Official VAIO Z Core 2 Duo Series Owners Thread

It means it can connect to a full hd TV with 1080p

 

HD for HDTV? Perhaps they are not talking about the laptop screen?

 

that is correct
that sticker doesn't mean your screen is full HD
it means you can connect the Z to a FULL HD TV through the HDMI port

 

what about noise when you are watching movie? if you run laptop in stamina mode he just switch graphic isn't he? so at least graphic card is generating less heat. I think that i'll have my vaio most of the time in stamina mode.

Im not only concerned about noise, but i thinking about that as well. My prev laptop was Dell XPS M1710, and after 2 years he was very loud. It was problem to sleep when he was on. What about Z? Can you hear fan when you just put him in stamina mode and let say just run utorrent?

I'm also thinking that my primary system will be Linux Gentoo or Arch. Is here someone with linux on his Z?

 

Hi guys
I downgraded my vaio z12 to xp but i couldn't find the or suite QL.
From can I download it pls??

 

I'm guessing he followed the undervolting guide.

I found my fan noise under full load was much improved after undervolting. I didn't notice any difference under idle load (which makes sense, as you can't lower the voltage for the minimum multiplier)... but saying that the idle fan noise never bothered me.

 

If you put the thermal control strategy to Quiet (in VAIO Power Management), it helps with the fan noise. Personally I don't find the idle speed fan distracting. At full load, the fan can be very loud though - it helps to use undervolting (follow the undervolting guide).

ftp://ftp.vaio-link.com/PUB/OS/XPDOWNGRADE/Z11/DRIVERS/8 PROTECTOR SUITE QL UPEK 5.6F _ 5.6.2.ZIP

 

Can I use the HDMI to DVI and it will work on the LCD monitor prefectly on the Z?

 

With the correct adapter, this should work perfectly, yup.

 

i have a question about the 1600x900 screen resolution. it actually makes the screen bigger if i'm not mistaking. my question is, is it as big as the screen on the vaio sr?

im still deciding on buying the z or the sr.

 

On your screen, everything is count as pixels. Th more pixel you have, the more stuffs you can fit in. Since the screen is in the same size physically. It will be like you have more stuffs in smaller size than your roomate having less stuff in larger size.

 

edit: whoops wrong thread!

 

ok, well i guess im a little confused then. what i understood from the sony site is that they somehow manage make the sreen a little wider without making the dimensions in the notebook go up, now i get it. still, the Z really appeals to me over the SR because of the screen, which is said to have almost no glare. thanks!

 

thanks for that link, i didnt know that guide. I was using always only NHC

 

I got it at Frys for $1699 Z550. They had the Z520 for $1599 but that was SOLD OUT! I chose the Z550 because it was powerful enough for what I was using it for. My decision had nothing to do with where it was made. In fact, I have a Sony A Series, as a backup, and it's made in China. Never had a problem with it (4 years now). As for res., to play it safe, I chose 1366x768. I was already accustom to it when I had it for 4 weeks back in August. I don't think the higher res. would have been a problem. I played it with it enough and it's very sharp and crystal clear.

(lol) The MB 13.3 was heavy compared to the Z. I felt it was always going to slip out my hands. It's a nice pc, but I'm a sucker for design. I am going to miss OSX. I love that OS. Once my backup (A-Series) fails on me, I would definitely consider the 15.4 MB Pro as my alternate computer. I always like to have at least 2 pc's just in case something goes wrong with the other.

I really took into consideration your advice on getting the highest CPU available and I tried to hold off for it, but the price on the Z550 was right up my alley.

I recall there was mention on the MB screen looking washed out, so I brought it to Apple Store, and they showed me how to calibrate it. It was easy. The glossy screen, once ON, was not a problem. It was very clear. I got use to the 13.3 screen and realize that the Z's 13.1 will take getting use too all over again. Unfortunately, the MB does not have the 2 graphic cards. Only on the MB Pro.

Thanks! Read above on re: MB....

I exchanged it for the Z550. Friday, was my 15th day on the MB. Fry's has a 15-day return/No open box fee policy. Once I saw that AD Friday, I called at 8am to put one (Z) on hold for me.

Let us all know and please provide a review on your PREM. CARB. Z or are you at a TT phase now (lol)?

Just to add, this tech show I try to listen too every weekend, the host said if you can hold off 'till Jan. 09 to purchase electronics, try and do so. The savings will be better than it is now.

I saw my dream, Sony XBR6 120Hz. 52" LCDTV for $2649.00 which I thought was an excellent price. I think, retail started Black Friday a week early. This US economy, as much as it sucks, if you have the money and a decent JOB, everythings a STEAL!!!!

 

You guys are now paying around 1700 or so for a Z
I bought my SR for almost 2000
I shouldn't have rushed and bought my SR

 

Lol! I actually stillll cant decide!! I think I will be happy with either!! I have seen some youtube videos on TT - I love the all black design vs the Z and my usage is really not demanding at all - research, papers, and surfin' TT could handle that! (But than again, I like Z's bigger screen, res, and ugh the weight between the two is almost nothing)

Really? better than black friday? I always thought they increase prices for xmas shopping season after black friday's "losses" Lol

I agree - but now its time to choose between TONS of things and thats the impossible part for me! lol

 

Can I ask a question about the heat coming from the Z.

Does it get hot?
Since it's so small and powerful, is it like MBP.

Thanks

 

I put my finger near the vent and its hot. Not hotter than anything I have seen on other laptop. Fan runs all the time.

But palm rest stay cool which I prefer.

 

One thing, i use VistaX64 and i have all the drivers in the newest version...
All in the laptop works, all...

One thing, in the vista speedindex, the Nvidia 9300 have more points, and the gma4500 have a lower rating...

BUT, i play actually NeedForSpeed Undercover, and the GMA4500 is much faster than the nvidia9300, the gma4500 are on the same settings 2times faster...

Have that anyone too?, Or are there some newer or better drivers?

I have a Vaio z90s(Japan) with:
CPU: T9600, 4GB Ram, 320GB HDD, BlueRay Burner... Gothic Arabesque...

Can anyone help please?
Cheers

 

I wouldn't say that there's no glare. There is but it's probably the best you can possibly get at this time. I was watching a movie with almost direct sunlight coming from behind me and it was pretty good actually. Angle view also is great compared to any other brands including Apple.

 

Some higher end cards only become fast when you run games in really high resolution (bc of higher bit processing). But I don't know if that's the case here.

 

How come you didn't post pictures of your Z? Do it please! I'm planning to get Gothic Arabesque pattern as well but I saw it just on picture at Sony site...for some time I was wondering which one looks better - Gothic Arabesque or premium carbon? Does it really look that nice as on that picture? Does it feel darker than normal lid? Thanks!!

 

Yes, he did.

And I am very happy how it worked out for me. My temperature stays typically between 30 and 45 degrees Celcius. The fan is off / extremely sient for most of the time.

Certainly worth a try.

 

Hey Chong67 thanks for replying.

I have an Asus, and IT IS hot. So I'm pretty used to hot laptops.
Could I ask does the keyboard and, well the whole surface get warm?
And how hot is it at the vent, like can't touch hot (that's what my Asus is like at 100%)?
Thanks

 

I also have an ASUS and it's so hot at the vent, that you can't toch it. I think hot enough to dry your hair with it It's also as loud as a hairdryer is - so i look forward for my Z

 

Well, I've read/skimmed through all 5000+ and I am definitely set in getting a Vaio Z as my first laptop. Hopefully it will last me for 3+ years.

PS. The Z finally surpassed the Acer and became #2 in Notebookreview's most popular laptop... woot!

 

Wow in just a short time after its release, thats a great achievement - the Z is after all just the PERFECT laptop encompassing SO many different needs in one lightweight package!

(yikes, I am now well prepared to write ads for the Z after being in the thread from 400 pages )

 

Wow, I'm amazing to see how far up it is on the charts here considering its relatively high price and not being geared towards consumers. The Z is a great hit!

 

Yeah, while I never really think much of that "top 10 clicks" list, it is interesting to see a laptop like Z goes up that high. Sounds like good time to put my Z on sale...

 

gasp! you spoil-sport! lol

Why would you sell your Z! lol

Anyway I have yet to see ONE Z on NBR (besides phil's I think!) lol

 

Hey guys

Been reading this thread for the last few weeks very closely...And I wanted to thank you all for such fantastic info. I'm set to pick up my Z550 later today from Frys!

Loved my SZ series for the last 3 years but it's time to upgrade...

Thanks again!

 

Because I can get P9500 and 7K320 for the price I paid for P8600 & 5K320 a month ago...till 11/27 anyway

Normally, I would just upgrade myself with the components later, but I can't get a P9500 for free. I don't really want to sell or have to sell. If I do sell, it's just kind of an elaborate route of upgrading CPU and harddrive, really...

 

The Z has the best thermal management of any laptop I've ever used (including several Toshibas, Lenovos and a Samsung). It seems to dump almost all heat out of the left hand vent. It doesn't even make your legs sweat when you use it on your lap, let alone burn them like the MBP is infamous for...

If you max out the CPU, the air coming out is pretty hot, but not so hot it's painful to touch or anything. Even under high load, the underside and palmrests don't get uncomfortably warm. Very impressive, IMHO!

 

Wow!, Fry's still had some left. I got mine (Z550) when ad came out Friday, just this past week. I inquired as to how many they had left, and they said 5. Which Fry's are you picking yours up at?

Also, last night I noticed this indentation on the side of my Z. At first, I thought I had nicked it, but after careful examination, it appears to be a perfect upside down triangle. Here's a pic. What's the purpose of it? And why is it there? Do your Z's have it?

For those that had/has the SZ or are familiar with it, does the carbon lid on your Z feel not as smooth as the carbon on the SZ? I'm sure it has to do with this flex on the Z's screen. The layers/material of carbon is much thinner, but this wouldn't cause the Z-lid to feel less smooth or will it? I know, I know its petty......(lol).

 

I just ordered a barebones Z540 this afternoon, with the P8400 2.26 processor and 1g of memory. Will be shopping for added memory online and wondering the best option for this. I plan to do the downgrade to XP, or else install it on a partition, and understand that it can only see so much memory. If I install 2 - 2GB sticks will XP see it's max available? What type should I get?

I expect in the future to use Vista, whenever my applications and the OS will be updated and reliable.

 

Well the frys near me still has TWO haha

Hopefully, Ill make it over there in time and be one of the last customers to get one...I dont wanna say exactly which one, but it's in the L.A Area

where did you get yours? you happy with it so far?

 

Hey, I totally understand. Well, there's only 2 Frys in the L.A. area, I think. So, I'll leave it at that. I got mine in O.C. Anaheim. You better hurry cuz come this Friday, I am sure they will be sold out. I'm surprise they even had 2 left. Usually, my experience, when their Friday Ads come out, by Sunday, Z's are all sold out.

Yeah, I am very happy. The fan thing is always ON though. I had this thing ON since 1030am, but did place it on Hibernate from 12-330pm and ON again from 330pm till present and it's not even warm, but the FAN does continuously blow. I'm now use to typing on this keyboard. At first, I made so many errors, but now its effortless. And for only having a CPU P8600, its quite fast, even without a clean install. I did, however made some changes by going to the performance tab and modifying the start-up programs. That alone made a big difference in the efficiency.

I want to partition the HD and install OSX, but I'm reluctant at the moment. I don't want to mess things up. There's a guide I found that takes you step by step on how to do it. Maybe, later.....

This baby has got to sleep, the Z I mean, it's had a FULL DAY. Good luck and give us a review.

 

ronnie_gaucho, don't worry, if you missed the deal at Fry's, you can always order it from Amazon.com. They currently sell the Z550 at $1,709.99.

Link:
http://www.amazon.com/Sony-VGN-Z550...2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1227595289&sr=8-2

 

I'm set on buying the z, but I'm trying to convince my parents to let me get the z, so we went to Fry's and BestBuy.

I played with the Z in BestBuy and noticed some minor issues, like a strip of metal or rubber coming off (between the palm rest and the sd card slot area in the front of the laptop) and the lid looked uneven. However, one minor issue that I found was that the palmrest, when pushed down, went pretty deep. even when just resting your palm, you could feel the palmrest going down. I asked a Bestbuy worker about the issue mentioning how a premium laptop should have these minor discrepancies taken care off, and he totally drifts away from my question.

Then we went to see Fry's z display, and everything felt much sturdier.

So here's my question... how is the Z's palmrest in general? Does it cave in (or flex) or is it sturdy? personal experiences about it?

 

Mines solid. no cave in or flex at all

 

is it worth going for the ssd in the z series? is there a huge speed difference or better to stick with the 7200rpm hdd?

the reduction in sound isnt a major plus for me, what i wanna know is the speed difference.

 

I've no idea what it's for, but I've just checked and my Z11 has it too. Almost like an arrow pointing to the iLink port. Interesting (sort of), as no other port has such a marking. Nothing to worry about, I reckon!

 

HELP everyone, how can i stall WIFI N for my z550 ? , is it available to download ?

 

about the fan noise, is it audible wen thers pin drop silence?

like my uni's library has that silent study area. if u go ther, u literally cant hear anything - thats how quiet it is. so if i take the z ther and do a little web browsing while using MS Word maybe, dus the fan go crazy or wat?

ps. im asking this because wen i took my old toshiba, it was literally like a jet taking off lol (sum1 said that earlier and i found if funny haha) anyways it was so embarassing. and then the poeople with 'quiet' laptops turned around and wer like "u gonna leave or wat?"

 

Thanks for checking yours. Do you think a tool that Sony uses is wedged in there to pry open something?

I was just at the library last night and the fan was ON the entire time. You have to be in "very" close proximity for anyone near you to hear it, meaning anyone bothered by it has to be by your side to hear the fan. Just to add, I never really even thought about the fan once I got into my work. It's not intrusive like you think.

 

Got a VGN Z590 for $2069 at the SonyStyle store. Got lucky regular price was $3150 but it was a 3 day old open box model I picked up. Also got $250 off warranty also so got the accidently warranty plus 2 years extended for $200. Machines is very nice and fast but not a gaming machine. Heat is very low had many Sony notebooks before and this baby by far puts out littel to no heat. Blueray via HDMI to the TV at 1080p is so nice. The 1600x900 screen is well worth it the quality watching a blueray is crisp and clear.

 

Congrats!! you got a GREAT deal on the Z590!!

And I agree, when I had the Z I "felt" the fan from left side but NO noise - a very quiet laptop

 

Thanks for that reply.
I'm quite surprised that it's not that hot, since you know it's so small.
Hey, can I ask. Is not having dedicated Page up and downs annoying? Thanks.