fairly sure it will come with a 4570. On one french forum a fair few people have recieved it with a note in the box: ""probably the HD4650 was not available at the time of assembly, it has been replaced by a HD4570. These two cards are identical". Theres no way ill keep it if it comes with a 4570, you get near enough half the performance!... bit of a joke really.

To be honest, If true, this is a massive error on Sonys part, as the website has been like that for the better part of a month. They still havent fixed it entirely as the quick reference page still advertises it with a 4650.

Has anyone else ordered one, and what have Sony said about replacement/refund etc..? Ezeta, did you get anywhere with the compensation you were after? Ill post again when mine arrives.

Lot of hate for Sony right now..

 

Yes, they said to me that it was a mistake on their website...

As I cannot re-sent it (I really need a computer now), I asked a compensation... They are looking my request and will answer me promptly.

 

Just want to let everyone know my 3 month old SR490 is having it's motherboard replaced due to power & drive reading issues! Oh well.. better now than post-warranty.


Even so, I really, really love this computer and don't regret selling my CS for it. It even ranked #2 next to a MacBook in Consumer Reports notebook reviews!

 

Hello, SR mates! I just bought the SR520G/B from Best Buy, and although the price was a little painful, it is just a fast, wonderful machine; it is A+ on the issues that matter to me the most - touchpad, keyboard, and display. I haven't yet quite caught on to all the Vaio-specific software and features/options, but so far I'm very happy.
Except, of course, for the battery life; having read the posts here and checked the price of larger batteries, I think I'll do the best I can with the setup I have. I have a few days to decide about the Best Buy Black Tie protection service; it's expensive, but they guarantee you a new battery once a year. Does anyone know if they make you give up the old battery, or could you keep it as a spare?
One other question - the Synaptics touchpad doesn't seem to support gesture scrolling the way many others do now. I'm not sure how much I really need it, but if I did, is there a driver download that would support it?
thanks, and I'm glad to be a part of this lounge.

richard in boston

 

help

guys just installed windows 7 64bit (oem disc) on my sony vaio sr (VGN-SR41M) but I can't get some of the drivers for my model I have looked at software support for sony vaio europe

things that do not function:

-webcam
-microphone
-memorystick
function keys
-touchpad (ie* it works but no scrolling)

they are not listed on the vaio europe website: http://support.vaio.sony.eu/computing/vaio/downloads/updates/index.aspx?l=en_GB&m=VGN-SR41M_S&os=10

please help

 

simply use the windows 7 update function

 

I would try the USA site and look at drivers for a similar laptop like the SR490. I would imagine its the same hardware, except for maybe the wireless card.

 

Can someone please help me?

I am trying to do the RMclock thing and have read the undervolt thread.

But my CPU core always show up as "Unknown Core". How do I get it to show up before I can do the test.

What registry editor do I have to do?

Thank you.

 

If I buy an SR today with no bluray option, would I be able to replace the DVD drive with a bluray one down the road when they get cheap?

 

With the SR590 just being released, I was wondering how long has the ati 4570 hd been available on the SR's? do you guys think the next refresh will have a better card? or we are still looking at another year or so till they update that.

Thanks for any guesstimates!

 

Did anyone try to use SR (with ATI upgrade, which is probably 4570) HDMI output to driver external monitor with 1920x1200 resolution? I think 1080 works, but have doubts if 1200 is supported over the HDMI.

I have desktop which does 1200 over the HDMI, but it is using NVIDIA and not ATI chip. I heard rumours that ATI 4500 series do not support more than 1080. Is it true in the case of SR590?

I need the answer before I purchase customized SR590, which as I understand cannot be returned.

Thanks

 

I have a SR290 with ati 3470 and it supports 1920x1200. I just double checked today before replying to your post.
Hooked up to my samsung 1080p TV, it supported the native 1920x1080.
then I went and hooked it up to my 24" FHD2400 computer monitor and it supported its native res of 1920x1200.

Im sure the newer vaios with 4x series ati would be the same. you just have to toggle off (Fn+F7) the laptops display and use external only.

 

Will updating Wi-Fi driver from Intel site harm my Wlan performance/features?

On intel site there's newer/latest driver. link

 

Thanks a lot,
Your conclusions are based on facts and very encouraging.

Today Sony said to me that neither SR590 nor CW190 (14" chipper alternative) support 1920x1200 over the HDMI, but I don't believe them.
I also check on ATI site and neither 4570 nor 3470 should support 1920x1200 over the HDMI, but only 1920x1080. ATI states that 1920x1200 is supported only for DVI and VGA. Both do not carry voice. It seems that they all do not know what they are talking about and what their products are capable off. It can be frustrating.

I would be very glad to get the same results as you described.

I may try CW190, which I have seen in the local store. I prefer SR, but I may at least prove that 1920x1200 is supported on latest CW, which Sony says it is not.

If anyone has SR590 and experience with HDMI 1920x1200 please let me know.

Thanks

PJK

 

Is there a problem on SR to use two monitors, including second on HDMI (or VGA) ?

PJK

 

Marketing sheet (support webste) does not limit HDMI capabilities for SR290. Unfortunetly it does for SR590 and also for any new Sony laptop, which is bizzare.

I try to check on any VAIO in the local store, where they do not have SR. I'm from Canada and SR can be only CTO.

Do you observe limitations in running two monitors at the same time?

Thanks,
Pawel

 

I have the european SR41M. I wonder why the fan is blowing all the time... my CPU is at 29°C and my SSD is at 35°C, GPU at 33 / 36°C. It worries all the time...

 

I can run 2 monitors just fine on my SR. One being from VGA and the other my default SR monitor. With the intel GPU at least, it's very easy to set up everything. An icon on the taskbar pops up and you can configure settings for each monitor independently, including seperate resolutions,ect...

 

i have the sr190 and im wondering if my laptop is SATA I or SATA II? i want to upgrade my HD to an SSD drive and would like to know if anyone has done so with a SSD that exceeds speed of SATA I and can benchmark transfer speed in the SATA II territory

 

Neobits.com is running a good deal on a pci express ssd. Aluratek - AWSSDE48F - 48GB SSD ExpressCard w/USB for 112 USD. I ordered mine today and intend to install windows 7 x64 on the drive when it arrives.

As you can see below I have a sr190 which Sony has not supplied drivers for. I am hoping that installing the drivers for the 290 will work. If anyone has any advice it would be much appreciated.

 

Is anyone else's SR freezing using Windows 7's "Power Saver" mode while unplugged? Windows Vista / XP had no such issues. I also get random BSODs.

I think they're related to an ACPI issue.

 

Hello SR users!!!!
I’m planning to buy VAIO SR in this config.:
CPU P8700, RAM 4Gb, HDD 320 Gb 7200 rpm, ATI 4570, Standard Battery, Fresh start.
And I’ve got 2 questions:
1. When I chose a fresh start options, what I will get???? (All blot ware will be removed???? )
2. How long is a REAL battery life??? I read all thread, someone wrote 2-2,5 hours, but someone wrote 4 hours. I need minimum 3,5 hours of battery life with a standard battery.

Please give a good advice!!!!! SNX!!!!

 

Hi Everybody,
I'm ready to buy a VAIO-SR and am a little torn about spending the extra $100 on the extended capacity battery. As I understand, the regular battery weighs 0.726lbs and the extended battery weighs about 1.02lbs... so that is not a big deal.
But, is it really worth the $100? I mean, practically speaking, does it really add much value over the regular battery as far as usage time is concerned? Really appreciate if you could post your suggestions/experiences.
Thanks!!

Best,
s.