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    Official VAIO SR Series Owners Thread

    Discussion in 'VAIO / Sony Owners' Lounge Forum' started by Duke2007, Jul 15, 2008.

  1. thebigpants27

    thebigpants27 Notebook Evangelist

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    Just ordered my SR today! I used the extended plan + accesories bundle discount as well and took advantage of the free office 2007, free upgrade to 2 gb, and free upgrade to 160 gb hd. The total cost was 1483 for 1800 bucks worth of equipment + accesories.

    Not to mention if you use an amex they extend the warranty an extra year for free!!

    One thing does worry me, sony now has 2 models listed as coming soon for the vaio sr, i wonder if they have something different internally or perhaps hdmi, no battery drain symptoms, etc? what could it be? any speculations?

    Also as a heads up, if you order a non CTO vaio, here is a -$200 dollar coupon, valid until september 2nd. eCoupon: VAIO200SR
     
    thebigpants27, Aug 17, 2008
    #401
  2. cool_guy123

    cool_guy123 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Is the coupon valid only in the US and does it include Canada?
     
    cool_guy123, Aug 17, 2008
    #402
  3. abishek22

    abishek22 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Thank you :p


    The only one SR model available in INDIA is with the ATI only unfortunately
     
    abishek22, Aug 18, 2008
    #403
  4. stanny1

    stanny1 Notebook Consultant

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    Hey guys, will the SR look better if I remove all the stickers? I am thinking about that. Or should I just leave a few stickers on?
     
    stanny1, Aug 18, 2008
    #404
  5. Durrane

    Durrane Notebook Enthusiast

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    I assume you're talking about the Intel/Windows stickers on the laptop? Personally, I don't like them at all and I think that the laptop looks much "cleaner" with them removed. Keep in mind that sometimes they're tough to peel off and leave a gross sticky residue behind, which is sometimes worse that the original situation. :p

    (Of course you can clean this up with some work).
     
    Durrane, Aug 18, 2008
    #405
  6. Phil

    Phil Retired

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    I also think it looks better without stickers. I usually take them off with a creditcard. Never had a problem with Sony laptops. I damaged my Asus laptop quite badly.
     
    Phil, Aug 18, 2008
    #406
  7. ILoveMoogles

    ILoveMoogles Notebook Evangelist

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    I removed the stickers on mine. When I post pictures, you will be able to see the difference between having the stickers and without the stickers.

    I think it looks a lot less tacky without the stickers. They seemed to have overdone the stickers, at least on the SR I ordered. xP (I think there were 8+)
     
    ILoveMoogles, Aug 18, 2008
    #407
  8. travisthomson

    travisthomson Notebook Enthusiast

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    I don't feel that the dedicated video is just for gaming anymore. What with Vista taking so many resources - the SR with the dedicated video is the first time I've seen a laptop run Vista successfully (meaning no awful lag in certain places) and it scores a 4.6 on the Windows Base Score index which is impressive. It DOES drain that battery faster though.
     
    travisthomson, Aug 18, 2008
    #408
  9. stanny1

    stanny1 Notebook Consultant

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    The integrated x4500 should be more than enough to handle Vista without lag. If you don't play games, this is the way to go.

    Which power mode do you guys use? I'm on power saver currently but I was wondering if I were to play games, should I change it back to Vaio Optimized / High performance for better performance or it doesn't really matter much? I don't really want to keep changing this and rather have a default.
     
    stanny1, Aug 18, 2008
    #409
  10. travisthomson

    travisthomson Notebook Enthusiast

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    What is your index score with the integrated?
     
    travisthomson, Aug 18, 2008
    #410
  11. stanny1

    stanny1 Notebook Consultant

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    I'm getting 3.9 for Graphics and 3.7 for gaming graphics. So far from 2 days of usage, everything is super smooth.
     
    stanny1, Aug 18, 2008
    #411
  12. FordUni12

    FordUni12 Notebook Consultant

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    Just ordered Yesterday, i am so psyched to get it, how long does it usually take to be delieverd though? Is the estimated ship date usually accurate or do they ship it quicker ^^
     
    FordUni12, Aug 18, 2008
    #412
  13. travisthomson

    travisthomson Notebook Enthusiast

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    Good to hear that it runs just as smooth with integrated. That's a .7 difference without even talking about gaming though. The normal graphics is just all about powering aero.

    Edit: The normal graphics on the ATI machine is actually a 4.8 so it's over a point different when it comes to powering Aero. The 4.6 is for gaming.

    Edit Again: Make that just under a point different.
     
    travisthomson, Aug 18, 2008
    #413
  14. Takashi

    Takashi Notebook Consultant

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    where are you seeing this at?
     
    Takashi, Aug 18, 2008
    #414
  15. Lencias

    Lencias Notebook Consultant

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    Lencias, Aug 18, 2008
    #415
  16. SilverStreak

    SilverStreak Newbie

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    Okay, so the Z is coming to Canada any day now. I have the SR140D, got it a week ago at a Sonystyle store. I was planning on returning it when the Z hits but is it worth $400 more to have essentially the same specs but have the weight savings, smaller screen, and CF/al build? :D
     
    SilverStreak, Aug 18, 2008
    #416
  17. Fr3sH

    Fr3sH Notebook Guru

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    Nevermind...found it
     
    Fr3sH, Aug 18, 2008
    #417
  18. marcosdjcm

    marcosdjcm Notebook Guru

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    I've used 12" and 13.3" laptops as my main machines for years, i'm ok with it, i quite like it.

    As long as you have good eyesight, theres no advantage in getting a 15" screen with the same resolution
     
    marcosdjcm, Aug 18, 2008
    #418
  19. snipeshow

    snipeshow Notebook Consultant

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    Hey everyone. Let me start off by saying I need to buy a laptop for uni within the next few days. Let me also add I am looking for a thin, stylish, good looking laptop but that has as much power as possible.

    The sony Z is perfect, except 2 things: the 9300 is not a good video card, I was hoping to get something like a 8600 at least. Also, its pricey and isnt even out in canada yet.

    So let me ask you guys. Whenis it coming out in Canada? How much will it be? Is it possible to get a significant discount? And is the 9300 capable of running modern games such as SC2, GW, CS:S?

    I wont be playing games like crysis or anything, Im not a hardcore gamer. Oh also, I will be watching shows, movies, nd using this laptop for everythingg (which is a lot).

    Thanks in advance for any help.
     
    snipeshow, Aug 18, 2008
    #419
  20. kevinf

    kevinf Notebook Evangelist

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    i think it should definitely run cs:s at reasonably high settings with good fps but not sure about the others
     
    kevinf, Aug 18, 2008
    #420
  21. Smithereens

    Smithereens Notebook Enthusiast

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    Guild Wars will run fine, it's not very graphically intensive.

    Blizzard is pretty much known for making their games playable from almost any system, so I wouldn't doubt that SC2 will run somewhat well with any current video card right now.
     
    Smithereens, Aug 18, 2008
    #421
  22. snipeshow

    snipeshow Notebook Consultant

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    hm, okay that sounds good I guess. But lets say most of the things ill be using this laptop for is media/graphics and is on the internet, will the 9300 be more than good enough?

    The only thing keeping me from buying the SR over the Z is that the Z has DDR3 ram and looks a bit better. My 3rd option after Z and SR is the Zepto Nox/Mythos.
     
    snipeshow, Aug 18, 2008
    #422
  23. Jayayess1190

    Jayayess1190 Waiting on Intel Cannonlake

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    Just buy some DDR3 ram sticks and add them yourself to the SR.
     
    Jayayess1190, Aug 18, 2008
    #423
  24. stanny1

    stanny1 Notebook Consultant

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    Will DDR3 ram sticks make a difference by a lot? Perhaps give me slightly better fps to go with my integrated card for games?
     
    stanny1, Aug 18, 2008
    #424
  25. Lencias

    Lencias Notebook Consultant

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    *eyeroll* DDR2 and DDR3 slots aren't backward compatible, and if you purposefully intend to game at all, you should just go with the ATI in the first place.

    ----------------
    Now playing: The Killers - Mr. Brightside
    via FoxyTunes
     
    Lencias, Aug 18, 2008
    #425
  26. duffyanneal

    duffyanneal Notebook Deity

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    From what I've read the only benefit of DDR3 over DDR2 in its current state is reduced power consumption. In addition DDR3 has greater latency than DDR2 so it is in fact slower.
     
    duffyanneal, Aug 18, 2008
    #426
  27. Lencias

    Lencias Notebook Consultant

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    You're talking about the Z. You don't mention the SR even once in your post. Ask in the Z series owners thread.

    ----------------
    Now playing: The Killers - Mr. Brightside
    via FoxyTunes

    ----------------
    Now playing: The Killers - Mr. Brightside
    via FoxyTunes
     
    Lencias, Aug 18, 2008
    #427
  28. forest_boy

    forest_boy Notebook Geek

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    The Z is up on Sony Style Canada's webpage. Compared to the SR, configuration options for the Z are extremely disappointing... :(
     
    forest_boy, Aug 18, 2008
    #428
  29. Lencias

    Lencias Notebook Consultant

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    Stop talking about the Z here. This is the SR owner's thread. There's a separate Z series owner's thread. You may whine there.

    ----------------
    Now playing: The Killers - Mr. Brightside
    via FoxyTunes
     
    Lencias, Aug 18, 2008
    #429
  30. Jparity

    Jparity Notebook Evangelist

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    You can't simply install your own DDR3 ram sticks.

    The DDR 2 ram is not upgradable. They use different slots.
     
    Jparity, Aug 18, 2008
    #430
  31. forest_boy

    forest_boy Notebook Geek

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    Calm down, Lencias. There is bound to be some overlap in these threads, seeing as these two laptops are so similar. Many people who have questions or comments about the Z are also interested in the SR and vice versa.
     
    forest_boy, Aug 18, 2008
    #431
  32. ESLE890

    ESLE890 Notebook Consultant

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    Yay. My laptop is getting delivered today!

    :)
     
    ESLE890, Aug 19, 2008
    #432
  33. snipeshow

    snipeshow Notebook Consultant

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    Ah ok so I cannot later on buy DDR3 ram and put them into the SR?
     
    snipeshow, Aug 19, 2008
    #433
  34. Lencias

    Lencias Notebook Consultant

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    As Doctor Gregory House, MD, would say "If it comes out of my mouth, does it need to come again out of yours?"
     
    Lencias, Aug 19, 2008
    #434
  35. Duke2007

    Duke2007 Notebook Deity

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    lol classic

    so wuts the deal with the 2 new SR models????
     
    Duke2007, Aug 19, 2008
    #435
  36. maxpnc

    maxpnc Notebook Enthusiast

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    ordered, and... I HATE waiting, its so HORRIBLE!
     
    maxpnc, Aug 19, 2008
    #436
  37. Smithereens

    Smithereens Notebook Enthusiast

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    Tell me about it. Even worse when you've already recieved it but had to send it back after 5 minutes. Still waiting for Newegg to send it back... /le sigh
     
    Smithereens, Aug 19, 2008
    #437
  38. Takashi

    Takashi Notebook Consultant

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    yah, i've heard very little about this... HDMI perhaps?

    Also, on a side note, the Lenovo U330 just dropped... I know that I was set on the SR until I found out that a similarly spec'd (and I use the term 'similar' loosely) U330 costs around $1,100.... Any thoughts?
     
    Takashi, Aug 19, 2008
    #438
  39. EffZee

    EffZee Notebook Geek

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    First time installing RAM myself, is there any particuar RAM I need to get to upgrade from 1GB to 3GB?
     
    EffZee, Aug 19, 2008
    #439
  40. snipeshow

    snipeshow Notebook Consultant

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    Yeah I was set on either the SR or the Z, now that I checked out the new U330 and Y430, I have 2 new options. They look AMAZING and have similar specs...

    I'm on the same boat as you dude...
     
    snipeshow, Aug 19, 2008
    #440
  41. Takashi

    Takashi Notebook Consultant

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    are you asking about 'type' of RAM or brand? i don't know the differences between the different brands, but you DEFINITELY need to make sure you use the correct RAM.

    someone correct me if i'm wrong, but generally speaking you need to make sure the speed, number of pins, etc. are compatible.
     
    Takashi, Aug 19, 2008
    #441
  42. Takashi

    Takashi Notebook Consultant

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    the only thing going against the U330 is the bargain-basement CPU, questionable screen, slightly less-powerful GPU, and styling isn't quite as good as sony (for those who care). but it does have HDMI port and like i said, it's significantly cheaper...

    i'm going to see an sr and z in person tonight at the sonystyle store... so we'll see if i like it enough.
     
    Takashi, Aug 19, 2008
    #442
  43. EffZee

    EffZee Notebook Geek

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    brand doesnt matter i guess, but yeah, what type of ram do i need to get?
     
    EffZee, Aug 19, 2008
    #443
  44. snipeshow

    snipeshow Notebook Consultant

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    Let me know if the Z is much nicer than the SR :)

    Only thing that gets me leaning towards the Z more than SR is the ddr3 ram and the looks (from what Ive read), and the better GPU (9300gs)

    But whats making me hold back on buying one is the uncertainty about the looks, as nobody has actually reviewed it yet. And of course the price...

    Please let me know how it looks :)
     
    snipeshow, Aug 19, 2008
    #444
  45. Takashi

    Takashi Notebook Consultant

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    For the SR? I believe you need:
    DDR2-SDRAM 800 (PC2 6400), 200 pin

    I'd check newegg.com for prices.
     
    Takashi, Aug 19, 2008
    #445
  46. Takashi

    Takashi Notebook Consultant

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    I'll definitely let you know.

    Here's what I like about the Z... Slightly sturdier than the SR, ddr3, and HDMI port.

    BUT I would consider the GPU of the Z a negative... There's speculation that the 9300 could be faulty, plus I've read that the ATI in the SR is better anyways...
     
    Takashi, Aug 19, 2008
    #446
  47. kevinf

    kevinf Notebook Evangelist

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    the 9300m gs is a g98 architecture card and i don't think those are effected.
     
    kevinf, Aug 19, 2008
    #447
  48. snipeshow

    snipeshow Notebook Consultant

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    Z positives : slimmer, looks better, ddr3 ram, hdmi port, gpu

    SR positives : decently looking, cheaper than Z, can get it with a faster CPU and still cheaper than the Z.

    hmmm...
     
    snipeshow, Aug 19, 2008
    #448
  49. ILoveMoogles

    ILoveMoogles Notebook Evangelist

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    Actually, yeah, technically, the SR's ATI Graphics card is better than the Z's. It has GDDR3 in it for the Dedicated VRam.

    Well, in technical terms anyway.
     
    ILoveMoogles, Aug 19, 2008
    #449
  50. snipeshow

    snipeshow Notebook Consultant

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    Isn't the SR's 9300 better than Z's HD3450? and they're both GDDR3
     
    snipeshow, Aug 19, 2008
    #450
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